Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » First Trip Report (a bit long - beware)
| First Trip Report [message #209240] |
Thu, 30 May 2013 08:08  |
75realsteel
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2012
Location: Chicago
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi Folks -
Given that I've taken much advice from this site and others the last few months, I thought I'd provide some feedback on our first trip in the GMC since buying it last fall.
Over the winter, we spent as much time as we could getting her ready from some use this summer. We were definitely limited by the fact we store the coach in the suburbs and the storage facility has complained a couple times when we had the wheels off for an extended period. However, mechanically we were able to:
replaced fluids/filters - oil, tranny, final drive, brake
replaced the cracked exhaust manifolds with Thorley headers and new mufflers
replaced most belts and hoses
replaced the front knuckle assemblies with remanufactured parts from Dave Lenzi such that we have new bearings, rotors and a method to properly grease them. Much thanks to Dave for his help here.
replaced the front ball joints, brake calipers and lines
serviced the rear brakes and found the shoes to be in pretty good shape
greased the rear bearings/bogies
Installed a new mechanical fuel pump and an electric fuel pump in-line with a separate switch
Rebuild the Onan carb and got it tuned properly
On the interior we:
Re-upholstered all the seats and replaced the headliner and wall boards
Installed a new Suburban Furnace
Installed a new Norcold N641.3
Installed a new Atwood 3-burner stovetop
Replaced water pump
Built a replacement dinnette table
We still have a lot to do, but felt confident that we had the major things done to the point that we could use her for a long weekend trip to northern Michigan. So, we loaded up with water, gas and propane and set off. The coach runs, drives and stops very nicely. The only complaint is the steering is a bit loose - with a couple inches of play in the wheel. Normally this is tolerable, but once the wind hits it becomes a bit more challenging. Looking at the steering system using the fine presentation from Rob M - the play seems to be in the steering gear itself. I don't find any slop above the steering gear input shaft - but I do see a delay between the input spline and output spline movement. Additionally, the point of connection between the lower yolk and steering gear input splines itself is very loose (I can move the entire shaft back and forth) - although the bolt is very tight and this looseness does not cause the input shaft to not turn in unison with the Key 4 shaft assembly. The only negative impact of this looseness seems to be that I can feel hard bumps translated up to the wheel as a sort of light banging.
But, I eventually got used to the wind and we had a nice drive through a very light, occasional rain. The windshield wipers worked great.
After a stop for gas, I was also pleased at the performance - although very skeptical. We had gone 267 miles and I only put 23.1 gallons in before I started getting fuel backing up to the filler. I did not spend any time to let things settle and try to continue filling. It is possible I didn't get the tanks as completely full at this point as before we started the trip. But, I was happy not to be seeing something in the 5mpg range. For what it's worth - the fuel gauge when we stopped read just over 1/2 a tank on the main switch and just under 1/2 a tank on the aux switch.
We ran the refrigerator on the house batteries during the trip. I had to bypass the isolator, however, as I think it is bad - I don't get any charge off the alternator to the house. I haven't had a chance to poke around with the multimeter to confirm the isolator - but will do so this weekend. After the trip I read through a number of posts and a presentation on using a combiner and I've order a Yandina 100 that should arrive prior to the weekend.
After reaching our destination, I was finally able to plug the coach into 30 Amp service. To date, I've only been able to test things using the generator. The refrigerator switched over to A/C as expected. I was fairly certain that our water heater wasn't working properly - but I decided to flip it on and let it run for a while as we made dinner and enjoyed a campfire. After forgetting I had done this, I remembered just before going to bed and I checked the hot water - it was extremely hot - almost scalding. I was shocked and assumed I was wrong about the water heater. I turned it back off and we went to sleep. In the morning I flipped it back on. By the time I used the shower the water was just warm enough to be tolerable - by the time I was done with my shower it was cold again. Turns out the water heater really isn't working. The extermely hot water felt the night before was due to the engine exchanger. I had no idea the water would stay hot that long just from that. I tried multiple times over the weekend to get the water heater to run off A/C and it wouldn't. I have 120 volts at the element, so it's not the thermal or safety switch. I have continuity across the element (I forget how many ohms) - but still not hot water. Anyway, I had ordered a new element before the trip anyway, it just hadn't arrived in time - so we'll see what happens when it's replaced.
The next day we decided to drive into town to get firewood. The coach fired right up and we had no issues. But, upon getting back to the site and turning the engine off, I decided to raise the rear further, so I switched the ignition back on - and nothing. I wasn't getting any power to the dash or ignition at all. So, I got out the multimeter and started poking around.....then I took off the passenger side wheel well and poked around some more. At first I was worried it might be the solenoid - I wasn't sure if that going bad would result in no power at all to the dash area. Anyway, after some probing and cursing I found it was an intermittent ground problem caused by a loose cable between the battery negative and the engine block. I tightened it up and marked that on the list for replacement and we didn't have another problem in that area.
Also, we found that the (Hensley) air bags just don't have enough range to level us properly at the two sites we used over the weekend. So, we ordered some Lynx blocks and will give those a try.
The rest of the weekend was very relaxing. We definitely enjoyed having the new furnace, as it got into the upper 30s at night. We definitely missed having hot water - but there were public showers available. We found that we have some work to do on the sewer valve. When fully closed, the valve still lets a considerable amount of water out of the holding tank. It's necessary to have the outlet pipe pushed up as far as possible so that gravity prevents a fairly steady leak. We have already decided that the holding tank will contain fluids only.....at least until this problem can be fixed.
Our trip home was going along well when I started noticing that the coach was taking an awful beating from the road. The highway at this point was certainly not smooth, but I hadn't noticed it this bad before. At this point traffic started building up and we slowed to 20 or so and I noticed the coach was slowly bouncing up and down like an old car with beat shocks. I also noticed that the Dana air compressor was not making it's usual obnoxious pulse, but was quieter - and was not turning off. I immediately assumed our air bags were down and I kicked myself for not locking the bags off. The PO had installed Hensley bags - and they seem to work well. But, there is a minor leak in the air tank that results in the compressor running more often than it should. I had planned to put a switch on the compressor so that I could manually turn it off until such time as I could fix the leak - but I didn't have time. So, the compressor payed me back by quiting on me.
We pulled into a gas station, and found that the driver's side bag was completely down (the passsenger side was fine). We were able to get about 50 lbs into it using the weak gas station pump - and I was at least confident that this would be good enough to get us home. The coach was much happier with a little air in the bags. I really hope I didn't do any damage to anything by running it with that bag completely down. From the little I've read - the Hensley bag is designed to run while flat, so I'm hoping for the best.
In the meantime, I've ordered a replacement ViAir 450 and I'll consider traveling with the bags locked until I'm confident that the system is working properly.
In the excitement of fixing the air bag, we didn't spend the time to completely fill the gas tanks nor note how much we did put in - so I can't comment on the fuel efficiency of our return trip.
So, that's all for now. We have a few short weeks to get ready for a trip out west to the Grand Canyon. Sometimes it's a bit nerve wracking thinking of all the things that might go wrong, but we'll continue to prepare as best we can, fix the known issues and enjoy.
Much thanks to all you fine folks who continue to provide detailed assistance and advice. It would be much harder with only a shop manual.
Kevin
75 Eleganza II
Chicago
'77 Kingsley 26 - Chicago, IL
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| Re: First Trip Report [message #209261 is a reply to message #209240] |
Thu, 30 May 2013 10:32  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Thanks for the great report, Kevin. Those sound like mostly minor problems. The water heater is generally set to REALLY hot on an RV due to it's small size. The idea is that you only need to mix in a little hot water with the cold, and the hot water will last longer.
When are you going to the Grand Canyon? We will be heading up that way July 19 for a week. We will not be taking the GMC to the Grand Canyon, but rather to Williams, where we will ride the Grand Canyon Railway up for a day. We will be staying at the Grand Canyon Railway RV Park <http://www.thetrain.com/lodging/rv-park/> for four nights and then will move over to Flagstaff to the KOA. There is lots to do and see in that area and plenty of good hiking etc. as well as Indian ruins , old volcanoes, and beautiful scenery. If you need any tips on other activities or places in the area, I'll do what I can to help.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: First Trip Report [message #209293 is a reply to message #209261] |
Thu, 30 May 2013 13:58 |
75realsteel
Messages: 26
Registered: December 2012
Location: Chicago
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Hi Carl -
Sounds like we'll be at the canyon at overlapping times - we plan to be there for a week ending 6/23 (although still not positive on our departure date). We'll be staying at Mather.
I grew up in Glendale and spent my college years down near you at UA. We went to the canyon every Memorial Day growing up, but I haven't been there since '91 - should be interesting to see what's changed.
I'm always interested in suggestions for things to see and places to hike - any are welcome!
Hope you have a great trip on the train - I've never done that.
'77 Kingsley 26 - Chicago, IL
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| Re: First Trip Report [message #209295 is a reply to message #209293] |
Thu, 30 May 2013 14:17 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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We were there last about 4 years ago. I think you'll find that the changes are minimal. We have never done the Grand Canyon Railway either and we're looking forward to it. We love the Northern AZ area in the summer and have been there in the winter too (Burrrrr!). It's a great place to get away from the summer heat of Southern AZ for a week. My wife's birthday is 7/26 and we always take a 'birthday trip' sometime around that time. Since we have had the GMC, we have alternated between Showlow, Silver City NM, and the Flagstaff area.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: First Trip Report [message #209299 is a reply to message #209295] |
Thu, 30 May 2013 14:31 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Kevin, You just inspired me to look at the Grand Canyon National Park website. After looking at the North Rim photos, we HAVE to go there in the GMC sometime. Maybe in a year or two.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Trip Report [message #209420 is a reply to message #209416] |
Fri, 31 May 2013 11:49 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I love me Hensley. I use mannys lifters and wireless air. No other bag would let you drive without air.
FREE WIFI @ Mickey D
On May 31, 2013, at 9:11 AM, Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> 75realsteel wrote on Thu, 30 May 2013 06:08
>> ...
>> Also, we found that the (Hensley) air bags just don't have enough range to level us properly at the two sites we used over the weekend. So, we ordered some Lynx blocks and will give those a try. ...
>
>
> IIRC: Hensley air bags where not designed with the idea of leveling the coach at a camp site. I remember the guy selling them, not liking that we (several members of the forum) thought this was a drawback. I guess he only stays at flat and level campsites. :twisted:
>
> I'd look into a "real" airbag set-up rather than the blocks. Working correctly the air leveling system is a VERY nice feature.
>
> I normally stop for gas at about 200 miles and do not worry about getting the tanks fully topped off. I need to get out of the driver's seat every now and then anyway.
>
> Other than that, nice trip report. Your list of improvements done is rather impressive.... for the first trip.
>
>
> --
> Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
> (#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
> http://m000035.blogspot.com
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Trip Report [message #209464 is a reply to message #209416] |
Fri, 31 May 2013 19:07 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Mike,
There is another problem with Hensley's bag system. If you review Firestone's mounting instructions it notes that the mounting
surfaces are not to exceed 25° from parallel. When I was at my first GMCMI Convention in Santa Rosa I watched a coach pull out of
the parking lot, into a deep gutter, and up onto a highly crowned road. I was gob smacked when I saw the rear wheels flexing away
from and then towards the body (sequence could be backwards). At one time the wheels formed an "X" as viewed from the rear. I could
not see the airbag mounting points to see if they got out of alignment but I would think they would.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Mike Miller
IIRC: Hensley air bags where not designed with the idea of leveling the coach at a camp site. I remember the guy selling them, not
liking that we (several members of the forum) thought this was a drawback. I guess he only stays at flat and level campsites.
:twisted:
I'd look into a "real" airbag set-up rather than the blocks. Working correctly the air leveling system is a VERY nice feature.
I normally stop for gas at about 200 miles and do not worry about getting the tanks fully topped off. I need to get out of the
driver's seat every now and then anyway.
Other than that, nice trip report. Your list of improvements done is rather impressive.... for the first trip.
Mike
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] First Trip Report [message #209467 is a reply to message #209464] |
Fri, 31 May 2013 19:51 |
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ljdavick
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
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Senior Member |
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True-trackers!
Larry Davick
On May 31, 2013, at 5:07 PM, "Rob Mueller" <robmueller@iinet.net.au> wrote:
> Mike,
>
> There is another problem with Hensley's bag system. If you review Firestone's mounting instructions it notes that the mounting
> surfaces are not to exceed 25° from parallel. When I was at my first GMCMI Convention in Santa Rosa I watched a coach pull out of
> the parking lot, into a deep gutter, and up onto a highly crowned road. I was gob smacked when I saw the rear wheels flexing away
> from and then towards the body (sequence could be backwards). At one time the wheels formed an "X" as viewed from the rear. I could
> not see the airbag mounting points to see if they got out of alignment but I would think they would.
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mike Miller
>
> IIRC: Hensley air bags where not designed with the idea of leveling the coach at a camp site. I remember the guy selling them, not
> liking that we (several members of the forum) thought this was a drawback. I guess he only stays at flat and level campsites.
> :twisted:
>
> I'd look into a "real" airbag set-up rather than the blocks. Working correctly the air leveling system is a VERY nice feature.
>
> I normally stop for gas at about 200 miles and do not worry about getting the tanks fully topped off. I need to get out of the
> driver's seat every now and then anyway.
>
> Other than that, nice trip report. Your list of improvements done is rather impressive.... for the first trip.
>
> Mike
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
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