Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Thinking it through - My family may be right for one?
| Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252405] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 20:39  |
Airc00led
Messages: 5
Registered: June 2014
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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We are a family of 4, and we all love camping a lot. We currently have a travel trailer that we've had for 6 years and we camp more than anyone we've known personally. This is the rig we're thinking of selling and getting a motor home to fit changing family needs. We also have a '69 VW Westy which we do all of the work on ourselves. While we love it, the VW is obviously not as roomy and modern as the travel trailer. (We have the VW mainly bc I love old cars and why not combine that passion with camping?) We also tent camp, backpack, etc. Did I mention we love camping?
So our middle school age/size kids have become more involved with activities and we've considered a motor home that we believe will be a little more convenient to get out for shorter trips. Currently we have to store our 30 foot travel trailer at a storage facility due to the driveway entry. The storage place is closed on Sundays (yeah, I know). I think a sub-30 fit motor home would make the turn of our driveway and I could store it in the backyard.
The GMC crossed my mind because:
1. It's a great design and use of space.
2. It basically has all the modern conveniences of my 6 yr old travel trailer.
3. There seem to be so many still around, I feel that I could find a good candidate.
My concerns are:
1. My VW was in great shape when I bought it. The routine maintenance, while I enjoy it, keeps me regularly busy. I worry that the age of even a good GMC might push me over the edge of "maintenance busyness".
2. I'm in Atlanta and have seen that there is a specialist in Buford. I don't know how easy it would be to get the rig up there should I need to fix something I can't do.
3. I've looked at the Toyota Dolphins as well and the leakage issues have almost scared me away. I wonder about the exterior issues with an older RV.
We would prefer something that's fairly easy to keep "ready to go", as we tend to camp often.
By the way, I downloaded the iBook and what an awesome resource it is. Thanks to those who put that together.
Finally, my budget would be in the $20-30k range if that could get me in tip top shape. I've gone through ads online and have seen a WIDE range of prices. So, like in the VW world, while some of the vehicles really are worth top dollar, there are many where people have looked online saw the prices, and then priced their hunk of junk in the stratosphere. But with a VW, having owned many, I know what to look for. With GMCs, I don't yet.
Anyone who can help me think through this, I would greatly appreciate it.
Godspeed,
Jonathan
1969 VW Westy
1972 BMW 2002 (RIP)
1976 Beetle (sold)
1969 Beetle (sold)
2001 Suburban (daily)
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252411 is a reply to message #252405] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 21:20  |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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A GMC could be a good fit for you. The size is really great for getting into somewhat tight places including, probably your driveway, but also Forest Service , BLM, and state campgrounds. Although there are quite a few owners with very limited or no mechanical abilities, I personally think a good base in mechanics and vehicle repair is a prerequisite for owning one of these classics. The conventional wisdom among this group is that a good, reliable coach will cost in the neighborhood of $25,000.00. You can buy one already done or make a project out of it (or both, as I did) Either way, you need to go in with your eyes wide open and know what you are getting into. You will find an amazing amount of support both from vendors and this forum, as well as local and regional clubs. There will be no problem keeping your classic GMC on the road, providing fun for your family. Chances are you will have to work on it from time to time. Some of us take this to an extreme, myself included. I wouldn't know what to do with myself on the weekends we don't go 'camping' if I didn't have the coach to tinker with.
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: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252414 is a reply to message #252405] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 21:28 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Airc00led wrote on Tue, 17 June 2014 21:39We are a family of 4, and we all love camping a lot. We currently have a travel trailer that we've had for 6 years and we camp more than anyone we've known personally. This is the rig we're thinking of selling and getting a motor home to fit changing family needs. We also have a '69 VW Westy which we do all of the work on ourselves. While we love it, the VW is obviously not as roomy and modern as the travel trailer. (We have the VW mainly bc I love old cars and why not combine that passion with camping?) We also tent camp, backpack, etc. Did I mention we love camping?
So our middle school age/size kids have become more involved with activities and we've considered a motor home that we believe will be a little more convenient to get out for shorter trips. Currently we have to store our 30 foot travel trailer at a storage facility due to the driveway entry. The storage place is closed on Sundays (yeah, I know). I think a sub-30 fit motor home would make the turn of our driveway and I could store it in the backyard.
The GMC crossed my mind because:
1. It's a great design and use of space.
2. It basically has all the modern conveniences of my 6 yr old travel trailer.
3. There seem to be so many still around, I feel that I could find a good candidate.
My concerns are:
1. My VW was in great shape when I bought it. The routine maintenance, while I enjoy it, keeps me regularly busy. I worry that the age of even a good GMC might push me over the edge of "maintenance busyness".
2. I'm in Atlanta and have seen that there is a specialist in Buford. I don't know how easy it would be to get the rig up there should I need to fix something I can't do.
3. I've looked at the Toyota Dolphins as well and the leakage issues have almost scared me away. I wonder about the exterior issues with an older RV.
We would prefer something that's fairly easy to keep "ready to go", as we tend to camp often.
By the way, I downloaded the iBook and what an awesome resource it is. Thanks to those who put that together.
Finally, my budget would be in the $20-30k range if that could get me in tip top shape. I've gone through ads online and have seen a WIDE range of prices. So, like in the VW world, while some of the vehicles really are worth top dollar, there are many where people have looked online saw the prices, and then priced their hunk of junk in the stratosphere. But with a VW, having owned many, I know what to look for. With GMCs, I don't yet.
Anyone who can help me think through this, I would greatly appreciate it.
Air,
As you may have noticed, we use names here. At least in a sigfile that also includes a geographic reference. There are reasons.
You are in the right ball park price wise.
We often say that a reliable and ready to travel GMc will cost you about 25K$.
That is all at once or as a kit.....
What you should do is:
Get to all the chapter web pages and look at the coaches for sale.
Somebody does a Craig's list mash, don't miss that.
Finally, go to Bdub's and get the GMC Assist (aka Black) list so you can find out who you might get to help you look at any perspective coach.
They are out there, but it is up to you to find them.
Last year we had one minor repair on the road that was the result of the mis-assembly of a modification. Not bad for 11+Kmiles.
In the 3k+ this spring, I had to fix a cabinet latch.
I think that is acceptable for 41years old and 144+K.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252420 is a reply to message #252405] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 21:51 |
verg
Messages: 54
Registered: September 2006
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Karma: 0
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Jonathan, welcome to the forum. I hope you find it a constantly helpful source of information and enjoy some of the banter that goes on sometime. 
Have you been in a GMC? Sat in one? Until you do, this is all rather abstract. I would recommend you contact a GMC Club in your area (Dixielanders I am assuming - someone will chime in) or find someone with a GMC and go look at one. Take the family with you. They really should be on board with your decision - especially "SHE whom must be obeyed." Have them look it over whilst you are geeking technical stuff with the owner. Have them lay down where they might sleeping, have them sit where they will be as you travel . . . Will it work for your clan? If you were up here (near Gettysburg) I'd have you over to try it out over night.
Maybe you could ask/beg/carjole a GMCer to come over and try maneuvering into your drive. If you are in Atlanta, I'm sure there is someone nearby or driving by sometime soon. This would be another in your checklist of concerns take care of.
From your references to your Westphalia and "aircooled" ID, I assume you are into old VWs through and through. Just like the cars you have worked on, "driving goooood, sitting baaaaaad." If you find a gorgeous coach for 5-10K, low mileage, but has been sitting for the last 7 years. Be very very careful - water pump, hoses, bearings, brakes, etc. etc. all will go bad just sitting there ... IM me and I will tell you entire sorted woeful experiences with such "bargains." It would be far better to find one driven like you go camping - all the time. Perhaps from a "retiring" GMCer from a local club. At least if the coach was associated with a club, its members might be able to tell you how it was treated.
Recently, a gentleman I hold a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect for went and picked up a coach that he had previously worked extensively upon. The coach is BEAUTIFUL - tons of upgrades - It broke down several times on the way home. It had sat, unloved, for just a few years. A coach that most people would say was a 20K coach looking at it . . . was a bomb. It took this very talented man and the GMC genie to get it home.
I certainly don't wish to frighten you about GMCs - you can certainly find many winners out there - I eventually did - but use the good sense and caution that I see in your initial questions to the forum.
Best Regards,
John
John Novicki
near Gettysburg, Pa
Looking for Glenbrook Yellow Plaid Material
'75 Glenbrook 26' "Bumble"
'86 300SL
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252427 is a reply to message #252405] |
Tue, 17 June 2014 22:32 |
Airc00led
Messages: 5
Registered: June 2014
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Oops, will use the name from now on: Jonathan.
George, that is a very kind offer and we'd like to take you up on it soon. I'd ask for this weekend but I'm taking my son camping.  We live on the east side of town sort of near Decatur.
John, I'm with you on the "driving good" thing. I try to get my Westy out weekly, if not a few times, not only bc I enjoy it, but I know it's good for it. Yes, I have been in one. A gentleman and his son had restored it. It's really etched in my memory. Such a good use of space and my wife loved the amount of windows.
I saw one on Craigslist for sale down near Jackson, GA. It looked great and recently used. I haven't called on it yet because I was still doing my homework and I not exactly sure when I can get there to see it.
A little more context on our approach: we like the community and continuity that comes with vehicles like these. I found my Westy in Arkansas. I still keep in touch with the older gentleman who sold it to me, sending pictures of our trips. I also keep in touch with the air-cooled mechanic who rebuilt the engine, mainly to express my appreciation as we have taken that thing all over the mountains and to the ocean and it runs beautifully. We consider ourselves caretakers until the next owner. My favorite experiences with the Westy is when someone stops me at the gas station to tell me about the one they used to have. Every time it's a mom or dad talking about all the places they took their family. (I haven't been approached by any former hippies yet.)
Godspeed,
Jonathan
1969 VW Westy
1972 BMW 2002 (RIP)
1976 Beetle (sold)
1969 Beetle (sold)
2001 Suburban (daily)
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252447 is a reply to message #252427] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 06:21 |
Joe Weir
Messages: 769
Registered: February 2013
Location: Columbia, SC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Jonathan,
Speaking as a 72 Bavaria, and 77 Westy, owner, you have made the natural progression. All that has passed before has prepared you for GMC ownership... 
There are a lot of really nice coaches right now that will fit in your budget.
Good luck with the search, and welcome to the sickness... 
76 Birchaven - "Wicked Mistress" - New engine, trans, alum radiator, brakes, Sully airbags, fuel lines, seats, adult beverage center... those Coachmen guys were really thinking about us second hand owners by including that beverage center...
Columbia, SC.
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252450 is a reply to message #252405] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 06:45 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Johnathon -
I'm around the corner from Road Atlanta. My coach is a 23'. if George's won't make your driveway we can try mine. I wasn't aware that Ted was looking to sell his'n, it should be close to what you're looking for. He's rebuilt pretty much everything in it. He's in Winder, just down the road from me.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
Braselton GA
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252458 is a reply to message #252450] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 08:53 |
Keith V
Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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if you can spend 20-30 k you should get;
Aluminum wheels
1 ton or Lenzi rebuilt front hubs
updated air suspension ( new style bags)
lower ratio final drive
improved engine air conditioning
modern roof air conditioning
tight steering
good KYB or Bilstein shocks
nice interior
Then you maintenance would truely be maintenance , not updates and you would have no problem with GMC ownership.
The problems come in when you have to do a bunch of upgrades to make a good coach.
I know cause thats the path I'm on...
Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252496 is a reply to message #252405] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 13:14 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Since my wife hasn't gone to the mall yet, I still have 2 cents to offer:
I don't subscribe to the "$25K complete or as a kit" mantra entirely. Mine was under $10K and I've had to do the normal maintenance items and a few upgrades but I haven't spent more than a couple thousand on that (including tires, etc.). So I'm only about at the 50 yard line to the 25K figure and we've gone on quite a few trips and it's always ready to fire up and go.
However, buying the right coach is very very important. In this area, I was fortunate the the previous owner did pretty nice work on what he did. Secondly and almost as important is that the coach must be currently driving regularly and you should keep driving it regularly even if you don't have any imminent camping plans. "A coach that sits turns to..." you get the idea.
I prefer a stock coach in most respects. Upgrades need to be very well engineered and shouldn't depend on another upgrade to function properly. Maintaining a coach is within the realm of possibility for most owners, engineering one is dangerous ground for even the most talented. Having said that, I think some of the upgrades such as the electric boost pump and combiners, are very good ideas and are basically transferred over from more modern designs. Engineering off a blank sheet of paper or trying to adapt something that sounds like a good idea but isn't (dropping in an Olds 455 out of a racing boat for instance)is where folks find they've paid their 25K and still have a coach that is too frustrating to live with, so it ends up on Craigslist with an unrealistic price that is the sum of their receipts.
Yes I fight with my Kohler generator (which theoretically should be a great unit - theoretically that is) and I know I need to take the plunge with some wheel bearing maintenance, but when I climb up in that seat and start out on a trip (even just to the gas station) I start grinning and singing my favorite trucker song (Roll On Big Mama). It feeds the addiction of the highway.
Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252516 is a reply to message #252405] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 14:23 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Airc00led wrote on Tue, 17 June 2014 20:39We are a family of 4, and we all love camping a lot. We currently have a travel trailer that we've had for 6 years and we camp more than anyone we've known personally. This is the rig we're thinking of selling and getting a motor home to fit changing family needs. We also have a '69 VW Westy which we do all of the work on ourselves. While we love it, the VW is obviously not as roomy and modern as the travel trailer. (We have the VW mainly bc I love old cars and why not combine that passion with camping?) We also tent camp, backpack, etc. Did I mention we love camping?
One item you may want to investigate is using the Westy as a toad.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252539 is a reply to message #252458] |
Wed, 18 June 2014 15:25 |
PettyVTX
Messages: 363
Registered: April 2011
Location: Winder Ga.
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Keith V wrote on Wed, 18 June 2014 08:53if you can spend 20-30 k you should get;
Aluminum wheels
1 ton or Lenzi rebuilt front hubs
updated air suspension ( new style bags)
lower ratio final drive
improved engine air conditioning
modern roof air conditioning
tight steering
good KYB or Bilstein shocks
nice interior
Then you maintenance would truely be maintenance , not updates and you would have no problem with GMC ownership.
The problems come in when you have to do a bunch of upgrades to make a good coach.
I know cause thats the path I'm on...
Pretty much all that I have done to mine
I am looking to sell I will post it on the for sale site by this weekend
Ex Avion now looking for a 23'
Jeep Wrangler Towd
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| Re: Thinking it through - My family may be right for one? [message #252624 is a reply to message #252592] |
Thu, 19 June 2014 09:37 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Airc00led wrote on Wed, 18 June 2014 23:02Towing the Westy would be awesome! What a great picture that would make...
Yeah - and it would be someplace to stuff the kids when stopped for the night.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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