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| [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290560] |
Wed, 18 November 2015 18:29  |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Gday,
The following is a blatant sales pitch for GMC's outfitted by Avion; hopefully it will not offend owners of GMC's outfitted by other
companies. If it does all I can say is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLlJLpd3utY
As you can see in my signature I own two Avions and they are very nice units. They were only built one year (1975) and were about
$25 large which I understand was a lot more than GMC's that year. The interior is birch laminated on plywood or particle board.
However, Avion was a bit sneaky, they cut the door and drawer fronts at a 45° angle so you can't see the sides which were just
sealed with varnish and not laminated with birch strips.
Here's some links to brochures on the 26' Avion:
http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion/Avion.htm
http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-261.htm
Below you will find some features that I believe demonstrate why they were more expensive than GMC's in 1975. I have divided them
into three groups; interior, house systems, and exterior
Interior:
1) Twin rear beds (75 inches long by 32 inches wide) making it unnecessary to climb over anyone when getting out of bed. For the
record I'm 6' 1 1/2" tall and sleep comfortably although another couple of inches would be nice.
2) A three draw "dresser" between the beds that has a slide out table above the top drawer and three cabinets for clothes storage
above each bed. Here's a cabinet I had made up to go over the rear window ala the gun / fishing rod cabinet in GMC's
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6174-rear-window-cabinet-avion-only.html
3) A cabinet under the passenger side bed for storage.
4) A dry bathroom with a separate shower; with storage under the sink, behind the mirror, and above the toilet.
I removed the door to the shower and copied Larry W's curtain arrangement:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6498-avion-shower-curtain-installation.html
Here's some mods I made under the bathroom sink:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6546-under-double-trouble-27s-bathroom-sink.html
5) Storage above and below the fridge.
A larger fridge can be installed; however, the enclosure must be extended into the side passage:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/double-trouble-photos/p56827-refrigeratorfreezer.html
6) There is a pantry next to the fridge in the main entry area.
7) The galley has a tall thin cupboard to the left of the oven that contains a pull out dish towel rack, It has a tilt down draw
under the sink that is perfect for utensils, a large center cupboard under the sink for big appliances and the four drawers to the
right of that are very handy for larger coking utensils, napkins, zip lock bags, etc. Here's a couple of mods I made to the galley:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5643-galley-cutting-board-extension.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5796-galley-pull-out-drawers.html
Note that I removed the oven and replaced it with a combination microwave, convection oven, grill.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p53464-convection-2f-microwave-2f-grill-comparison.html
6) It has an extra window behind the cooktop that I dont believe GMC's have.
7) The dinette seat bases are constructed from plywood and there is storage under both. Here's what I did with Double Trouble:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5795-tool-box-installation.html
8) The dinette table can be detached from the wall and is used to turn the dinette into a bed that will sleep two.
The down side on the interior is the love seat behind the driver seat. It is wide enough for one adult or two kids. It does have a
single seat belt so it can be used safely and legally while under way. I intend to remove it in both my Avions and extend the
galley. The dinette seats have four seat belts as well so you could legally carry four additional people anyway. Also the cabinet
above the stove is filled with the exhaust fan. I removed it and fitted a fan that is attached to the bottom of that cabinet. Sorry
no photos.
House systems:
1) Above the pantry on the left side as you enter the Avion is the instrument signal center. It has a unique system of level
indicators for the fresh water tank, the black tank, the LPG tank, and the house battery status. There are five bulbs behind the
panel that light up and advise the level of each of the above tanks (E - 1/4 - 1/2 - 3/4 - F). It also has the Onan remote Start /
Stop switch and the Onan hour meter. The fresh water and black tank have screws through them that complete a circuit to light up the
correct bulb, no floats to fail! The LPG tank has the same float system as the GMC.
2) The Avion has a single 50 amp cable and once plugged in to shore power in such a way that EVERYTHING powered by 120VAC at the
same time, even two roof airs. I will admit that after 40 years that cable is a bit stiff. BTW if the Onan is functioning properly
it too can power everything as well. After Emery helped me get the Onan in Double Trouble running properly we ran the following
equipment at the same time: front and rear roof airs, water heater, microwave, all the 12vdc interior lights (off the batteries /
convertor), TV / satellite receiver, etc.
Here's a schematic that shows how the 120VAC was wired:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p33849-avion-120-vac-wiring-diagram.html
Here's a schematic that shows how the 12VdC was wired:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p41274-avion-12-volt-wiring-diagram.html
Here's how I updated the 120 VAC and 12 VDC panels under the bathroom sink:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6710-xantrex-inverter-installation.html
Here's photos of the 120VAC circuit breaker box:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6241-avion-circuit-breaker-panel.html
Here's photos of the 2000 watt Xantrex inverter installation:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6710-xantrex-inverter-installation.html
3) The water system is 1/2" OD copper tubing and has a pressure regulator that drops the city water pressure down to 40 psi when
connected. Here's a schematic that shows how it was plumbed:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/aa-miscellaneous-photos/p57067-26-27-avion-water-supply-system.html
Note the drain valves on the water tank outlet, water pump outlet, water heater, and stool. To winterize the Avion all you have to
do is open all the drains and taps, pressurize the city water fitting with air, and blow the bulk of the water out. Once the bulk of
the water is out shut off the drains and taps one by one and purge the system with air. Pour some RV water system anti-freeze into
the toilet sink / shower drains and the galley sink drains and you're done.
4) Easy access to the three inch dump system which allows simple installation of a macerator:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/macerator-install/p24344-before-macerator-install.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6528-macerator-install.html
Exterior
1) On the passenger side of the Avion just forward of the main entry door is a hatch that opens. The first time I saw it I wondered
what the hell it was for. When I read the brochure and noted it was a ski storage compartment I was really surprised. Given the
traction problems the GMC has it seemed to me to be a bit silly; I for one would not take a GMC into the mountains in winter to go
skiing. It is a handy place to store stuff and I copied John Rs Avion and the section of the floor that coves the compartment
between the dinette and love seat is hinged and I can lift it up to access storage space.
Well that's the end of my sales pitch, as I think of other stuff I'll update it
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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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] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290576 is a reply to message #290560] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 10:18  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Ever time I get in an Avion, I trip on the raised floor for the ski compartment. I wonder, did they make any which skipped it and had a flat floor?
--johnny
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: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290578 is a reply to message #290576] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 10:46 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I tripped and fell several times in our Avion. The raised floor no longer exist and I have closed up the door on the body!
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
> On Nov 19, 2015, at 11:18 AM, Johnny Bridges wrote:
>
> Ever time I get in an Avion, I trip on the raised floor for the ski compartment. I wonder, did they make any which skipped it and had a flat floor?
>
> --johnny
> --
> '76 23' transmode Norris upfit
> Braselton, Ga.
>
> "Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
>
> _______________________________________________
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290579 is a reply to message #290578] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 12:36 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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...and they are beautiful. That curved wall is worth something. If I ever buy another GMC it'll be an Avion or a Edgemonte. Both have long beds!
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290585 is a reply to message #290576] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 15:17 |
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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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Johnny,
I doubt it because:
A) One of the photos in this sales brochure shows it: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-261.htm
B) The specifications listed in this brochure lists it: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion/Avion.htm
BTW the brochure in A) is earlier than the brochure in B); I know that because the position of the galley sink in A) is up against
the forward wall of the shower wheras in B) it's at the forward end of the galley.
When I was at Tom Hamptons shop he took a header when walking from the cockpit to the exit door. I was outside the coach at the time
and heard an almighty THUD! I ran over to the entry door to see Tom sprawled on the floor. He forgot that the second step was there
and went flying. He started to get up and I told him to take a minute and relax making sure nothing was broken. He said, "I broke
the end off your couch." I told him, "I meant YOU, I don't care about something broken in the coach!" He took a moment and when he
was sure he was OK he got up slowly.
I've been caught out by that step on occasion as well and it's usaully like Tom I fall forward.
Bottom line: I'm going to remove it and make the floor flat like JR.
Regards,
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny Bridges
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 3:18 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH!
Ever time I get in an Avion, I trip on the raised floor for the ski compartment. I wonder, did they make any which skipped it and
had a flat floor?
--johnny
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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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] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290595 is a reply to message #290585] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 18:25 |
gene1
Messages: 50
Registered: February 2004
Location: Southern California
Karma: 0
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Bob,
I have a 75 Avion, but it is a 23'. No raised floor for ski's. It has
similar wall units, but a PO moved the bed from the front to the back, and
the table and chairs are in the front - I think, but for sure, that is
where they are now.
A GMCer I met at the last International Rally said this might have been the
only 23'er made by Avion. I think only 36 23' Transmodes were made by GMC
in 75, and Avion only converted GMC's in 75, so what are the facts? By the
way, we like our 23' Avion much better than our 76 Eleganza, the Avion seems
to have more room for us, just right for 2 people.
Gene,
75 Avion 23'
North County San Diego
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Robert
Mueller
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 1:17 PM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH!
Johnny,
I doubt it because:
A) One of the photos in this sales brochure shows it:
http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-261.htm
B The specifications listed in this brochure lists it:
http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion/Avion.htm
BTW the brochure in A) is earlier than the brochure in B); I know that
because the position of the galley sink in A) is up against the forward wall
of the shower wheras in B) it's at the forward end of the galley.
When I was at Tom Hamptons shop he took a header when walking from the
cockpit to the exit door. I was outside the coach at the time and heard an
almighty THUD! I ran over to the entry door to see Tom sprawled on the
floor. He forgot that the second step was there and went flying. He started
to get up and I told him to take a minute and relax making sure nothing was
broken. He said, "I broke the end off your couch." I told him, "I meant YOU,
I don't care about something broken in the coach!" He took a moment and when
he was sure he was OK he got up slowly.
I've been caught out by that step on occasion as well and it's usaully like
Tom I fall forward.
Bottom line: I'm going to remove it and make the floor flat like JR.
Regards,
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Johnny
Bridges
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 3:18 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH!
Ever time I get in an Avion, I trip on the raised floor for the ski
compartment. I wonder, did they make any which skipped it and had a flat
floor?
--johnny
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH! [message #290605 is a reply to message #290595] |
Thu, 19 November 2015 21:26 |
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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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Gene,
Here's a copy of the brochure for the '23 Avion: http://www.bdub.net/publications/Avion2/avion-int-231.htm
How does yours compare to this?
The GMCer you met at a rally was incorrect; there was definitely more than one '23 Avion built. I've seen photos of three or four
and I "heard" the number was 37.
Here's a link that says that 36 '23 Transmodes were built in '75: http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/faq/production.html
Here's some links to reference materials:
Article written by Bill Bryant the "Official GMC Historian:" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GMC_motorhome
Transmode Operators Manual - download it and then scroll to page 3 and just below the Table of Contents you will see C General
Motors Corporation 1974. It provides the GVWR and GAWR for ' 23 and '26 foot GMC's also.
http://www.bdub.net/manuals/ops75/X7580A.zip
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@list.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Gene
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 11:26 AM
To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Avion - BLATANT SALES PITCH!
Bob,
I have a 75 Avion, but it is a 23'. No raised floor for ski's. It has
similar wall units, but a PO moved the bed from the front to the back, and
the table and chairs are in the front - I think, but for sure, that is
where they are now.
A GMCer I met at the last International Rally said this might have been the
only 23'er made by Avion. I think only 36 23' Transmodes were made by GMC
in 75, and Avion only converted GMC's in 75, so what are the facts? By the
way, we like our 23' Avion much better than our 76 Eleganza, the Avion seems
to have more room for us, just right for 2 people.
Gene,
75 Avion 23'
North County San Diego
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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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