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| Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 07:38  |
verg
Messages: 54
Registered: September 2006
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Karma: 0
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Dear Friends,
Looking ahead to the Branson Rally, what route would the collective recommend - taking into consideration our GMC coach (original air breathing 455 and orig ratio trans)? Steep grades are my primary concern. Primary routes appear to be 70 or 64 from Balt/DC to Branson, Missouri.
Thank you
John+
John Novicki
near Gettysburg, Pa
Looking for Glenbrook Yellow Plaid Material
'75 Glenbrook 26' "Bumble"
'86 300SL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293832 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 09:58  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Steep grades? On the east coast? Hmmm. You need a perspective adjustment.
Try British Columbia near Whistler. 18% ascending and descending. One
stretch is 23 kilometers of low gear with lots of curves. On our frequent
travels N/S on interstate 5, we have the famous grapevine out of the LA
basin, the Siskiyou summit, and at least 4 other minor grades of 6% or
more. You guys do have some really steep overpass on ramps though. (VERY
BIG GRIN) But all kidding aside, have confidence in your GMC, if it is in
good shape, it can handle just about anything except snow and ice. Once
underway, not much will stop one.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Jan 14, 2016 5:39 AM, "John Novicki" wrote:
> Dear Friends,
>
> Looking ahead to the Branson Rally, what route would the collective
> recommend - taking into consideration our GMC coach (original air breathing
> 455
> and orig ratio trans)? Steep grades are my primary concern. Primary
> routes appear to be 70 or 64 from Balt/DC to Branson, Missouri.
>
> Thank you
>
> John+
> --
> John Novicki
> near Gettysburg, Pa
>
>
> Looking for Glenbrook Yellow Plaid Material
>
> '75 Glenbrook 26' "Bumble"
> '86 300SL
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293836 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 11:31 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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We've got a few Jim. I64 eastbound in WV is silly. 1400+ foot drop in under 5 miles averages 5% grade, but parts are closer to 8%. I think it's called Sandstone Mountain and it gets ugly. I40 between Asheville and TN can be tiresome as well. I don't have any problems with the modern Monteagle on I24 in TN, but I know people that dread it. By and large, the east coast grades aren't too bad, but there are several 5-10 mile spots in the Appalachians where you are in second gear in a well-maintained GMC, hiding in the truck lanes on an interstate as cars act like maniacs around you. If you have a transmission temp gauge you can see it climb and climb. Especially on a muggy and hot southern summer day.
I'd agree that the worst are out your way, but the interstates here have their share, and they are all the worse for people in heavy vehicles not expecting them or knowing how to drive them.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293837 is a reply to message #293836] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 11:43 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Senior Member |
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You do have the west beat all ways when it comes to humidity/heat/insects.
Couple that with a large population all on the road at the same time, and
it is not any fun. I have not run the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I have run
the 100 mile stretch through the Canadian Rockies in the Banff/Jasper areas
and it is all mostly above 5000 feet elevation. Still, the GMC handled it
with no problems. All I was trying to say was to don't be timid/afraid to
take your coach on the road. And I do understand that someone would try to
seek an easier way out of the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. I avoid that
area if at all possible also. But it is not the gradients that make me shy
away from there, it is the large concentration of politicians. Those things
are like a flock of crows. Nothing to sit under for any time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403
On Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 9:31 AM, Jeremy wrote:
> We've got a few Jim. I64 eastbound in WV is silly. 1400+ foot drop in
> under 5 miles averages 5% grade, but parts are closer to 8%. I think it's
> called
> Sandstone Mountain and it gets ugly. I40 between Asheville and TN can be
> tiresome as well. I don't have any problems with the modern Monteagle on I24
> in TN, but I know people that dread it. By and large, the east coast
> grades aren't too bad, but there are several 5-10 mile spots in the
> Appalachians
> where you are in second gear in a well-maintained GMC, hiding in the truck
> lanes on an interstate as cars act like maniacs around you. If you have a
> transmission temp gauge you can see it climb and climb. Especially on a
> muggy and hot southern summer day.
>
> I'd agree that the worst are out your way, but the interstates here have
> their share, and they are all the worse for people in heavy vehicles not
> expecting them or knowing how to drive them.
> --
> Thanks,
> Jeremy Knezek
> 1976 Glenbrook
> Birmingham, AL
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293838 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 12:05 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I hear you. But since I64 is one of his options, and I know it has a tough spot, it's worth mentioning. Birmingham to Dothan is flat like a pancake. Set the cruise and forget it, so April will make me a happy man!
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293839 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 12:34 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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While I am not too familiar with I-70 east of Columbus, OH, it's
pretty flat from there to St Louis, MO.
Offhand, I'd suggest you head over to Chambersburg; pick up I-81 and
take I-81 southwest to I-70 near Hagerstown, MD; take I-70 west to
I-68 start at Hancock, MD; take I-68 west to I-79 near Morgantown, WV;
take I-79 north back to I-70 (bypassing toll road); take I-70 west to
St Louis, MO; pick up I-44 westbound just south of downtown St Louis;
then I-44 west to Springfield, MO; US-65 south to Branson.
There is a bypass (I-255) around the south side of St Louis (I-255)
that can be used to reduce your stress levels of St Louis traffic!
It intersects with I-44 about 10 miles west of downtown St Louis.
The trip west from St Louis to Branson is in the Ozark Mountains and
a few grades may get to 5 or 6 percent, but a coach in good condition
should not have a great problem. Your fuel mileage will drop in these
areas, though.
I hope I got all that correctly, but you can adjust as appropriate.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ Since 30 November '53 ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
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> Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2016 06:38:37 -0700
> To: gmclist@list.gmcnet.org
> From: jpn@replications.com
> Subject: [GMCnet] Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson
>
> Dear Friends,
>
> Looking ahead to the Branson Rally, what route would the collective recommend - taking into consideration our GMC coach (original air breathing 455
> and orig ratio trans)? Steep grades are my primary concern. Primary routes appear to be 70 or 64 from Balt/DC to Branson, Missouri.
>
> Thank you
>
> John+
> --
> John Novicki
> near Gettysburg, Pa
>
>
> Looking for Glenbrook Yellow Plaid Material
>
> '75 Glenbrook 26' "Bumble"
> '86 300SL
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| Re: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293856 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 18:47 |
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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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verg wrote on Thu, 14 January 2016 08:38Dear Friends,
Looking ahead to the Branson Rally, what route would the collective recommend - taking into consideration our GMC coach (original air breathing 455 and orig ratio trans)? Steep grades are my primary concern. Primary routes appear to be 70 or 64 from Balt/DC to Branson, Missouri.
Thank you
John+
John,
We have traversed this area on several occasions, but without a specific route, I can't be as much help as I might like.
You seem to have three choices going west.
I-76 to I-70 Through Wheeling, (Did some of this. It wasn't terrible. Pulled down into second a few times.)
I-70 to I-68 to Morgantown and then I-79,
I-81 to I-64 to Beckley...
On all of these choices, the Mountain Directory East (a book you should consider owning) is saying 5~6 miles of 5~6% in places on all three routes. There is really no problem with running with the secondaries open (aka flushing the carburetor) except the noise and the fuel. But if you are in Drive and you hit the kick down before you can see over the top, pull the lever down to second. Most of all remember that you should never go down a grade faster than you can go up it. This is why second gear does not over-run like drive, it is that way so you can engine retard and not burn out your brakes. There are places arranged to for stopping. One of those places is NOT the entrance to a truck run-off.
Second thought of advice: in my travels in that area, I have observed tow trucks waiting at the foot of some grades, sometimes with binoculars, waiting for someone to not make the grade (in the very real sense). Then they turn on the lights and go to load the guy up and take him to a waiting transmission shop. So, when you see the tow truck vultures on station, be even more conscious of what you are doing. When in doubt, Slow Down.
Maybe the people out west have higher passes, but crossing the Appalachians is not a thing to be taken lightly. The thing being, if you stick to the truck routes and stay at truck speeds, you should not have any problems. We haven't had a problem and Chaumière is nearly box stock. The only difference will be that you are somewhat heavier. Unless you have some really good reason, stay on the interstates. The coach should do just fine.
Do you have a record of how long ago (miles or years) that it was changed out? If not, consider getting that done.
=>>Note here: We have seen a lot of heathen Chin filters that have undersize tubing to the pump. Measure and compare and note the fit. Do not be afraid to take a junk part back for credit.
If you are worried at all, pull the trans stick (aka fluid level indicator).
Is the fluid there clear cherry syrup?? If yes, that is a good sign.
Does it smell burned at all?? If yes, that is a bad sign.
I am afraid I can be no more help than that. I do hope to see you in Branson.
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: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293866 is a reply to message #293825] |
Thu, 14 January 2016 20:42 |
rvanwin
Messages: 325
Registered: April 2007
Location: Battlefield, MO
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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verg wrote on Thu, 14 January 2016 07:38Dear Friends,
Looking ahead to the Branson Rally, what route would the collective recommend - taking into consideration our GMC coach (original air breathing 455 and orig ratio trans)? Steep grades are my primary concern. Primary routes appear to be 70 or 64 from Balt/DC to Branson, Missouri.
I don't know much about the routes east of St. Louis regarding grades but you have already gotten responses for those. Some do not enjoy the "hills" going from Springfield, MO down to Branson on Highway 65 and have asked me in the past how to avoid them. Those hills certainly are not long grades but they do get your attention. I live in Springfield so know the roads in that area. If you want to avoid the 4 or 5 steep hills then follow these directions when you get near Springfield.
Coming into Springfield on I-44 take Highway 65 South toward Branson. After 3 or 4 miles, exit West on James River Freeway. Take the 3rd exit (labelled Campbell Ave and may also show it as Highway 160). Turn left (South) onto Campbell Ave. Stay on this road until you get to Branson West. Note: Highway 160 will turn off this main road but do not take that turn - continue on Highway 13. Once you reach Branson West, follow the signs for Branson which will have you turning left on Highway 76.
Now, this route is slower than 65 but you will not have any steep hills.
A few things to consider doing while in the area:
Plan on Lunch or Dinner at the College of the Ozarks in Branson (Keefer Center). College of the Ozarks is an interesting College. It is a working college so all students must work their way through school. The College runs many "industries" to provide the work opportunities. The restaurant is staffed by students. Reservations probably needed during the rally timeframe. There is a museum on campus, a working grist mill, and a display of old tractors, etc. http://www.cofo.edu/ and for the restaurant: http://www.cofo.edu/
Crystal Bridges is a unique Gallery of American Art. Many go just to see the buildings and grounds but the Art collection is very good - and it is free. Good place to have lunch, also. This is in Bentonville, AR (home of Wal-Mart) so a ways from Branson but a good stop either going to or from Branson. Plus on the way, Eureka Springs is an interesting town. Roads are not too GMC friendly so plan on using a TOAD or allow plenty of time when heading that way. http://crystalbridges.org/
Bass Pro Shops in Springfield is an interesting visit. Owner has successfully turned a retail outlet into a Tourist destination. Springfield is the Mother Ship for Bass Pro (Bass Pro started in Springfield). http://www.basspro.com/
Bo's Hollow is off the beaten path but if you are into Model T's and Model A's then this is a fun place. Plan on a BBQ sandwich for lunch. Near Houston, MO so as I said, a little off the beaten path but there is camping at a State Park nearby. Limited hours so check ahead. And if you are really into Model A restoration then you can call ahead and arrange a tour of the restoration barn. http://www.bohollow.com/
CoLaw's RV Salvage is locate about 45 miles West of Springfield on I-44. They currently have two GMCs that are being parted out. http://colawrvsalvage.com/
And, if anyone needs a place to stay near Springfield, I can accommodate several GMCs for a night or two (if Margie and I are in town).
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO
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| Re: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293888 is a reply to message #293825] |
Fri, 15 January 2016 12:23 |
verg
Messages: 54
Registered: September 2006
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for your kind and considered advice.
Looking forward to attending our first national rally.
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: Route Recommendations Balt/DC to Branson [message #293911 is a reply to message #293825] |
Fri, 15 January 2016 16:50 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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I'd stretch the trip either coming or going, and run I74 between Indiananoplace and Galesburg, IL, and then run The Great River Road for a day down to 65 and then over to Branson. Don't do this if you're in a hurry though.
--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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