Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey?
[GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 09:57 |
Tony
Messages: 59 Registered: January 2016
Karma: 0
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Great advice from everyone on big to small issues with these motorhomes. I
have been looking for a while and finally bit the bullet. Now, I just need
to get it home.
It appears to be in good shape, the seller drove it about 150 miles and it
has been well cared for and used frequently. It is a 1978 Eleganza with
about 100k on it, new tires, airbag in working order (not sure how old).
The only major thing I am aware of is that the generator will not start, a
recent issue according to the seller who I believe to be a standup guy,
honest and candid. For the trip home, I am less concerned about that. For
what it is worth, it is a 403CID, not the 455.
I am wondering what spares I should bring along. Also, if I am not
mistaken, these would be all SAE fasteners?
Belts
Batteries
Fuses
Hoses (fuel, radiator, heater, vacuum, etc.)
Multimeter
Compressor
Fuel filter (where is this on the coach?)
Air filter
PCV ??
Anything else missing besides an attractive, female co-pilot, possibly
mechanically inclined?
I.
Can't.
Wait!!!
T
ony
B
Watkinsville, GA
1978 Eleganza
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295640 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 10:08 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117 Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Read here and take your pick
http://gmcmotorhome.info/SPARES.html
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Tony wrote:
> Great advice from everyone on big to small issues with these motorhomes. I
> have been looking for a while and finally bit the bullet. Now, I just need
> to get it home.
>
> It appears to be in good shape, the seller drove it about 150 miles and it
> has been well cared for and used frequently. It is a 1978 Eleganza with
> about 100k on it, new tires, airbag in working order (not sure how old).
> The only major thing I am aware of is that the generator will not start, a
> recent issue according to the seller who I believe to be a standup guy,
> honest and candid. For the trip home, I am less concerned about that. For
> what it is worth, it is a 403CID, not the 455.
>
> I am wondering what spares I should bring along. Also, if I am not
> mistaken, these would be all SAE fasteners?
>
> Belts
> Batteries
> Fuses
> Hoses (fuel, radiator, heater, vacuum, etc.)
> Multimeter
> Compressor
> Fuel filter (where is this on the coach?)
> Air filter
> PCV ??
>
> Anything else missing besides an attractive, female co-pilot, possibly
> mechanically inclined?
>
> I.
> Can't.
> Wait!!!
>
>
> T
> ony
> B
> Watkinsville, GA
> 1978 Eleganza
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295641 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 10:15 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913 Registered: October 2012 Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Jim Bound's recommended roadkit with some additions by Jeff Sirum and others:
Alternator Belt
Power Steering Belt
A/C Belt
Distributor Module (Delco D1906)
Distributor Coil (Standard DR32T)
Distributor Pick-up (Delco D1907X)
3/8 Barrier Fuel Hose
4 Carburetor Fuel Filters (NAPA 3048) - be sure to fire the motor up after the filter has been replaced-- with the air cleaner off and watch for a leak
2 Carb Filter Nylon Gaskets (Dorman 55143 kit / AC Delco 7024281)
Radiator Hose - upper
Radiator Hose - lower
Radiator Stop-Leak
Governor Gear
3/8 Compression Union
Fix-O-Flat
Alternator (Wilson 7157M)
Starter - O'Reilly Ozark Ultima # 03-0362
3/4 Heater Hose
Oil
Antifreeze
Transmission Fluid containing DEXRON (Kendall Classic ATF)
8-ton stubby jack & handle
Blocking
Wheel Chocks
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295642 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 10:21 |
77Royale
Messages: 461 Registered: June 2014 Location: Mid Michigan
Karma: 6
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Charged up Cell phone
AAA card
Credit Card
Copy of the Black List
Enjoy the ride.
See what spares if any come with the coach. The filters and belts and such are getting a bit harder to get "off the shelf" at some parts stores. If your super concerned, get all the spares from autozone or some place similar online, A few places ship for free if you spend over 100 bucks. Drop ship them to the current seller as they will all be packed in a nice box and you can throw it in the coach for the ride back.
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295643 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 10:31 |
Gadabout
Messages: 124 Registered: March 2013 Location: Edmonton
Karma: 2
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Hi Tony,
Spares are great, but when dealing with an unknown history, I find that a pre-trip inspection and correcting any questionable items will make for a less stressful trip.
Here are problems I have had when transporting a GMC
- Ruptured Water heater preheat lines. As with all rubber hose, if these lines fail you will lose your engine coolant. Bypass is simple , requires 3/4 line ands hose clamps.
- Ruptured engine oil cooling line - inspect these before you hit the road, if they are brittle or show signs of wear, consider replacing . They are thought to bypass on the highway.
- Defective airbag, carry a spare. If the GMC does not have an isolation kit, pick up some Schrader valves and bushings . You can then isolate easily in the event of a airline or compressor problem.
- Transmission, have a shop change the filter before you hit the road.
- Engine oil and filter , should be changed.
- Brake vacuum check valve at the master booster, under $10. Easy to change. Do this befire you hit the road.
- Put in some water pump lubricant and carry some rad stop leak .
- spare belts, hoses, hose clamps, etc
- AAA card for free towing.
Good luck, let us know how the trip goes.
Carl Harr : Driver NASCAR Pro Series #2
1978 Gadabout-Restoring
1978 Palm Beach
1976 Glenbrook
Prevost Featherlite H3-45
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295646 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 11:37 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547 Registered: March 2007 Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Tony,
Welcome to the group, family, cult, aslyum...
You have good advice here, but the most valuable thing that you can have is right here.
Carry a black (aka GMC Assist list), download the most recent at Bdub's.
You should also join FMCA (the parent organization), GMCMI (access to lots of information) and Dixielanders (your local chapter) and this will still cost less than a tank of fuel.
A relief driver and/or navigator would make the run much less stressful.
Do you have a laptop and a copy of Street Atlas?
A smartphone with Gasbuddy loaded?
If you want/need to know more about this, contact me PM with a phone number and a best time to call.
To many people here, 1200+ still qualifies as a beer run.
They may be old, but there is no reason to not expect reliability if the unit has been effectively maintained.
In 2014 we ran near 12k miles and broke a drawer guide. That is more the rule than the exception.
Will the APU (genset) start from the outside control? If yes, then the problem is truly minor.
You will soon learn that the GMC is more than just another toy. It will tie you to a community that is both rare and amazing. The best way to annoy them is to ask for advice and then ignore people that have mega-miles under them. This group and the GMC will come to be a part of your life that you will enjoy. We have a number of members that have had to give up the GMC, but still stay associated. The only other group I know that is like this is the watermen that are my world, and for that reason, I have taken to welcoming new owners as a new owner or vessel would be welcomed there. So,
May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth withing her.
Welcome Tony
Matt
Tony wrote on Wed, 17 February 2016 10:57Great advice from everyone on big to small issues with these motorhomes. I have been looking for a while and finally bit the bullet. Now, I just need to get it home.
It appears to be in good shape, the seller drove it about 150 miles and it has been well cared for and used frequently. It is a 1978 Eleganza with
about 100k on it, new tires, airbag in working order (not sure how old). The only major thing I am aware of is that the generator will not start, a
recent issue according to the seller who I believe to be a standup guy, honest and candid. For the trip home, I am less concerned about that. For
what it is worth, it is a 403CID, not the 455.
I am wondering what spares I should bring along. Also, if I am not mistaken, these would be all SAE fasteners?
Belts
Batteries
Fuses
Hoses (fuel, radiator, heater, vacuum, etc.)
Multimeter
Compressor
Fuel filter (where is this on the coach?)
Air filter
PCV ??
Anything else missing besides an attractive, female co-pilot, possibly
mechanically inclined?
I.
Can't.
Wait!!!
Tony
B
Watkinsville, GA
1978 Eleganza
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: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295653 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 12:11 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726 Registered: March 2004 Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Tony,
Welcome to the cult! Especially the GA chapter. :-)
If you said, I missed it: Where are you picking up the coach? That will
give us an idea of how many GMCers' stomping grounds you'll be passing
through.
The only thing I have to add to the recommendations (which are far more
than I had on my initial, interrupted by an engine change, trip home from
W. Texas in '98) is this: DO sign up for road service. I was lucky to have
RVRoadHelp (a division of Allstate) coverage for that original trip. And
several times since, including for the 384 mile tow from Tupelo, MS during
our last trip to the W. Coast.
Be sure to join Dixielanders & GMCMI ASAP. We'll expect you to stop by on
the way to Dothan in April -- perhaps caravan the rest of the way with us
(even if the route from Watkinsville to here is "cain't git there from
here".
If I can help with some of the little bit of knowledge I've gained since
'98, call me at (229) nine thirty-eight 27 ninety-seven.
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 10:57 AM, Tony wrote:
> Great advice from everyone on big to small issues with these motorhomes. I
> have been looking for a while and finally bit the bullet. Now, I just need
> to get it home.
>
> It appears to be in good shape, the seller drove it about 150 miles and it
> has been well cared for and used frequently. It is a 1978 Eleganza with
> about 100k on it, new tires, airbag in working order (not sure how old).
> The only major thing I am aware of is that the generator will not start, a
> recent issue according to the seller who I believe to be a standup guy,
> honest and candid. For the trip home, I am less concerned about that. For
> what it is worth, it is a 403CID, not the 455.
>
> I am wondering what spares I should bring along. Also, if I am not
> mistaken, these would be all SAE fasteners?
>
> Belts
> Batteries
> Fuses
> Hoses (fuel, radiator, heater, vacuum, etc.)
> Multimeter
> Compressor
> Fuel filter (where is this on the coach?)
> Air filter
> PCV ??
>
> Anything else missing besides an attractive, female co-pilot, possibly
> mechanically inclined?
>
> I.
> Can't.
> Wait!!!
>
>
> T
> ony
> B
> Watkinsville, GA
> 1978 Eleganza
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295656 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 13:17 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412 Registered: May 2011 Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Watkinsville? My ophthalmologist vet (Charlie Martin DVM) is there, we're right down the way in Braselton. Welcome to the cult.
--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] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295657 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 13:30 |
JohnL455
Messages: 4447 Registered: October 2006 Location: Woodstock, IL
Karma: 12
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Check all fluids levels and condition and rubber items before leaving. As far as the transmission filter mentioned earlier above, most new filters come from China and have caused problems including ruining transmissions by sucking air. Check the Dexron level engine warm and running in park. If there is no dipstick extender kit, remove the hatch and the stick is on the left side. This filter replacement is best left to someone who has been through the China syndrome. I think greasing all the fittings front and rear should be done before every significant trip especially since it could have been years. I would carry one unit of each type fluid on board. Inflate all tires. 62-64 is considered a good starting point. Set air to travel auto and confirm it is working.
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295658 is a reply to message #295643] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 13:48 |
GMC Cruse
Messages: 606 Registered: June 2009 Location: SE Michigan
Karma: 3
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Tony:
Gadabout gives some good advise. Do an inspection of the various components before starting on your trip. Also, ask the PO what is different from stock.
My GMC quit on I-17 north of Phoenix. Found a broken alternator belt and had plenty of battery but it wouldn't restart. Luckily, I knew that the electric fuel pump was powered off the alternator connection on the isolator. Moved the connection to an always hot connection to get the GMC off I-17 to a school parking lot where I could safely put on a spare belt.
Also, in addition to the factory fuel filter at the carb, the PO had installed two others. One was after the fuel selector valve before the electric fuel pump. Also, had a canister type on the outside frame rail in front of the right front tire. I didn't have any clogged filter problems, but if I did and only had the one for the carb, I would have been SOL.
Mike K.
'75 PB
Southeast Michigan
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295663 is a reply to message #295658] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 17:28 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005 Registered: August 2004 Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Lots of very good advice. RV towing service a must. Black List a must. Credit card a necessary evil.
Drive it like you own it, as you do.
Seriously, Worry with Mr. Onan another time. Just get her home.
Tom, MS II. On the Black List, if you are using I-10
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295665 is a reply to message #295639] |
Wed, 17 February 2016 19:18 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030 Registered: January 2004 Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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I have transported many coaches cross country for people over the years and anything you carry for spares will definitely will not break the way along. Since I was usually traveling one way by air I always carried the minimum amount of stuff on the plane and seldom used any of it.
3/8" drive socket set
set of box end wrenches
combination screwdriver.
set of combination pliers
Multi-meter
$1.00 combiner (2 alligator clips on a piece of 14 or 16 ga. wire)
small roll of electrical and duct tape.
spare fuel filter to go in the front of the carb
spare ignition module and spare ignition coil
Maybe a spare alternator belt though I have never needed one. The other two belts you can get by without until you drive to an auto parts store in the next few days.
Almost anything that might break can be bought locally along the way and if it is a major item you are not going to fix it along side of the road any way.
Here is a list of items I have replaced or repaired on other peoples coaches that I drove cross country.
1. Master cylinder leak. I bought a replacement one at AZ along the way but never installed it. I just kept adding brake fluid to the installed one as needed.
2. Blown ignition module on two different coaches.
3. Repaired broken gas line at input side of the fuel pump.
4. Replaced multiple fuel filters on different coach due to a rusty gas tank
5. Repair broken heater hose.
6. Replace coolant control valve for the cabin heater with a ball valve from Home Depot. It was winter with snow on the ground and I needed cabin heat.
7. Repair rusted through brake line in an Auto Zone parking lot.
8. Replaced several light bulbs and one headlight.
That is about it for the 15 or 20 different coaches that I moved an average of about 2000 miles on each trip.
Do a good pre-trip inspection. Fix anything you find wrong. If you want to change oil and filter that is up to you. It is a easy job, but I never did on one I was transporting. Look at and smell the trans fluid. If it looks and smells OK, then leave it alone until you get home.
Enjoy the trip.
Do not worry about carrying a lot of spares. You will probably never use them.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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Re: [GMCnet] What spares are advised for a 1200 mile journey? [message #295686 is a reply to message #295639] |
Thu, 18 February 2016 09:50 |
dwayne jacobson[1]
Messages: 345 Registered: July 2009
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Please remove Dwayne Jacobson from your mailing list. He passed away at
4:20am February 16, 2016 after a valiant 7 month battle with Mesothelioma.
A celebration of his life will be Saturday February 20, 2016 at 2pm at Life
Church 2265 152 St, Surrey, BC V4A 4P1
All who knew my dad are welcome to come.
Thank you,
Shannon Jacobson-Mischuk
Dwayne's daughter.
On Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 7:57 AM, Tony wrote:
> Great advice from everyone on big to small issues with these motorhomes. I
> have been looking for a while and finally bit the bullet. Now, I just need
> to get it home.
>
> It appears to be in good shape, the seller drove it about 150 miles and it
> has been well cared for and used frequently. It is a 1978 Eleganza with
> about 100k on it, new tires, airbag in working order (not sure how old).
> The only major thing I am aware of is that the generator will not start, a
> recent issue according to the seller who I believe to be a standup guy,
> honest and candid. For the trip home, I am less concerned about that. For
> what it is worth, it is a 403CID, not the 455.
>
> I am wondering what spares I should bring along. Also, if I am not
> mistaken, these would be all SAE fasteners?
>
> Belts
> Batteries
> Fuses
> Hoses (fuel, radiator, heater, vacuum, etc.)
> Multimeter
> Compressor
> Fuel filter (where is this on the coach?)
> Air filter
> PCV ??
>
> Anything else missing besides an attractive, female co-pilot, possibly
> mechanically inclined?
>
> I.
> Can't.
> Wait!!!
>
>
> T
> ony
> B
> Watkinsville, GA
> 1978 Eleganza
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Dwayne Jacobson
White Rock BC
Cell: 604-Six Four Four 8090
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