Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Ok, big question
| Ok, big question [message #337393] |
Sat, 29 September 2018 23:29  |
tgeiger
Messages: 518
Registered: February 2006
Location: kansas city
Karma: -1
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Ok, so I'm approaching retirement and am struggling on if I keep my GMC and put more money in her to do some trips to some National Parks, or do I sell her and get something newer with slide and more room? There are concerns on how the GMC would be on long (month plus) trips to the west and north. Was wondering what everyone felt on using the GMC on extended trips?
Thanks,
Tom
76 Eleganza 2
KCMO
Tom Geiger
76 Eleganza II
KCMO
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337395 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 00:24  |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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We camped in ours up to 2 months straiight for about 15 years each winter in Arizona and Southern California it worked ok for me but Paula would feel kind of cramped after a couple of weeks. Our friends all have bigger motor homes mostly diesel pushers it was a tough decision for me but I figured I needed to get something that we both would like. I didn't want a real big unit as we like to camp in forest service camp grounds mostly and i'm Not getting any younger so I bought a 15 year old high end diesel coach. I do miss my GMC and always will but this 32 ft Country Coach with opposing slides 8.3 Cummins and 6 speed Alison is nice too and it only has 20,ooo miles on it. You will never find any thing easier to maintain and inexpensive to repair then your GMC a lot can be said for 70's technology but sometimes it works out better to try another idea. I had planned on keeping that GMC forever but 29 years wasn't too bad. I still have my 48 Ford convert. street rod for 57 years I don't think I can part with it though giving up one hot rod was my limit. Good luck on what ever way you go.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337396 is a reply to message #337395] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 02:56 |
johnd01
Messages: 354
Registered: July 2017
Location: Sacrameot
Karma: -1
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Comes down to personal choice. I rented a 40 ft 32,000 GVW pusher with 4
slides. Loved it but there are places that 40-feet is just to hard to get
around the corner. They are 6 inches wider than the GMC as well.
There are people that can be happy in a VW Bus, my daughter and her dog
lived in one for over a year. She also lived on a 26-foot sailboat for 3
years. If you have that kind of mentality the GMC is very good and roomy.
There are also people that need to go home after about 2 months no
matter how big their rig is.
A lot of it comes down to what toys do you need to be happy and can you get
them to fit in the GMC. Some people use a towed to carry the extra stuff
and go exploring. If you go for a bigger MH a towed becomes more for
exploring, less for storage and closer to a requirement.
I do wish I had the 6-speed Alison and I feel the drive train is a little
fragile on the GMC. not that I have had any problems with it but I have
read about quite a few of them. The power to weight ratio seems better in
the GMC and if you have a good one they should be just fine for the kind of
camping you are talking about. Realize that it may drive like a car but it
will not stop like a car on a long downhill.
https://www.rvt.com/Gulf-Stream-Friendship-M8408-2003-Miramar-beach-FL-ID8224004-UX277344
This is a year older than what I rented but there is no comparison to the
liability if you are going to stay parked someplace. On the other hand, it
has a 150 gal fuel tank and gets 8 miles to the gal. If it is hot you will
still need to run the genset to provide power to the AC units. I was going
to buy one of these but getting my wife in and out of it was more than I
could do by myself. I got a GMC because it had the lowest entry I found.
https://www.rvt.com/Gulf-Stream-Friendship-M8408-2003-Miramar-beach-FL-ID8224004-UX277344
On Sat, Sep 29, 2018 at 10:48 PM roy keen wrote:
> We camped in ours up to 2 months straiight for about 15 years each winter
> in Arizona and Southern California it worked ok for me but Paula would feel
> kind of cramped after a couple of weeks. Our friends all have bigger
> motor homes mostly diesel pushers it was a tough decision for me but I
> figured I
> needed to get something that we both would like. I didn't want a real big
> unit as we like to camp in forest service camp grounds mostly and i'm Not
> getting any younger so I bought a 15 year old high end diesel coach. I do
> miss my GMC and always will but this 32 ft Country Coach with opposing
> slides 8.3 Cummins and 6 speed Alison is nice too and it only has 20,ooo
> miles on it. You will never find any thing easier to maintain and
> inexpensive to repair then your GMC a lot can be said for 70's technology
> but sometimes it works out better to try another idea. I had planned on
> keeping that GMC forever but 29 years wasn't too bad. I still have my 48
> Ford convert. street rod for 57 years I don't think I can part with it
> though
> giving up one hot rod was my limit. Good luck on what ever way you go.
>
> --
> Roy Keen
> Minden,NV
> 76 X Glenbrook
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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--
*John Phillips*
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Johnd01
John Phillips
Avion A2600 TZE064V101164
Rancho Cordova, CA (Sacramento)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337398 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 08:14 |
Richard Denney
Messages: 920
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 9
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It’s a tough question and everyone will have a personal answer.
I have made two trips to Alaska where I rented 29 and 31-foot Winnebago
Class C’s for a week-long trip. They each had a rear bedroom/head with a
slide, a front lounge with a slide, and a galley amidships. The cabover is
nice for storage, and the dry bath was nice. Fuel mileage was better than
the GMC by about 10%. Having cab doors is nice, and dash air that doesn’t
need to be redesigned to meet modern standards. The bed with walking room
around it was nice.
But the coach was hard to drive and hard to park, with a 15-foot rear
overhang and 102 inches of unrelieved boxiness. It was hard to see out of
the thing, and disconcerting that the house projected a foot out from the
cab door. No macerater, and no way to clean the black tank. The toilet
drain took a turn going into the black tank, which I discovered when I
tried to pour some ice into the black tank to clean it up, and had to just
let it sit in the toilet and melt.
Of course, if I’d had a mechanical problem, I’d be at the mercy of
services. Fortunately, I did not.
I hated the stairs getting into and out of the thing, and moving from the
cockpit to the house was more difficult than in the GMC.
I hated having to deploy the slides just to be able to move around
confortably. And I lost an expensive light meter to being crushed by the
slide.
Most of all, I hated the missing little customizations that I had installed
on the GMC. We came out of both trips missing our coach.
But our test was with a Class C of the same intended size as the GMC—travel
for two. Three was uncomfortable, and the third person had no place to sit
and enjoy the scenery while driving. Except for storage, I don’t know what
31 feet provided that was worth 8 additional feet over 23. Driving a
40-foot diesel pusher is a different experience altogether, and has to be
accepted on its own terms. I have a buddy with several motor homes, and his
large diesel rig (a Bluebird Wanderlodge) never gets used. It’s just too
big to go the places he wants to go, and too expensive to maintain.
I would suggest a test with a rental unit. It will be expensive, but still
a lot cheaper than buying one and then changing your mind.
Rick “not contemplating six-week trips, however” Denney
On Sun, Sep 30, 2018 at 12:30 AM tom geiger wrote:
> Ok, so I'm approaching retirement and am struggling on if I keep my GMC
> and put more money in her to do some trips to some National Parks, or do I
> sell her and get something newer with slide and more room? There are
> concerns on how the GMC would be on long (month plus) trips to the west and
> north. Was wondering what everyone felt on using the GMC on extended
> trips?
>
> Thanks,
> Tom
> 76 Eleganza 2
> KCMO
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Rick Denney
73 x-Glacier 230 "Jaws"
Off-list email to rick at rickdenney dot com
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337401 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 09:20 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I'm waiting on a friend to bring an Allegro Bus they no longer use up here for Paula to inspect and see if she thinks we could travel in it with our menagerie. If so, I'll negotiate. If not, we'll keep the GMC.
--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: Ok, big question [message #337407 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 10:12 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Tom,
As you can see in the sigline, we have an old and nearly original 23. We have twice done month long excursions and they were great. This is the two of us and a 70# dog. Yes, it was a bit cramped, but if you decide early on that when needed, one of you gets to monopolize the "core" while the other is patient. An ongoing issue was the dinette. Most times we carry two folding bicycles under it, but as soon as it is not occupied, it becomes the big dog's den.
So, this can be made to work if you are willing to be understanding.
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: Ok, big question [message #337408 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 10:16 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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If Paula goes along, I need space for two Border Collies, one Kuvasz, and two kittycats. The one I'm looking at belongs to a breeder, it's already setup for animals. I can easily travel with my Kuvasz in the GMC.
--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: Ok, big question [message #337411 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 10:36 |
tgeiger
Messages: 518
Registered: February 2006
Location: kansas city
Karma: -1
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Very helpfull info guys. I really am torn because I do like my GMC, but I've only used it for weekend camping at the local state parks with friends. It does seem to work for 2 of us over the weekend, just wonder how that will be over longer periods. I think we may try a longer trip to see how it works as well as possibly rent something to test that out as well before I make a decision. We do see the benefits of the GMC!
Tom
Tom Geiger
76 Eleganza II
KCMO
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337412 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 10:46 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I believe a GMC is meant to travel. SOb with slide outs is meant to camp(park). So if you want to see more things and keep moving, I would think a GMC is the way to go. If only 2 people,
That is even better as there is enough space for 2. If you plan to park a coach for longer periods and then drive out from there then the roomier slide out coach maybe an answer.
I am biased, i really love the easy driving, parking and camping the gmc has
To offer.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337414 is a reply to message #337411] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 11:20 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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Tom, Judy and I have done two 6 week trips in our 26 Foot Royale. One cross
Canada rolling rally, and One retracing old Route 66. Both times with a
small (needy) dog. Both trips were with other GMC owners in coaches. As few
as 4, as many as 12. When starting out, all was new and exciting, 5 1/2
weeks later, all was well, but, home beckoned. Guess that is about par for
the course. No problems with each other surfaced. We ate breakfast in the
coach, had lunch at some roadside attraction along the route, had combined
shared happy hour/dinner with fellow travelers where we planned the next
day's travel plans. Built in down time for laundry and girl time for hair
and manicure and pedicures. Some guy time, too. Coach maintenance, also.
Advance planning in group mode is necessary. Lone Duck can be spontaneous,
which has its benefits, too. It can be done, size of the coach matters a
bit on some roads, like the back way to Oatman, where the donkeys roam
freely.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC ROYALE 403
On Sun, Sep 30, 2018, 8:37 AM tom geiger wrote:
> Very helpfull info guys. I really am torn because I do like my GMC, but
> I've only used it for weekend camping at the local state parks with friends.
> It does seem to work for 2 of us over the weekend, just wonder how that
> will be over longer periods. I think we may try a longer trip to see how it
> works as well as possibly rent something to test that out as well before I
> make a decision. We do see the benefits of the GMC!
>
> Tom
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337415 is a reply to message #337412] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 11:40 |
Deb
Messages: 349
Registered: October 2016
Location: Logan Lake, BC
Karma: 2
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I took my first trip this summer. 6 weeks in my GMC. 26' with permanent double bed in the back, couch for sleeping an additional person, wet bath, TV, 2 people and 2 small dogs for 1/3 of it, solo with the dogs for the rest. We didn't stay in one place more than 2 days so I agree - great to travel. I had to maneuver in city traffic a few times visiting family and really appreciated the size and handling of the GMC. I have nothing to compare it to, since this is my first RV, but I can also tell you that this is the only one that appealed to me as well (a couple of the class B's were OK, but too small and too $$$$$).
I had no mechanical problems (I have a REALLY great coach - excellent PO), took mountains without any issues (considering what I was driving) - uphill sometimes slow in 2nd or 1st and downhill slow in 2nd or 1st depending on the grade - not a lot different than anything else that size I would imagine.
I found myself perfectly comfortable in the space. I don't think I would want sliders if I were going to be moving every day or 2 - I have heard of too many issues with them stuck open. If I were going to stay parked for extended periods, then it might be a bit different. But then I have the awning, picnic tables and camping chairs for the additional room I might want. Storage is always an issue, but as I become more experienced, what and how I pack will become more refined. For milk runs I now have a little Yamaha Zuma 50 to pack on the back. It will get me around fairly comfortably for most places I may need to go once I do arrive at my destination. I considered a towd, but I don't back trailers well, and wouldn't likely get much better at it!  I felt a towd wasn't the most practical option for me for alternative transport, since I will usually be moving daily and I REALLY didn't want to have to be backing up something I can't see. I won't have anyone to direct me (I am solo and the dogs are less than no help at all)
But on this maiden voyage, I didn't feel confined, cramped or awkward in the space in my coach. And someone said it - nice to be able to move around relatively easily inside during the drive when you do have to stop for a bit - coaches with sliders might be a bit cramped I imagine. After a long day of driving, it's very nice to just back into your site, plug in and you are set.
Like everyone else - it comes down to what you want to do along the way and when you get there. But it definitely works for me. Next summer I plan on a 2-3 month run out to the maritimes and back, God willin' and the creek don't rise!  .
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
GMC Alumnus
It's Bigger on the Inside!
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337419 is a reply to message #337396] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 14:37 |
<rallymaster
Messages: 361
Registered: May 2014
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I don't think you'll have a problem with the Creeks rising, they've been
peaceable Indians for many years, now, and I don't think the tribe ever
made it up to Canada. If only 1 Creek rises, you can probably just show
him or her the advantages of a GMC over a tipi and a horse.
End of today's Trivia from one of the group's few smart-asses. Long time
historical mis-understanding...creeks (small flows of running water) and
Creeks (Indian tribe)
Yes, Deb, I know you spelled it with a lower case c, but I already said I
was a smart-ass.
We took a short RV trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick a couple of
years ago, but we cheated. Flew from Portland, OR to Portland, ME, and
rented a motorhome. Enjoyed the heck out of the trip. You do the
same...Enjoy your trip. Don't bother with the airline, and please don't
shoot the smart-asses. The world needs someone safe to hate.
Surely you remember, that's why they don't send donkeys to
school...Nobody likes a smart-ass. Yeah, I know, "Don't call me Surely
(Shirley).
Ron
Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
On Sun, 30 Sep 2018 10:40:47 -0600 Deb McWade via Gmclist
writes:
(SNIPPED OUT A BUNCH)...
Next summer I plan on a 2-3 month run out to the maritimes and back,
God willin' and
the creek don't rise! ;).
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337424 is a reply to message #337419] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 15:45 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Kathy and I take two - one week trips and one - 10 - 12 day trips per year. We love to dry camp in out of the way places and state/national/forest parks that generally have length limits. While we are not yet retired (~two more years) we get around pretty much, putting an average of 4000 miles on the coach per year. We have never been in a situation where we could not take advantage of the outside areas at our campsites by using 'anti gravity' chairs etc to expand our space.
We plan to keep the GMC indefinitely and travel longer distances and longer times after we retire. We are really looking forward to being able to drive the coach to PA for our annual family visit instead of flying and will not miss airports/security/planes at all.
I know the mechanics of the coach like the back of my hand and keep up with maintenance, so I'm not worried about reliability. Stuff happens, however, and I expect we will just have to deal with it if and when it does.
We do tow a four door Chevy Tracker almost everywhere and it is handy for exploring or running errands, as well as expanding storage. It also acts as a lifeboat in case anything goes wrong with the coach. At first, we didn't think the coach had enough room for all the clothing and supplies we would need, but we have found, over ten years of ownership, that it has plenty of space for such things. Extended trips would require a trip to the laundromat once a week and a trip to the grocery store a little more often , but that shouldn't be a problem.
I guess you'll need to figure out what works best for you, but you might be surprised at how well the GMC will work for longer trip. Give it a chance before "upgrading" to something that might end up being a downgrade.
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: Ok, big question [message #337427 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 17:55 |
NextGenGMC
Messages: 146
Registered: December 2017
Location: Washington State
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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My experience traveling with our GMC is a minuscule fraction of what other folks have done here on the forum, but I thought I'd put my two cents in... We travel in our 26ft GMC with our whole family (two adults, two kids and two dogs). We are close to minimalists when it comes to camping and travel, so the GMC by comparison is just plain luxurious. We have a rear dinette setup, so it is very nice for kids to be in the back when my wife or I are preparing food in the centrally located galley. We've done several week long trips (and many extended weekends) and did not feel crammed or lacking of space at any time. On our last trip with the weather being unpredictable, we did pack the trunk of the towd with extra clothes for cold weather. On that trip we camped with our friends who had a travel trailer with them. I was surprised that all of us (7 people) had nearly all the meals inside our GMC - kids in the back, grown-ups in the front. More than enough space for everyone to be comfortable. When we made stops along the way, it was nice to just turn off the engine and be able to make coffee and relax with everyone without any hassle to deal with slide out, stairs, etc. I'm still learning what the GMC can do and at times it is stressful to think what could happen to the old drive train. But then - most of the things that could go wrong I can fix on my own and on the side of the road. That gives me some hope and inspiration to travel more. Just have to be patient and treat the old girl gently 
Vadim Jitkov
'76 Glenbrook 26'
Pullman, WA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337431 is a reply to message #337427] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 18:36 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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On 30 April 1998, I bought our 23' GMC even though we had a 1 year old 40'
diesel pusher. I didn't want to take the big rig on the ferry to Alaska.
In fact, I wanted the 23' vs the 26' because of the ferry fare. My
intention was to sell the GMC in Alaska or immediately after our return in
the Fall of '98.
The engine failure 75 miles before I got home, HER refusal to sleep in the
GMC in its as-bought condition, and the construction of a retirement home
for my folks meant that we didn't make the Alaska trip until 2000. In the
meantime, we continued to spend months at a time in Florida with the big
rig. Strangely, the GMC always "tagged along" -- so we could go to GMC
rallies. I guess that's how I got inducted into this darned cult & still
can't get out -- the big rig is long gone.
Now to the basic question: For those months at a time in Florida, we
enjoyed the big rig and SHE'd never have agreed to spend them in the little
GMC. SHE won't use a campground shower and the GMC's is admittedly
cramped, even with our rear bath Coachmen floorplan; the home-sized one in
the big rig was one of her favorite features. The fact that the bathroom
also had a washer-dryer in it helped a LOT too, as did the spacious living
room and recliners.
But, for that 4 month trip to Alaska, her only complaint was that the queen
sized bed caused the kitchen to be shut down at bedtime & forced her to
crawl to the bathroom. I had to replace that with twin beds after that
trip. Subsequent trips "all over", lasting up to a couple of months at a
time, have proven that the now long-gone big rig is not necessary -- since
we're constantly on the move, not parked in FL. We've pretty well covered
the US, from Fairbanks, AK to Key West, FL. And I don't baby it -- we
stick pretty close to the speed limit (especially since I installed the
Cad500), whatever it is. We've had perhaps more than our share of tows,
but none attributable to mistreatment -- just the age of the pieces.
If I had an inexplicable urge to "trade up", I'm positive that one look at
a window sticker, even on a Class B, would eliminate that madness
immediately. There is simply no comparison between the GMC's value per
dollar and that of ANYTHING else, especially the new ones. And from what I
read, the reliability of most of the new ones is as bad or worse than the
GMC's -- with the repair delays typically much longer and potentially much
more expensive. But personal mechanical ability plays a large part in that
parameter.
Finally, despite best intentions, those who abandon the GMC for SOB's seem
to, with rare exceptions, drift away from our cult. :-(
WE WON'T be "trading up".
Ken H.
On Sun, Sep 30, 2018 at 6:56 PM Vadim Jitkov wrote:
> My experience traveling with our GMC is a minuscule fraction of what other
> folks have done here on the forum, but I thought I'd put my two cents in...
>
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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] Ok, big question [message #337437 is a reply to message #337431] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 19:56 |
Jimmy_Bonez
Messages: 105
Registered: September 2017
Location: NH
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I won’t go into huge detail only because I cannot even come close to explaining the ins and outs of these rigs that some of the guys have. Jen and I spent 9 months straight in ours and traveled the entire perimeter of the country. Sure we could have done it with a generic box on wheels with modern mechanicals and electronics. Sure we could have just been another camper on the road. Sure we could have went without some of the trials and tribulations that come with an old rig(replaced tranny in Cali and popped the motor at 160k in Salt Lake City). But all said and done I don’t think we would have changed any of it. That’s part of the journey. We met some amazing people when we were down on our luck with repairs. People that we will never forget and continuing friendships. Plus wherever you go you’re the talk of the town which is kind of neat. Just my .02¢
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 30, 2018, at 7:36 PM, Ken Henderson wrote:
>
> On 30 April 1998, I bought our 23' GMC even though we had a 1 year old 40'
> diesel pusher. I didn't want to take the big rig on the ferry to Alaska.
> In fact, I wanted the 23' vs the 26' because of the ferry fare. My
> intention was to sell the GMC in Alaska or immediately after our return in
> the Fall of '98.
>
> The engine failure 75 miles before I got home, HER refusal to sleep in the
> GMC in its as-bought condition, and the construction of a retirement home
> for my folks meant that we didn't make the Alaska trip until 2000. In the
> meantime, we continued to spend months at a time in Florida with the big
> rig. Strangely, the GMC always "tagged along" -- so we could go to GMC
> rallies. I guess that's how I got inducted into this darned cult & still
> can't get out -- the big rig is long gone.
>
> Now to the basic question: For those months at a time in Florida, we
> enjoyed the big rig and SHE'd never have agreed to spend them in the little
> GMC. SHE won't use a campground shower and the GMC's is admittedly
> cramped, even with our rear bath Coachmen floorplan; the home-sized one in
> the big rig was one of her favorite features. The fact that the bathroom
> also had a washer-dryer in it helped a LOT too, as did the spacious living
> room and recliners.
>
> But, for that 4 month trip to Alaska, her only complaint was that the queen
> sized bed caused the kitchen to be shut down at bedtime & forced her to
> crawl to the bathroom. I had to replace that with twin beds after that
> trip. Subsequent trips "all over", lasting up to a couple of months at a
> time, have proven that the now long-gone big rig is not necessary -- since
> we're constantly on the move, not parked in FL. We've pretty well covered
> the US, from Fairbanks, AK to Key West, FL. And I don't baby it -- we
> stick pretty close to the speed limit (especially since I installed the
> Cad500), whatever it is. We've had perhaps more than our share of tows,
> but none attributable to mistreatment -- just the age of the pieces.
>
> If I had an inexplicable urge to "trade up", I'm positive that one look at
> a window sticker, even on a Class B, would eliminate that madness
> immediately. There is simply no comparison between the GMC's value per
> dollar and that of ANYTHING else, especially the new ones. And from what I
> read, the reliability of most of the new ones is as bad or worse than the
> GMC's -- with the repair delays typically much longer and potentially much
> more expensive. But personal mechanical ability plays a large part in that
> parameter.
>
> Finally, despite best intentions, those who abandon the GMC for SOB's seem
> to, with rare exceptions, drift away from our cult. :-(
>
> WE WON'T be "trading up".
>
> Ken H.
>
>> On Sun, Sep 30, 2018 at 6:56 PM Vadim Jitkov wrote:
>>
>> My experience traveling with our GMC is a minuscule fraction of what other
>> folks have done here on the forum, but I thought I'd put my two cents in...
>>
> _______________________________________________
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Jim DeMellia and Jen Radefeld and our cat Ickis
NH natives
1975 GMC “Palm Beach” ,455, her names Linda
Full time RVers exploring the beautiful and unusual parts of the country.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337441 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 20:58 |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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W bought our GMC at the end of January, 2005, right after Bob retired. We
drove it to AK from Texas twice--first time two months; second time five
months. Comfortable, with minor problems either time. In 2010, we drove
to the northeast US and on into the Maritimes, another five months. I
finally learned how to use the wet bath successfully. We attended almost
every GMCMI Convention over those years.
Bob was diagnosed with a serious illness
in 2013 and couldn't do the routine repairs required for the GMC, so we
bought a gasoline-powered SOB in January 2015--30' with two slides. Bob
likes the extra space with the slides, but the shower is no bigger than the
GMC. It's on a V10 Ford truck chassis, therefore, it rides like a truck
and the cockpit has about the same noise as our GMC. The GMC is a more
comfortable ride. There IS more storage space in the SOB, but either way,
you need to carefully plan for your needs.
We just got home from the GMCMI Amana Convention (left home 8-5 and got
home today). The last 3 nights we didn't put the slides out simply because
we would only be at the RV park overnight. We had about as much room
inside as we would have in our GMC. Using the automatic levelers and
slides really doesn't take much more time than just parking and getting set
up for overnight.
We'd rather be traveling in our GMC, but are glad the SOB keeps us on the
road. Also, when we have had the SOB in for repairs, they aren't concerned
about how long they keep it. Twice, I've called and picked it up before
they could finish repairs so we could take the trips we had planned.
Always tell them when we need it to make trips, but they don't do what they
have told us they would.
As others have said, it's your choice what works best for you. Whichever
way you go, don't let anything steal your joy.
Sandra Price
On Sep 29, 2018 11:30 PM, "tom geiger" wrote:
Ok, so I'm approaching retirement and am struggling on if I keep my GMC and
put more money in her to do some trips to some National Parks, or do I
sell her and get something newer with slide and more room? There are
concerns on how the GMC would be on long (month plus) trips to the west and
north. Was wondering what everyone felt on using the GMC on extended trips?
Thanks,
Tom
76 Eleganza 2
KCMO
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| Re: [GMCnet] Ok, big question [message #337443 is a reply to message #337441] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 21:51 |
Mike Kelley
Messages: 467
Registered: February 2017
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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Tom G.:
I bought my 1st GMC MH 5 1/2 years ago - have taken 9 round trip adventures from Peoria, IL. to Kingsland, Tx. and back, plus attended 11 GMC Motorhome International
Conventions at different locations thru out these United States. Have had two occasions where we were delayed a day due to needed repairs and two occasions to be towed for needed repairs. No other brand has the following that a GMC has, I know of no other brand that has a “Black List” that you can call for assistance when on the road, and certainly the camaraderie amongst GMCers is without equal. Also I can drive my 26’er anyplace a regular car can go - try that w/ a fancy 40’er.
You pays your money and makes your choice, but we will always be GMCers!
Mike/The Corvair a holic
P S Met my current wife at my 1st GMC MH convention also - she loves them as much as I do - just sayin!!!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Sep 30, 2018, at 8:58 PM, Sandra Price wrote:
>
> W bought our GMC at the end of January, 2005, right after Bob retired. We
> drove it to AK from Texas twice--first time two months; second time five
> months. Comfortable, with minor problems either time. In 2010, we drove
> to the northeast US and on into the Maritimes, another five months. I
> finally learned how to use the wet bath successfully. We attended almost
> every GMCMI Convention over those years.
>
> Bob was diagnosed with a serious illness
> in 2013 and couldn't do the routine repairs required for the GMC, so we
> bought a gasoline-powered SOB in January 2015--30' with two slides. Bob
> likes the extra space with the slides, but the shower is no bigger than the
> GMC. It's on a V10 Ford truck chassis, therefore, it rides like a truck
> and the cockpit has about the same noise as our GMC. The GMC is a more
> comfortable ride. There IS more storage space in the SOB, but either way,
> you need to carefully plan for your needs.
>
> We just got home from the GMCMI Amana Convention (left home 8-5 and got
> home today). The last 3 nights we didn't put the slides out simply because
> we would only be at the RV park overnight. We had about as much room
> inside as we would have in our GMC. Using the automatic levelers and
> slides really doesn't take much more time than just parking and getting set
> up for overnight.
>
> We'd rather be traveling in our GMC, but are glad the SOB keeps us on the
> road. Also, when we have had the SOB in for repairs, they aren't concerned
> about how long they keep it. Twice, I've called and picked it up before
> they could finish repairs so we could take the trips we had planned.
> Always tell them when we need it to make trips, but they don't do what they
> have told us they would.
>
> As others have said, it's your choice what works best for you. Whichever
> way you go, don't let anything steal your joy.
>
> Sandra Price
>
> On Sep 29, 2018 11:30 PM, "tom geiger" wrote:
>
> Ok, so I'm approaching retirement and am struggling on if I keep my GMC and
> put more money in her to do some trips to some National Parks, or do I
> sell her and get something newer with slide and more room? There are
> concerns on how the GMC would be on long (month plus) trips to the west and
> north. Was wondering what everyone felt on using the GMC on extended trips?
>
> Thanks,
> Tom
> 76 Eleganza 2
> KCMO
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337445 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 22:39 |
tgeiger
Messages: 518
Registered: February 2006
Location: kansas city
Karma: -1
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Senior Member |
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Great stuff guys. This is really helping. It is a good point made that this coach was initially designed to be a traveling motorhome. Because some of these trips that are getting talked about will hit several places a trip. This will fit in possibly with the other vacation accomodstion we've discovered and have done is rent a home for a week where we like to vacation for a while. I would imagine inner mixing the 2 together would work pretty well. I did select the GMC based on it reported ease of driving and accepted size for parking and camping in those smaller harder to access camping grounds, well that was the grand plan originally. So you all have confirmed my hoped that it is the one to use. Much thanks to all and I've got some work to do to get her ready!
Tom
Tom Geiger
76 Eleganza II
KCMO
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| Re: Ok, big question [message #337446 is a reply to message #337393] |
Sun, 30 September 2018 23:23 |
GatsbysCruise
Messages: 261
Registered: January 2017
Location: Waukegan, Illinois
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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I guess I am not understanding your question unless you have not kept your GMC upgraded.
The GMC seems to be running better than most of the newer units, and don't think that the newer units won't cost you for all you are worth.
You need to spend some time reading the reports about the newer SOB RVs and all the troubles they are having with them. ESPECIALLY THE UNITS WITH THE PULL OUTS. Lots of reports where those pullouts just get stuck in the out position, go off track, stop working. Just another problem to look forward to.
Of course, if you are that concerned, there are always hotels.
Being the GMC is 70's technology, they are still able to be worked on by the owners, or a shop. The SOBs brand are having problems that you have to take them in. A report I read was they took a new SOB in because it didn't run right, they had to stay there a week waiting on parts.
Just saying, The other stick and staples units are made to last 10 years at best. They shake apart just using them. The GMC is a welded frame body.
If you have been pretty loyal to keeping your GMC upgraded and running well, you shouldn't have any problem. Use the right oil to protect the slide valve lugs and you shouldn't see a problem.
Basically, you are looking at the same chances of a newer SOB falling apart as you are a GMC. The SOB's aren't put together well by the reports and the reports state that the dealers aren't singing and dancing when you bring them in for repairs or warranty.
STAY AWAY FROM CAMPING WORLD. I recently read a report that they play with the numbers and charge you double for your purchase.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wrsMU7WMuQ
As with any vehicle with a motor, and an RV has a coach with other working systems, something is bound to need attention. This goes with the GMC and SOB's.
If you are looking for a bigger coach, then you have to take your chances with finding something else out there. If you are happy with your GMC, then hold on to what you know is good.
I may sound like I am trying to talk you into staying with the GMC, but I'm not. I am being informative and passing along what I read in the trouble reports on the SOBs. Hate to see you get caught up in all that.
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO - UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
[Updated on: Sun, 30 September 2018 23:49] Report message to a moderator |
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