Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Best update or improvement you have done to your coach.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345386 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 06:47   |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
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On 16.07.19 13:16, tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist wrote:
> What would be, in your opinion the single best improvement or update you've made to your coach?
> --
A 200Ah LiFePo4 battery coupled with a Victron Energy Multiplus
Charger/Inverter.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP KeyID: 0x4196BF22
'76a 26' Eleganza II - Virginia, US
'73 23' Sequoia - Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345387 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 06:49 |
Dolph Santorine
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
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#1 Macerator Pump
#2 2 kW Xantrex Inverter/Charger
Dolph
DE AD0LF
Wheeling, West Virginia
1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Manny Transmission
“The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
> On Jul 16, 2019, at 7:16 AM, tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist wrote:
>
> What would be, in your opinion the single best improvement or update you've made to your coach?
> --
> Rich Mondor,
>
> Brockville, ON
>
> 77 Hughes 2600
>
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345391 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 08:25 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
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6cuda6 wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 07:16What would be, in your opinion the single best improvement or update you've made to your coach?
Rich,
I asked this question in the discussion group at the first international we attended only a little of....
The answer then was,"that very much depends on how you (plan to) use the coach."
Well we now know how we are using the coach, and the first answer is not at all use dependent.
First by a wide margin is the "Reaction Arms" on the four rear brakes. That changed things from trying real hard to make a controlled stop to nearly the equivalent of tossing out a very heavy anchor on a short piece of chain..... (What that AH in the little car ahead just did is no longer a white knuckle time.) This is a true and all time winner.
Second, but not all that close behind is the fly wheel trigger Pertronix on the Onan. It now runs so nicely that all I have to do is take care of it.
Yours is a 77, so you can't upgrade the distributor easily, but I put Pertronix in my '73 too and a (period accurate) Delta MkXb CDI and opened the plugs up to 0.060. Makes for nice running.
Third, but very close to then second is the electronically controlled fan I have now not only comes on and off when needed/wanted but is quieter than the stock.
I'm not really sure where this one belongs, but dumping the "Buzz Box" converter allows me to:
A - Keep the house bank both charged and
B - For years longer (Saves a lot of Money) and
C - Makes the required water tending much less an issue.
This last not count as a actual upgrade because if you are willing to put up with what is there, it can work. The Progressive Dynamics converter just saves you time, money and work.
I don't have a macerator/pump, but my home dump is next to my driveway. Where it not, I might consider this.
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: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345392 is a reply to message #345388] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 08:31 |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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For me, it definitely was the 3:70 final drive. No cosmetic changes, of
which there have been many, do much for the drivability of the coach. If
you enjoy yours more when it is parked than when you are driving it, than
that probably figures into what pleases you more, I guess. I love seeing
what is on the other side of that next rise in the ground, I love to long
distance travel.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
On Tue, Jul 16, 2019, 5:12 AM Justin Brady via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> +1 for Macerator pump
> Followed by fuel injection.
> --
> Justin Brady
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345393 is a reply to message #345392] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 08:48 |
Will Albers
Messages: 183
Registered: November 2017
Location: Detroit MI (Belleville)
Karma: 2
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I'm with Matt on the Onan Pertronix. Biggest bang for the buck so far. He
strongly recommended it to me, and im glad he did.
We use our coach for the kids (2&4), family visits and weekend camping.
Their comfort equates to my comfort. Therefore the installation of a
television, sound system and media server/wi fi that runs on 12v keeps them
quiet. A new AC that runs off of a 15amp circuit keeps them cool when at
homes lacking a 30 or 50 amp
On Tue, Jul 16, 2019 at 9:31 AM James Hupy via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> For me, it definitely was the 3:70 final drive. No cosmetic changes, of
> which there have been many, do much for the drivability of the coach. If
> you enjoy yours more when it is parked than when you are driving it, than
> that probably figures into what pleases you more, I guess. I love seeing
> what is on the other side of that next rise in the ground, I love to long
> distance travel.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Or
>
> On Tue, Jul 16, 2019, 5:12 AM Justin Brady via Gmclist gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
>
>> +1 for Macerator pump
>> Followed by fuel injection.
>> --
>> Justin Brady
>> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
>> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345395 is a reply to message #345388] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 09:06 |
Dolph Santorine
Messages: 1236
Registered: April 2011
Location: Wheeling, WV
Karma: -41
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Justin:
Considering how I like to drive it, the Fuel Injection is way up there, too.
How about three #1’s? Macerator. Pure Sine Inverter. Fuel Injection. In any order you choose.
Matt’s comments are spot on, too.
Dolph
DE AD0LF
Wheeling, West Virginia
1977 26’ ex-PalmBeach
Howell EFI & EBL, Reaction Arms, Manny Transmission
“The Aluminum and Fiberglass Mistress"
> On Jul 16, 2019, at 8:09 AM, Justin Brady via Gmclist wrote:
>
> +1 for Macerator pump
> Followed by fuel injection.
> --
> Justin Brady
> http://www.thegmcrv.com/
> 1976 Palm Beach 455
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345396 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 09:13 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Floating the brake backing plates on the rear 4 wheels - what GMCers call reaction arms. Makes for safer stopping without flat-spotting the tires.
--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: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345398 is a reply to message #345396] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 09:56 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Interesting responces....our goal is to drive this unit....alot!! Lol....
Interesting that #1 so far is the macerator (which mine doesnt have).
The buzz box will eventually go as it drives my wife nuts but being a Hughes coach this buzz box has living area fuses in it unlike the GMC setup.....going to be much harder just to swap without adding a seperate fuse block (not a bad thing i guess)
Reaction arms look interesting....trying to find a used set (im cheap and how much does this stuff really get used anyways) is gonna be hard.
Keep the info coming folks....very very interesting.
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345400 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 10:06 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
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6cuda6 wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 07:16What would be, in your opinion the single best improvement or update you've made to your coach?
For me if forced to pick #1 it would be Howell Fuel Injection with EBL and its other bells and whistles.
After that the next best things, that I would hate to be without, would be in no particular order:
-Macerator
-Custom Instrument Panels -dash
-Automatic Generator transfer switch
-Alcoa wheels
-tankless water heater supplement to the OEM heater (makes camping at Walmart nicer)
-Samlex America (SEC1250UL) 50 Amp Battery Charger
-Samlex America 2000 watt inverter wired to key outlets via automatic switch
-Dave Lenzi's sensitized brake booster
-Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C Hardwired Electrical Management System
-507 TST Tire Pressure Monitoring System from Truck System Technologies
-Always on Backup Camera system with 3 cameras
-Bogart Engineering TC-2025-RV battery monitor
and dozens more.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345401 is a reply to message #345400] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 10:50 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
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rjw wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 11:066cuda6 wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 07:16What would be, in your opinion the single best improvement or update you've made to your coach?
For me if forced to pick #1 it would be Howell Fuel Injection with EBL and its other bells and whistles.
After that the next best things, that I would hate to be without, would be in no particular order:
-Macerator
-Custom Instrument Panels -dash
-Automatic Generator transfer switch
-Alcoa wheels
-tankless water heater supplement to the OEM heater (makes camping at Walmart nicer)
-Samlex America (SEC1250UL) 50 Amp Battery Charger
-Samlex America 2000 watt inverter wired to key outlets via automatic switch
-Dave Lenzi's sensitized brake booster
-Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C Hardwired Electrical Management System
-507 TST Tire Pressure Monitoring System from Truck System Technologies
-Always on Backup Camera system with 3 cameras
-Bogart Engineering TC-2025-RV battery monitor
and dozens more.
Oh and one other thing. My new heated and air conditioned GMC Motorhome garage (still a work in progress but my GMC is now living in it) should be on the list. No more working on the coach outside in all weather conditions.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345406 is a reply to message #345401] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 11:27 |
Deb
Messages: 349
Registered: October 2016
Location: Logan Lake, BC
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Not having had her that long, and still working out what I HAVE, my contribution is short. Haven't had the opportunity to do any of my own, but the things that my PO did that I am grateful for....
1. Macerator - can't believe that a lot of SOB folk have not heard of that. Often get a strange look when I'm dumping, then occasionally wistful when I'm done and pulling away and they are still getting connected.
2. IntelliPower Converter - I am in a part of the country that for 5-6 months, she has to sit (mountains of BC) under a tarp (no garage). With this I can just plug in and the converter keeps her in maintenance all winter long. 2 springs in a row now, after 5 months of sitting, turned the key and fired right up. No pulling the batteries (which I just can't do myself) or disconnect the negative and hope they still don't freeze up in the -35C that can come (and does) or slog through the snow to plug in to charge them up once a month.
3. EBL EFI that I am still figuring out.
Wish list:
- reaction arm brakes
- 1 ton front end
- update the air-bags (haven't decided which system I would prefer)
- and, and, and....
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
GMC Alumnus
It's Bigger on the Inside!
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| Re: [GMCnet] Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345409 is a reply to message #345398] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 12:21 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
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Senior Member |
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On 16.07.19 16:56, tonka6cuda6--- via Gmclist wrote:
> Keep the info coming folks....very very interesting.
Another thing that we like a lot is our Separett Weekend 7010, that I've
installed in our 23'.
Thinking about the fact that macerators are No 1, and we have the above,
it seems that taking care of dumping is the real issue :-D
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP KeyID: 0x4196BF22
'76a 26' Eleganza II - Virginia, US
'73 23' Sequoia - Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345422 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 19:49 |
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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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Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40Split radiator shroud
Dual alternator belts pulley
Pertroix on Onan
Macerator
Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03Ken,
Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it is a top upgrade?
-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
Dave,
Ken slipped this down from the "Best Update" thread, I'm going to take you both back there.
I had not even thought about that. That was the end of a long development program for me that was all about stopping the alternator squeal.
When I found out that after two nights of dry camping with electric refrigeration the poor little supposed to be 80Amp Delco 27SI can do more than it is rated to do if you have the GC2 house bank in the front and nice heavy conductors. (I actually measured 98+ with a Bell current probe and a Fluke 87 - in case there are doubts.) The simple fact is that an alternator for a 12V nominal system will destroy a single belt at a 100 amp load.
As this was something I was very well familiar with from the boat work of converting retired racing sloops to be Performance Cruisers. (They all wanted more house electric.) I though long an hard about the cure that I often used then, but that was a programmable current limiting regulator that sure would solve the issue, but they cost me about 400$us each. The new belt I needed anyway, so I bought 2 and a 10$ double sheave.
It was almost too simple to be listed as a serious mod.
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: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345423 is a reply to message #345422] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 19:57 |
6cuda6
Messages: 975
Registered: June 2019
Karma: -6
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Senior Member |
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Matt Colie wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 20:49Ken Burton wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 16:40Split radiator shroud
Dual alternator belts pulley
Pertroix on Onan
Macerator
Dave Stragand wrote on Tue, 16 July 2019 18:03Ken,
Can you tell us more about the dual alternator belt pulley and why it is a top upgrade?
-Dave
1978 Transmode near Pittsburgh
Dave,
Ken slipped this down from the "Best Update" thread, I'm going to take you both back there.
I had not even thought about that. That was the end of a long development program for me that was all about stopping the alternator squeal.
When I found out that after two nights of dry camping with electric refrigeration the poor little supposed to be 80Amp Delco 27SI can do more than it is rated to do if you have the GC2 house bank in the front and nice heavy conductors. (I actually measured 98+ with a Bell current probe and a Fluke 87 - in case there are doubts.) The simple fact is that an alternator for a 12V nominal system will destroy a single belt at a 100 amp load.
As this was something I was very well familiar with from the boat work of converting retired racing sloops to be Performance Cruisers. (They all wanted more house electric.) I though long an hard about the cure that I often used then, but that was a programmable current limiting regulator that sure would solve the issue, but they cost me about 400$us each. The new belt I needed anyway, so I bought 2 and a 10$ double sheave.
It was almost too simple to be listed as a serious mod.
Matt
Part numbers and pics or it didnt happen..... 
Rich Mondor,
Brockville, ON
77 Hughes 2600
[Updated on: Tue, 16 July 2019 19:57] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Best update or improvement you have done to your coach. [message #345430 is a reply to message #345385] |
Tue, 16 July 2019 21:30 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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For me #1, and second most expensive (the most expensive was the engine/transmission rebuild) would have to be the six wheel disc brake/Chuck Aulgur reaction arm system. The confidence this system gives me in mountains (disc brakes) and city (reaction arm) was worth every penny.
There have been lots of others, in no particular order:
Engine rebuild with Jim B "Kryptonite" cam
Transmission rebuild with all heavy duty components
3.70 limited slip final drive
Solar battery charging
Dave Lenzi hubs, knuckles, bearings
Norcold 643.3 fridge
The list goes on and on.
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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