New Owner looking for local "Mentor" in Tampa

[TheNaughtyMonkey]

Finally took delivery of my '74 (That full story requires time and good whiskey to recount).

Hoping that there is someone here in Tampa, that can give me sort of an orientation. My coach is heavily modified, and I am still working out how to identify/use the various systems. Forensic RV scientist needed.

If anyone is familiar with it, it is Capt. Pete's old coach.

For instance, I have 7 aftermarket guages, only one of which works. Do I need them?

I have a pair of Group 27 deep cycle batteries to install for house (nothing there now). Where and how do I install them?

Tires? Local Source?

I'm a sailor, so have some familiarity with some of these systems. But, so many wires!

TIA

Simon

1974 No Idea What Model
FI-Tech, quad-bag, single tank and every cell phone booster available in 2005

 

[LarryW]

I know someone who WINTERS in Tampa. A former GMC owner, still active in GMCMI and our local chapter. If you are interested, let me know and I'd PM you with his contact info.

 

[Matt Colie]

Simon,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
Do you know the difference between a boat and an RV???
(Water can leak out of an RV.)
GMC Motorhomes International is the first link you need to set in your book marks.

GMC Assist list is also know as the Black list (named for the guy that started it.

Making contact at the list will get you started. You call your self a sailor. If you are a sailor of small boats (<100ton) then you will have no trouble understanding the coaches systems.

There is some different vocabulary you will soon catch:
A Pump Out is now a Dump and every where is Zero Discharge.
Anchoring out is now Dry Camping
Gunkholing is now Boondocking
Along Side is now an FHU site (Full Hook Up slip)

Weather is still a concern, but it should not stop you and you don't have to check the lines and fenders in the middle of the night.

Your daily range can now be 400+ miles. You still want to have a good GPS and charts (they call them maps).

Watch out among RVers, they frequently confuse the potable tank and the holding tank. And Oh Yes, sometimes potable water is still precious.

This is a helping and supportive community much like that of watermen. You should find it refreshing (I did) and there is no need to search for hidden agendas. Of the people here, the common agenda is to see to it that you get to enjoy both the coach and what she can do for you. We all know.

Your local chapter is the SunShine Statesmen. Hook up with it as soon as you can. As said, there will be help there.

As the community so reminds me of the watermen of my world, I have taken to greeting new owners much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Simon

Matt

 

[Russell]

Hello Simon the Naughty Monkey,

What part of Tampa are you in? We're in Dunedin, just west of Tampa. I'm not an expert, but we've had our GMC 5-1/2 years, so I've learned a few things. We'd be happy to get together and talk GMC. For lots of good GMC info, come to a GMC Sunshine Statesmen Rally. Check out the Rally Schedule at GMCSS.com. Come with or without the GMC if its not ready yet. There you can meet lots of GMCers full of good advice and tips to share.

The rallies this spring (2022) are:
January - Savannah, GA
February - Wekiva Falls, Sorrento, FL
March - Ocala (we're hosting)
April - Okeechobee
May - Jekyll Island, GA

This is our GMC:

russellkeith Gallery -

Individual user galleries - any photo category

www.gmcmhphotos.com

and

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Russell

 

[TheNaughtyMonkey]

Georgia is a bit aspirational at this comfort level, but Sorrento is less than 2 and a half hours. I will plan on being there, and hope to meet you.

I'm between Tampa and Brandon. Yes, I live near the Shrimp Docks.

Thank you

 

[dsmithy]

Simon,

Welcome to the group, family, cult, asylum.....
Do you know the difference between a boat and an RV???
(Water can leak out of an RV.)
GMC Motorhomes International is the first link you need to set in your book marks.

GMC Assist list is also know as the Black list (named for the guy that started it.

Making contact at the list will get you started. You call your self a sailor. If you are a sailor of small boats (<100ton) then you will have no trouble understanding the coaches systems.

There is some different vocabulary you will soon catch:
A Pump Out is now a Dump and every where is Zero Discharge.
Anchoring out is now Dry Camping
Gunkholing is now Boondocking
Along Side is now an FHU site (Full Hook Up slip)

Weather is still a concern, but it should not stop you and you don't have to check the lines and fenders in the middle of the night.

Your daily range can now be 400+ miles. You still want to have a good GPS and charts (they call them maps).

Watch out among RVers, they frequently confuse the potable tank and the holding tank. And Oh Yes, sometimes potable water is still precious.

This is a helping and supportive community much like that of watermen. You should find it refreshing (I did) and there is no need to search for hidden agendas. Of the people here, the common agenda is to see to it that you get to enjoy both the coach and what she can do for you. We all know.

Your local chapter is the SunShine Statesmen. Hook up with it as soon as you can. As said, there will be help there.

As the community so reminds me of the watermen of my world, I have taken to greeting new owners much as a new owner or vessel is welcomed there. So,

May the Good Lord bless this coach and all those that set forth within her.

Welcome Simon

Matt

Matt,
I laughed out loud at your welcome post, particularly the vocabulary lesson and the weather caution, though I'm pretty sure my GMC is without lines and fenders (of the nautical kind). Well done.

 

[Matt Colie]

Doug,
I include that with sailors because we have all done the mid-night security checks when a blow comes along.
It is just a part of the life.
Matt