Goooood mornin' GMCers

[jmoosie]

,Jmoosie here. So after shopping, studying and perusing GMC's for years my wife and I pulled the trigger on a 78 Royale a very few weeks ago. We found it lurking in NC. Story has it that prior to it came from AR. It might be loosely considered a survivor as the interior is mostly original and in pretty good condition, although a bit dated. The cockpit seats and dash pad have been updated. The exterior has had a few attempts at repainting, paint upgrades and repairs. It needs a complete refresh which fortunately I am in a good place to detail and repaint the whole thing. Woohoo.
Long term plans for the interior include lightening up some of the colors to make it brighter, adding some faux suede surfaces and some TLC on those beautiful walnut doors and drawer fronts. They are all in GREAT condition. I also have several HUGE slabs of walnut that I cut from a friends back yard, some of which will find a new home some where in the GMC.
I'm sure the entire electrics/electronics is going to need plenty of attention. I'm interested in some of the ideas Sailor Man has about heating and cooling and I've read in depth Mr. Mike_H's story about his coach. Man, his attention to detail is second to none. Sure does inspire me, although his knowledge of electronics far surpasses mine so I'll have to crawl for awhile when it some to that area.
Enough of my blathering on, I have to go get my hands dirty working on something.
Ya'll take care

 

[Christo]

,Jmoosie here. So after shopping, studying and perusing GMC's for years my wife and I pulled the trigger on a 78 Royale a very few weeks ago. We found it lurking in NC. Story has it that prior to it came from AR. It might be loosely considered a survivor as the interior is mostly original and in pretty good condition, although a bit dated. The cockpit seats and dash pad have been updated. The exterior has had a few attempts at repainting, paint upgrades and repairs. It needs a complete refresh which fortunately I am in a good place to detail and repaint the whole thing. Woohoo.
Long term plans for the interior include lightening up some of the colors to make it brighter, adding some faux suede surfaces and some TLC on those beautiful walnut doors and drawer fronts. They are all in GREAT condition. I also have several HUGE slabs of walnut that I cut from a friends back yard, some of which will find a new home some where in the GMC.
I'm sure the entire electrics/electronics is going to need plenty of attention. I'm interested in some of the ideas Sailor Man has about heating and cooling and I've read in depth Mr. Mike_H's story about his coach. Man, his attention to detail is second to none. Sure does inspire me, although his knowledge of electronics far surpasses mine so I'll have to crawl for awhile when it some to that area.
Enough of my blathering on, I have to go get my hands dirty working on something.
Ya'll take care

Welcome to the Forum and best wishes on your GMCMH journey!

 

[bdub]

Welcome to the family!

For the purpose of locating and keeping track of all Classic GMC Motorhomes.

Please fill out and submit the online form at www.gmcmhregistry.com/contact/form.html

(There are currently over 9,134 GMCs accounted for)


Find the VIN tag is on the firewall behind the passenger side hood.

Or on the inner glove box door tag.

Or on the title.


* Note about the Build Date of your GMC: From the decal on the inside of the glove box door - look for a number on the top line just left of center, similar to "032174". This example indicates the build date as March 21st, 1974. *


I'll reply with history I know about your GMC.


Thank you

Billy Massey

The GMC Motorhome Registry

www.gmcmhregistry.com

 

[jmoosie]

Thanks bdub, info filed. Unfortunately the build sheet is long gone.
We're sure eager to start this new chapter of our adventures.

 

[bdub]

Lots of archived info and great links at bdub.net.

 

[Kendra]

Jmoosie, a warm welcome! I'm a relatively new owner (2022) and have had a blast driving locally and long distance. A few challenges on the road but have never been let down (my dad taught me the basics, I'm familiar with cars from that era and carry essential tools). Great looking coach you have.

 

[jmoosie]

Jmoosie, a warm welcome! I'm a relatively new owner (2022) and have had a blast driving locally and long distance. A few challenges on the road but have never been let down (my dad taught me the basics, I'm familiar with cars from that era and carry essential tools). Great looking coach you have.

Hey Kendra, thanks for the welcome. So I'm interested in hearing about what prompted you to start down this GMC path. For myself I have a long history in engineering and I truly appreciate the thought that has gone into these rigs. It makes me smile too reading so many of the update and restoration projects. These coaches continue to attract people that think outside the box.
I'd also like to know your opinion on the Victron house electrical and any details you may know about your curved solar panel. My coach has a flat panel that does a job but I want to clean up the profile and a panel like yours would help.
Thanks again Kendra.

 

[Kendra]

I saw magazine ads for GMC Motorhomes when they were new (Scientific American - my dad's subscription) and a few parked in front of a dealership in Everett WA (north of Seattle). I considered buying a Sprinter-based RV but backed away after doing the math - realized I'd get more enjoyment spending time and money on something that doesn't depreciate like a rock. My most reliable vehicles are decades old - fix with basic tools.

The community here was key to my decision. I read many posts and joined GMCMI before I found what I bought. Searched nationwide. Here's my first drive.

If Victron electronics fits your budget, don't hesitate. Other components I recommend are Spartan Power cables (assembled in Nevada), Blue Sea doodads, and LiTime batteries (cost-effective and reliable). I bring three Victron-equipped vehicles to Burning Man - this GMC, a Freightliner M2-106 truck and an infrastructure trailer - 6,500 panel watts to operate a theme camp without any generators. These Victron components have handled corrosive playa dust with bulletproof reliability where I've seen others equipped with sketchy electronics fail within a few days.

I need to upgrade my 2022 panels to newer CIGS technology. CIGS has less power loss at partial sun angles - ideal for a curve.

 

[sailor man]

,Jmoosie here. So after shopping, studying and perusing GMC's for years my wife and I pulled the trigger on a 78 Royale a very few weeks ago. We found it lurking in NC. Story has it that prior to it came from AR. It might be loosely considered a survivor as the interior is mostly original and in pretty good condition, although a bit dated. The cockpit seats and dash pad have been updated. The exterior has had a few attempts at repainting, paint upgrades and repairs. It needs a complete refresh which fortunately I am in a good place to detail and repaint the whole thing. Woohoo.
Long term plans for the interior include lightening up some of the colors to make it brighter, adding some faux suede surfaces and some TLC on those beautiful walnut doors and drawer fronts. They are all in GREAT condition. I also have several HUGE slabs of walnut that I cut from a friends back yard, some of which will find a new home some where in the GMC.
I'm sure the entire electrics/electronics is going to need plenty of attention. I'm interested in some of the ideas Sailor Man has about heating and cooling and I've read in depth Mr. Mike_H's story about his coach. Man, his attention to detail is second to none. Sure does inspire me, although his knowledge of electronics far surpasses mine so I'll have to crawl for awhile when it some to that area.
Enough of my blathering on, I have to go get my hands dirty working on something.
Ya'll take care

Jmoosie, where are you at? I am in Palmetto, FL. How far are you away from me. Maybe you can come by for a gander!

 

[jmoosie]

I saw magazine ads for GMC Motorhomes when they were new (Scientific American - my dad's subscription) and a few parked in front of a dealership in Everett WA (north of Seattle). I considered buying a Sprinter-based RV but backed away after doing the math - realized I'd get more enjoyment spending time and money on something that doesn't depreciate like a rock. My most reliable vehicles are decades old - fix with basic tools.

The community here was key to my decision. I read many posts and joined GMCMI before I found what I bought. Searched nationwide. Here's my first drive.

If Victron electronics fits your budget, don't hesitate. Other components I recommend are Spartan Power cables (assembled in Nevada), Blue Sea doodads, and LiTime batteries (cost-effective and reliable). I bring three Victron-equipped vehicles to Burning Man - this GMC, a Freightliner M2-106 truck and an infrastructure trailer - 6,500 panel watts to operate a theme camp without any generators. These Victron components have handled corrosive playa dust with bulletproof reliability where I've seen others equipped with sketchy electronics fail within a few days.

I need to upgrade my 2022 panels to newer CIGS technology. CIGS has less power loss at partial sun angles - ideal for a curve.

Wow Kendra, what a great experience you had with your purchase. I truly enjoyed reading the story of you taking possession of your coach. I suspect your mom is a character.
This Victron equipment seems very capable. I have some old school experience with solar but only very basic. I se now that I have sooo much to learn about what y'all are doing now to stay up to date with power. Kendra, did you do any of the planning and installation of your systems? I also want to upgrade the HVAC systems. It seems that I'll need to have both systems specked out before I start ordering up any more equipment. Phew.

 

[jmoosie]

Jmoosie, where are you at? I am in Palmetto, FL. How far are you away from me. Maybe you can come by for a gander!

Hi Sailor Man, so glad to hear from you sir. Although I'm really new onboard with you guys and gals I've been busy reading a lot of your threads. Man, you have certainly broken the mold. Your ideas have inspired me. HVAC updates are going to be a gas.
So Sailor, we're in the Charleston, SC area. I've spent a lot of time in St. Pete, used to live there for a year. We have plans to visit St. Augustine, Bradenton and more time in the Keys. I don't think I'll be ready for a road trip with our coach till first half of next year (I do have a list of stuff to complete first). We'd love to come your way for a visit. I think we'd have some GREAT conversations. Also, if you're ever in our area you're certainly welcome here. We own a small boat and rv storage business right next to our home. We have room and utilities available for your convenience. We also have a pretty comprehensive shop.
Thanks again Sailor.

 

[jmoosie]

Wow Kendra, what a great experience you had with your purchase. I truly enjoyed reading the story of you taking possession of your coach. I suspect your mom is a character.
This Victron equipment seems very capable. I have some old school experience with solar but only very basic. I se now that I have sooo much to learn about what y'all are doing now to stay up to date with power. Kendra, did you do any of the planning and installation of your systems? I also want to upgrade the HVAC systems. It seems that I'll need to have both systems specked out before I start ordering up any more equipment. Phew.

So Kendra, I was reading about CIGS tech. What a great solution. Do you know of any reliable manufacturer's? How about costs versus flat panel?

 

[Kendra]

My mom (still enjoying occasional trips in the GMC) lives independently at 94. She's a retired engineering draftsman - moved from Japan to the US a decade after WWII. When I was four I watched her design the house we built when I was five (I have a very clear memory) - so I've always enjoyed translating ideas and plans into things that are built.

If you're planning long distance ventures you'll want marine-grade components. Remote areas are a bit like the ocean - days or weeks from Amazon and the nearest hardware store. Cutting corners for a few hundred bucks can cost thousands. I've never subscribed to towing insurance - rather spend the money on better tools.

I designed pretty much all of what I have, and assembled myself with the help of Saha. In hindsight I should have asked RF_Burns and other forum members before assembling a 12v solar system - I now consider 24v the minimum.

I don't have experience with CIGS (haven't upgraded mine yet) but others have. I'll probably go with BougeRV. If I squeeze any small flats on the roof's centerline (on top of A/C etc), Renogy glass panels are excellent. Glass panels are always more efficient (especially with an air gap underneath) but I'd hate to wreck the GMC's timeless design.

Majority of my trips are Pacific Northwest so I get away without cockpit A/C (also thanks to full-height sliding cockpit windows) and I've never used the rooftop A/C (I avoid KOA - Kamping On Asphalt). I'll install DC-powered rooftop A/C as price/performance continues to improve, and an under-hood system someday with a 2nd evaporator a few others have done. Sailor Man has the ultimate HVAC but my preference is bolt-on.

 

[RvRev2]

Welcome Jmoosie. I'm new to GMC's as well. Got one late last year. One big trip thus far. They do grab attention when you travel.

 

[jmoosie]

My mom (still enjoying occasional trips in the GMC) lives independently at 94. She's a retired engineering draftsman - moved from Japan to the US a decade after WWII. When I was four I watched her design the house we built when I was five (I have a very clear memory) - so I've always enjoyed translating ideas and plans into things that are built.

If you're planning long distance ventures you'll want marine-grade components. Remote areas are a bit like the ocean - days or weeks from Amazon and the nearest hardware store. Cutting corners for a few hundred bucks can cost thousands. I've never subscribed to towing insurance - rather spend the money on better tools.

I designed pretty much all of what I have, and assembled myself with the help of Saha. In hindsight I should have asked RF_Burns and other forum members before assembling a 12v solar system - I now consider 24v the minimum.

I don't have experience with CIGS (haven't upgraded mine yet) but others have. I'll probably go with BougeRV. If I squeeze any small flats on the roof's centerline (on top of A/C etc), Renogy glass panels are excellent. Glass panels are always more efficient (especially with an air gap underneath) but I'd hate to wreck the GMC's timeless design.

Majority of my trips are Pacific Northwest so I get away without cockpit A/C (also thanks to full-height sliding cockpit windows) and I've never used the rooftop A/C (I avoid KOA - Kamping On Asphalt). I'll install DC-powered rooftop A/C as price/performance continues to improve, and an under-hood system someday with a 2nd evaporator a few others have done. Sailor Man has the ultimate HVAC but my preference is bolt-on.

This reminds me a bit of going to Baskin Robbins, soooooo many choices. LOL. My rig has a flat glass panel on the roof and it looks pretty redneck and is 12v. The system for our aquaponics is 10 years old and also 12v. It's tired. I started trenching for geothermal HVAC and yes ma'am it will have to run on at least 24v, maybe 48v. I'm helping a buddy develop a homestead in up state SC. right now we're attempting to put in a solar powered deep well. Phew.

Agreed about Sailor. He seem to be a genius on coach HVAC. I like the idea of an electric compressor. This could be a starting point:

qualyair.us

Maybe add a ceiling cassette from YMGI:

ymgigroup.com

Thanks for your input Kendra.

 

[jmoosie]

Welcome Jmoosie. I'm new to GMC's as well. Got one late last year. I big trip thus far. They do grab attention when you travel.

Hi Rev, great to hear from you, and congrats for acquiring one our gems. Do you have any scheduled plans for your rig?

 

[RvRev2]

Hi Rev, great to hear from you, and congrats for acquiring one our gems. Do you have any scheduled plans for your rig?

Not anything major, yet. I want to enjoy using this new-to-me rig before doing any major jobs on it. I have done some repairs and some minor upgrades. Many are posted in the "So What Did You Do To Your GMC Today?" thread. I have some more minor projects to do yet. I am also hoping to be able to attend the Spring Rally in Louisiana.

 

[Kendra]

Add a signature file when you get a chance... this helps us know who is local and specific model at a quick glance ('78 Royale in South Carolina) and major mods. Handy when parts coaches appear, specialty tools available within driving distance etc. Upper right corner / Account / Edit Signature ;-)

 

[jmoosie]

Add a signature file when you get a chance... this helps us know who is local and specific model at a quick glance ('78 Royale in South Carolina) and major mods. Handy when parts coaches appear, specialty tools available within driving distance etc. Upper right corner / Account / Edit Signature ;-)

Thanks so much Kendra, done.
Now for some fun stuff. From your prompting I found this coming out of the UK. It's all Victron all the way and although the info is incomplete and is probably an advert it sure did answer many of my initial questions.
Victron overview
Now it's time to start digging into the chassis looking for room to mount and route all of this electrical goodness.

 

[Kendra]

Best RV house solar build site I've found is Explorist.Life - Nate's explanations are fast and clear. He's started charging membership for additional detail but the core information is still available on YouTube. Compared to the price of mistakes, membership cost may be worth it.
- Explorist.Life YouTube channel
- 2 hour tutorial starts with a bare van, ends with a complete system