Posted on Facebook my trip but I know many people don't use Facebook so figured I'd share the trip report here as well.
Purchased a 1978 GMC Royale, previously owned by Gary Bovee. It is rear bath model with extensive list of modifications which you may read here:
Flew into Sacramento where Gary picked me up to begin the journey home to southwest Michigan. Before the trip I had some tools/supplies shipped to Gary so I could pack light getting there.
Route originally planned was Sacramento with small detour into Redwoods then Yellowstone and home, but ended up opting for a route that took me to Yosemite, Sequioa, Zion, and the Rockies.. I was yet to visit Yosemite so one more national park crossed off the list this way.
Gary Bovee and I
First destination; Golden Gate Bridge
After exiting San Francisco with a drive through China Town we headed south to Santa Cruz for the night (parked in Santa Cruz Methodist Church parking lot, they even have electrical 120V hookups for Van Dwellers) and further south to Monterrey to visit a friend in Salinas.
Next was Yosemite, only spent half day here but would like to already revisit! Get here early as by noon or later it was packed.
We then drove to Sequioa but couldn't make it far into the park as there was a sinkhole we were told by the park ranger at entrance so only limited visit here.. did at least get a snap with a giant tree.
Outside of Sequioa the area is very scenic as well.
This night we stayed in a Rest Area
After this we next headed towards Las Vegas and grabbed a morning photo,
then a small stop along Helensale, CA where spotted 2 other GMC's fading away
We stocked up on some supplies and cooked breakfast in the motorhome at the Walmart parking lot, my neighbor and his son were along for the roadtrip.
We took a long drive to Las Vegas to go up/down the Strip a couple times and up close to the new Sphere venue then off towards Zion.
We zoomed across Utah towards the Rockies and into Denver
After this pretty much 2 days of long haul 800+ mile days from Denver to SW Michigan many fuel stops, namely the I-80 Truck Stop and onto Michigan and home, parked next to my 76 Eleganza I picked up last year.
All in All; 6 days of travel as we left Sacramento on Sunday afternoon and arrived back to MI Saturday afternoon. About 2900 miles in total ($1775 in fuel.. darn those Cali fuel prices!) On the last 2 days of mostly interstate driving averaged about 9.9mpg
The motorhome performed AMAZING. Only needing to add fuel and a bit of oil. Temps most days were in the high 90s to mid 100s.. Las Vegas alone was 106F*.. Dash AC along with roof AC being ran off generator helped keep us cool on those blistering days. Very very happy with this classic motorhome, and always super fun to see people react to it or share their memories of these coaches.
-Pete Carney
Purchased a 1978 GMC Royale, previously owned by Gary Bovee. It is rear bath model with extensive list of modifications which you may read here:
1978 Royale 26FT in Red Bluff, CA
Vintage Class A RV Classifieds in United States and Canada - Direct Seller Ad - 1978 GMC Royale 26FT Motorhome For Sale in Red Bluff, California.
www.gmcrvforsale.com
Flew into Sacramento where Gary picked me up to begin the journey home to southwest Michigan. Before the trip I had some tools/supplies shipped to Gary so I could pack light getting there.
Route originally planned was Sacramento with small detour into Redwoods then Yellowstone and home, but ended up opting for a route that took me to Yosemite, Sequioa, Zion, and the Rockies.. I was yet to visit Yosemite so one more national park crossed off the list this way.
Gary Bovee and I
First destination; Golden Gate Bridge
After exiting San Francisco with a drive through China Town we headed south to Santa Cruz for the night (parked in Santa Cruz Methodist Church parking lot, they even have electrical 120V hookups for Van Dwellers) and further south to Monterrey to visit a friend in Salinas.
Next was Yosemite, only spent half day here but would like to already revisit! Get here early as by noon or later it was packed.
We then drove to Sequioa but couldn't make it far into the park as there was a sinkhole we were told by the park ranger at entrance so only limited visit here.. did at least get a snap with a giant tree.
Outside of Sequioa the area is very scenic as well.
This night we stayed in a Rest Area
After this we next headed towards Las Vegas and grabbed a morning photo,
then a small stop along Helensale, CA where spotted 2 other GMC's fading away
We stocked up on some supplies and cooked breakfast in the motorhome at the Walmart parking lot, my neighbor and his son were along for the roadtrip.
We took a long drive to Las Vegas to go up/down the Strip a couple times and up close to the new Sphere venue then off towards Zion.
We zoomed across Utah towards the Rockies and into Denver
After this pretty much 2 days of long haul 800+ mile days from Denver to SW Michigan many fuel stops, namely the I-80 Truck Stop and onto Michigan and home, parked next to my 76 Eleganza I picked up last year.
All in All; 6 days of travel as we left Sacramento on Sunday afternoon and arrived back to MI Saturday afternoon. About 2900 miles in total ($1775 in fuel.. darn those Cali fuel prices!) On the last 2 days of mostly interstate driving averaged about 9.9mpg
The motorhome performed AMAZING. Only needing to add fuel and a bit of oil. Temps most days were in the high 90s to mid 100s.. Las Vegas alone was 106F*.. Dash AC along with roof AC being ran off generator helped keep us cool on those blistering days. Very very happy with this classic motorhome, and always super fun to see people react to it or share their memories of these coaches.
-Pete Carney
