First Road Trip!

D

Deb

New member
Oct 23, 2016
358
6
3
Well, about ready to head out. Finally! Had her out a few times and she runs and handles great. All of the spring maintenance is done, new
macerator installed, fridge & water heater have both fired up and are running, no leaks in the plumbing!! Got a "Stay a While" and 2 stage regulator
installed on the LP line so I can run the BBQ off the coach tank instead of hauling around a 20 pounder. Although the Onan IS running, I'm still
going to pack one of the Honda's, just in case. Topped the tires up (62 in the front and 55 in the rear) - they were a hair low from over winter but
even from R to L so they're in good shape.

Got the awning down and up again - some PO had taken a bit of a hammer to the release latch and we needed to "coax" it with a small pry bar to reverse
it and roll up again - no mould on it - in nice shape. Now just have to pack and load her up I guess. Heading east through BC, AB & Sask then down
through the US to ON. The plan is to take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan. So, God willin' and the crick don't rise, looking forward to an
interesting and hopefully, relaxing few weeks across and back.

Going to go fill the tank tonight (with premium, EtOH free gas!), park it in front of the house and load her up. Planning (HAH!) to head out around
9ish, and hit Revelstoke somewhere early afternoon.

Wish us luck.
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
Good luck from the Island!

Wow - that’s a long, FIRST trip! Have fun!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> Well, about ready to head out. Finally! Had her out a few times and she runs and handles great. All of the spring maintenance is done, new
> macerator installed, fridge & water heater have both fired up and are running, no leaks in the plumbing!! Got a "Stay a While" and 2 stage regulator
> installed on the LP line so I can run the BBQ off the coach tank instead of hauling around a 20 pounder. Although the Onan IS running, I'm still
> going to pack one of the Honda's, just in case. Topped the tires up (62 in the front and 55 in the rear) - they were a hair low from over winter but
> even from R to L so they're in good shape.
>
> Got the awning down and up again - some PO had taken a bit of a hammer to the release latch and we needed to "coax" it with a small pry bar to reverse
> it and roll up again - no mould on it - in nice shape. Now just have to pack and load her up I guess. Heading east through BC, AB & Sask then down
> through the US to ON. The plan is to take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan. So, God willin' and the crick don't rise, looking forward to an
> interesting and hopefully, relaxing few weeks across and back.
>
> Going to go fill the tank tonight (with premium, EtOH free gas!), park it in front of the house and load her up. Planning (HAH!) to head out around
> 9ish, and hit Revelstoke somewhere early afternoon.
>
> Wish us luck.
> --
> Deb McWade
> Logan Lake, BC, CAN
> "Li'l Sister"
> '77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
> TZE167V101404
> It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
The actual first trip was the white knuckle ride home last June from Washington - Schrader valves on the air bags closed (I didn't Know that & so
coach riding level!) and a sticky idler arm, first time driving it and I was coming through Seattle on the I-5. Heard the fan clutch come on as I was
climbing out of Hope on the Coquihala and thought I had blown my engine or tranny or something. But I made it, and have a bit more than a clue about
the old girl now.

This trip is what I truly consider her maiden voyage (with me anyway). Taking her out for the reason I got her in the first place. I will have
company most of the way and the dogs when I'm solo. Taking it in about 4-5 hour runs each day. Lots of stop overs. It's a holiday, after all!

Nervous, but "anticipatious" (we made that word up long ago!)
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
It sounds great!

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> The actual first trip was the white knuckle ride home last June from Washington - Schrader valves on the air bags closed (I didn't Know that & so
> coach riding level!) and a sticky idler arm, first time driving it and I was coming through Seattle on the I-5. Heard the fan clutch come on as I was
> climbing out of Hope on the Coquihala and thought I had blown my engine or tranny or something. But I made it, and have a bit more than a clue about
> the old girl now.
>
> This trip is what I truly consider her maiden voyage (with me anyway). Taking her out for the reason I got her in the first place. I will have
> company most of the way and the dogs when I'm solo. Taking it in about 4-5 hour runs each day. Lots of stop overs. It's a holiday, after all!
>
> Nervous, but "anticipatious" (we made that word up long ago!)
> --
> Deb McWade
> Logan Lake, BC, CAN
> "Li'l Sister"
> '77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
> TZE167V101404
> It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
Don't forget a tool kit with a voltmeter and a good flash light. Do you have a copy of the Black List?

Look us up on the Black list if you have time and we are around. We have lots of room and a couple of 30Amp RV outlets.

--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
 
No sense in paying for premium gas. Our engines do not require anything with that high an octane. However, if premium non-ethanol is all that is
available, it will work. Just an unnecessary cost.
Tom
--
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
 
To get non-ethanol, premium is it up here. But at least all premium in Cda IS ethanol-free. So if I want it, I can get it. Once I'm in the US, if I
can get regular ethanol-free, I will happily save myself a few pennies!
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
> Don't forget a tool kit with a voltmeter and a good flash light. Do you have a copy of the Black List?
>
> Look us up on the Black list if you have time and we are around. We have lots of room and a couple of 30Amp RV outlets.

Got the Black List, my tools (& the voltmeter ;) ), torque wrench & socket for the tires, if I need it, bottle jack (& adapter), grease gun & a spare
tube, funnel, rags, a couple of wood blocks, a litre of oil, some tranny fluid & coolant if I need a top-up, a very nice flashlight (USB charged
Li-Ion battery), a tarp to crawl around on if i end up under the coach, and will no doubt discover something I don't have once I'm on the road. Now
all I need to do is load everything up!

Will most definitely drop you a line when I'm in that region. I'll be heading back probably second week of July? -ish?
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
Let the adventure begin! Safe trip. Do a trip log for your coach, it adds immensely to your enjoyment.

>
>
> Well, about ready to head out. Finally! Had her out a few times and she runs and handles great. All of the spring maintenance is done, new
> macerator installed, fridge & water heater have both fired up and are running, no leaks in the plumbing!! Got a "Stay a While" and 2 stage regulator
> installed on the LP line so I can run the BBQ off the coach tank instead of hauling around a 20 pounder. Although the Onan IS running, I'm still
> going to pack one of the Honda's, just in case. Topped the tires up (62 in the front and 55 in the rear) - they were a hair low from over winter but
> even from R to L so they're in good shape.
>
> Got the awning down and up again - some PO had taken a bit of a hammer to the release latch and we needed to "coax" it with a small pry bar to reverse
> it and roll up again - no mould on it - in nice shape. Now just have to pack and load her up I guess. Heading east through BC, AB & Sask then down
> through the US to ON. The plan is to take the SS Badger across Lake Michigan. So, God willin' and the crick don't rise, looking forward to an
> interesting and hopefully, relaxing few weeks across and back.
>
> Going to go fill the tank tonight (with premium, EtOH free gas!), park it in front of the house and load her up. Planning (HAH!) to head out around
> 9ish, and hit Revelstoke somewhere early afternoon.
>
> Wish us luck.
> --
> Deb McWade
> Logan Lake, BC, CAN
> "Li'l Sister"
> '77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
> TZE167V101404
> It's Bigger on the Inside!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
I can tell youre excited! I would be also. how many test miles have you done so far?

best of luck with the trip!
 
I’m not sure that all premium is ethanol free up here anymore, as an example from Petro Can:

“Does Ultra 94 contain ethanol? Does Petro-Canada still offer an ethanol-free gasoline?
Ultra 94 contains ethanol. Due to the fact that various fuel grades are blended at the point of sale, most grades of Petro-Canada fuel may now contain up to 10% ethanol. This represents a change from the previous state, where premium fuel was ethanol-free at Petro-Canada.”

We never used to have any ethanol blends on Vancouver Island - but I’ve heard that has been “fixed” in the last 12-18 months...

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

>
> To get non-ethanol, premium is it up here. But at least all premium in Cda IS ethanol-free. So if I want it, I can get it. Once I'm in the US, if I
> can get regular ethanol-free, I will happily save myself a few pennies!
> --
> Deb McWade
> Logan Lake, BC, CAN
> "Li'l Sister"
> '77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
> TZE167V101404
> It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
> Got the Black List, my tools (& the voltmeter ;) ), torque wrench & socket for the tires, if I need it, bottle jack (& adapter), grease gun & a
> spare tube, funnel, rags, a couple of wood blocks, a litre of oil, some tranny fluid & coolant if I need a top-up, a very nice flashlight (USB
> charged Li-Ion battery), a tarp to crawl around on if i end up under the coach, and will no doubt discover something I don't have once I'm on the
> road. Now all I need to do is load everything up!
>
> Will most definitely drop you a line when I'm in that region. I'll be heading back probably second week of July? -ish?

Deb,

We wish you many boring hours of driving to get to interesting and memorable stops.
(Sometimes, excitement just in not welcome..)

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Deb, we'll be looking forward to your trip reports. We envy you and wish
you happy travels.

Our maiden voyage was from Texas to Alaska through beautiful Canada.

Sandra and Bob

> Got the Black List, my tools (& the voltmeter ;) ), torque wrench &
socket for the tires, if I need it, bottle jack (& adapter), grease gun & a
> spare tube, funnel, rags, a couple of wood blocks, a litre of oil, some
tranny fluid & coolant if I need a top-up, a very nice flashlight (USB
> charged Li-Ion battery), a tarp to crawl around on if i end up under the
coach, and will no doubt discover something I don't have once I'm on the
> road. Now all I need to do is load everything up!
>
> Will most definitely drop you a line when I'm in that region. I'll be
heading back probably second week of July? -ish?

Deb,

We wish you many boring hours of driving to get to interesting and
memorable stops.
(Sometimes, excitement just in not welcome..)

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
 
Still loading. Surprising how much crap you need to pack with you, and how long it takes. Fortunately, a lot of it will be staying in the coach when
I return, so it won't be quite so daunting. This time everything needed to go in.

Taking a break for a coffee, then 3 more trips down the stairs and I can start her up and hit the road. I will be out by 9 - but that's only because
I was awake at 5 and decided to get up!

And I am with you Matt - also hoping for a boring but interesting drive. Not looking for motoring excitement :)
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
Keep your eyes on the temp. gage.
Remember if it moves about 1/8 of an inch, your starting to overheat.
If you think it will go to the top or to the half, your going to be in for
a rude awakening, a new engine will be in store.

> Still loading. Surprising how much crap you need to pack with you, and
> how long it takes. Fortunately, a lot of it will be staying in the coach
> when
> I return, so it won't be quite so daunting. This time everything needed
> to go in.
>
> Taking a break for a coffee, then 3 more trips down the stairs and I can
> start her up and hit the road. I will be out by 9 - but that's only because
> I was awake at 5 and decided to get up!
>
> And I am with you Matt - also hoping for a boring but interesting drive.
> Not looking for motoring excitement :)
> --
> Deb McWade
> Logan Lake, BC, CAN
> "Li'l Sister"
> '77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
> TZE167V101404
> It's Bigger on the Inside!
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
I'm so excited for you! I look forward to the time when I will be able to post the same news! Prayers that your trip is safe and fun!
--
Dan Wallace
Detroit Metro
1974 Canyon Lands 260
Headers, 3.55, 16"
Floor plan 26-9
 
Hope your first real travel, will be a fantastic one.
Enjoying every minute of it!

Stay safe and "Bon Voyage"

Daniel
--
Daniel Jacobs, No GMC, but an admirer of them .... We'll see what the future brings ....

Always remember, the world is full of nice people!
So, if you can't find one, be one!
 
Day 1... A very nice run. Along the TransCanada into Revelstoke. L'il Sis ran like a top! Handled the ups and down with no trouble. And the temp
gauge didn't budge Jim K ;)
Such a delight after the first drive I had when I brought her up from WA. Drove one hand most of the trip (actually better that way - harder to
over-correct :) ) Stayed the night in a decent little campground - Lamplighter, if anyone is ever looking for a decent place to lay over a night.
Nice cool evening, no bugs!

So today we're off to Okotoks AB. This will be a big test of the trip - over Roger's Pass. But I'm in no rush. Happy to do 60 km/hr in 2nd if thats
what it takes to keep her happy.
Thanks for all of the "angels on my shoulder" on this one. I don't fell like I'm on the road alone.... 'cause I'm not.

Tìoraidh!!

--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
Spoke too soon. Discovered this morning on my walk around that I have lost my turn signals. I had lost the blinker in the dash on the right before I
picked it up, but the signal itself still worked. Everything good when I checked yesterday morning, but somewhere during the day, I lost them.
Suggestions? I'm going to get on the blacklist too to see if there are some local suggestions. I'm still in Revelstoke.
--
Deb McWade
Logan Lake, BC, CAN
"Li'l Sister"
'77 Kingsley, 403, EBL EFI;
TZE167V101404
It's Bigger on the Inside!
 
depending on the type of directional signal blinker relay, the signal lights will not blink if there is a burn't out bulb. Turn on the direction
signal in one direction and take a walk-around the coach to see if the signal lights are ON. Then try the other direction and check that side.

May also be a faulty directional signal blinker, they are a common item.

Do your 4way flashers work?

--
Bruce Hislop
ON Canada
77PB, 455 Dick P. rebuilt, DynamicEFI EBL EFI & ESC.1 ton front end
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=29001
My Staff says I never listen to them, or something like that
 
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