GMC for 5?

J

jason1

New member
Jan 29, 2017
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Hi y'all,

New to the community and the forum. I am set on the idea of buying a GMC Motorhome, for many reasons, one of which is the vibrant community there
appears to be surrounding these awesome coaches.

I am retired military (26 years. Navy) and am home based out of Annapolis MD. I have 5 acres here w 25,000 swift of cleared lot and yard and hope to
help out by eventually including myself onto The blacklist for people are visiting this area in their GMC's and need a place to park and turn a
wrench. I have wrenches too :)

But first I gotta find a rig.

We are husband and wife and 3 small children (8, 5 and 2). Wife requires all kids be bucked up in car seats when on the road preferably forward
facing.

We have decided to try home schooling for our 8yo so are free to roam year round right now. My wife works from home/phone with a home based business.
Our dream is to show our kids the whole US and Canada and maybe a litttle of Mexico over the course of at least a year.

Can I please get some recommendations from everyone on what model and floor plan would be best suited for us?

I know with 5 living full time it will be tight but I don't want a bigger, modern rig that is hard to drive, park and back up and drops like a rock in
value over time so please Keep it to the gmc line. I'm totally sold on these coaches! I have a 16' enclosed utility trailer we are thinking of towing
to hold overflow stuff for our journey.

My budget is 25k for a either a fixer upper plus repairs or a road ready unit for extended travels in all weather in case you actually know of a coach
for sale that would meet our needs.

I am somewhat mechanically inclined and ain't afraid to get my hands dirty. I did radars and weapon systems in the navy and can usually figure stuff
out that's broke. Never worked on cars, engines or trannies though.

Also, if it turns out no such rig exists that has 5 fwd facing seat belts I'm not opposed to side facing ones as a second choice.

Last I've looked over the charts showing all the models that were made - but the drawings don't show seatbelts. As you probably know.

Thank you in advance everyone and I look forward to a long and fun relationship with other GMCers.

Jason

--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Welcome!

I'm curious how much camping/rv'ing you have done prior? Helps people answer pros and cons of different types. I took my kids cross country in a
minivan and pop up camper at those ages, and it is both challenging and memorable.

I've had a GMC for three years, and I can't imagine taking a family of five cross country without a tow car. Which is to say i would replace your
stated idea of a trailer, with a small car or Honda CRV you will all fit in. What if you need a walmart or drugstore run at night? It's hard to unhook
everything and move your house. Another consideration is ease of access to things you want to do - Mt. Rushmore, Mt Washington as examples - when i
drive my car up I think "this is fun but I wouldn't want to drive the GMC up here!" Can it be done, yep. But if you have time to go to an area, and
camp in one spot, and sightsee in a car it seems much more doable to me. East coast beaches and Florida I'm happy planning my local outings with no
tow car, but for west trips I am getting my Gmc tow worthy, and building out a little Scion Xb - and that is for no kids now.

For long trips with kids, I spent a lot of energy figuring out how to carry bicycles for them to use in campgrounds, which was worth it. Recommend
thrift store quality bikes, as I donated them to shed weight and hassle on the return legs of month long trips.

--
1975 Glenbrook
Raleigh, NC
 
I've noticed seatbelts on the dinettes and side sofas/bunks before. And then some had none. I think regulations required more seatbelts on later
models. I would pick your favorite floor plan first, then you could install seat belts where you want them. Shower/bath could also be important. Rear
bath, side bath, wet bath, and dry bath. Lots of options out there.
With 2 adults and 3 little kids, maybe something like a rear bath Royale with bunks in the mid cabin. It has a separate shower so the toilet could be
used while someone is in the shower, if needed. And the kids can be buckled in the dinette while traveling.
Good luck, and have fun!! Scott
--
Scott Nutter
1978 455 Royale Center Kitchen, Quad bags.
Houston, Texas
 
Welcome to the family. What a great experience awaits you and your family.

Any of the floor-plans with a dinette will have 2 sets of seat belts per bench. That would be 2 facing forward and 2 facing back. Some earlier coaches
had a buddy seat on the passenger side that would seat 2 with seat belts.
--
Patti & Jerry Burt
73 Gmc 26' Canyon Lands -
Photos - http://jburt.smugmug.com/GMC-Motorhome
Lots of upgrades but lots to do to make it ours.
Members: FMCA - GMCMI - GMCWS - Pacific Cruisers - 49ers
 
So many answers in just a couple hours. What a great forum. Thanks everyone!

To answer some questions, I camped a lot as a kid with my family in an old station wagon and a Starcraft pop up (good times). These fond memories have
alt to do with my current dream. Honestly, my wife is not much of a "camper" -Yet - but she's willing to give it the ole college try. I hope to not
scar her for life w this trip. Heh.

Sounds very convincing to exchange an enclosed trailer for a toad. I just assumed these GMCs were so maneuverable and comfortable to drive that it
wasn't really needed but I see your point.

Toad. Assuming a 26 footer w/ a standard 455 and tranny/tranny cooler (and a normal amount of belongings onboard for full timing) what's the largest
4-on-the-road toad anyone would recommend? Something that can be towed on all fours stock factory and easily hold 3 car seats in the back seat with a
good amount of rear compartment storage -but light enough to not ruin the tranny going up mountains. Is a CRV the going Favorite for these coaches?

--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Towed over trailer. Proper towed can haul stuff inside. I realize that a trailer can hold more, but sounds like downsizing or reduced expectations
might be called for. Might be tough to find a lightweight towed with seating for 5. Honda's are 4 passenger vehicles.
My Avon side dinette has seat belts installed, 2 forward facing, 2 rearward facing. Buddy seat, if you can find one, would give you the extra safe
seat.
You might consider finding a stretched model, with five, it would be more comfortable for all.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
Jason,

While I've never used the GMC with small kids, I heartily agree with the
recommendation of a toad vs a trailer -- just too much hassle being tied to
the living quarters all the time, not to mention that the trailer would be
a PITA a lot of times: Many campgrounds will have no provision for storing
a trailer either at the campsite or elsewhere.

We've towed a CRV since '99 and heartily recommend it, even though it's a
little on the heavy side (~3280# dry), we've never had any problem with it.
(I should note, however, that we've always had at least a 3.50:1 drive
train ratio.) You must also be aware that 2015 and later CRVs (and all
Hondas) are NOT towable 4-wheels down. Honda shot themselves in the foot
that year by changing to a different transmission, thereby sacrificing the
entire toad market which they dominated.

The CRV does seat 3 in the rear, but it may be too tight for 3 child
seats. The rear storage space is not enormous, but once you learn to pack
lightly, it should be adequate. Remember that the roof rack is rated for
only, IIRC, 75 lbs.

Our 50+ year old "kids" still fondly remember their camping trips when they
were near the ages of yours -- in a popup also.

Welcome aboard, and happy travelling.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

> ​...​
>
> Toad. Assuming a 26 footer w/ a standard 455 and tranny/tranny cooler (and
> a normal amount of belongings onboard for full timing) what's the largest
> 4-on-the-road toad anyone would recommend? Something that can be towed on
> all fours stock factory and easily hold 3 car seats in the back seat with a
> good amount of rear compartment storage -but light enough to not ruin the
> tranny going up mountains. Is a CRV the going Favorite for these coaches?
>
>
 
Ken,

Great info thanks so much. So I found this reference http://www.motorhome.com/download-dinghy-guides/ and was reading through all the info.

So what would you say the dinghy dry weight cutoff is behind a stock 26' 455 without restricting paved grades. It just so happens I really need a
truck, (don't own one but plan to buy one) for example, and noticed the 2016 Colorado and f150s (4x4 only) clock in at 4100 and 4300 lbs respectively.
Would something that heavy be a yes, maybe, no or a heck no. Would be optimal
Obviously to kill two birds and make this our toad. The newer F150s even have a flat tow setting built in. If it's a no for stock, What modifications
to the powertrain and/ or suspension you (all) would be required to pull 4300 lbs. safely. That's a very technical
Questions I know. I certainly don't expect engineering answers. Just curious what others have achieved by way of cargo and towing in their GMCs and if
any here have beefed up Their GMC's to increase towIng capacity/performance.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
That is a really sweet setup. I never would have thought of that. Thank you for sharing it. Crazy too because we just sold our 2015 Ford Focus! Once
I retired we decided we didn't need two cars. Dumped
The focus. Kept the 4Runner. Which can't be flat towed. :(
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Jason,

We often say that a reliable GMC will cost 25K$, all at once or as a kit. Sweat value is included in that figure. Look to be spending 10~15K for a
coach in recent use and be sure to have a native guide with you when you look at it.

If you did fire control, there is nothing about these old girls that you should not be able to handle. All the service docs are downloadable and the
support you will get from the community is amazing.

As to front/rear facing, rear facing is actually safest (with head support), then front and side is last. (Says the retired ship's engineer that
worked in crash for an OE for 2+ years). Some coaches have a bunk bed that does work, but it does have pinch/shear points that are particularly
dangerous to little fingers when these parts are free to move. Getting a rear bath (for the tub) might be a bit of an issue with sleeping for five.

I suggest that you dive into the GMC Assist (aka Black) list and try to fine a local guide and he should also be able to hook you into the local
chapter.

Towed vs stuff trailer?? Tough call there. We don't have a towed. We did, but I never used it so I sold it. We are seldom in the same crampground
(or even ONP) location for 2 nights in a row (except for rallies/rendezvous/gam), so having to go for something is just not an issue for us and I have
yet to find a parking area that I can't manage (but ours is a 23).

As to what you can tow that could transport the family? I can provide no help at all.

As to home schooling underway? My mother did that 60+ years ago (I am the youngest of 3) and we all went on to college.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Still Loving OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Never mind. Just realized those weights were for a 2 door single cab truck. I'll need 4 doors. According to this,
https://www.google.com/amp/www.motortrend.com/news/10-cars-that-weigh-more-than-the-2015-ford-f-150-supercrew/amp/?client=safari

the all aluminum F150s 4 door trucks did trim about 700 lbs off and clock in below 4500 lbs. which is pretty amazing considering. So that's my revised
amount. Is that a "heck no" flat towIng 4500 lbs behind a stock 455 46 footer?
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Matt,

Thanks for the info, suggestions and encouragement. No doubt, rear Facing is optimal in a front end collision.

So you are familiar with Fire Control. (Not the kind of fire you put out -but the kind you start). Neat! Prior Navy?

As for home schooling, it's fairly easy now but we get cold sweats thinking about home schooling
All three when the time comes. 😳 We'll grow into it I suppose.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Floorplan:

26'-1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 will sleep 6. 26'-5 and 6 will sleep 5.

the 26'-10 might be the best choice (4 separate bunks for the kids and a double bed for the parents) for avoiding the inevitable squabbling.

http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GMCMH-Model-Floor-Plans.pdf

I would guess that most of the ones in good shape have had their layouts changed by the empty nesters that drive them.

If you end up with one with a front dinette that you want to convert to a davo/bunk, I have a davo/bunk that you can have.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"When I grow up I am going to be a curmudgeon."
 
Thread is already generating some good answers and questions for you....

Not sure of your time line, but taking off on "The Big One" wouldn't be my recommendation either. Even once you buy one, months of local trips,
tweaks, try this, try that, wife drive separate car before you go to expense of settting up a toad, etc. Fix, read and implement preventative measures
for difference in modern ethanol fuel or be prepared to pay consistently higher prices and less availability for ethanol free fuel. Read everything
you can on bdub.net Gmc pages and the gmcnet forum - pick a topic (belts, tires, air conditioning, etc) and search it and read. All the manuals are
available, and yes you want them available on the road - either for you or the person you hire to fix or tow it. Go to some local rallies even before
you buy anything to look, ask, let your family see options. Tidewater Crabs GMC group shouldn't be too far from your for some events, with spring
coming check around.

In addition to bdub.net, have you found the Classic GMC motorhome facebook page, Gmcmi.com, and Bethune gmc motorhome sale sites? There are a lot of
fantastic places to look and learn for purchase and ownership. See how far you are from Quakertown, PA. Ken Frey has helped me with some stuff and
might be a good one if you buy a local runner that can get to him for a safety/preliminary check and more.

On the truck towing - what is possible is not the same as what is enjoyable. Where you want to use it matters...DC to Florida? Pretty flat. Go west?
Not flat. I'm prepping a 5speed manual Scion xB, should be 2500 lbs including tow gear.
--
1975 Glenbrook
Raleigh, NC
 
> Floorplan:
>
> 26'-1, 2, 3, 4 and 10 will sleep 6. 26'-5 and 6 will sleep 5.
>
> the 26'-10 might be the best choice (4 separate bunks for the kids and a double bed for the parents) for avoiding the inevitable squabbling.
>
> http://www.gmcmi.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GMCMH-Model-Floor-Plans.pdf
>
> I would guess that most of the ones in good shape have had their layouts changed by the empty nesters that drive them.
>
> If you end up with one with a front dinette that you want to convert to a davo/bunk, I have a davo/bunk that you can have.

Thanks so much. I see your logic, but our kids are perfect angels and never squabble.
...
...
Bwaaahaahaaa. Ok. That's as long as I was able to hold it in. Separating them in the front and us in the waaay back is a GREAT idea.

And Thank you for the offer in the Davo. I'll look you up if the need arises!

--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
Sage advice. Our timeline is rather open and I have quite a learning curve ahead of me, I know. Definitely want to attend a spring event in this area.

So far I have looked at one coach. It was maintained by the tech you mentioned, Ken Frey. It also got a new galvanized frame from a GMC shop
In Canada. It's only a 23 footer but it has the rear bath which I really think we will end up insisting on. The problems I found with it on a test
drive was it seemed to Drift around some on the road, the seats linkage didn't work so I couldnt push it in, the dash heater didn't blow warm even
after an hour test drive (yet the owner said he didn't think it was broke.) The cabin smelled pretty bad of fuel/exhaust fumes. And he didn't/couldn't
demo the refrigerator, dash AC nor the roof heater/AC). Everything else worked. It statutes right up. Ran smooth. Shifted well. He said it had a new
tranny. He orig blew. It's pretty dirty inside and out, paint is faded. Decals peeling. Edges of the front glass fogging. it's full of his stuff but a
lot has been replaced on it though nothing on the suspension has been done and it's got 115k. I plan on posting another topic on here to gets folks
opinion on this rig. With some mods I suppose it could work for us but I'm just getting started on the learning and hunt.

As for tow capacity, great point. I've done my share of white knuckle driving while over towing other vehicles. Not fun at all.

Found this thread here where someone tows 6k regularly but he has mods installed.
http://gmc.mybirdfeeder.net/GMCforum/index.php?t=tree&th=16492&rid=0
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
 
You are going to want at least the 3.50 FD. 3.70 would be icing on the cake. 455 has the power, but the OEM 3.07 really is not great for towing. Most
are towing vehicles with weights of about 2500 pounds. However, there is one individual in Central Florida who has or is towing a Suburban, mostly on
flat land.
Look at the FMCA site and read their towing guide for the long list of vehicles and towability. Some are surprising. My Nissan Frontier 4 door pick-up
is listed as towable with manual transmission. I'm sure that 3 children would fit in the back, as it will seat three adults, if they are friends.
Disclaimer: I tow a Honda Fit, at 2335 pounds.
Tom, MS II
--
1975 GMC Avion
KA4CSG
 
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