GMC for 5?

[johnny]

Go down to the Kia dealer with your seats, and see if three will fit across the back seat of a Soul. Mine has three sets of belts, but I dunno if
three kid's seats will fit. If they will, buy it. There's a surprising amount of room inside, and they're reasonably lightweight. I got back last
night from 650 miles after an 8 hour day stewarding a dog show without problems or aches. Very comfortable for a small car. Behind my 23' with the
stock differential, I can tell it's back there, but in second it walks over Culowee Mountain and Monteagle at 45 per without any histrionics. Behind
my 26' with a 3.7 differential, I can't tell it's back there without looking at the camera display. I'll note, both coaches have rear drum brakes
with reaction arms.
The Demco towing baseplate was 300 bucks or so, I simply added bulbs and sockets to the rear lamp assemblies rather than trying to wire the Kia stuff
for tow. There's plenty of room for them.
The Soul is a 2012 model with the little engine (1600cc) and a manual transmission. It's the base model, I added a Rostra cruise control. It came
home last night at freeway speeds - 75+ at according to its computer, did 33MPG. It does 35 driven at a more sensible speed. Currently, 98000+ miles
without problems, one battery and a set of tires. At 100k, it will get belts, hoses, sparkplugs, coolant, and brake pads and soldier on.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"The road goes on forever, and the party never ends" --Robert Earl Keen

 

[Palmerdad]

As to seat belts in the GMC, they can be added if you're willing to do a little work. I have the walls out right now and am redoing flooring as well
so I'm going to be putting three new belts on the bunk and several in the dinette. Right now my lower bunk has 2 belts but they are 40 years old and I
figured the material might have lost it's strength. When I removed the wall it was easy to see the additional holes in the frame where belts go.

Here is a website I have been exploring to get the belts from. http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/ They have stock GM belts and you can get them in every
color of the rainbow.
--
-James Palmer, Traverse City, MI
1976 Eleganza

 

[a.]

> As to seat belts in the GMC, they can be added if you're willing to do a little work. I have the walls out right now and am redoing flooring as
> well so I'm going to be putting three new belts on the bunk and several in the dinette. Right now my lower bunk has 2 belts but they are 40 years
> old and I figured the material might have lost it's strength. When I removed the wall it was easy to see the additional holes in the frame where
> belts go.
>
> Here is a website I have been exploring to get the belts from. http://www.seatbeltsplus.com/ They have stock GM belts and you can get them in
> every color of the rainbow.
While you have the wall out, please post pictures of the way the belts are anchored to the wall behind the bunk. I have always wanted to see how they
are attached to the aluminum frame. And also close-up pictures of the how the brackets for the top bunk attach to the wall/frame.
--
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."

 

[Randy Van Winkle]

> 2014 or older Honda Fit. Got it. I'll look into it. I'm much less concerned about the engine size now thanks to you all. Thank you!

I tow a 2016 Honda HRV which is the first year for the HRV introduced in the middle of 2015. It is based on the FIT chassis. To be towable 4 down, I
had to get the 6 speed manual transmission. The newer FITs are also towable with a manual transmission. I have always had at least one vehicle that
had a manual trans so that decision was not a deal breaker for me. The HRV is quite a bit larger than the FIT but only weights 200 or 330 lbs more.

I have a '77 with the 403 engine and a 3.70 final drive. I have driven coaches with 455 and travelled with friends with the 455 and I can honestly say
that I see little difference. I actually like the 403 better with the 3.70 gears as the 403 does not mind the higher RPMs. I always have a "towed" on
behind in all of our travels. I've towed a Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Sidekick and now the HRV. The Jeep towed nicely but at over 4000 lbs I felt I didn't
need to tow that much dead weight all over the country. The Sidekick was much lighter but we wanted something newer and more comfortable. The HRV
fills the bill nicely. Good luck in your decisions.
--
Randy & Margie
'77 Eleganza II '403'
Battlefield, MO

 

[kerry pinkerton]

A few thoughts. Totally agree on pulling a toad. With the right final drive ratio, you could pull a small crew cab pickup and store LIGHT stuff in a
camper shell or tonneau. Obviously, the lighter the better. Regarding a vehicle being four down towable, the solution is not difficult. I put a
lube oil pump in the wife's Envoy. Not difficult and totally reliable. Basically the pump circulated transmission fluid to keep the tranny from
burning up. It has a pressure sensor and warning lights/alarms in the towing vehicle cockpit.

http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/product.php?f=lubePumpKit.php

You ARE going to break down eventually and need a way to chase parts, get the family to a motel, etc. Not planning for that eventuality by having a
not towing would be unwise imo.

Regarding layout, I'd suggest a DAVO (bunk bed/couch). The one that was in my 77 had belts for 3 irrc and slept 2. A fold up dinette can also have
belts and sleep two small ones. That leaves the bed in the back for the adults and a little privacy.

For eating, some rotate the two cockpit seats toward each other and have a flip up table (or pedestal) that goes over the engine hatch. Add in the
dinette and you have table seating for 6. The problem, imo, will come because their isn't much room to spread out. Basically, the only floor (play)
space is the dinette, and the passageway from the cockpit to the rear bed...about 24" wide by 16' long running through the kitchen.

You're going to want a roof pod most likely in order to carry 'stuff'...chairs, spares, toys, and stuff you haven't even thought about thinking
about.

You can also add overhead cabinets along the front of the coach above the DAVO and Dinette. The top bunk will be a little cramped but your middle
child would probably be able to handle it. Space is going to be a very serious premium.

That 3.70ish final drive sounds better and better.

Other folks have done what you are planning although I cannot conceive of me doing that. You are a better man than I am.

Space is very, very much at a premium in a GMC. The side wet bath is the best use of space and you do, indeed, get used to the wet bath. A rear dry
bath is the most 'home like' but you cannot replace those square feet you lose.
--
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama

77 Eleganza II, 403CI, Manny Brakes, 1 ton, tranny, lots of aluminum goodies.

http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/

'03 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

 

[Keith V]

2 thoughts:

1. 3.70 final drive. I run one on my Royale, I love it. I'm very glad I didn't go with 3.55. I drive a lot of 2 lane roads they have more hills and starting and stopping. It's a huge pleasure with the 3.70. She just walks up the little hills now.

2. 5 people. I grew up traveling the USA in a Fairlane station wagon. 5 people ( 6 once when grandma came along ) and a full set of camping gear. Anyone who things a GMC motorhome is crowded with 5 people is hugely spoiled, we had all 5 of us in what amounts to the area of just the dinette, storage was the back of the wagon, and the camping gear on top. The dash air worked, but only cooled the front seat, it couldn't get into the rear of the car.

And I rode on the driveshaft hump.

a 26' GMC motorhome has plenty room

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Kerry Pinkerton
Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 7:23:14 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] GMC for 5?

A few thoughts. Totally agree on pulling a toad. With the right final drive ratio, you could pull a small crew cab pickup and store LIGHT stuff in a
camper shell or tonneau. Obviously, the lighter the better. Regarding a vehicle being four down towable, the solution is not difficult. I put a
lube oil pump in the wife's Envoy. Not difficult and totally reliable. Basically the pump circulated transmission fluid to keep the tranny from
burning up. It has a pressure sensor and warning lights/alarms in the towing vehicle cockpit.

http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/product.php?f=lubePumpKit.php
Lube Pump Kits : Remcohttp://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/product.php?f=lubePumpKit.php
www.remcoindustries.com
Remco is the RV towing leader. With over 80,000 units in the field, the Remco ProFlo Lube Pump has proven its ability to perform under the toughest conditions.

You ARE going to break down eventually and need a way to chase parts, get the family to a motel, etc. Not planning for that eventuality by having a
not towing would be unwise imo.

Regarding layout, I'd suggest a DAVO (bunk bed/couch). The one that was in my 77 had belts for 3 irrc and slept 2. A fold up dinette can also have
belts and sleep two small ones. That leaves the bed in the back for the adults and a little privacy.

For eating, some rotate the two cockpit seats toward each other and have a flip up table (or pedestal) that goes over the engine hatch. Add in the
dinette and you have table seating for 6. The problem, imo, will come because their isn't much room to spread out. Basically, the only floor (play)
space is the dinette, and the passageway from the cockpit to the rear bed...about 24" wide by 16' long running through the kitchen.

You're going to want a roof pod most likely in order to carry 'stuff'...chairs, spares, toys, and stuff you haven't even thought about thinking
about.

You can also add overhead cabinets along the front of the coach above the DAVO and Dinette. The top bunk will be a little cramped but your middle
child would probably be able to handle it. Space is going to be a very serious premium.

That 3.70ish final drive sounds better and better.

Other folks have done what you are planning although I cannot conceive of me doing that. You are a better man than I am.

Space is very, very much at a premium in a GMC. The side wet bath is the best use of space and you do, indeed, get used to the wet bath. A rear dry
bath is the most 'home like' but you cannot replace those square feet you lose.
--
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama

77 Eleganza II, 403CI, Manny Brakes, 1 ton, tranny, lots of aluminum goodies.

http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/
[http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/m_0023.jpg]http://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/

GMC Parts from Kerry Pinkerton - bdub.nethttp://www.bdub.net/pinkerton/
www.bdub.net
DISCLAIMER #1: These are raw aluminum. I am not responsible for damage to your paint or anything else. If you've got paint that you don't want scratched under the ...

'03 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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[jason1]

> A few thoughts. Totally agree on pulling a toad. With the right final drive ratio, you could pull a small crew cab pickup and store LIGHT stuff
> in a camper shell or tonneau. Obviously, the lighter the better. Regarding a vehicle being four down towable, the solution is not difficult. I
> put a lube oil pump in the wife's Envoy. Not difficult and totally reliable. Basically the pump circulated transmission fluid to keep the tranny
> from burning up. It has a pressure sensor and warning lights/alarms in the towing vehicle cockpit.
>
> http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/product.php?f=lubePumpKit.php
>
> You ARE going to break down eventually and need a way to chase parts, get the family to a motel, etc. Not planning for that eventuality by having
> a not towing would be unwise imo.
>
> Regarding layout, I'd suggest a DAVO (bunk bed/couch). The one that was in my 77 had belts for 3 irrc and slept 2. A fold up dinette can also
> have belts and sleep two small ones. That leaves the bed in the back for the adults and a little privacy.
>
> For eating, some rotate the two cockpit seats toward each other and have a flip up table (or pedestal) that goes over the engine hatch. Add in
> the dinette and you have table seating for 6. The problem, imo, will come because their isn't much room to spread out. Basically, the only floor
> (play) space is the dinette, and the passageway from the cockpit to the rear bed...about 24" wide by 16' long running through the kitchen.
>
> You're going to want a roof pod most likely in order to carry 'stuff'...chairs, spares, toys, and stuff you haven't even thought about thinking
> about.
>
> You can also add overhead cabinets along the front of the coach above the DAVO and Dinette. The top bunk will be a little cramped but your middle
> child would probably be able to handle it. Space is going to be a very serious premium.
>
> That 3.70ish final drive sounds better and better.
>
> Other folks have done what you are planning although I cannot conceive of me doing that. You are a better man than I am.
>
> Space is very, very much at a premium in a GMC. The side wet bath is the best use of space and you do, indeed, get used to the wet bath. A rear
> dry bath is the most 'home like' but you cannot replace those square feet you lose.

Thank you. Yes, I'm convinced, thanks to Inputs like yours I will run a toad over a pull trailer. I'm looking at one of the newer all aluminum F150s
with a camper shell just as you suggested. They are about 4300 lbs dry. I'm looking at a 23' with a rear bath and a 455 right now. With the weight
saved of a 23 vs a 26 and the storage in the truck bed and a 3.70 FD I'm thinking maybe it could just work. Thanks again for your valuable input!

--
WTB a 77 or 78 with dry bath config.

 

[Daniel]

> 2. 5 people. I grew up traveling the USA in a Fairlane station wagon. 5 people ( 6 once when grandma came along ) and a full set of camping gear.
> Anyone who things a GMC motorhome is crowded with 5 people is hugely spoiled, we had all 5 of us in what amounts to the area of just the dinette,
> storage was the back of the wagon, and the camping gear on top. The dash air worked, but only cooled the front seat, it couldn't get into the rear
> of the car.
>
> And I rode on the driveshaft hump.



We did not have a car till I was 16, but my uncle had a VW Bug, and drove us, my parents, my two sisters and myself, including our camping gear and
tent, in a long drive of 8 hours to our campingpark ....
The things I most remember was sitting so uncomfortable, since on the backseat was all that stuff and we, me and my sister on top of it, my youngest
sister sat on my mothers lap, so she was fine ...
My dad had lots of stuff between his legs, and every space availeble was used, the little trunk in front was a puzzle filled up to the max, under and
behind the backseat, all filled up ...

But we had fun! And did not even bother the fact we had to drive back two weeks later.
My uncle stayed that first night in our big tent, and went home the next day. No problem ...

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!

 

[a.]

> ...I'm looking at one of the newer all aluminum F150s with a camper shell just as you suggested. They are about 4300 lbs dry. I'm looking at a 23'
> with a rear bath and a 455 right now. With the weight saved of a 23 vs a 26 and the storage in the truck bed and a 3.70 FD I'm thinking maybe it
> could just work. Thanks again for your valuable input!
There are only two ways you can sleep 5 in a 23'. One is to get an early model 23'-4 layout ( http://www.gmcmotorhomes.com/catalog/2304.jpg ) and add
a cot in the front like this: http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/interior-aspirations/p46281-batman-27s-front-bedroom.html

The other way is to get a side bath Birchaven and replace the front dinette with a davo/bunk AND THEN add the cot over the cockpit seats.

FWIW, there are lots of empty nester couples that think a 26' isn't big enough. Your family of 5 will be even tighter.

I wouldn't tow anything heavier than the smallest thing I could get that has just enough passenger capacity to hold my family. But if you get a 23'
model, you are probably going to need storage space. I have toyed with the idea of an old VW hippy van. Lightweight and roomy.
--
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."

 

[LQQKatJon]

Do what you want... but with 5, I would stick with a 26' or even get a stretch. That is advice from myself who is traveling with 4 usually. My
wife maybe a bit more high maintenance then yours? I may look for a 23' once the kids all move away, but even then I am not sure the wife would be
happy in the smaller space.

FYI- I have been driving a 2017 f-150, with v-6(non ecoboost), 4 door 4x4 truck now for almost a month. 14.8 MPG. I was driving a 2016 f-150
extra cab 4x4 with v-6 before that, 14.8 mpg. Not too impressed with whatever weight they lost with the aluminum body. I do know someone who has
the v-8 version, and he is claiming 18mpg, but I that I do not have proof.

we have a couple steel bodied f-150 ecoboost 4x4. they get 18mpg empty, pulling a trailer they get 12mpg.

if you stick with a 2wd, maybe you are better off on the MPG, and I am not sure of weight.

I know the truck bed may be nice for storage, but I still think a f-150 or other 1/2 truck will not make the best toad for a gmc. The gmc motorhome
may pull it, but even with lower gears, the heavier you go on a tow vehicle, the more wear it is on the GMC, and the more you have to push down the
gas pedal and your gas mileage may suffer a little bit as well as the joy of driving a GMC. The biggest thing with going heavy, is your ability to
stop. you will need tow brake control on the tow vehicle if over 3000 pounds, and that helps, but you still need to make sure your brakes on the gmc
is top shape or upgraded if you choose to start towing around 6000 pounds of truck and stuff.

You do have a unique problem of having to haul 3 carseats and a wife. my 05 Honda Pilot is quite a bit lighter then the f-150. and i know it can
easily be towed 4 down. I would opt for that vs a f-150. But I still would want a lighter tow vehicle. I went from a 4000 pound jeep wranger, to
a 3000 pound honda CRV, and I am happier, but I now am looking forward to getting down to my 2000 pound VW thing this summer.

if you are this serious on jumping into a GMC for a year, it may be smart to either find a local club event, or even spend the money on flying out
for the weekend to the GMCMI event. tour different floor plans before spending a bunch of money on the wrong thing.

--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/

 

[johnny]

Looking at my 23' rear bath, five is going to be a stretch. You'd need a tub cover which doubles as a bed and either fold down the dinette for two or
replace it with a davo or jacknife for two more comfortably, and you have the couch which will handle two kids or Very Good Friends. Five's going to
be a crowd. My 26' will hold them comfortably in stock configuration but it's a side wet bath.
My PO hauled that kind of weight behind it with 3.7 gears. The Super Cab is listed as 4392 to 4930 pounds. Put a cap on it and stuff some of your
stuff in it, you're hauling 5000+ pounds back there. Brake Buddy and an oil pump for the transmission (no manual F 150s in 2017) or part time 4WD
which will add a few hundred pounds. The coach will haul it but I'd go for something a bit more practical for a family of five. However, your money
equals your choice.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"The road goes on forever, and the party never ends" --Robert Earl Keen