I've found that a Chevy Uplander seems to complement the GMC shape very well as to gas mileage. Ours is a lift van. So it weighs more then most a 5,000 lbs. So that brings the GVW to 17,000 GVW. I also sometimes pull a 24 ft enclosed trailer that puts the GVW to 21,000 GVW. Our 403 with a 3:70 final drive pull this load fine. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
GMC for 5?
- Thread starter jason1
- Start date
> ...it has the rear bath which I really think we will end up insisting on. ...
No rear bath unit can sleep more than 4 without some modifications that will reduce storage space. And front dinettes that convert to beds are only
48" wide. You can NOT get a full width double bed with a rear bath unless you build your own solution.
You could convert the lounge on the passenger side of a rear bath Royale into a davo/bunk if you remove the overhead compartment. Then you could sleep
5 if you and your SO can fit on the front 48" dinette/"double" bed.
--
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."
No rear bath unit can sleep more than 4 without some modifications that will reduce storage space. And front dinettes that convert to beds are only
48" wide. You can NOT get a full width double bed with a rear bath unless you build your own solution.
You could convert the lounge on the passenger side of a rear bath Royale into a davo/bunk if you remove the overhead compartment. Then you could sleep
5 if you and your SO can fit on the front 48" dinette/"double" bed.
--
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."
There are lots of quick replies. I will have to get a little time to look them over.
I am a family of 4, my wife, myself, and two daughters, age 8 and 10. We have had the coach for 6 years now, and even thought it is still crowded,
I love the mobility and drivability of the GMC.
the 3rd child adds some challenges...
as stated above, the towd vehicle, is a must for what you are thinking in my opinion. both to allow more mobility when you travel, but it makes an
essential parts running, or to get the family out of your way, while you deal with either a breakdown or mechanical issue of the coach. I have no
advice for you as to what towd to get, because 3 kids and 2 adults really limits either by being heavy, or crowded. I tow a 99 CRV and love it,
but I know 3 cars seats will not fit across, the middle seat is only a lap belt. my older daughter will sit in middle without booster when they
bring a friend. Not ideal.
Lots of people tow heavy stuff behind the GMC with varied success. Keep in mind to think about gearing, engine, tranny cooling, brakes, when going
heavier.
As far as seat belts in the GMC, I think you will not make your wife happy on that. Most people frown on putting the kids up in the front
seat(forward facing, has a seat belt). and there is limited seats that face forward on most all the floor plans. I have a 75 palm beach, my
kids sit usually now at the dinette, and I have seat belts in 3 of the 4 sitting spaces on the dinette.(still looking for another couple sets of seat
belts, hint hint). I have sat them next to each other facing forward usually, but they fight. So now I will allow one facing rear, and one facing
forward. There are no 3 point belts in the coaches, only lap belts. My couch opposite the dinette also has 2 seat belt positions, but kids are
facing side to side when they sit there. They do sit there often on trips, but they prefer the dinette table to put there ipods/ipad on.
We could easily sleep 2 adults and 3 kids in ours. We have the bunks(2 spots), dinette(1 or 2 spots), and the rear is a full size bed(2 spots).
I know some that have replaced the front drivers/passenger seats with honda minivan seats, and they fold flat, and a cot can be put over the top of
those too.
GMC is crowded, but it is mobile and drives nice. so you are trading off space for the coolness and mobility factor.
good luck.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
I am a family of 4, my wife, myself, and two daughters, age 8 and 10. We have had the coach for 6 years now, and even thought it is still crowded,
I love the mobility and drivability of the GMC.
the 3rd child adds some challenges...
as stated above, the towd vehicle, is a must for what you are thinking in my opinion. both to allow more mobility when you travel, but it makes an
essential parts running, or to get the family out of your way, while you deal with either a breakdown or mechanical issue of the coach. I have no
advice for you as to what towd to get, because 3 kids and 2 adults really limits either by being heavy, or crowded. I tow a 99 CRV and love it,
but I know 3 cars seats will not fit across, the middle seat is only a lap belt. my older daughter will sit in middle without booster when they
bring a friend. Not ideal.
Lots of people tow heavy stuff behind the GMC with varied success. Keep in mind to think about gearing, engine, tranny cooling, brakes, when going
heavier.
As far as seat belts in the GMC, I think you will not make your wife happy on that. Most people frown on putting the kids up in the front
seat(forward facing, has a seat belt). and there is limited seats that face forward on most all the floor plans. I have a 75 palm beach, my
kids sit usually now at the dinette, and I have seat belts in 3 of the 4 sitting spaces on the dinette.(still looking for another couple sets of seat
belts, hint hint). I have sat them next to each other facing forward usually, but they fight. So now I will allow one facing rear, and one facing
forward. There are no 3 point belts in the coaches, only lap belts. My couch opposite the dinette also has 2 seat belt positions, but kids are
facing side to side when they sit there. They do sit there often on trips, but they prefer the dinette table to put there ipods/ipad on.
We could easily sleep 2 adults and 3 kids in ours. We have the bunks(2 spots), dinette(1 or 2 spots), and the rear is a full size bed(2 spots).
I know some that have replaced the front drivers/passenger seats with honda minivan seats, and they fold flat, and a cot can be put over the top of
those too.
GMC is crowded, but it is mobile and drives nice. so you are trading off space for the coolness and mobility factor.
good luck.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
I'm just learning about final drive ratios. So, when running the final drive at say 3.70, that means it takes 3.7 revolutions of the output trans
gear to rotate the fromt wheels once. Is that correct? I'm sure I didn't use the correct terms. Higher numbers give you more Torque in trade for a
slower top speed. Is that correct? So, If one plans to not tow and stay on flatter roads he should would opt for a lower number for better top speed
but if towing and or taking hills, higher numbers are better. Do I have this right? If not, please don't feel obligated to type out a primer on
hearing fundamentals. A link to some good gouge would be great though.
So what would my top speed be if I ran a 3.70? If you say 55 to 60 then we are golden as I don't see myself ever going faster than that with the wife
and kiddos onboard.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
gear to rotate the fromt wheels once. Is that correct? I'm sure I didn't use the correct terms. Higher numbers give you more Torque in trade for a
slower top speed. Is that correct? So, If one plans to not tow and stay on flatter roads he should would opt for a lower number for better top speed
but if towing and or taking hills, higher numbers are better. Do I have this right? If not, please don't feel obligated to type out a primer on
hearing fundamentals. A link to some good gouge would be great though.
So what would my top speed be if I ran a 3.70? If you say 55 to 60 then we are golden as I don't see myself ever going faster than that with the wife
and kiddos onboard.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> I've found that a Chevy Uplander seems to complement the GMC shape very well as to gas mileage. Ours is a lift van. So it weighs more then most a
> 5,000 lbs. So that brings the GVW to 17,000 GVW. I also sometimes pull a 24 ft enclosed trailer that puts the GVW to 21,000 GVW. Our 403 with a 3:70
> final drive pull this load fine. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403 assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a 455
running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403? Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
stock 455?
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> 5,000 lbs. So that brings the GVW to 17,000 GVW. I also sometimes pull a 24 ft enclosed trailer that puts the GVW to 21,000 GVW. Our 403 with a 3:70
> final drive pull this load fine. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403 assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a 455
running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403? Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
stock 455?
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> There are lots of quick replies. I will have to get a little time to look them over.
> I have a 75 palm beach, my kids sit usually now at the dinette, and I have seat belts in 3 of the 4 sitting spaces on the dinette.(still looking
> for another couple sets of seat belts, hint hint).
Jon, I think I have one set of black seat belts from my dinette. I don't remember if they for the front or rear seat. (there is a difference in
length) You are welcome to them if you would like.
PM your address.
--
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
> I have a 75 palm beach, my kids sit usually now at the dinette, and I have seat belts in 3 of the 4 sitting spaces on the dinette.(still looking
> for another couple sets of seat belts, hint hint).
Jon, I think I have one set of black seat belts from my dinette. I don't remember if they for the front or rear seat. (there is a difference in
length) You are welcome to them if you would like.
PM your address.
--
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
Let me see if I can help answer your question,
my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
frame)
the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
plywood).
our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back there
when coach is in motion.
dinette travel:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
kid bunk sleeping:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
seated on couch:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
frame)
the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
plywood).
our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back there
when coach is in motion.
dinette travel:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
kid bunk sleeping:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
seated on couch:
https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> > ...it has the rear bath which I really think we will end up insisting on. ...
> No rear bath unit can sleep more than 4 without some modifications that will reduce storage space. And front dinettes that convert to beds are
> only 48" wide. You can NOT get a full width double bed with a rear bath unless you build your own solution.
>
> You could convert the lounge on the passenger side of a rear bath Royale into a davo/bunk if you remove the overhead compartment. Then you could
> sleep 5 if you and your SO can fit on the front 48" dinette/"double" bed.
Very good to know that. Luckily I'm only 68" and the wife is even shorter. Sounds like a great solution. Thanks so much for the info!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> No rear bath unit can sleep more than 4 without some modifications that will reduce storage space. And front dinettes that convert to beds are
> only 48" wide. You can NOT get a full width double bed with a rear bath unless you build your own solution.
>
> You could convert the lounge on the passenger side of a rear bath Royale into a davo/bunk if you remove the overhead compartment. Then you could
> sleep 5 if you and your SO can fit on the front 48" dinette/"double" bed.
Very good to know that. Luckily I'm only 68" and the wife is even shorter. Sounds like a great solution. Thanks so much for the info!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> Let me see if I can help answer your question,
>
> my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
> positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
> frame)
>
> the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
> plywood).
>
> our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
>
> our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back
> there when coach is in motion.
>
> dinette travel:
> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
>
> kid bunk sleeping:
> http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
>
>
> seated on couch:
> https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
All this is factory? Amazing. I'm really encouraged by this actually. Wife bought some pretty high end car seats that provide a lot of 5 point
harness restraint and protection. Even some side impact protection. All I really need is enough forward and rear anchor points to clip these in and
it looks like most dinettes will do this. Was starting to worry if GMCs were really only suited for empty nesters. Thanks so much for going through
the trouble to type this up. My girls loved the pics are even more excited now that they've see your kids enjoying the coach so much!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
> positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
> frame)
>
> the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
> plywood).
>
> our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
>
> our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back
> there when coach is in motion.
>
> dinette travel:
> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
>
> kid bunk sleeping:
> http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
>
>
> seated on couch:
> https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
All this is factory? Amazing. I'm really encouraged by this actually. Wife bought some pretty high end car seats that provide a lot of 5 point
harness restraint and protection. Even some side impact protection. All I really need is enough forward and rear anchor points to clip these in and
it looks like most dinettes will do this. Was starting to worry if GMCs were really only suited for empty nesters. Thanks so much for going through
the trouble to type this up. My girls loved the pics are even more excited now that they've see your kids enjoying the coach so much!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
Jason,
Don't get too hung up on gear ratios until you find the coach you like.
Even a dead stock GMC with 455 or 403 engine will break any speed limit in
the country with ease. And you can tow 'most any weight you want with that
stock GMC if you use the correct gear ratio and speed. Changing the gear
ratio is simple enough that you can do it after you've handled all the
other variables in your configuration.
As for your understanding of gear ratios, you basically have it correct,
except for any concern about top speed: Any available ratio will still
allow you to easily exceed any speed limit. In rough numbers, a 3.55 ratio
will run about 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Take the engine up to a max of about
4500 rpm, and you'll be doing 90 mph -- that should be fast enough. Here's
a table of most of the available gearing options:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mechanical/p41231-overall-gear-ratios.html
Those ratios which require only changing the final drive itself can be
changed by the R&R of only about 20 bolts -- a 2-3 hour job with a good
floor jack.
And, from the experiences of others, I'd say even the 403/455 decision
should be a non-issue: The condition of either engine is far more
important than its displacement. (NO, I did not change to a Cadillac 500
because I NEEDED more power -- I did it "'Cause I could".)
For now, worry about other factors.
JWID,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
> This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403
> assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a
> 455
> running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403?
> Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
> stock 455?
> --
Don't get too hung up on gear ratios until you find the coach you like.
Even a dead stock GMC with 455 or 403 engine will break any speed limit in
the country with ease. And you can tow 'most any weight you want with that
stock GMC if you use the correct gear ratio and speed. Changing the gear
ratio is simple enough that you can do it after you've handled all the
other variables in your configuration.
As for your understanding of gear ratios, you basically have it correct,
except for any concern about top speed: Any available ratio will still
allow you to easily exceed any speed limit. In rough numbers, a 3.55 ratio
will run about 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Take the engine up to a max of about
4500 rpm, and you'll be doing 90 mph -- that should be fast enough. Here's
a table of most of the available gearing options:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mechanical/p41231-overall-gear-ratios.html
Those ratios which require only changing the final drive itself can be
changed by the R&R of only about 20 bolts -- a 2-3 hour job with a good
floor jack.
And, from the experiences of others, I'd say even the 403/455 decision
should be a non-issue: The condition of either engine is far more
important than its displacement. (NO, I did not change to a Cadillac 500
because I NEEDED more power -- I did it "'Cause I could".)
For now, worry about other factors.
JWID,
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
> This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403
> assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a
> 455
> running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403?
> Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
> stock 455?
> --
Jason
We traveled extensively throughout the United State when we had 4 children. We would often go for four to six weeks at a time.
We have a 1977 Kingsley with a side bath. My wife and I slept in the back bed, two kids slept on the dinette, one on the couch and one on the fold out bunk over the couch.
We have 2 seat belts on the forward facing dinette seat and 3 seat belts on the couch.
This all came stock from GM.
We do tow a car behind the GMC. It is a Geo Tracker.
Prior to getting the GMC back in 1981 we traveled in a 27’ Dodge Travco. It was laid out very similar to the GMC. But we towed a Jeep CJ7 behind it and the six of us could fit
in the jeep when the kids were young. The Jeep weighed about 4200 pounds. The Travco had a 318 cu in engine but it towed fine. The GMC has a 455 engine and we towed the Jeep with the stock 3.07 final drive.
But I later bought the Geo Tracked (we no longer had the kids at home) and I added a 3.55 final drive. I drive the Interstates at 70-75 mph. I felt a 3.70 would rev up too much at that speed. But if you drive below 65 I think you would like the 3.70.
You can tow just fine with the 3.07 but you have to downshift when in the mountains.
A 1976 455 engine is rated at 215 hp at 3600 rpm. with 370 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
A 1977 403 engine is rated at 200 hp at 3600 rpm, with 330 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
So, the 403 is a good engine and I know many GMCers that have them in the 1977 and 1978 motorhomes and they are very happy with the performance and most of them tow cars behind.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
>> Let me see if I can help answer your question,
>>
>> my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
>> positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
>> frame)
>>
>> the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
>> plywood).
>>
>> our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
>>
>> our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back
>> there when coach is in motion.
>>
>> dinette travel:
>> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
>>
>> kid bunk sleeping:
>> http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
>>
>>
>> seated on couch:
>> https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
>
>
> All this is factory? Amazing. I'm really encouraged by this actually. Wife bought some pretty high end car seats that provide a lot of 5 point
> harness restraint and protection. Even some side impact protection. All I really need is enough forward and rear anchor points to clip these in and
> it looks like most dinettes will do this. Was starting to worry if GMCs were really only suited for empty nesters. Thanks so much for going through
> the trouble to type this up. My girls loved the pics are even more excited now that they've see your kids enjoying the coach so much!
>
> --
> In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
We traveled extensively throughout the United State when we had 4 children. We would often go for four to six weeks at a time.
We have a 1977 Kingsley with a side bath. My wife and I slept in the back bed, two kids slept on the dinette, one on the couch and one on the fold out bunk over the couch.
We have 2 seat belts on the forward facing dinette seat and 3 seat belts on the couch.
This all came stock from GM.
We do tow a car behind the GMC. It is a Geo Tracker.
Prior to getting the GMC back in 1981 we traveled in a 27’ Dodge Travco. It was laid out very similar to the GMC. But we towed a Jeep CJ7 behind it and the six of us could fit
in the jeep when the kids were young. The Jeep weighed about 4200 pounds. The Travco had a 318 cu in engine but it towed fine. The GMC has a 455 engine and we towed the Jeep with the stock 3.07 final drive.
But I later bought the Geo Tracked (we no longer had the kids at home) and I added a 3.55 final drive. I drive the Interstates at 70-75 mph. I felt a 3.70 would rev up too much at that speed. But if you drive below 65 I think you would like the 3.70.
You can tow just fine with the 3.07 but you have to downshift when in the mountains.
A 1976 455 engine is rated at 215 hp at 3600 rpm. with 370 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
A 1977 403 engine is rated at 200 hp at 3600 rpm, with 330 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
So, the 403 is a good engine and I know many GMCers that have them in the 1977 and 1978 motorhomes and they are very happy with the performance and most of them tow cars behind.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick, CO
>
>> Let me see if I can help answer your question,
>>
>> my 75 palm beach, (4 seat dinette behind passenger seat, couch/bunk behind driver seat) has mounts for lap belts in all 4 dinette seating
>> positions up front. rear facing seats mount straight back from seating position at top edge of the upper cockpit floor.(nut plates in aluminum
>> frame)
>>
>> the forward dinette seats, has 2 lap belts, they bolt to the floor.(nuts plates are mounted to floor aluminum framing members(not just through
>> plywood).
>>
>> our couch/bunk, has two lap belts that go straight back and have tabs that they bolt to that are mounted in the sidewall.
>>
>> our rear area(2 seating areas that fold to be bed), has no seat belt mounts, and sticker that states you are not supposed to be sitting back
>> there when coach is in motion.
>>
>> dinette travel:
>> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A0kcY4sZRQ8/UgT4vrJwXPI/AAAAAAAAR08/GtB0A_CmLR8/s1600/macy%2Band%2BPaige.jpg
>>
>> kid bunk sleeping:
>> http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dg1appruqK0/UgT4wX67NJI/AAAAAAAAR1I/1uZ15TiBCF4/s1600/Paigetopbunk.jpg
>>
>>
>> seated on couch:
>> https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiD8wyS7k_E/WI54O6DcQCI/AAAAAAAAUaM/sH8gm1vB8cQT1WJF5X3cpKWpdFBOrI2lQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0750.JPG
>
>
> All this is factory? Amazing. I'm really encouraged by this actually. Wife bought some pretty high end car seats that provide a lot of 5 point
> harness restraint and protection. Even some side impact protection. All I really need is enough forward and rear anchor points to clip these in and
> it looks like most dinettes will do this. Was starting to worry if GMCs were really only suited for empty nesters. Thanks so much for going through
> the trouble to type this up. My girls loved the pics are even more excited now that they've see your kids enjoying the coach so much!
>
> --
> In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> Jason,
>
> Don't get too hung up on gear ratios until you find the coach you like.
> Even a dead stock GMC with 455 or 403 engine will break any speed limit in
> the country with ease. And you can tow 'most any weight you want with that
> stock GMC if you use the correct gear ratio and speed. Changing the gear
> ratio is simple enough that you can do it after you've handled all the
> other variables in your configuration.
>
> As for your understanding of gear ratios, you basically have it correct,
> except for any concern about top speed: Any available ratio will still
> allow you to easily exceed any speed limit. In rough numbers, a 3.55 ratio
> will run about 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Take the engine up to a max of about
> 4500 rpm, and you'll be doing 90 mph -- that should be fast enough. Here's
> a table of most of the available gearing options:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mechanical/p41231-overall-gear-ratios.html
> Those ratios which require only changing the final drive itself can be
> changed by the R&R of only about 20 bolts -- a 2-3 hour job with a good
> floor jack.
>
> And, from the experiences of others, I'd say even the 403/455 decision
> should be a non-issue: The condition of either engine is far more
> important than its displacement. (NO, I did not change to a Cadillac 500
> because I NEEDED more power -- I did it "'Cause I could".)
>
> For now, worry about other factors.
>
> JWID,
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
> >
> >
> > This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403
> > assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a
> > 455
> > running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403?
> > Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
> > stock 455?
> > --
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Roger that Ken. I see where your are going with that on gear ratios. Small
Potatoes to pick a gear ratio once the right coach has been got. It was also pointed out elsewhere that we are only talking about 15 hp and 40 ft lbs
of torque diff between the two engines. I may be wrong but it seems to me if I really wanted it there's fairly easy ways to make a 403 put out 455
numbers at the hands of the right mechanic and some cash? (I'm assuming much less than swapping it out for a rebuilt 455?) so yah, I think you all are
helping me see that a 77 or 78 26' coach with lower miles, mechanically sound, has been converted over to ethanol gas, and has the rear or side dry
bath with a 4 seatbelt dinette plus a possible extra sleeping space added is our ticket.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> Don't get too hung up on gear ratios until you find the coach you like.
> Even a dead stock GMC with 455 or 403 engine will break any speed limit in
> the country with ease. And you can tow 'most any weight you want with that
> stock GMC if you use the correct gear ratio and speed. Changing the gear
> ratio is simple enough that you can do it after you've handled all the
> other variables in your configuration.
>
> As for your understanding of gear ratios, you basically have it correct,
> except for any concern about top speed: Any available ratio will still
> allow you to easily exceed any speed limit. In rough numbers, a 3.55 ratio
> will run about 3000 rpm at 60 mph. Take the engine up to a max of about
> 4500 rpm, and you'll be doing 90 mph -- that should be fast enough. Here's
> a table of most of the available gearing options:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/mechanical/p41231-overall-gear-ratios.html
> Those ratios which require only changing the final drive itself can be
> changed by the R&R of only about 20 bolts -- a 2-3 hour job with a good
> floor jack.
>
> And, from the experiences of others, I'd say even the 403/455 decision
> should be a non-issue: The condition of either engine is far more
> important than its displacement. (NO, I did not change to a Cadillac 500
> because I NEEDED more power -- I did it "'Cause I could".)
>
> For now, worry about other factors.
>
> JWID,
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
> Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
> >
> >
> > This is amazing. Here I've been all but ignoring listings with the 403
> > assuming they'd not produce the power we need. Is it safe to assume that a
> > 455
> > running 3.70 FD would have even more hauling/towing capacity than a 403?
> > Since we are talking about it, Are there benefits of a stock 403 over a
> > stock 455?
> > --
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Roger that Ken. I see where your are going with that on gear ratios. Small
Potatoes to pick a gear ratio once the right coach has been got. It was also pointed out elsewhere that we are only talking about 15 hp and 40 ft lbs
of torque diff between the two engines. I may be wrong but it seems to me if I really wanted it there's fairly easy ways to make a 403 put out 455
numbers at the hands of the right mechanic and some cash? (I'm assuming much less than swapping it out for a rebuilt 455?) so yah, I think you all are
helping me see that a 77 or 78 26' coach with lower miles, mechanically sound, has been converted over to ethanol gas, and has the rear or side dry
bath with a 4 seatbelt dinette plus a possible extra sleeping space added is our ticket.
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
You might want to look at a Honda Fit for a towed vehicle. Lot of room inside for storage with the back seat down and it cones in at around 2600
pounds. You could also seat 3 children in the rear. Several GMCers have used them for Towed vehicles. The newest generation 2015+ uses a CVT auto
trans and may not be towable all 4 down. I towed my daughter's 2009 one time for a couple of thousand miles without towed brakes and had no problem
with it with. So look for one before 2015 model year. I'll try to remember to look in her current 2016 Fit manual and see if it is towable.
As far as 403 vs 455 engine. I have driven GMCs with both engines for several thousand miles. Including up to the Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 feet.
I noticed no difference between the two in performance.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
pounds. You could also seat 3 children in the rear. Several GMCers have used them for Towed vehicles. The newest generation 2015+ uses a CVT auto
trans and may not be towable all 4 down. I towed my daughter's 2009 one time for a couple of thousand miles without towed brakes and had no problem
with it with. So look for one before 2015 model year. I'll try to remember to look in her current 2016 Fit manual and see if it is towable.
As far as 403 vs 455 engine. I have driven GMCs with both engines for several thousand miles. Including up to the Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 feet.
I noticed no difference between the two in performance.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
> Jason
> We traveled extensively throughout the United State when we had 4 children. We would often go for four to six weeks at a time.
> We have a 1977 Kingsley with a side bath. My wife and I slept in the back bed, two kids slept on the dinette, one on the couch and one on the
> fold out bunk over the couch.
>
> We have 2 seat belts on the forward facing dinette seat and 3 seat belts on the couch.
> This all came stock from GM.
>
> We do tow a car behind the GMC. It is a Geo Tracker.
>
> Prior to getting the GMC back in 1981 we traveled in a 27' Dodge Travco. It was laid out very similar to the GMC. But we towed a Jeep CJ7 behind
> it and the six of us could fit
> in the jeep when the kids were young. The Jeep weighed about 4200 pounds. The Travco had a 318 cu in engine but it towed fine. The GMC has a 455
> engine and we towed the Jeep with the stock 3.07 final drive.
> But I later bought the Geo Tracked (we no longer had the kids at home) and I added a 3.55 final drive. I drive the Interstates at 70-75 mph. I
> felt a 3.70 would rev up too much at that speed. But if you drive below 65 I think you would like the 3.70.
> You can tow just fine with the 3.07 but you have to downshift when in the mountains.
>
> A 1976 455 engine is rated at 215 hp at 3600 rpm. with 370 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
>
> A 1977 403 engine is rated at 200 hp at 3600 rpm, with 330 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
>
> So, the 403 is a good engine and I know many GMCers that have them in the 1977 and 1978 motorhomes and they are very happy with the performance
> and most of them tow cars behind.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
6 total? That's great encouragement. Really don't want to be pioneering new ground here and ppl thinking we're crazy to stuff all 5 of us in there
for a year. Great info on the engine difference and the towing capacities of even smaller engines. Super helpful. Thanks so much Emery!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> We traveled extensively throughout the United State when we had 4 children. We would often go for four to six weeks at a time.
> We have a 1977 Kingsley with a side bath. My wife and I slept in the back bed, two kids slept on the dinette, one on the couch and one on the
> fold out bunk over the couch.
>
> We have 2 seat belts on the forward facing dinette seat and 3 seat belts on the couch.
> This all came stock from GM.
>
> We do tow a car behind the GMC. It is a Geo Tracker.
>
> Prior to getting the GMC back in 1981 we traveled in a 27' Dodge Travco. It was laid out very similar to the GMC. But we towed a Jeep CJ7 behind
> it and the six of us could fit
> in the jeep when the kids were young. The Jeep weighed about 4200 pounds. The Travco had a 318 cu in engine but it towed fine. The GMC has a 455
> engine and we towed the Jeep with the stock 3.07 final drive.
> But I later bought the Geo Tracked (we no longer had the kids at home) and I added a 3.55 final drive. I drive the Interstates at 70-75 mph. I
> felt a 3.70 would rev up too much at that speed. But if you drive below 65 I think you would like the 3.70.
> You can tow just fine with the 3.07 but you have to downshift when in the mountains.
>
> A 1976 455 engine is rated at 215 hp at 3600 rpm. with 370 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
>
> A 1977 403 engine is rated at 200 hp at 3600 rpm, with 330 lb-ft of torque at 2400 rpm.
>
> So, the 403 is a good engine and I know many GMCers that have them in the 1977 and 1978 motorhomes and they are very happy with the performance
> and most of them tow cars behind.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick, CO
>
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
6 total? That's great encouragement. Really don't want to be pioneering new ground here and ppl thinking we're crazy to stuff all 5 of us in there
for a year. Great info on the engine difference and the towing capacities of even smaller engines. Super helpful. Thanks so much Emery!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> You might want to look at a Honda Fit for a towed vehicle. Lot of room inside for storage with the back seat down and it cones in at around 2600
> pounds. You could also seat 3 children in the rear. Several GMCers have used them for Towed vehicles. The newest generation 2015+ uses a CVT
> auto trans and may not be towable all 4 down. I towed my daughter's 2009 one time for a couple of thousand miles without towed brakes and had no
> problem with it with. So look for one before 2015 model year. I'll try to remember to look in her current 2016 Fit manual and see if it is
> towable.
>
> As far as 403 vs 455 engine. I have driven GMCs with both engines for several thousand miles. Including up to the Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000
> feet. I noticed no difference between the two in performance.
2014 or older Honda Fit. Got it. I'll look into it. I'm much less concerned about the wngime differences now thanks to you all. Thank you!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> pounds. You could also seat 3 children in the rear. Several GMCers have used them for Towed vehicles. The newest generation 2015+ uses a CVT
> auto trans and may not be towable all 4 down. I towed my daughter's 2009 one time for a couple of thousand miles without towed brakes and had no
> problem with it with. So look for one before 2015 model year. I'll try to remember to look in her current 2016 Fit manual and see if it is
> towable.
>
> As far as 403 vs 455 engine. I have driven GMCs with both engines for several thousand miles. Including up to the Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000
> feet. I noticed no difference between the two in performance.
2014 or older Honda Fit. Got it. I'll look into it. I'm much less concerned about the wngime differences now thanks to you all. Thank you!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> I've found that a Chevy Uplander seems to complement the GMC shape very well as to gas mileage. Ours is a lift van. So it weighs more then most a
> 5,000 lbs. So that brings the GVW to 17,000 GVW. I also sometimes pull a 24 ft enclosed trailer that puts the GVW to 21,000 GVW. Our 403 with a 3:70
> final drive pull this load fine. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Bob,
I'll look into that make and model. Thank you. Those are some mighty big numbers you've been towing there. Definitely helps ease my concern. Thanks a
lot!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
> 5,000 lbs. So that brings the GVW to 17,000 GVW. I also sometimes pull a 24 ft enclosed trailer that puts the GVW to 21,000 GVW. Our 403 with a 3:70
> final drive pull this load fine. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Bob,
I'll look into that make and model. Thank you. Those are some mighty big numbers you've been towing there. Definitely helps ease my concern. Thanks a
lot!
--
In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
from all the reading over the years, you have the right advice, on that the 403 vs 455 really does not matter. One thing good about the 403, is
that it will be in a 77/78 model year coach, and I think those have a few more bugs worked out then the earlier year coaches, especially the dash air,
even though with a family of 5, you need to make sure you have a good roof A/C unit and a working generator. But the key is a well maintained and
driven coach. Things can and will fail, but if they are taken care of you should be time and money ahead.
There are alot of changes you can do to the coach to suit everybodys needs. Storage will always be tough, and another thing I struggle with is the
capacites of the sewer tank. My family of 4(3/4 girls with longer hair), can run through the water and fill up a holding tank in less then 48 hours
if we are not paying attention. but the GMC is nice because it is mobile and can get to a dump station with ease. There are some things you can
do, same with the storage to make it more tolerable.
Finding a good coach is the key, and keeping it that way is the second most important thing. You have hundreds, if not thousands of people out
there who have experience with every bolt and wire on these things and can tell you exactly how to fix or upgrade things. thousands are driving
cross country all the time. there are plenty of family's out traveling in these, and most of the empty nesters you mentioned probably started out
traveling as a family unit.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
that it will be in a 77/78 model year coach, and I think those have a few more bugs worked out then the earlier year coaches, especially the dash air,
even though with a family of 5, you need to make sure you have a good roof A/C unit and a working generator. But the key is a well maintained and
driven coach. Things can and will fail, but if they are taken care of you should be time and money ahead.
There are alot of changes you can do to the coach to suit everybodys needs. Storage will always be tough, and another thing I struggle with is the
capacites of the sewer tank. My family of 4(3/4 girls with longer hair), can run through the water and fill up a holding tank in less then 48 hours
if we are not paying attention. but the GMC is nice because it is mobile and can get to a dump station with ease. There are some things you can
do, same with the storage to make it more tolerable.
Finding a good coach is the key, and keeping it that way is the second most important thing. You have hundreds, if not thousands of people out
there who have experience with every bolt and wire on these things and can tell you exactly how to fix or upgrade things. thousands are driving
cross country all the time. there are plenty of family's out traveling in these, and most of the empty nesters you mentioned probably started out
traveling as a family unit.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
Since your not going to be driving fast 3.70 will do fine . Flat or hilly
Sent from my iPhone
>
> I'm just learning about final drive ratios. So, when running the final drive at say 3.70, that means it takes 3.7 revolutions of the output trans
> gear to rotate the fromt wheels once. Is that correct? I'm sure I didn't use the correct terms. Higher numbers give you more Torque in trade for a
> slower top speed. Is that correct? So, If one plans to not tow and stay on flatter roads he should would opt for a lower number for better top speed
> but if towing and or taking hills, higher numbers are better. Do I have this right? If not, please don't feel obligated to type out a primer on
> hearing fundamentals. A link to some good gouge would be great though.
>
> So what would my top speed be if I ran a 3.70? If you say 55 to 60 then we are golden as I don't see myself ever going faster than that with the wife
> and kiddos onboard.
> --
> In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
Sent from my iPhone
>
> I'm just learning about final drive ratios. So, when running the final drive at say 3.70, that means it takes 3.7 revolutions of the output trans
> gear to rotate the fromt wheels once. Is that correct? I'm sure I didn't use the correct terms. Higher numbers give you more Torque in trade for a
> slower top speed. Is that correct? So, If one plans to not tow and stay on flatter roads he should would opt for a lower number for better top speed
> but if towing and or taking hills, higher numbers are better. Do I have this right? If not, please don't feel obligated to type out a primer on
> hearing fundamentals. A link to some good gouge would be great though.
>
> So what would my top speed be if I ran a 3.70? If you say 55 to 60 then we are golden as I don't see myself ever going faster than that with the wife
> and kiddos onboard.
> --
> In the market for a GMC Motorhome (Jan '17)
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
We are a family of 5 as well. My 7 year old daughter sleeps in the top bunk, one twin 5 year old boy sleeps on the bottom bunk, and the other twin 5
year old boy sleeps on the dinette. Wife and I sleep in the back. Standard GM floor plan, in this case a Glenbrook. We tow a Chevy HHR. Around 3200
lbs with the tow gear. We can put 3 car seats across the back, but it's quite a job to get them all buckled. As they have gotten older, we switched to
booster seats with backs. This still provides safety, but makes it easier to buckle, though still a bit of a chore. However, the HHR has a ton of
space for cargo. All seats but the driver seat fold down, making for a huge space for the size/weight of the vehicle.
We bought the GMC before we had kids, and while we didn't travel much in the first 6 months of their lives, after that we've just buckled them in and
went. Car seats were originally buckled forward and back on the dinette, and as they got older we put them in full boosters and put 2 on the couch
sideways and one forward facing on the dinette. That allows them all to see the tv, or rotate over to the table for arts and crafts.
One thing to keep in mind is there is no latch system. The GMC predates that by 20 years or more. So you have to buckle the car seats using the belts.
They are the old style airplane belts, so it is hard to get them perfectly tight. Regardless of what you do, the effectiveness of the car seats in the
GMC is not going to be the same as the effectiveness in a modern car. However, we drive slower and more carefully in the GMC, plus you have a lot of
mass around you, so in the end I believe it's kind of a wash.
We did get pulled over once by a policeman in rural GA. To be fair, I completely missed a stop sign on a deserted road and he was sitting right there.
Probably because a lot of people miss that sign. But regardless, he poked his head in, saw the kids buckled every which way in the car seats, and said
he was just happy to see them in car seats. The laws for car seats in the back of a motorhome vary by every state, so you are always covered if they
are buckled, and I maintain it is the smart idea, but it's not always required. When we do long drives and leave at 2 a.m. my kids sleep in the beds.
Boys in the back with mom, daughter on the dinette. Is it dangerous? Yes. Certainly more so than having them buckled, but they actually sleep as
opposed to being stuffed in seats where they won't.
We have never taken a trip more than 10 days, though we have done several in that range. There is plenty of storage in the GMC for about a week's
worth of stuff, and probably 3-5 days worth of food. As long as you keep that in mind, frequent grocery store visits and a lot of time at the
laundromat, I'd imagine you could full-time. I wouldn't want to be stuck inside during a week long rain storm, it could get awful close awful fast,
but so long as everyone spends most of the time outside, which is our rule while camping, I'd imagine it will work.
Good luck. You've found the right place to come and ask your questions so don't be shy. We all just want to help anyone who has an interest in these
great old machines.
--
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
year old boy sleeps on the dinette. Wife and I sleep in the back. Standard GM floor plan, in this case a Glenbrook. We tow a Chevy HHR. Around 3200
lbs with the tow gear. We can put 3 car seats across the back, but it's quite a job to get them all buckled. As they have gotten older, we switched to
booster seats with backs. This still provides safety, but makes it easier to buckle, though still a bit of a chore. However, the HHR has a ton of
space for cargo. All seats but the driver seat fold down, making for a huge space for the size/weight of the vehicle.
We bought the GMC before we had kids, and while we didn't travel much in the first 6 months of their lives, after that we've just buckled them in and
went. Car seats were originally buckled forward and back on the dinette, and as they got older we put them in full boosters and put 2 on the couch
sideways and one forward facing on the dinette. That allows them all to see the tv, or rotate over to the table for arts and crafts.
One thing to keep in mind is there is no latch system. The GMC predates that by 20 years or more. So you have to buckle the car seats using the belts.
They are the old style airplane belts, so it is hard to get them perfectly tight. Regardless of what you do, the effectiveness of the car seats in the
GMC is not going to be the same as the effectiveness in a modern car. However, we drive slower and more carefully in the GMC, plus you have a lot of
mass around you, so in the end I believe it's kind of a wash.
We did get pulled over once by a policeman in rural GA. To be fair, I completely missed a stop sign on a deserted road and he was sitting right there.
Probably because a lot of people miss that sign. But regardless, he poked his head in, saw the kids buckled every which way in the car seats, and said
he was just happy to see them in car seats. The laws for car seats in the back of a motorhome vary by every state, so you are always covered if they
are buckled, and I maintain it is the smart idea, but it's not always required. When we do long drives and leave at 2 a.m. my kids sleep in the beds.
Boys in the back with mom, daughter on the dinette. Is it dangerous? Yes. Certainly more so than having them buckled, but they actually sleep as
opposed to being stuffed in seats where they won't.
We have never taken a trip more than 10 days, though we have done several in that range. There is plenty of storage in the GMC for about a week's
worth of stuff, and probably 3-5 days worth of food. As long as you keep that in mind, frequent grocery store visits and a lot of time at the
laundromat, I'd imagine you could full-time. I wouldn't want to be stuck inside during a week long rain storm, it could get awful close awful fast,
but so long as everyone spends most of the time outside, which is our rule while camping, I'd imagine it will work.
Good luck. You've found the right place to come and ask your questions so don't be shy. We all just want to help anyone who has an interest in these
great old machines.
--
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
