GMC Motorhome Digest V2 #277

[mullins tommy]

[Admin note - Tommy, when replying to a digest, do not quote the
entire digest. The resulting email is too long and it bounces.
Thanks! Patrick]

Hello: I am Tommy from west Virginia and a very happy GMC owner for
one week now. will be asking a lot of questions I am sure. got a 73
26' with only 35000 miles. starting with the shock that appear to be
very tired after sitting around for 26 years. Are there any tricks and
what is the best type to purchase. also the air system has a leak.
where do I start looking and what should I replace anyway. the pump
works fine but works a lot. if I need the valve I can see at the
wheels where can I find that. also where can I find new or use alum.
wheels? sorry so many questions at the first writing but excited about
getting it ready for spring. thanks Tommy

 

[thom hole]

Welcome. First the shock question. There was alot of talk about
replacement shocks on this maillist over the last few months. If I may
summerize, There are 3 brands which got alot of good reviews - KYB
(available from Gateway), Bilstein (From Cinnabar) and Caspro (from
Caspro). They have different price points and features, but you will be OK
with any of them.

The Air system leak is more tricky. The first area to check are the valves
used to control the air to/from the bags. These valves fail after a period
of time a let the air seep out. Cinnabar has some upgraded valves that
will solve problems in this area. Other potential ares to check; The
check valve between the compressor and the tank and the tank itself. Most
of this diagnostic work can be done with a small brush and a cup of soapy
water.

Your last question about wheels is probebly the easiest. Alcoa is the only
current manufacfuer of aluminum whells that will work on a GMC Motohome.
There have been others, but they have taken into account that the whell
MUST fit on the center cup of the drum. This is where the weight is
carried. Unlike Cars, the design on your motorhome does not use the lug
nuts for hold the 2,000 lbs. Copanies selling the new Alcoas seem to
running thin and Used Alcoas are very rare. All Alcoas are 16 inch
wheels(not the 16.5 inch found standard), which means that you will also be
buying 6 new tires. This is what is keeping me from investing in Aluminum
wheels.

Go to the GMC Motorhomes International WEB site for a description of the
upcoming Myrtle Beach Covnetion in March. Many seminars and parts for
sale. Thet are at;
http://www.gmcmi.com/next.htm

>[Admin note - Tommy, when replying to a digest, do not quote the
>entire digest. The resulting email is too long and it bounces.
>Thanks! Patrick]
>
>Hello: I am Tommy from west Virginia and a very happy GMC owner for
>one week now. will be asking a lot of questions I am sure. got a 73
>26' with only 35000 miles. starting with the shock that appear to be
>very tired after sitting around for 26 years. Are there any tricks and
>what is the best type to purchase. also the air system has a leak.
>where do I start looking and what should I replace anyway. the pump
>works fine but works a lot. if I need the valve I can see at the
>wheels where can I find that. also where can I find new or use alum.
>wheels? sorry so many questions at the first writing but excited about
>getting it ready for spring. thanks Tommy
>