GMCMH Curb Weights

K

Ken H.

Active member
Sep 9, 2000
19,428
5
38
I just got a question from a GMCer to which I can't find an answer: What
is the "official" curb weight of a GMC? The maximum gross weight is
documented several places, but I've been unable to find anywhere what the
"curb weight" should be. I certainly recognize that each configuration
will be slightly different, but it seems there would be established numbers
for each SOMEWHERE!

Ken H.
 
Too many different upfitters and insides, each of which is likely a different weight. If someone kept the weights from a rally, take a means for each
length and use that. Otherwise write all of them doiwn in Mansfield and do a mean.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Ken,

I would suggest that there is no OFFICIAL WEIGHT of each coach model, there are too many variables.

How much fuel in tanks.
How much water in tank.
How much waste water in tanks.
Aluminum wheels vs steel wheels
Tire weights.
How much spare parts are stored, so have more that others.
How much food and supplies.
Anything that is in the coach or storage pod that did not come with the coach.
The list goes on with options added from the factory.

The real official weight is the one you get when you weigh your coach. That is why so many people are surprised when they have their coaches weighed at the GMCMI conventions. I know that why you like your 23’ coach.

The coaches that we have had over the years have weighted differently depending on the time it was weighted. By time I mean was it going on a trip, emptied out after returning, what it was going to be used for, etc.

The 77 Eleganza II was a frame up restoration and some cabinetry had been replace and newer materials along with the newer windows that you used to sell and they were much light than the stock windows. When empty it alway weighted under the gross weight listed on the TZE plate. When loaded for traveling and we used to do Florida and AZ for 4 months it was 1000# over name plate and that is not uncommon.

The 78 Buskirk Stretch is a much heavier coach as it has a 3.5 foot addition, heavier frame rails, 3 fuel tanks, custom bath and shower modules, new furniture, custom solid maple cabinets thru out. It weighs right at 12500# empty and close to 14600# ready for battle. The coach suspension is much more robust than a stock coach. Heavy duty front lower “A” arms that have billet hexes welded in, reinforced with 3 1/16” plate welded in, larger torsion bars along with a larger sway bar in the front. The rear is a copy of the Leigh Harrison 4 bag suspension that has been beefed up with larger steel plate supports and modified swing arms, and air bags that are the largest used on a 4 bag coach setup.

So again is there an actual listing of coach weights, it weighs what it weighs when you have it weighed.

JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States Charter Member
GMCGL Tech Editor
GMCMI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan

>
> I just got a question from a GMCer to which I can't find an answer: What
> is the "official" curb weight of a GMC? The maximum gross weight is
> documented several places, but I've been unable to find anywhere what the
> "curb weight" should be. I certainly recognize that each configuration
> will be slightly different, but it seems there would be established numbers
> for each SOMEWHERE!
>
> Ken H.
 
John,
Your explanation should answer the question .
Too many variables.
Just the different models like the Royal by Coachman can be big .

On Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 5:36 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

> Ken,
>
> I would suggest that there is no OFFICIAL WEIGHT of each coach model,
> there are too many variables.
>
> How much fuel in tanks.
> How much water in tank.
> How much waste water in tanks.
> Aluminum wheels vs steel wheels
> Tire weights.
> How much spare parts are stored, so have more that others.
> How much food and supplies.
> Anything that is in the coach or storage pod that did not come with the
> coach.
> The list goes on with options added from the factory.
>
> The real official weight is the one you get when you weigh your coach.
> That is why so many people are surprised when they have their coaches
> weighed at the GMCMI conventions. I know that why you like your 23’ coach.
>
> The coaches that we have had over the years have weighted differently
> depending on the time it was weighted. By time I mean was it going on a
> trip, emptied out after returning, what it was going to be used for, etc.
>
> The 77 Eleganza II was a frame up restoration and some cabinetry had been
> replace and newer materials along with the newer windows that you used to
> sell and they were much light than the stock windows. When empty it alway
> weighted under the gross weight listed on the TZE plate. When loaded for
> traveling and we used to do Florida and AZ for 4 months it was 1000# over
> name plate and that is not uncommon.
>
> The 78 Buskirk Stretch is a much heavier coach as it has a 3.5 foot
> addition, heavier frame rails, 3 fuel tanks, custom bath and shower
> modules, new furniture, custom solid maple cabinets thru out. It weighs
> right at 12500# empty and close to 14600# ready for battle. The coach
> suspension is much more robust than a stock coach. Heavy duty front lower
> “A” arms that have billet hexes welded in, reinforced with 3 1/16” plate
> welded in, larger torsion bars along with a larger sway bar in the front.
> The rear is a copy of the Leigh Harrison 4 bag suspension that has been
> beefed up with larger steel plate supports and modified swing arms, and air
> bags that are the largest used on a 4 bag coach setup.
>
> So again is there an actual listing of coach weights, it weighs what it
> weighs when you have it weighed.
>
> JR Wright
> GMC Great Laker MHC
> GMC Eastern States Charter Member
> GMCGL Tech Editor
> GMCMI
> 78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
> 1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
> Michigan
>
>
>
> > On Jul 24, 2019, at 7:03 AM, Ken Henderson via Gmclist <

> >
> > I just got a question from a GMCer to which I can't find an answer: What
> > is the "official" curb weight of a GMC? The maximum gross weight is
> > documented several places, but I've been unable to find anywhere what the
> > "curb weight" should be. I certainly recognize that each configuration
> > will be slightly different, but it seems there would be established
> numbers
> > for each SOMEWHERE!
> >
> > Ken H.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
We weighed every coach at Casa de Fruita, and checked ride height as well.
Armand Minnie did a spread sheet on them. That might still be around. As I
remember, that info was hard to make any definitive conclusions from. But
the weight per axle, and side to side differences were an eye opener. Ride
heights on perhaps 25 coaches were all incorrect except for 2 coaches.
Funny, the drivers all said their coaches drove fine.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

On Wed, Jul 24, 2019, 6:41 AM Jim Kanomata via Gmclist <

> John,
> Your explanation should answer the question .
> Too many variables.
> Just the different models like the Royal by Coachman can be big .
>
> On Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 5:36 AM John Wright via Gmclist <

>
> > Ken,
> >
> > I would suggest that there is no OFFICIAL WEIGHT of each coach model,
> > there are too many variables.
> >
> > How much fuel in tanks.
> > How much water in tank.
> > How much waste water in tanks.
> > Aluminum wheels vs steel wheels
> > Tire weights.
> > How much spare parts are stored, so have more that others.
> > How much food and supplies.
> > Anything that is in the coach or storage pod that did not come with the
> > coach.
> > The list goes on with options added from the factory.
> >
> > The real official weight is the one you get when you weigh your coach.
> > That is why so many people are surprised when they have their coaches
> > weighed at the GMCMI conventions. I know that why you like your 23’
> coach.
> >
> > The coaches that we have had over the years have weighted differently
> > depending on the time it was weighted. By time I mean was it going on a
> > trip, emptied out after returning, what it was going to be used for, etc.
> >
> > The 77 Eleganza II was a frame up restoration and some cabinetry had been
> > replace and newer materials along with the newer windows that you used to
> > sell and they were much light than the stock windows. When empty it
> alway
> > weighted under the gross weight listed on the TZE plate. When loaded for
> > traveling and we used to do Florida and AZ for 4 months it was 1000# over
> > name plate and that is not uncommon.
> >
> > The 78 Buskirk Stretch is a much heavier coach as it has a 3.5 foot
> > addition, heavier frame rails, 3 fuel tanks, custom bath and shower
> > modules, new furniture, custom solid maple cabinets thru out. It weighs
> > right at 12500# empty and close to 14600# ready for battle. The coach
> > suspension is much more robust than a stock coach. Heavy duty front
> lower
> > “A” arms that have billet hexes welded in, reinforced with 3 1/16” plate
> > welded in, larger torsion bars along with a larger sway bar in the front.
> > The rear is a copy of the Leigh Harrison 4 bag suspension that has been
> > beefed up with larger steel plate supports and modified swing arms, and
> air
> > bags that are the largest used on a 4 bag coach setup.
> >
> > So again is there an actual listing of coach weights, it weighs what it
> > weighs when you have it weighed.
> >
> > JR Wright
> > GMC Great Laker MHC
> > GMC Eastern States Charter Member
> > GMCGL Tech Editor
> > GMCMI
> > 78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
> > 1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
> > Michigan
> >
> >
> >
> > > On Jul 24, 2019, at 7:03 AM, Ken Henderson via Gmclist <

> > >
> > > I just got a question from a GMCer to which I can't find an answer:
> What
> > > is the "official" curb weight of a GMC? The maximum gross weight is
> > > documented several places, but I've been unable to find anywhere what
> the
> > > "curb weight" should be. I certainly recognize that each configuration
> > > will be slightly different, but it seems there would be established
> > numbers
> > > for each SOMEWHERE!
> > >
> > > Ken H.
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
> >
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Hi Ken,

The official curb weights are in the operators manuals. Here is a link to the weights for a '73, a '75, and a '78.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/98T8XaEWu1K6W4ah9

Russell
--
Russell Keith,
1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
Onan, Dunedin, Florida
 
Russell,

Thanks for the links. Unfortunately, those are not the "curb weights", as
I define them (the basically "ready to roll" without extra loads), but the
maximum gross weights.

It's those "empty except for essentials like fuel" weights that the
individual I mentioned needs for vehicle registration in his area. He and
I have pretty much figured out now that he'll have to get the coach weighed
and convince the licensing authorities to accept that number. "Rots a
ruck, Charlie." :-)

Thanks, Everyone.

Ken H.

On Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 4:41 PM Russell Keith via Gmclist <

> Hi Ken,
>
> The official curb weights are in the operators manuals. Here is a link to
> the weights for a '73, a '75, and a '78.
>
> https://photos.app.goo.gl/98T8XaEWu1K6W4ah9
>
> Russell
> --
> Russell Keith,
> 1978 E2 "Harry" 403 (still carbureted), Danny Dunn Tranny, Thorley, Stock
> Brakes w/Remote Vacuum Brake Booster, Quad Bags, Dakota Digital Dash, 6.5 kW
> Onan, Dunedin, Florida
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
Ken,
The official "curb weights" are included in the link Russel provided. ie: '73 26', 9,600#, '75 26' 9,500#, and '78 26' 10,570 I'm not saying these
numbers make sense, but they are "official", and even a typically obtuse DMV worker should accept them if you show him/her the owner's manual page
they came from. The manual reprints also describe (in annually increasing detail) the conditions defined by "curb" weight.

The numbers do raise some interesting questions. Why is my '75 GMC 100# lighter than a '73, even though mine has more insulation under the floor,
some beefing up in spindles, bearings and so forth? How does a '78 coach rate an 800# higher GVW (gross vehicle weight, the one that would matter if
by some chance you got weighed by the cops) than my '75, even though they share identical frames, suspensions, steering and brakes? Why is the '78
curb weight over 1,000# more than my '75? (Did the Onan become standard equipment for '78?)

Oh well, hope that helps someone get their plates. Beyond that, getting weighed is indeed more important. Hope I can do it some day.

--
Rick Staples, '75 Eleganza, Johnstown, CO

"Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the Wise to the Wise, and all paths may run ill." -Tolkien
 
Richard,

You're RIGHT! I didn't read carefully enough -- just looked at the bottom
line numbers, I guess.

Russell,

THANK YOU! Sorry I misread at first. Those top-line numbers should be
just what our fellow GMCer needs. I'll forward your message to him.

Ken H.

On Wed, Jul 24, 2019 at 11:08 PM Richard H Staples via Gmclist <

> Ken,
> The official "curb weights" are included in the link Russel provided. ie:
> '73 26', 9,600#, '75 26' 9,500#, and '78 26' 10,570 I'm not saying these
> numbers make sense, but they are "official", and even a typically obtuse
> DMV worker should accept them if you show him/her the owner's manual page
> they came from. The manual reprints also describe (in annually increasing
> detail) the conditions defined by "curb" weight.
>
> The numbers do raise some interesting questions. Why is my '75 GMC 100#
> lighter than a '73, even though mine has more insulation under the floor,
> some beefing up in spindles, bearings and so forth? How does a '78 coach
> rate an 800# higher GVW (gross vehicle weight, the one that would matter if
> by some chance you got weighed by the cops) than my '75, even though they
> share identical frames, suspensions, steering and brakes? Why is the '78
> curb weight over 1,000# more than my '75? (Did the Onan become standard
> equipment for '78?)
>
> Oh well, hope that helps someone get their plates. Beyond that, getting
> weighed is indeed more important. Hope I can do it some day.
>
> --
> Rick Staples, '75 Eleganza, Johnstown, CO
>
> "Advice is a dangerous gift, even from the Wise to the Wise, and all paths
> may run ill." -Tolkien
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
 
We went through this exercise a few years ago with someone else either for a vehicle registration or a driver's license requirement. We need to same
this page on GMCMHPHOTOS for future generations.

Ken B.

--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
to get our 1976 edgemont registered in australia still left hand drive i had to get the GVM under 4500 kgs (9920.8lbs) i took it to a weighbridge with
tanks empty no rear bumper no spare tyre no propane tank it weighed in at 4180 kgs (9215.3 lbs) the engineer then issued a modification plate with a
new GVM of 4490KGS . i may be over limit when driving sometimes but they have to pull me up and weigh me to find out
--
Trevor
Brisbane Australia
Siesta Koala 76 Edgemont (old Bobby Moores)
71 Cadillac Eldo Convert
58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Project
 
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