As a relatively new GMC owner too, I have been going through the
experience of a substantial learning curve and prioritization of work
that needs to get done. Thank you for your thoughts and organization of
ideas for new owners. I actually had not really thought about a
maintenance log but will be starting one this weekend.
Like Mike and Jessica's motorhome mine is in pretty good shape but it
has some work that needs to be done. About a month ago I just went ahead
and bit the bullet and replaced all the plumbing with PEX. Last weekend
it was dropping the fuel tanks to fix cracked vent lines and this
weekend will be the replacing a bunch of parts on the front suspension.
Lots of work and things are getting better.
You bring up the thought of a grease gun. I was talking earlier this
week with another GMC owner that is pretty knowledgeable and there was a
side discussion about greasing the boggie. Many weeks ago I thought
about a grease gun but have yet to purchase one.
As I look around there are a bunch of them out there with a whole range
of specifications. I like the idea of the one handed operation (as
opposed to the lever action one my father had) especially when working
with a flex hose where one hand can manage the flex host and the other
pump grease. But then there is a bunch of things that start to pop up as
questions. Most notably the working pressure. I see some grease guns out
there claiming to be able to produce up to 7000 PSI. Is there a minimum
working pressure that should be targeted? Are there other
features/specifications that should be looked for?
Thanks.
--
Gerard Hickey / WTØF IRLP:3067/Echolink:529661
hickey DMR: 3102272
425-395-4554
> Mike and Jessica,
>
> I looks like you have a winner there.
>
> I would be surprised if you could get organized to get the the international in Mansfield OH in about 2 weeks, but even if you can only make it there
> for the weekend parts, it would be worth your while.
>
> What you need to do as soon as you can manage is to join FMCA (Now 75$/yr but worth it), GMCMI (if just for the information), GMC Great Lakers (for
> the local community) and GMC Eastern States (for access to a ton of technical information).
>
> Even before she comes home, there are some things you should do. The easiest is to start a page with 5 lists.
> Those lists are:
> - Work needed now = Things needed to keep her safe and reliable
> - Winter jobs = Those things that can happen when there work time and money available
> - Waiting = Things that you have the material for and just need the time
> - Deferred = Things that you thought you wanted and now are not sure
> - Done = This it the best part - when something is done move it from above and add a date
> This last does eliminate the need for a maintenance log, but can be an adjunct to it. I keep mine as a single page in my computer.
>
> When you can sit in her and dream, get a small spiral bound book and start a maintenance log. It should have sections for Chassis, Engine,
> Transmission, Batteries, Generator and Coach. You may not believe that you need this. But if you are true to form, most owners keep these coaches
> for more than a decade and long before that, all of this will be a blur. (Is the house bank really 9 years old??)
>
> Oh, I almost forgot....
> I don't like people telling me to spend money, but these are all just suggestions for part of the first 100$ you will have in the program.
> Get a good grease gun. (I wanted a 1-hander and Hazard Fright version was a failure. The 45$ Lincoln was not.) Look up and acquire a Lock N Lube
> coupler (~30$us but worth it) and several tubes of Valvoline Syn-Pro (~8$ea). If you do not have jack stands and a good place to use them, consider
> building ramps so you can get under her to do the required PM. She is 40 years old, and will appreciate the care. (These coaches can be as reliable
> as anything new if you are will to put forth the effort.)
>
> You will have other questions. When you do come on back here and be as specific as you can. The experience base you have just gained access to is
> awesome in the true sense of the word.
>
> Again, (now that you have her)
> May the Good Lord bless this coach and all that set forth within her.
>
> Welcome Mike and Jessica
>
> Matt
experience of a substantial learning curve and prioritization of work
that needs to get done. Thank you for your thoughts and organization of
ideas for new owners. I actually had not really thought about a
maintenance log but will be starting one this weekend.
Like Mike and Jessica's motorhome mine is in pretty good shape but it
has some work that needs to be done. About a month ago I just went ahead
and bit the bullet and replaced all the plumbing with PEX. Last weekend
it was dropping the fuel tanks to fix cracked vent lines and this
weekend will be the replacing a bunch of parts on the front suspension.
Lots of work and things are getting better.
You bring up the thought of a grease gun. I was talking earlier this
week with another GMC owner that is pretty knowledgeable and there was a
side discussion about greasing the boggie. Many weeks ago I thought
about a grease gun but have yet to purchase one.
As I look around there are a bunch of them out there with a whole range
of specifications. I like the idea of the one handed operation (as
opposed to the lever action one my father had) especially when working
with a flex hose where one hand can manage the flex host and the other
pump grease. But then there is a bunch of things that start to pop up as
questions. Most notably the working pressure. I see some grease guns out
there claiming to be able to produce up to 7000 PSI. Is there a minimum
working pressure that should be targeted? Are there other
features/specifications that should be looked for?
Thanks.
--
Gerard Hickey / WTØF IRLP:3067/Echolink:529661
hickey DMR: 3102272
425-395-4554
> Mike and Jessica,
>
> I looks like you have a winner there.
>
> I would be surprised if you could get organized to get the the international in Mansfield OH in about 2 weeks, but even if you can only make it there
> for the weekend parts, it would be worth your while.
>
> What you need to do as soon as you can manage is to join FMCA (Now 75$/yr but worth it), GMCMI (if just for the information), GMC Great Lakers (for
> the local community) and GMC Eastern States (for access to a ton of technical information).
>
> Even before she comes home, there are some things you should do. The easiest is to start a page with 5 lists.
> Those lists are:
> - Work needed now = Things needed to keep her safe and reliable
> - Winter jobs = Those things that can happen when there work time and money available
> - Waiting = Things that you have the material for and just need the time
> - Deferred = Things that you thought you wanted and now are not sure
> - Done = This it the best part - when something is done move it from above and add a date
> This last does eliminate the need for a maintenance log, but can be an adjunct to it. I keep mine as a single page in my computer.
>
> When you can sit in her and dream, get a small spiral bound book and start a maintenance log. It should have sections for Chassis, Engine,
> Transmission, Batteries, Generator and Coach. You may not believe that you need this. But if you are true to form, most owners keep these coaches
> for more than a decade and long before that, all of this will be a blur. (Is the house bank really 9 years old??)
>
> Oh, I almost forgot....
> I don't like people telling me to spend money, but these are all just suggestions for part of the first 100$ you will have in the program.
> Get a good grease gun. (I wanted a 1-hander and Hazard Fright version was a failure. The 45$ Lincoln was not.) Look up and acquire a Lock N Lube
> coupler (~30$us but worth it) and several tubes of Valvoline Syn-Pro (~8$ea). If you do not have jack stands and a good place to use them, consider
> building ramps so you can get under her to do the required PM. She is 40 years old, and will appreciate the care. (These coaches can be as reliable
> as anything new if you are will to put forth the effort.)
>
> You will have other questions. When you do come on back here and be as specific as you can. The experience base you have just gained access to is
> awesome in the true sense of the word.
>
> Again, (now that you have her)
> May the Good Lord bless this coach and all that set forth within her.
>
> Welcome Mike and Jessica
>
> Matt
