Thanks for the input to my last post.
Regarding my GMCMH project, I often question the practicality of some of my
modifications and the wisdom of my thinking.
My rebuild has gone well beyond where I initially thought it would go, and
it continues to evolve.
My excuse for getting carried away is this project has stirred up some
creative juices and is a source of great fun for an old retired geezer.
Like Arch, I shopped until I got a great bargain, so what the heck, I have
room to spend some money on it before I will get any stupid, silly or
extravagant feelings.
I save the old pieces so I can back out of any area that doesn't work out as
planned. Thomas Edison showed us if you try a thousand things, a few might
work out OK. Maybe I'll get real lucky and not have to do very much backing
out.
Though the front end is a version of one originally designed for a big car I
think it is very strong. I have come to believe wheel bearing problems are
due to poor maintenance practices. These beliefs are central in my
willingness to approach the manufacturers published front axle weight rating
but not exceed it.
I never believed there was a problem with the rears ability to carry weight.
I have not heard of problems other than those from running over curbs or
eventually wearing out the bushings.
My reason for getting rid of weight up high and in the overhang area is to
improve handling at interstate speeds. My wife and I both tend to run with
the fast pack on interstates. We will use our GMC to visit family and
friends from coast to coast. Like several of you, I did some racing when
younger and still appreciate superior handling.
I have weighed most of the big items as I removed or moved them and have
calculated weight transfer. I also replaced some stuff toward the front
with lighter items. Calculations show I am within front axle limit. I'll
know for certain when I move the finished product from under my shade tree
work area and weigh it.
I was taught airplanes fly "better", boats ride "better", cars handle
"better" with weight centralized instead of in the ends. I'm ready to learn
why motorhomes are different ?
Patrick, I'm sorry I elaborated on your comments since the direction I went
seems to bother you.
I did not call this a design problem but I do think I recognize a design
compromise regarding the bogie location.
I'm sure the GM designers knew wheels out on the four corners would be best
for handling.
They probably located them to optimise ground clearance, to distribute
weight and maybe for other reasons such as better appearance.
To me this seems an appropriate compromise but it did indeed create an
overhang. Some SOB's are much worse and some are better regarding
overhangs.
Like a lot of other motorhomes a stock GMCMH does have a lot of weight in
this overhang area.
I reported this observation for others to take into consideration. What
they do with it is their business.
Obviously I think weight in the overhang is a contributor which amplifies
handling problems and am doing something about it. Time will tell if the
results are worth my effort and the tradeoffs involved.
Don Miller
75 Glennbrook
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
Regarding my GMCMH project, I often question the practicality of some of my
modifications and the wisdom of my thinking.
My rebuild has gone well beyond where I initially thought it would go, and
it continues to evolve.
My excuse for getting carried away is this project has stirred up some
creative juices and is a source of great fun for an old retired geezer.
Like Arch, I shopped until I got a great bargain, so what the heck, I have
room to spend some money on it before I will get any stupid, silly or
extravagant feelings.
I save the old pieces so I can back out of any area that doesn't work out as
planned. Thomas Edison showed us if you try a thousand things, a few might
work out OK. Maybe I'll get real lucky and not have to do very much backing
out.
Though the front end is a version of one originally designed for a big car I
think it is very strong. I have come to believe wheel bearing problems are
due to poor maintenance practices. These beliefs are central in my
willingness to approach the manufacturers published front axle weight rating
but not exceed it.
I never believed there was a problem with the rears ability to carry weight.
I have not heard of problems other than those from running over curbs or
eventually wearing out the bushings.
My reason for getting rid of weight up high and in the overhang area is to
improve handling at interstate speeds. My wife and I both tend to run with
the fast pack on interstates. We will use our GMC to visit family and
friends from coast to coast. Like several of you, I did some racing when
younger and still appreciate superior handling.
I have weighed most of the big items as I removed or moved them and have
calculated weight transfer. I also replaced some stuff toward the front
with lighter items. Calculations show I am within front axle limit. I'll
know for certain when I move the finished product from under my shade tree
work area and weigh it.
I was taught airplanes fly "better", boats ride "better", cars handle
"better" with weight centralized instead of in the ends. I'm ready to learn
why motorhomes are different ?
Patrick, I'm sorry I elaborated on your comments since the direction I went
seems to bother you.
I did not call this a design problem but I do think I recognize a design
compromise regarding the bogie location.
I'm sure the GM designers knew wheels out on the four corners would be best
for handling.
They probably located them to optimise ground clearance, to distribute
weight and maybe for other reasons such as better appearance.
To me this seems an appropriate compromise but it did indeed create an
overhang. Some SOB's are much worse and some are better regarding
overhangs.
Like a lot of other motorhomes a stock GMCMH does have a lot of weight in
this overhang area.
I reported this observation for others to take into consideration. What
they do with it is their business.
Obviously I think weight in the overhang is a contributor which amplifies
handling problems and am doing something about it. Time will tell if the
results are worth my effort and the tradeoffs involved.
Don Miller
75 Glennbrook
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
