Need advice

[emjayand]

Hi,
I've been looking at the vintage GMC motorhomes for a while. We have had a number of motorhomes, but right now we are motorhomeless .
We camped at the same campground with a group of GMC owners a few years back, and I loved the looks of the vintage rigs. I was also envious of the camaraderie, we were not part of the group. Everyone seemed full of fun and joy.
We are ready to make an RV purchase again and I love the fun idea of your group, and a vintage GMC . My husband has concerns about 40+ year old vehicles. I need help to convince him. We would need to purchase one that is ready to go, or need to have professional restoration. We are pretty much hands off. I think a knife is a screwdriver. My husband is knowledgeable, but has been there done that, does NOT want to do it again. Also, we are really travelers, not collectors. I think I want a new RV in the vintage body. I don't care if it has a new engine or new parts. Is that OK? Some people are true collectors and need original parts. I also have some other questions.

In general: Are they reliable or maintainance headaches?
Will they hold up with long trip travel?
Are they underpowered in the mountains?
Can we get service anywhere in the US and Canada, if needed?
Where should we look to purchase one that is "ready to go"?
I appreciate any help.
Thanks,
MJ

 

[T McManus]

In general: Are they reliable or maintenance headaches?
Yes, they are reliable but only if they have been maintained. A wealth of information is available.

Will they hold up with long trip travel? Yes, if you pay attention to the vehicle.
They talk to you as you go down the road.

Are they underpowered in the mountains?
Hills are not their friend but not an enemy either. They'll go up a steep grade. Just remember that they are not mountain goats either.

Can we get service anywhere in the US and Canada, if needed?
Most maintenance shops won't touch them. Their loss but with the Blacklist (http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/) help is often within reach.

As far as purchasing one ready to go, look for a GMC group in your area and get in touch with them. They will know what's available in your area and help you to find what you're looking for.

 

[tmsnyder]

The thing I like about the GMC motorhome, well one thing b/c there's actually a ton of things, is that they can and do leak water just like every other motorhome. The difference being that the water does no damage to anything _critical_. Sure it may mess up a piece of interior wood but the exterior and all drivetrain components are left intact. Nothing Delaminates!

Definitely find one that someone has been loving and maintaining, there are people out there looking for the next caretaker for their beloved GMC.

Then when something breaks, if you can't fix it yourself just write the check. You'll still be way ahead of owning a new one. (BTW even new ones break down)

 

[LQQKatJon]

Gmc’s gather often. Go ask that question to a local club.

Buy a coach that is ready to go. Dont buy one to pay to restore. Joy is in use. You will be burned out by the time you were to complete some sort of restoration.

But your best bet is to go and meet and visit with the local club owners. pay attention to the one’s that put many miles on.

Lastly, dollar for dollar a gmc motorhome is cheap to own if you compare
To other motorhomes. You know what you spent on your other motorhomes and they were not 40 years old. $40,000 buys a pretty nice 40 year old gmc. Compared to what you can get on a used non 40 year
Old.

Now if you have $100k+ to spend, go guy a newer motorhome.

 

[tmsnyder]

Lastly, dollar for dollar a gmc motorhome is cheap to own if you compare
To other motorhomes. You know what you spent on your other motorhomes and they were not 40 years old. $40,000 buys a pretty nice 40 year old gmc. Compared to what you can get on a used non 40 year
Old.

Now if you have $100k+ to spend, go guy a newer motorhome.

So true, even those of us that get 'burned' by having to replace an engine or a transmission, or both. What are we out even if we can't turn a wrench? $10K? $20k?

Drive a run of the mill average $150,000 new motorhome off the sales lot and you've just lost at least $20k. Keep it two years and you've lost $100k. Keep it until it falls apart in 20 years and you'll lose the entire $150k.

 

[JSanford]

In general: Are they reliable or maintenance headaches?
Generally the GMC is as reliable as any 1970s American automobile. The use/abuse that a particular vehicle has endured over the past 40 years really makes it impossible to make a generalized statement like this.

Will they hold up with long trip travel?
GM designed the Motorhome specifically for travel, which is one of the main things that differentiated it form its contemporaries in the 1970s.

Are they underpowered in the mountains?
As someone who does all his driving in the west I can confirm they are "slow" in the mountains. Prepare to pull over and let cars, trucks, new motorhomes and big rigs pass you.

Can we get service anywhere in the US and Canada, if needed?
No. There are very few shops that specialize in GMC Motorhomes. The drivetrain is pretty conventional. Most any town has a shop that CAN work on old cars, the problem is they will always be booked up for weeks and likely WONT want to work on the GMC due to its size.

Where should we look to purchase one that is "ready to go"?
I think the only company selling completely renovated turn-key GMC Motorhomes is Cinnabar https://www.thegmcmotorhomepeople.com/

 

[marsolgp]

To the O.P. Where are you located?

 

[Carl Stouffer]

We have had ours for almost 15 years now. The first 12 - 13 of that, my wife and I both worked full time + jobs, but we still managed to put on about 4000 miles /year. Since we have retired (mostly) we have taken two cross country trips (Tucson, AZ. to Central PA.), plus a couple of other 3000 mile + trips with little trouble.

That said, I am constantly working on the coach, doing routine maintenance, repairs (everything from an engine/transmission R&R, an entirely new brake system, front suspension/steering, to alternator and starter replacement, brakes, oil changes, etc).

It's unrealistic to thing that a 45+ year old vehicle of ANY kind will be problem free or that every component has been replaced/addressed. Problems come up from time to time, and the more issues you try to take care of, preemptively, the better your travel experience will be.

We live in the West so mountains are the norm for us. They are generally not a problem, but depending on the length/steepness of the grade, sometimes they need to be pulled in second gear at speeds from 40 - 50 mph. A carburated coach may experience 'vapor lock', or fuel starvation problems on hot days, but there are several things you can do to help with this. It IS frustrating when it happens.

Bottom line; you may be happier with a newer motor home of some sort. Even so, don't expect any RV to be problem free.

 

[Mike_H]

If you are or want to be hands off, I think you'll be happier with a newer coach. I went and looked at some Airstreams today for inspiration and I'll tell ya what...They are NICE. If I wanted new and carefree, it would be tough to talk me out of a late model 3/4 ton Diesel Pick-up (whatever flavor you like) and a 27 foot Globetrotter. It will be expensive...200k for the truck and trailer but you won't have much to worry about.

GMC's can be (and are) wonderful coaches, but they require TLC and constant attention. You need to be willing to put the time in and more than that, I dare say you need to enjoy caring for them.

 

[Matt Colie]

MJ,
I do hope that you have read this whole thread and taken it to heart.
Can they be reliable? - Yes!
Some years back we did an 11600 mile summer. In that time, I did a lot of the regular maintenance on the road or between excursions. In that time, we did break something. It was a drawer guide that failed while we were in the Bad Lands. I clamped and glued it while we were underway.
Can you get service anywhere? NO Many RV places will not even take in a less than new coach. There are a few places that can be counted on to do repairs on a GMC and they are few and far between.
In the 17 seasons and 80+K miles, we have broken on the road such that repair before continuing was the only choice twice. Been on a hook a total of four times and two of those because I was so close to home that the two was covered and I knew what she needed was already in my barn.
As much as I hate to advise you against a GMC, you and your mate just don't sound like a good pair for the challenges. That does not mean that you can't come and visit the rallies.
Matt_C

 

[tmsnyder]

I would contend that if someone had a new motorhome budget available to them, a GMC motorhome would certainly be an excellent option. In fact, this is probably the best way for a person to come at GMC ownership. How many new owners have we seen that 'gut and run' when their savings are depleted at the first mechanical problem?

Buy a high-end GMC that's been well maintained by its PO and enjoy it immediately. These are available for purchase from time to time (one just came up on the FB site) but it may cost northward of $60k. (not much money compared to a new motorhome btw) If something breaks, get out the checkbook and pay to have it fixed.
There is a whole community of folks ready to help you if something happens. There's a Blacklist person nearby almost everywhere.

If you break down (unplanned roadside camping) the good news is, you are in your house. You have food, bathroom, beds, water, your loved one(s), .... everything you need! First things first, make a pot of coffee. Have a piece of dessert. Compose your thoughts. Reach out to the nearest Black list person and see if they might be able to help. Reach out to this page and see what advice we offer. Call Jim K at Applied and see what he thinks. Find the nearest place we can recommend to have your rig repaired. It may even be a roadside repair.

These things are not hard to work on. Any competent local auto repair shop can fix these. And Applied or one of the other vendors can overnight you parts if it's something special.

RV tow coverage from a good insurance company can get you safely to a nearby mechanic. Then just break out the credit card. Everything is fixable even the motor or tranny.

I would contend that even if the worst thing happens, you'll still be $ ahead with a GMC vs a new one.

I'd rather see someone enter into GMC ownership with adequate funding than someone that is underfunded. Underfunded owners end up abandoning their motorhomes on the side of the road, and those end up scrapped.

 

[Mike_H]

I would contend that if someone had a new motorhome budget available to them, a GMC motorhome would certainly be an excellent option. In fact, this is probably the best way for a person to come at GMC ownership. How many new owners have we seen that 'gut and run' when their savings are depleted at the first mechanical problem?

Buy a high-end GMC that's been well maintained by its PO and enjoy it immediately. These are available for purchase from time to time (one just came up on the FB site) but it may cost northward of $60k. (not much money compared to a new motorhome btw) If something breaks, get out the checkbook and pay to have it fixed.
There is a whole community of folks ready to help you if something happens. There's a Blacklist person nearby almost everywhere.

If you break down (unplanned roadside camping) the good news is, you are in your house. You have food, bathroom, beds, water, your loved one(s), .... everything you need! First things first, make a pot of coffee. Have a piece of dessert. Compose your thoughts. Reach out to the nearest Black list person and see if they might be able to help. Reach out to this page and see what advice we offer. Call Jim K at Applied and see what he thinks. Find the nearest place we can recommend to have your rig repaired. It may even be a roadside repair.

These things are not hard to work on. Any competent local auto repair shop can fix these. And Applied or one of the other vendors can overnight you parts if it's something special.

RV tow coverage from a good insurance company can get you safely to a nearby mechanic. Then just break out the credit card. Everything is fixable even the motor or tranny.

I would contend that even if the worst thing happens, you'll still be $ ahead with a GMC vs a new one.

I'd rather see someone enter into GMC ownership with adequate funding than someone that is underfunded. Underfunded owners end up abandoning their motorhomes on the side of the road, and those end up scrapped.

Great Post Todd!

 

[rodknu]

Nicely said Todd! I am an example.

I owned a 77 Kingsley back in the 70's and 80'a for 12 years and we enjoyed it for 80 some thousand miles. So, forward to 2020, I decided I wanted a GMC again... I am currently 84 years old. I happened to find a Cinnabar restored coach here in Montana about a hundred miles from my home. When I looked at it it was beyond my belief in that it looked like a brand new coach! The underside was not even dusty let alone dirty in any way. Turns out the gentleman had it restored by Cinnabar in 1997, drove it back to MT from Michigan and then used it to go fishing locally four or five times over a period of 23 years. Bed had never been slept in, oven still had styrofoam in it. It had @ 6K miles on it (original mileage was 42K reset by Cinnabar). The coach was perfect except for the fact that it lacked use necessitating new tires some renovation of seals, lubricants, bearings and I am still trying to get the steering to my satisfaction. The son of the wealthy gentleman who owned it had called me and said his father was going blind and might be willing to sell the coach. I bought it for $57K. I could afford it because I had sold my 40K+ foot Newmar Mountain Aire for big bucks. So, what I am trying to point out here is the choice to buy an almost 50 year old coach was mine and I made it knowingly as a previous owner, former owner of a number of newer high end coaches and being older but still capable of working on the GMC to some degree. I am super happy with my decision. The coach is fabulous, beautiful, fun to drive, rewarding to show off and so far has not disappointed me.

Rod Knutson
74 Eleganza, original refurbished floor plan, original seats and couch, Corian counters and table, Beauty Rest mattress, upgraded appliances, original engine, tranny/final drive, and Onan, Alcoa wheels, and custom paint

 

[Mike_H]

Nicely said Todd! I am an example.

I owned a 77 Kingsley back in the 70's and 80'a for 12 years and we enjoyed it for 80 some thousand miles. So, forward to 2020, I decided I wanted a GMC again... I am currently 84 years old. I happened to find a Cinnabar restored coach here in Montana about a hundred miles from my home. When I looked at it it was beyond my belief in that it looked like a brand new coach! The underside was not even dusty let alone dirty in any way. Turns out the gentleman had it restored by Cinnabar in 1997, drove it back to MT from Michigan and then used it to go fishing locally four or five times over a period of 23 years. Bed had never been slept in, oven still had styrofoam in it. It had @ 6K miles on it (original mileage was 42K reset by Cinnabar). The coach was perfect except for the fact that it lacked use necessitating new tires some renovation of seals, lubricants, bearings and I am still trying to get the steering to my satisfaction. The son of the wealthy gentleman who owned it had called me and said his father was going blind and might be willing to sell the coach. I bought it for $57K. I could afford it because I had sold my 40K+ foot Newmar Mountain Aire for big bucks. So, what I am trying to point out here is the choice to buy an almost 50 year old coach was mine and I made it knowingly as a previous owner, former owner of a number of newer high end coaches and being older but still capable of working on the GMC to some degree. I am super happy with my decision. The coach is fabulous, beautiful, fun to drive, rewarding to show off and so far has not disappointed me.

Rod Knutson
74 Eleganza, original refurbished floor plan, original seats and couch, Corian counters and table, Beauty Rest mattress, upgraded appliances, original engine, tranny/final drive, and Onan, Alcoa wheels, and custom paint

View attachment 8469

that is a beautiful example Rod. Someday, I hope my coach shows as well.

 

[dsmithy]

Thank you Todd.
Thank you Rod.
Someone had to say out loud that the GMC requires the presence of mind that you are driving a vintage vehicle, but having said that, you are no more likely to land at the side of the road than anyone else.
MJ has certainly expressed what is a common belief that newer is probably "better" or at least "more reliable." Many, if not most of us in the GMC community know better through direct experience.

I am an example of an underfunded motorhome owner. We bought our ratty old '73 in 1995 for $12K. We drove it and drove it and drove it and had several breakdowns, none of which were expensive or hard to fix. Around 2015 we started thinking about retirement and a new motorhome; and realized that we had 20 years of experience with the GMC, a layout we love, an overall size that we love and a touring machine we love with that marvelous high eyepoint. We had spent 20 years at every RV show looking for something better and never found it.

I spent the next three years looking for (metaphorically speaking) Rod's motorhome because by then we were willing to pay for something like it. No joy, though I will admit to a casual search and no contact with the regional clubs that would have greatly helped. The bottom line is that I committed to our coach and started fixing up running gear that could break or wanted updates. Now I go down the road, conscious that I'm driving a 50 year old motorhome, but serene in the knowledge that most of what might break won't, and that I have a strong community of support should something go wrong. My credit card is my friend, but I really don't worry about it.
Oh, and even though it took me 25 years to try it, a good cleaner wax job and my coach isn't so ratty after all.

MJ, your mileage may vary, but lots of GMC owners have stories like mine. It was great for Todd and Rod to remind me.