New to GMC

[robert schoner]

Hello to all,

I have owned an 86 Winnebago for the past several years. After searching
for a replacement I decided that all the newer coaches fall short of what I
want. I then discovered the GMC. It fits my needs and my auto restoration
hobby(Mustang and Ford Retractable). But I need some help in selecting a
coach.

While I am very familiar with the pitfalls in buying an old Mustang I have
no idea as to what to look out for (stay away from) in a GMC. For example
are there any typical rust areas (frame especially) or mechanical weak spots
that require major repairs?

I am not familiar with some of the terminolgy such as "wet bath".

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also any ideas on assessing the
value; I see coaches from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on condition and
upgrades.

Thank You for any help.
Bob Schoner

 

[blank]

>
> For example are there any typical rust areas (frame especially) or
> mechanical weak spots that require major repairs?

Since the body is FRP and aluminum, the frame is about the only place you
need worry about rust. Engine, transmission, final drive and front wheel
bearings are other sources of expensive problems, but if you can handle
restoring a rust-bucket like the old Mustangs, this is a piece of cake. )

> I am not familiar with some of the terminolgy such as "wet bath".

The "wet bath" is simply a closet size room containing the toilet, vanity
and shower. To use the shower, you pull a shower curtain in front of the
door and vanity. The toilet gets wet with you, hence the name. There were
two "dry bath" versions - the side bath Royale, Avion and GMC
rear-twin(can't remember the model name) add a small shower room next to the
bath and the rear bath Royale has an almost RV-like bath that takes up the
entire back of the coach. All the "dry baths" eat up lots of precious floor
space.

> Also any ideas on assessing the value; I see coaches from $10,000
> to $50,000 depending on condition and upgrades.

Valueing one of these coaches is tough - best to enlist the help of an
experienced GMCer in your area.

Good luck,
Patrick

 

[robert schoner]

Hello to All,

Thanks to all who responded to my first E-Mail. Gene, I like your idea of
accumulating messages such as mine for people to follow later.

I apologize to those who found my request "cluttering". Although new to the
list, requests such as mine seem appropriate.

So, I would like to ask my next question. Is there any problem with weight,
total or distribution. Is there ample carrying capacity for two adults plus
supplies; and the occasional two grandchildren?

Btw, I am in Sacramento, Ca. so I can't take advantage of places like Alex
Sirum etc. but I have visited their web sites to get ideas.

Thanks to all,
Bob Schoner

 

[bartz paul]

Bob:

I'll just say that while touring Eau Claire WI, I had 14 people in the
coach, including 6 children. Another time, made a trip from SW Michigan to
Houston TX and return with 8 people.

Paul Bartz

From: Robert Schoner [mailto:rschoner]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 2:56 PM
To: GMC Mail List
Subject: GMC: New to GMC

Hello to All,

Thanks to all who responded to my first E-Mail. Gene, I like your idea of
accumulating messages such as mine for people to follow later.
I apologize to those who found my request "cluttering". Although new to the
list, requests such as mine seem appropriate.
So, I would like to ask my next question. Is there any problem with weight,
total or distribution. Is there ample carrying capacity for two adults plus
supplies; and the occasional two grandchildren?
Btw, I am in Sacramento, Ca. so I can't take advantage of places like Alex
Sirum etc. but I have visited their web sites to get ideas.
Thanks to all,
Bob Schoner

 

[gary miller]

Bob--
First of all, don't get the idea that your questions were "cluttering". As you
become a regular GMCnetter you will see the same question(s) asked over and over
as new people sign on. I did the same thing and am so thankful for the old
timers (GMC-wise) who came to my rescue. Don't ever hesitate to put forth your
questions. People like Gene Fisher and Patrick Flowers have accumulated a
tremendous amount of GMC wisdom and are generously sharing that with all of us
on the net and all "newbies" properly are referred there for the basics.

You and your mate should have no trouble traveling for extended times providing
you stick to carrying the essentials. My wife carries all kinds of quilting
stuff when we travel and there always seems to be room to store the things we
always seem to buy on the road.
Weight distribution is something you should give a little thought to. Weight in
the rear cantilever can quickly exceed the load rating on the rear tires and
adds considerably to the "wiggle-waggle" which many GMC coaches are plagued with
(though a good suspension and 6-wheel alignment virtually eliminates). Heavy
rear-end loads also significantly reduces front wheel (traction wheels) loading
allowing front wheel spin-out on wet surfaces and gravel more easily.

You will soon find many places in the greater (100 mile radius) Sacramento that
can take care of your mechanical needs. Again, Gene Fisher has many addresses
on his site. Give Craig Miller a call ; he is one of your neighbors.
salsgmc
Gary
North Bend, Oregon Coast (75 degrees, visibility unlimited)

> Hello to All,
>
> Thanks to all who responded to my first E-Mail. Gene, I like your idea of
> accumulating messages such as mine for people to follow later.
>
> I apologize to those who found my request "cluttering". Although new to the
> list, requests such as mine seem appropriate.
>
> So, I would like to ask my next question. Is there any problem with weight,
> total or distribution. Is there ample carrying capacity for two adults plus
> supplies; and the occasional two grandchildren?
>
> Btw, I am in Sacramento, Ca. so I can't take advantage of places like Alex
> Sirum etc. but I have visited their web sites to get ideas.
>
> Thanks to all,
> Bob Schoner

 

[tipton eric]

Bob check out the guys at NOR-CAL San Rafael, CA - (415) 456-1904 and
T.C. CUSTOM CAMPER West Pittsburg, CA - (510) 458-5800

Check out the GMC Western States at www.gmcws.org and click on Service
and marketplace. GMCWS is a good local group.

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Schoner [mailto:rschoner]
Sent: Thursday, August 19, 1999 11:56 AM
To: GMC Mail List
Subject: GMC: New to GMC

Hello to All,

Thanks to all who responded to my first E-Mail. Gene, I
like your idea of
accumulating messages such as mine for people to follow
later.

I apologize to those who found my request "cluttering".
Although new to the
list, requests such as mine seem appropriate.

So, I would like to ask my next question. Is there any
problem with weight,
total or distribution. Is there ample carrying capacity
for two adults plus
supplies; and the occasional two grandchildren?

Btw, I am in Sacramento, Ca. so I can't take advantage
of places like Alex
Sirum etc. but I have visited their web sites to get
ideas.

Thanks to all,
Bob Schoner