First, let me state that I do not presently own a GMC Motorhome. I have
rented numerous RV's over the past several years (real old to brand new).
I've wanted to own a GMC since the mid-seventies. I'll probably purchase
something toward the spring. I am preparing myself for both excitement and
frustration, having read this list for a couple of weeks and having
downloaded and read the archived files of this list. But I still have some
questions for those of you who have owned these units over the years. I
simply haven't seen the answers anywhere. So here goes:
1) What is the GVWR and GCWR for these in 26 foot variety? I am curious on
two points - first, what is my net payload likely to be when full of
fluids? Overloaded with four adults? And how about towing ability (as
opposed to capacity) for a toad? Recommended or verboten?
2) Does everyone have problems with wheel bearings? If so, is there a fix?
I have heard of, but don't know anything about, Wallace bearings. Can
someone enlighten me? Also, are they an owner-serviceable item? Any
special tools required?
3) Can I join the GMC Owner's club even if I don't own one? Are back
issues of the magazine available for bulk purchase?
4) Any other experiences in towing a dingy? Recommended gross vehicle
weights to stay below? Have you mounted towbars on the GMC or tow using a
ball? I would like to not use a tow ball but rather a dedicated towbar
arrangement like those sold by Camping World. Also, what about auxiliary
braking systems for the dinghy?
5) Do the airbags serve as levelers when in camp? Or am I going to have to
invest in another sort of leveling system? Are the airbags tough to replace?
6) Tires and wheels - this seems to be a sensitive issue. Lots of people
have switched to Alcoa wheels with Michelin tires. Are these radials? And
for best "roadability", should they be of the steel sidewall variety? Do
you rotate them ever?
7) Just how hard is the engine to work on? I am going to be building a new
garage and storage facility which will handle the GMC and was wondering if
I should install a pit?
8) What is "True Track" for the rear wheels? (This was in an advertisement
I read.)
9) What are "oil bearings" for the rear wheels? (Again from an ad for a
used GMC.)
10) What is the highest gear ratio I can install? I suspect something like
3.66 or so. I'd want to get the engine into its optimum power band and I
don't think the standard ratio will do that.
11) Does this unit hook to 30 amp services? Certainly not 50 amps, right?
What, besides the A/C can I run on 30 amps?
12) Is dual roof air recommended or necessary?
13) If you had to rate the most troublesome aspect of your GMC, what would
that be? For example, front bearings, air bag suspension, generator,
refer, etc.
14) This final question may be dumb or may reflect my inexperience with
multitudes of RV's. Just what is a "Gaucho bed"? It sounds like something
from the Pampas of Argentina!
Gosh, this list of questions got really long, didn't it? Ah well, if you
have any answers to these questions, or even unsolicited advice, warnings,
or epithets, please feel free to shout them in my direction. If any of you
live near St. Louis and wouldn't mind a mid-40's, overweight, and slightly
balding visitor to look at your GMC, I would really like to visit and
discuss points of ownership.
Kindest regards to everyone who at least reads this litany of questions.
For those whose may respond, in advance, I thank you and honor your parents.
- ----------------------------------'
Gary Thurlow
email to thurlow
St. Louis, MO
- ----------------------------------'
rented numerous RV's over the past several years (real old to brand new).
I've wanted to own a GMC since the mid-seventies. I'll probably purchase
something toward the spring. I am preparing myself for both excitement and
frustration, having read this list for a couple of weeks and having
downloaded and read the archived files of this list. But I still have some
questions for those of you who have owned these units over the years. I
simply haven't seen the answers anywhere. So here goes:
1) What is the GVWR and GCWR for these in 26 foot variety? I am curious on
two points - first, what is my net payload likely to be when full of
fluids? Overloaded with four adults? And how about towing ability (as
opposed to capacity) for a toad? Recommended or verboten?
2) Does everyone have problems with wheel bearings? If so, is there a fix?
I have heard of, but don't know anything about, Wallace bearings. Can
someone enlighten me? Also, are they an owner-serviceable item? Any
special tools required?
3) Can I join the GMC Owner's club even if I don't own one? Are back
issues of the magazine available for bulk purchase?
4) Any other experiences in towing a dingy? Recommended gross vehicle
weights to stay below? Have you mounted towbars on the GMC or tow using a
ball? I would like to not use a tow ball but rather a dedicated towbar
arrangement like those sold by Camping World. Also, what about auxiliary
braking systems for the dinghy?
5) Do the airbags serve as levelers when in camp? Or am I going to have to
invest in another sort of leveling system? Are the airbags tough to replace?
6) Tires and wheels - this seems to be a sensitive issue. Lots of people
have switched to Alcoa wheels with Michelin tires. Are these radials? And
for best "roadability", should they be of the steel sidewall variety? Do
you rotate them ever?
7) Just how hard is the engine to work on? I am going to be building a new
garage and storage facility which will handle the GMC and was wondering if
I should install a pit?
8) What is "True Track" for the rear wheels? (This was in an advertisement
I read.)
9) What are "oil bearings" for the rear wheels? (Again from an ad for a
used GMC.)
10) What is the highest gear ratio I can install? I suspect something like
3.66 or so. I'd want to get the engine into its optimum power band and I
don't think the standard ratio will do that.
11) Does this unit hook to 30 amp services? Certainly not 50 amps, right?
What, besides the A/C can I run on 30 amps?
12) Is dual roof air recommended or necessary?
13) If you had to rate the most troublesome aspect of your GMC, what would
that be? For example, front bearings, air bag suspension, generator,
refer, etc.
14) This final question may be dumb or may reflect my inexperience with
multitudes of RV's. Just what is a "Gaucho bed"? It sounds like something
from the Pampas of Argentina!
Gosh, this list of questions got really long, didn't it? Ah well, if you
have any answers to these questions, or even unsolicited advice, warnings,
or epithets, please feel free to shout them in my direction. If any of you
live near St. Louis and wouldn't mind a mid-40's, overweight, and slightly
balding visitor to look at your GMC, I would really like to visit and
discuss points of ownership.
Kindest regards to everyone who at least reads this litany of questions.
For those whose may respond, in advance, I thank you and honor your parents.
- ----------------------------------'
Gary Thurlow
email to thurlow
St. Louis, MO
- ----------------------------------'
