The perfect coach without a Slide Out

T

thomas g. warner

New member
Mar 24, 1998
1,863
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In my case I have the ability,the resources and the tools to do it but not
the interest. In my opinion the GMC motorhome is as close to my ideal as it
could get. Looks fine and up todate, fast, quiet, reliable, and just enough
room for 2. And the ringer, fully factory supportable. why would anyone
want to change that/

>I've got a question for all the smart engineers who drive GMC's.
>Judgeing from this mailing list there are quite a few different kinds of
>engineers who own GMC's.There are lots of other types who just happen to
>have a lot of natural talent and life experience enabling them to be
>able to turn their hand to almost any thing mechanical,and to be pretty
>successful at whatever is their fancy at the moment. The GMC lends
>itself to both categories of individuals.
>
>So, how come no one has designed a very neat and efficient slide out for
>the GMC that would truly catapult this vehicle into the next century?
>Surely there is a means of using high strength aircraft aluminum tubing
>to construct a light weight, efficient, slide out behind the drivers
>seat where the chesterfield (Sofa) goes. Couldn't some of you guys
>figure out the mechanics,electronics, and all the other "ics" that would
>need to be done to make it strong, water tight, comfortable and useful.
>Something like this would make the vehicle much bigger inside and really
>make a nice sitting room in the front part of the vehicle
>So-I'm just wondering-why isn't it being done? Folks are cutting them in
>half and just about doing everything else to them,so why not a slide out
>?
>Claude in windy Victoria,BC.
>
>
 
Of course you are right Arch. I was expressing my opinion for my personal
likes. i am fully aware that everyone has a different picture of what they
would like and i fully support that.

At our last GMC rally a member from the GMC International brought some of
the videos from the designing of the GMC motorhome. It was very interesting
to me to see the evolution of the coach from the earliest days to its final
design. Many of the things discussed here were in fact talked about by the
GM engineers, and models built. what we have come to see as the GMC
motorhome came to finality after many compromises. I love the look of it.

>In a message dated 6/25/99 10:56:27 PM Central Daylight Time, warner
>writes:
>
>> In my case I have the ability, the resources and the tools to do it but not
>> the interest. In my opinion the GMC motorhome is as close to my ideal as it
>> could get. Looks fine and up todate, fast, quiet, reliable, and just
>enough
>> room for 2. And the ringer, fully factory supportable. why would anyone
>> want to change that/
>>
>>
>
>Tom
>
>I actually agree with you in some way. The problem is that we all do not
>think alike. Some people like things differently than I do so they want
>to do different things to their coach. It is not an absolute that this lady
>was done right for all of us. I wont go there! I dont want a slide you dont
>want
>a slide but maybe somebody does. Why would somebody want to change
>that------because it is there. I am changing the inside so why not change
>the outside. Well, I will bet you do not understand the logic just like I dont
>understand your logic. Lets just agree to accept that fact that all people
>are not like you and me. We all have our dream of what a GMC can
>be lets not put down any of them. Lets hope all GMC owners enjoy what
>they create. Have fun all. Make the most out of your lady----aint that what
>a good marriage is all about. To the ladies here Aint that what it is all
>about?
>
>Take Care
>Arch
>
>
 
Actually, I've wondered about a slide-out on the aft end to make the coach a little
longer in the bedroom area. Mechanically it might not be that difficult, but the
raised cabinets for the generator and propane storage would prevent a walk-around
double bed, even if you could make room for it fore and aft via a slide-out. Just
a thought

Clark Searle
Mt. Pleasant, MI

> Of course you are right Arch. I was expressing my opinion for my personal
> likes. i am fully aware that everyone has a different picture of what they
> would like and i fully support that.
>
> At our last GMC rally a member from the GMC International brought some of
> the videos from the designing of the GMC motorhome. It was very interesting
> to me to see the evolution of the coach from the earliest days to its final
> design. Many of the things discussed here were in fact talked about by the
> GM engineers, and models built. what we have come to see as the GMC
> motorhome came to finality after many compromises. I love the look of it.
>

> >In a message dated 6/25/99 10:56:27 PM Central Daylight Time, warner
> >writes:
> >
> >> In my case I have the ability, the resources and the tools to do it but not
> >> the interest. In my opinion the GMC motorhome is as close to my ideal as it
> >> could get. Looks fine and up todate, fast, quiet, reliable, and just
> >enough
> >> room for 2. And the ringer, fully factory supportable. why would anyone
> >> want to change that/
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Tom
> >
> >I actually agree with you in some way. The problem is that we all do not
> >think alike. Some people like things differently than I do so they want
> >to do different things to their coach. It is not an absolute that this lady
> >was done right for all of us. I wont go there! I dont want a slide you dont
> >want
> >a slide but maybe somebody does. Why would somebody want to change
> >that------because it is there. I am changing the inside so why not change
> >the outside. Well, I will bet you do not understand the logic just like I dont
> >understand your logic. Lets just agree to accept that fact that all people
> >are not like you and me. We all have our dream of what a GMC can
> >be lets not put down any of them. Lets hope all GMC owners enjoy what
> >they create. Have fun all. Make the most out of your lady----aint that what
> >a good marriage is all about. To the ladies here Aint that what it is all
> >about?
> >
> >Take Care
> >Arch
> >
> >
 
Simple. Find some 6 x 30 Undermount propane tanks and place them on the coach under the
body in front of the fuel tanks. Get a smaller genset, Onan 4000 micro lite and move it
to under the couch. Remove the rear locker liners. Fiberglass in the old compartment
doors. Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren

> Actually, I've wondered about a slide-out on the aft end to make the coach a little
> longer in the bedroom area. Mechanically it might not be that difficult, but the
> raised cabinets for the generator and propane storage would prevent a walk-around
> double bed, even if you could make room for it fore and aft via a slide-out. Just
> a thought
>
> Clark Searle
> Mt. Pleasant, MI
>

>
> > Of course you are right Arch. I was expressing my opinion for my personal
> > likes. i am fully aware that everyone has a different picture of what they
> > would like and i fully support that.
> >
> > At our last GMC rally a member from the GMC International brought some of
> > the videos from the designing of the GMC motorhome. It was very interesting
> > to me to see the evolution of the coach from the earliest days to its final
> > design. Many of the things discussed here were in fact talked about by the
> > GM engineers, and models built. what we have come to see as the GMC
> > motorhome came to finality after many compromises. I love the look of it.
> >

> > >In a message dated 6/25/99 10:56:27 PM Central Daylight Time, warner
> > >writes:
> > >
> > >> In my case I have the ability, the resources and the tools to do it but not
> > >> the interest. In my opinion the GMC motorhome is as close to my ideal as it
> > >> could get. Looks fine and up todate, fast, quiet, reliable, and just
> > >enough
> > >> room for 2. And the ringer, fully factory supportable. why would anyone
> > >> want to change that/
> > >>
> > >>
> > >
> > >Tom
> > >
> > >I actually agree with you in some way. The problem is that we all do not
> > >think alike. Some people like things differently than I do so they want
> > >to do different things to their coach. It is not an absolute that this lady
> > >was done right for all of us. I wont go there! I dont want a slide you dont
> > >want
> > >a slide but maybe somebody does. Why would somebody want to change
> > >that------because it is there. I am changing the inside so why not change
> > >the outside. Well, I will bet you do not understand the logic just like I dont
> > >understand your logic. Lets just agree to accept that fact that all people
> > >are not like you and me. We all have our dream of what a GMC can
> > >be lets not put down any of them. Lets hope all GMC owners enjoy what
> > >they create. Have fun all. Make the most out of your lady----aint that what
> > >a good marriage is all about. To the ladies here Aint that what it is all
> > >about?
> > >
> > >Take Care
> > >Arch
> > >
> > >

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
The GM is already half way there. With the rear panel already removable,
all that is needed is the hardware for the slide There is some pretty trick
slide hardware too. Add to this a retractable awning. Ah yes. If only I had
the money. Darren

> > Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren
>
> I like your ideas... two questions: are you as sure that the water and
> leaks can be kept out of a slide out like this, with the need for
> moveable joints? Not exactly sure what a 6 x 30 tank configuration is.
>
> --
> Regards,
> John
>
> --
>
> "I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
> John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
> Potomac, just north of the White House.

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
Forgot. 6" x 30" Holds the same as a 20# bottle. All you need is two.

> The GM is already half way there. With the rear panel already removable,
> all that is needed is the hardware for the slide There is some pretty trick
> slide hardware too. Add to this a retractable awning. Ah yes. If only I had
> the money. Darren
>

>
> > > Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren
> >
> > I like your ideas... two questions: are you as sure that the water and
> > leaks can be kept out of a slide out like this, with the need for
> > moveable joints? Not exactly sure what a 6 x 30 tank configuration is.
> >
> > --
> > Regards,
> > John
> >
> > --
> >
> > "I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
> > John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
> > Potomac, just north of the White House.
>
> --
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget

- --
Darren Paget
76 Experimental
Another Fab Day
paget
 
> Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren

I like your ideas... two questions: are you as sure that the water and
leaks can be kept out of a slide out like this, with the need for
moveable joints? Not exactly sure what a 6 x 30 tank configuration is.

- --
Regards,
John

- --

"I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
Potomac, just north of the White House.
 
> It might be a bit difficult in some floor plans, such as the Palm
> Beach, to find room for the bed in the closed position. Frankly, I
> regret not having my coach extended a few years ago before I restored
> it. I've seen some stretched coaches that looked really good.

What is the config in the PB that you mention... something like this?

***************************
* ------- *
* | Bed |
* | | *
* |[_][_] *
***************************

- --
Regards,
John

- --

"I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
Potomac, just north of the White House.
 
If what you are referring to is installing the slideout so it extends
rearward than that should be much simpler and would not require the removeal
of the generator and propane tanks necessarily

>The GM is already half way there. With the rear panel already removable,
>all that is needed is the hardware for the slide There is some pretty trick
>slide hardware too. Add to this a retractable awning. Ah yes. If only I had
>the money. Darren
>

>
>> > Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren
>>
>> I like your ideas... two questions: are you as sure that the water and
>> leaks can be kept out of a slide out like this, with the need for
>> moveable joints? Not exactly sure what a 6 x 30 tank configuration is.
>>
>> --
>> Regards,
>> John
>>
>> --
>>
>> "I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
>> John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
>> Potomac, just north of the White House.
>
>--
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget
>
>
>
>
 
But we're neglecting the BIG problem with slide-outs: Weight -- unless you
don't mind only being able to pack a toothbrush and having to leave the wife
at home. Gee, on second thought... :-)
Dick 75 PB in Atlanta

>The GM is already half way there. With the rear panel already removable,
>all that is needed is the hardware for the slide There is some pretty trick
>slide hardware too. Add to this a retractable awning. Ah yes. If only I had
>the money. Darren
>

>
>> > Voila, instant area for slideout and walkaround bed. Darren
>>
>> I like your ideas... two questions: are you as sure that the water and
>> leaks can be kept out of a slide out like this, with the need for
>> moveable joints? Not exactly sure what a 6 x 30 tank configuration is.
>>
>> --
>> Regards,
>> John
>>
>> --
>>
>> "I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to..."
>> John said, from inside a 1974 Glacier on the
>> Potomac, just north of the White House.
>
>--
> Darren Paget
> 76 Experimental
> Another Fab Day
> paget
>
>
>
 
Ahah, so now we are starting to show our true preferences.There are in
fact those who would like to have something more interesting and
comfortable. There are choices even.To slide sideways or backwards.What
would happen if one didn't lock up a backward mounted one. Fast take off
in the AM with maybe wife still snoozing in the back. I shudder to
think! Now I think from what Tom says, he has a problem, even if he
doesn't recognize it.He says " we just have enough room for 2". That is
exactly the problem. There is never enough room.And isn't it a standard
American axiom that "the bigger the better". Why, man the whole
automotive industry used to operate on that one. Now just look at the
camper parked next to you- more than likely it is some big 40'
monolithic Prevoste.Just watch how many come out of it-dollars to donuts
it will be just 2 people. Would't it be worth six months of hard work to
modify ones coach to have a bunch of GMC fellow compatriots come by with
jealous looks to see what one had done. A slide out would mean one could
still park in the Safeway grocery store parking lot and still turn right
around in the middle of the road when you get going down some nothrough
road or in the wrong direction. And built with the right materials it
shouldn't add much to weight. There is no doubt about it, this idea is
just waiting for the right person to do it, maybe even Tom, if he ever
gets that idea out of his head and onto paper!!
Just stirring the pot,
Claude in sunny Victoria
 
Claude,
You must have wide roads in Canada . I can't turn my GMC
around in the middle of the road without a lot of effort.
Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI about 20 miles "North" of Canada
from where I sit.

> A. A slide out would mean one could
> still park in the Safeway grocery store parking lot and still turn right
> around in the middle of the road when you get going down some nothrough
> road or in the wrong direction. .
 
Try turning a 40' Prevost around and see which is easier.

J.R.

>
> Claude,
> You must have wide roads in Canada . I can't turn my GMC
> around in the middle of the road without a lot of effort.
> Richard Waters '76 PB, Troy, MI about 20 miles "North" of Canada
> from where I sit.
>

>
> > A. A slide out would mean one could
> > still park in the Safeway grocery store parking lot and still turn right
> > around in the middle of the road when you get going down some nothrough
> > road or in the wrong direction. .
 
And why does it have to only expand either sideways or back?

What is wrong with having the rear sleeping quarters expand vertically?
Much easier to engineer,seal, and build up several feet to make a skylight
bedroom with none of the obstructions described and still keep the wonderful
little sitting room beneath it. Would't that be a beautiful and different
GMC motorhome? A circular staircase perhaps to get to the bed?

>Ahah, so now we are starting to show our true preferences.There are in
>fact those who would like to have something more interesting and
>comfortable. There are choices even.To slide sideways or backwards.What
>would happen if one didn't lock up a backward mounted one. Fast take off
>in the AM with maybe wife still snoozing in the back. I shudder to
>think! Now I think from what Tom says, he has a problem, even if he
>doesn't recognize it.He says " we just have enough room for 2". That is
>exactly the problem. There is never enough room.And isn't it a standard
>American axiom that "the bigger the better". Why, man the whole
>automotive industry used to operate on that one. Now just look at the
>camper parked next to you- more than likely it is some big 40'
>monolithic Prevoste.Just watch how many come out of it-dollars to donuts
>it will be just 2 people. Would't it be worth six months of hard work to
>modify ones coach to have a bunch of GMC fellow compatriots come by with
>jealous looks to see what one had done. A slide out would mean one could
>still park in the Safeway grocery store parking lot and still turn right
>around in the middle of the road when you get going down some nothrough
>road or in the wrong direction. And built with the right materials it
>shouldn't add much to weight. There is no doubt about it, this idea is
>just waiting for the right person to do it, maybe even Tom, if he ever
>gets that idea out of his head and onto paper!!
>Just stirring the pot,
>Claude in sunny Victoria
>
>
 
>And why does it have to only expand either sideways or back?
>
> What is wrong with having the rear sleeping quarters expand vertically?
>Much easier to engineer,seal, and build up several feet to make a skylight
>bedroom with none of the obstructions described and still keep the
wonderful
>little sitting room beneath it. Would't that be a beautiful and different
>GMC motorhome? A circular staircase perhaps to get to the bed?
>

Now that's an "excellent" idea. Keep it up folks. I can see it now...
relaxing in a large bed with windows all around and high enough for nobody
to peek in, parked by the ocean of course.

Heinz
 
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