Last week we took the GMC up to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a short one week vacay. My carbureted 403 did well. On two occasions, I had to use first gear and heavy throttle to climb up narrow, curvy, steep mountain roads. I was able to keep the rpm's up around 3000 – 3200, as recommended, to keep the coolant flowing, fan roaring, transmission pressure up, etc. The engine did not overheat, and the tranny stayed below 210 on the gauge. I also used first gear going down those roads, with only intermittent braking. I was nervous, but the GMC did fine.
One of those steep roads was a 3-mile long climb from Mountain City, Georgia to Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, along Black Rock Mountain Parkway. The climb was challenging, but the State Park is BEAUTIFUL at the top of the mountain with several scenic overlooks. Climb at your own risk, driver be warned.
Here is a few pics from Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground.
The GMC did great along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with occasional use of second gear. Also on the interstate near Asheville there were a couple of long 7% grades where I had to use second gear. Similarly, in second gear I kept the rpm's up, (over 3000 rpm) and maintained about 50 mph up the climb, while keeping an eye on temps all the way.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway we stayed at Bear Den Family Campground, a nice campground that we've stayed at before we had the GMC. It’s a great campground and a good location for a base camp to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway from. Buy the way, we did not take the GMC up to Grandfather Mountain nor up to Mount Mitchell. We drove a rental car to explore, while the coach stayed at Bear Den. We do not tow.
Here is a few pics from Bear Den.
Overall the coach did great. It was 1448 miles (round trip from Dunedin, Florida) and 8 nights for a fun trip. This is why we work so hard to keep these GMC's on the road.
Here's a few more random pics from the trip. I could show you a hundred pics, but I won't. ;-)
Safe Travels,
Russell
One of those steep roads was a 3-mile long climb from Mountain City, Georgia to Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, along Black Rock Mountain Parkway. The climb was challenging, but the State Park is BEAUTIFUL at the top of the mountain with several scenic overlooks. Climb at your own risk, driver be warned.
Here is a few pics from Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground.
The GMC did great along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with occasional use of second gear. Also on the interstate near Asheville there were a couple of long 7% grades where I had to use second gear. Similarly, in second gear I kept the rpm's up, (over 3000 rpm) and maintained about 50 mph up the climb, while keeping an eye on temps all the way.
On the Blue Ridge Parkway we stayed at Bear Den Family Campground, a nice campground that we've stayed at before we had the GMC. It’s a great campground and a good location for a base camp to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway from. Buy the way, we did not take the GMC up to Grandfather Mountain nor up to Mount Mitchell. We drove a rental car to explore, while the coach stayed at Bear Den. We do not tow.
Here is a few pics from Bear Den.
Overall the coach did great. It was 1448 miles (round trip from Dunedin, Florida) and 8 nights for a fun trip. This is why we work so hard to keep these GMC's on the road.
Here's a few more random pics from the trip. I could show you a hundred pics, but I won't. ;-)
Safe Travels,
Russell
