Trip Report

[Carl Stouffer]

We just got home from a week long, 400 mile round trip to Burro Mountain Homestead http://www.burromountainhomestead.com/ For my wife's birthday.
The insulation I recently installed on my fuel tanks seems to have helped with the hot fuel/tank pressure issue we Southwesterners have to contend
with, although we didn't encounter the extreme temperatures we sometimes do during the Summer. I had just the slightest hint of 'vapor lock' on the
final climb into high country approaching Silver City (about 2200' in 15 miles), but none on the way home (in hotter weather). Go figure.

The various repairs on the refurbished Onan Power Drawer (new Facet fuel pump from Applied, and the Pertronix ignition from Gary Bovee) seems to have
done the trick. It ran flawlessly when needed to run the roof air (the last hour or so each way)

In spite of running on seven cylinders and having another really weak one, according to a recent leak down test, the coach ran great. It was hard to
tell there was a problem from the driver's seat. I know it was risky to drive with a couple of burned exhaust valves, but I took the chance so as not
to disappoint Kathy. The risk paid off in a wonderful trip. The GMC got us there and back and the Tracker we tow got us around wherever we wanted to
go while there, both without issue.

Now on to repairing the head issues, but that is for material another subject.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[scott nutter1]

Carl,
Was one of the burnt valves #8?
Scott.
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater.
Houston, Texas

 

[Carl Stouffer]

> Carl,
> Was one of the burnt valves #8?
> Scott.

No, I think #6 was the really bad one (held 14 psi out of 100 on the leak down test). #4 was bad too, but no indications of a head gasket failure. I
guess we'll know when we get it apart.
--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member

 

[bob schilling]

Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even got
to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the Papa Johns car.

Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the noise was
coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.

The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night before we
arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.

We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive home just
before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
What a great trip!

Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive. Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach safe
and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't wait for our next trip.

PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once. It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
--
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale

 

[wayne rogewski]

Always nice to hear about uneventful trips. Sometimes those are the best, be it a few miles or a few thousand.

Thanks for Sharing.

--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan

 

[johnny]

It os impressive. When they ran the fuill quarter mile it was moreso. Great fun.

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased

 

[DetroitDan]

Fantastic to hear a happy story.

I bought the Grand Chief in March, and have working to get ready for camping whenever I can steal a few hours from life.

Sometimes, I get discouraged about the whole thing, but when I hear a happy story, I get reinvigorated!

Thank you!

Dan "I only have about twenty-five things left to do" Wallace
--
Dan Wallace
Detroit Metro
1974 Canyon Lands 260
Headers, 3.55, 16"
Floor plan 26-9

 

[gworobec]

Bob, great trip report. My wife and I were in Rapid City in July driving back to SoCal from Wisconsin. Stayed a couple of days in Deadwood and Sturgis. Went to Mt. Rushmore as well. Just an amazing part of the USA. It always baffles me why folks go overseas for vacations when we have such amazing vistas here in the US.

Gary and Joanne Worobec
1973 Glacier 23
Anza, CA

>
> Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
> but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even got
> to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the Papa Johns car.
>
> Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the noise was
> coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.
>
> The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
> Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
> Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
> problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
> We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
> about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night before we
> arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.
>
> We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive home just
> before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
> mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
> What a great trip!
>
> Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
> gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
> there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
> newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive. Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach safe
> and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't wait for our next trip.
>
> PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once. It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
> --
> Bob and Pam Schilling
> Rapid City, SD
> "78 Royale
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[john phillips]

1978 time frame I was a freshly minted field service engineer. Afte seeing
2 broken units a day for a few months, and getting discouraged, I ask my
manager why we could not build better products that did not break down all
the time. He informed me that they did not send me on calls to working
units and that the vast majority had well under one service call a year.
Most of the time if we had a repeat call it was because the real problem
was not fixed on the first call and to make every effort to fix the real
problem on the first visit.
Seems this list is like going to a lot service calls.

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 9:01 AM, Bob Schilling
wrote:

> Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a
> family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
> but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go
> from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even
> got
> to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the
> Papa Johns car.
>
> Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started
> hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the
> noise was
> coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided
> to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.
>
> The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet
> up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
> Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then
> the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
> Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I
> got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
> problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
> We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling
> an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
> about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately
> named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night
> before we
> arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't
> believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.
>
> We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the
> Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive
> home just
> before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged
> about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
> mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex
> Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
> What a great trip!
>
> Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since
> most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
> gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first
> 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
> there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I
> wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
> newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive.
> Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach
> safe
> and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't
> wait for our next trip.
>
> PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once.
> It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
> --
> Bob and Pam Schilling
> Rapid City, SD
> "78 Royale
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--

*John Phillips*

 

[Jim Hupy]

Good trip report, Bob. Also, about the Top Fuel Drags. Nothing at all ,
except maybe a Saturn 5 launch on a lunar mission will compare with a Top
Fuel Car.
Shakes the Ground, and you can feel it in your chest. Back in the early
60's, I had a NHRA dragster license and drove both singshot rail cars and
Competition Coupes and Sedans. Different era for sure, but until you have
been strapped into a slingshot dragster with the slicks so close you can
touch them with your elbows, and your family jewels perched directly over
the ring gear in a metal housing prone to failure, your knees and feet and
ankles perched right next to a flywheel and clutch assembly known to
explode with some degree of regularity, you don't know what a "rush" is.
But, as my family grew, my wife asked me a question. " Do you want to drag
race, or do you want to be married?" Your choice. I promised her that I
would quit, and to this day I have not been back to a drag race. That does
not mean that I did not want to. Nothing on earth I have ever done compares
to it. Addictive behavior to be sure. Again, great trip. Hope it is one of
many for you and Pam.
Jim Hupy
Salem, OR
78 GMC Royale 403

On Tue, Aug 22, 2017 at 10:04 AM, Dan Wallace
wrote:

> Fantastic to hear a happy story.
>
> I bought the Grand Chief in March, and have working to get ready for
> camping whenever I can steal a few hours from life.
>
> Sometimes, I get discouraged about the whole thing, but when I hear a
> happy story, I get reinvigorated!
>
>
> Thank you!
>
> Dan "I only have about twenty-five things left to do" Wallace
> --
> Dan Wallace
> Detroit Metro
> 1974 Canyon Lands 260
> Headers, 3.55, 16"
> Floor plan 26-9
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

 

[Gary Coaster]

Bob,
Can fully relate to your experience. We are on the tail end of a twelve week trek from MIchigan to Maine, back to MI, thru the UP, MN and Manitoba. Currently in Idaho after a great eclipse experience only 3 days out from Reno.
Only a couple minor issues with the coach.
Needed to replace an ignition module and have a very water pump leak that leaks only when cooling down. Have new water pump ready to install when we rewatch home.
Encourage everyone to use a coach that is not only an engineering marvel but made to travel.
Create great memories.

Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
1977 GMC Eleganza ll
GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
GMCShades
www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/

>
> Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
> but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even got
> to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the Papa Johns car.
>
> Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the noise was
> coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.
>
> The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
> Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
> Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
> problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
> We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
> about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night before we
> arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.
>
> We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive home just
> before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
> mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
> What a great trip!
>
> Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
> gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
> there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
> newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive. Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach safe
> and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't wait for our next trip.
>
> PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once. It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
> --
> Bob and Pam Schilling
> Rapid City, SD
> "78 Royale
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

 

[jim kanomata1]

Well were getting my Kingsly with the 403 ready for the trip to Elkhart, IN.
This going to be our 3rd attempt to make a round trip, without engine
problem.
Sort of a joke when we cant get my personal coach to get out of California
and Arizona.

> Bob,
> Can fully relate to your experience. We are on the tail end of a twelve
> week trek from MIchigan to Maine, back to MI, thru the UP, MN and Manitoba.
> Currently in Idaho after a great eclipse experience only 3 days out from
> Reno.
> Only a couple minor issues with the coach.
> Needed to replace an ignition module and have a very water pump leak that
> leaks only when cooling down. Have new water pump ready to install when we
> rewatch home.
> Encourage everyone to use a coach that is not only an engineering marvel
> but made to travel.
> Create great memories.
>
> Gary Coaster / Reno, NV
> 1977 GMC Eleganza ll
> GMC RV Day Night Shade Sales
> GMCShades
> www.GMCMotorhomemarketplace.com/GMC_Shades/
>
> > On Aug 22, 2017, at 10:01 AM, Bob Schilling

> >
> > Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with
> a family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag
> racing,
> > but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go
> from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even
> got
> > to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the
> Papa Johns car.
> >
> > Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started
> hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the
> noise was
> > coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I
> decided to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.
> >
> > The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to
> meet up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
> > Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then
> the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
> > Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I
> got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
> > problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
> > We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg
> traveling an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We
> boondocked for
> > about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately
> named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night
> before we
> > arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I
> couldn't believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.
> >
> > We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the
> Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive
> home just
> > before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and
> averaged about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost
> forgot to
> > mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to
> Alex Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled
> perfectly.
> > What a great trip!
> >
> > Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home.
> Since most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting
> I have
> > gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first
> 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
> > there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I
> wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
> > newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive.
> Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach
> safe
> > and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't
> wait for our next trip.
> >
> > PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once.
> It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
> > --
> > Bob and Pam Schilling
> > Rapid City, SD
> > "78 Royale
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[Ken H.]

After that long thread about my GMC's final drive failure early last month,
I probably should have reported more on our end-of-month trouble-free
trip. The 400+ mile round trip to Noccalula Falls, AL for a Dixielanders
rally was flawless -- not one problem not drop of oil used, and virtually
no noise from the new Final Drive Jim K provided.

Then, today, we returned from another 550+ mile round trip to N. GA for
fun, friendship, and the Eclipse. Again, the GMC performed flawlessly. We
probably averaged over 60 MPH (I don't check nor talk about MPG) up and
back, with most of the return trip in convoy with 3 other vehicles.

As for the Eclipse experience, we were in one of the prime viewing
locations: River Mista Mountain RV Resort in Dillard GA -- right in the
path of the eclipse with a 2:38 totality window. Just one TINY problem:
The Moon traced its path exactly as predicted until about 66% of the Sun
was obscured. Then, Mother Nature intervened: In an area predominantly W
to E moving weather, a little cloud moved E to W just in time to totally
obscure the Sun & Moon! Then, within 5 minutes, when the sky began to
lighten after the darkness, it moved away, leaving the Moon to pass from in
front of the Sun right before our eyes.

My grandson was the only smart one in our little bunch: When he saw the
"Little Cloud that Made US Cry", he got in the car and drove just a few
miles N for a perfect view! So, missing the totality was really all our
own faults.

But the GMC performed perfectly, as it USUALLY does.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL,
Manny Brakes & 1-Ton, etc., etc., etc.
www.gmcwipersetc.com

 

[graham mace]

Your right Bob.  I go to all the Winternationals & World finals in Pamona ca.  They are quite mindblowing.
My 76 palm desert runs great also now.  Just the odd vapour lock.  But an inline elec.booster pump solves that.
Cheers,
Graham.
Nanaimo,BC
76 Palm Desert

Sent from Samsung Mobile

-------- Original message --------
From: Bob Schilling
Date: 08-22-2017 9:01 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] Trip report

Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even got
to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the Papa Johns car.

Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the noise was
coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.

The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night before we
arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.

We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive home just
before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
What a great trip!

Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive. Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach safe
and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't wait for our next trip.

PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once. It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
--
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale

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[jim kanomata1]

Few times I was asked to assist on a AA Fuel Dragster crew. I was more than
nerves first couple times.
Learned how to wrench and use tools without hesitation.
We did not wear any ear plugs at all.
This was back in 1964 when we were going around 180MPH.

> Your right Bob. I go to all the Winternationals & World finals in Pamona
> ca. They are quite mindblowing.
> My 76 palm desert runs great also now. Just the odd vapour lock. But an
> inline elec.booster pump solves that.
> Cheers,
> Graham.
> Nanaimo,BC
> 76 Palm Desert
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Samsung Mobile
>
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Bob Schilling
> Date: 08-22-2017 9:01 AM (GMT-08:00)
> To: gmclist
> Subject: [GMCnet] Trip report
>
> Earlier this month I had my 60th birthday and my wife surprised me with a
> family trip to the NHRA Finals in Brainerd, MN. I don't follow drag racing,
> but I have always wanted to see what it looks like for a vehicle to go
> from 0 to 330 mph in under 4 seconds. The races were incredible and we even
> got
> to see the fastest time ever recorded in the sport which was done by the
> Papa Johns car.
>
> Now to get to the GMC portion. Just before our trip began I started
> hearing a whining noise as the engine was running. I determined that the
> noise was
> coming from the A/C pulley and could also see some wobble in it. I decided
> to remove the belt and run with just roof air and the genset.
>
> The first leg of our trip was from Rapid City, SD to Dickinson, ND to meet
> up with our son, who caravanned with us to Brainerd. On the way to
> Dickinson everything was going fine until the clutch fan kicked in. Then
> the remaining two belts started squealing. We listened to the noise all the
> Dickinson, whenever the fan would engage. The next morning my son and I
> got up and tightened the belts, which took about 20 minutes. That fixed the
> problem and we were off to Brainerd, MN.
> We drove to about 450 miles to Brainerd and averaged about 9 mpg traveling
> an average speed of 65 mph. The GMC performed flawlessly. We boondocked for
> about 4 days in the on site campground called "THE ZOO" (appropriately
> named) and again the GMC worked perfectly. It had rained 2" the night
> before we
> arrived and the campground was nothing but mud and soft ground. I couldn't
> believe we never even spun a tire getting to our campsite.
>
> We left Sunday afternoon and drove half way home. We stayed in the
> Cabela's parking lot and then drove the last leg of our journey to arrive
> home just
> before the eclipse. In total we drove 1377 trouble free miles and averaged
> about 9 mpg ( we even got over 10 mpg on one tank). I almost forgot to
> mention that the whole trip was done with 2 finger steering thanks to Alex
> Farerra's magic touch about two years ago. It ran and handled perfectly.
> What a great trip!
>
> Before this trip, I was hesitant to take my GMC very far from home. Since
> most of the posts on this site are about repairs and trouble shooting I have
> gotten a little gun shy. As a matter of fact I was nervous for the first
> 500 miles of the trip that something was going to break. However the imho
> there is no more comfortable rv to drive than our classic coaches. I
> wanted to enter a success story, if for no other reason than to reassure the
> newbies that these GMC's can be very reliable and enjoyable to drive.
> Based on my first hand experience, I would advise anyone to make your coach
> safe
> and reliable and then go out and enjoy the fruits of your labor. I can't
> wait for our next trip.
>
> PS: I also recommend everyone go see a Top Fuel drag race at least once.
> It is an experience that is hard to describe and you'll always remember.
> --
> Bob and Pam Schilling
> Rapid City, SD
> "78 Royale
>
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[d c *mac* macdonald]

It MIGHT help if you lighten the pressure on your accelerator pedal, Jim ! (;>p)

D C "Mac" Macdonald
Amateur Radio - K2GKK
k2gkk @ hotmail dot com
USAF and FAA, Retired
Oklahoma City, OK
"The Money Pit"
1976 ex-Palm Beach
k2gkk + hotmail dot com

________________________________
From: Gmclist on behalf of Jim Kanomata
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2017 13:56
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Trip report

Well were getting my Kingsley with the 403 ready for the trip to Elkhart, IN.
This going to be our 3rd attempt to make a round trip, without engine
problem.
Sort of a joke when we cant get my personal coach to get out of California
and Arizona.

 

[bob schilling]

Gary, I wish I would have known you were in the Black Hills. I would have bought you and your wife dinner. I might have seen your coach in passing. My
job has me traveling through the hills everyday and I saw two or three GMC's this summer, but all were moving and I didn't have time to chase them
down. If any fellow GMCers are in the Black Hills, give me a call I'd love to meet you. I on the Black List.
--
Bob and Pam Schilling
Rapid City, SD
"78 Royale

 

[jim kanomata1]

Mac,
Your about the tenth guy to inform me to ease the pressure on the gas pedal.
I have been doing that. How long will be a question.
My other coach with the 540 Cad has been been reliable, except for the EFI
Computer going out and Turbo Shaft breaking.
Currently, I need to refresh the engine after the Air intake tube came
loose and sucked in lot of dirt in Texas and Alabama.

On Wed, Aug 23, 2017 at 6:35 AM, Bob Schilling
wrote:

> Gary, I wish I would have known you were in the Black Hills. I would have
> bought you and your wife dinner. I might have seen your coach in passing. My
> job has me traveling through the hills everyday and I saw two or three
> GMC's this summer, but all were moving and I didn't have time to chase them
> down. If any fellow GMCers are in the Black Hills, give me a call I'd love
> to meet you. I on the Black List.
> --
> Bob and Pam Schilling
> Rapid City, SD
> "78 Royale
>
>
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> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502

 

[scott nutter1]

That's the beautie about America. We have the right to go fast or slow! Moderation is also good, as long as it's on the fast side.

Sometimes I like to go fast whilst not wearing underwear. Because I'm a American!!!

Funny thing,,I've never broken anything going fast....... only while idling or going slow. But fast for me is only 75mph or so.

So jump in your rigs and enjoy your freedoms!!! Game on!!!
--
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi.
Houston, Texas

 

[robert mueller]

Jeez, I didn't know UAL had aircraft that flew at such a low speed!

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
USA '77 Kingsley - TZE 267V100808

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Scott Nutter
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2017 5:37 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Trip report

That's the beautie about America. We have the right to go fast or slow! Moderation is also good, as long as it's on the fast side.

Sometimes I like to go fast whilst not wearing underwear. Because I'm a American!!!

Funny thing,,I've never broken anything going fast....... only while idling or going slow. But fast for me is only 75mph or so.

So jump in your rigs and enjoy your freedoms!!! Game on!!!
--
Scott Nutter