GMC Vintage RVing Magazine - Fall 2019

Fall 2019 | Issue 149

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

A magazine dedicated to promoting the legacy and use of GMC Motorhomes Brought to you by GMC Motorhomes International

The GMC Motorhome and their

Dealerships [

2019 Fall Convention in Mansfield, Ohio

[

GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

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GMC Motorhome Chapters

president’s corner

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

GMC Motorhomes International was founded in 1982 by Ralph Luby >> GMC Motorhomes International 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577 | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com | gmcmi.com

GMCMI’s 76th Convention in Mansfield, Ohio was well attended and a success. It was fun seeing old friends and becoming acquainted with members I had not yet met.

>> GMC Vintage RVing Magazine Published quarterly for members of GMC Motorhomes International.

A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA).

Managing Editor | Graphic Designer Kimberlea Weeks | 612-501-4600 admin@gmcmi.com

Dolph Santorine

Editor Janet Frey | 215-536-9064 freyjanetr@yahoo.com

The tech sessions were well attended, and the information presented was excellent. We had three live remote video conference tech sessions, all of which were well received. We even had a new presenter. Thank you Ty Hardiman for stepping up!

>> Online Version A digital flipbook version of the magazine is available online at gmcmi.com/gmc-vintage-rving/.

Special thanks to the setup crew who arrive early and make it look oh so easy.

Of course, thank you to everyone who attended. We really could not do it without you.

(See page 30 for photos and story.)

>> GMC Article and Part Number Submission Please send article contributions and newly found part number crossovers to the managing editor. >> GMCMI.com Website 612-501-4600 | admin@gmcmi.com >> Disclaimer Articles are contributed by members and others which are published as a service to members. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Independent verification is urged. ©2019 GMC Motorhomes International

Thank you to the Nominating Committee: David Blackshear, Jim Hadcock, Jim Kanomata, Margie McLaughlin, and Joanna Tanner for their service and providing the slate of officers that was presented and elected at the GMCMI Membership Meeting at the Fall Convention in Mansfield, Ohio. We all need to thank those who have served, and welcome our newest board member, John Pryzbylek. (see page 18 for profile).

“May your holiday be joyous and safe.”

Gary Coaster VP Western

Margie McLaughlin Jerry Work VP Northeast VP Northwest David Blackshear VP Eastern

Kim Weeks VP Administration

Lou Boone VP Southeast

Janet Frey Secretary

Randy Van Winkle VP South Central

Fred Hudspeth Treasurer

John Pryzbylek VP Great Lakes

John Smyrski National Director

Lucy Weidner VP Midwest

Keith Weeks Alt. Nat. Director

Emery Stora VP Rocky Mountain

Stan Edwards Past President

Non-Discrimination Statement: GMCMI is committed to maintaining an environment of non-discrimination and noncoercion on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, handicap, or political preferences.

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Our 2020 Conventions are going to be at places that we have been to before which are perfect for our get-togethers! This spring we will be in Patterson, Louisiana for some “Cajun Fun”. The Patterson Area Civic Center will be the place to be April 17-23, 2020.

– DOLPH SANTORINE, GMCMI PRESIDENT

2019-20 GMCMI Board of Directors Dolph Santorine President

The “Rosie the Riveters” were great fun, and hearing the stories of our “flyers” added a new dimension to the people we meet and spend time with at our events. Quentin Flagg visited us with his high energy entertainment, and many commented that our chiefs, Ken Frey, and Bob Hughson and Don Fenwick with their band of volunteers were in top form. Of course, it would not be complete without mentioning our very own Phyllis Diller impersonator, Kim Weeks, you were a hoot!

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Fall has us in the Black Hills of South Dakota for an “ADVENTURE!” at the Central State Fairgrounds in Rapid City, South Dakota, September 18-24, 2020.

There has been much said about the proposed change in our status with FMCA. The biggest surprise to me was the response to dropping the FMCA requirement for membership in GMCMI. The vote was overwhelminging and enthusiastically “yes” at the membership meeting.

The online ballots are not all in as of this writing, but it is representing the same trend.

I appreciate those who think differently and understand their concerns and their view of our history with FMCA. Not doing this in light of our declining membership was not an option.

For more information see page 16.

Lastly, that critical membership reminder – GMCMI dues are due December 31, 2019.

If you have not taken care of your renewal, please do. We do not want you to miss a single issue of GMC Vintage RVing.

It has been said that people do not join organizations. People join other people. When you meet a new prospective member, your interaction with them will likely have more to do with their joining GMCMI than anything else. It is why you keep coming back. It is why they start coming.

This is why we all need to be ambassadors for the GMCMI “lifestyle”.

Don’t forget – Refer a new member and receive a $10 voucher which can be used towards renewal of GMCMI dues, products, or fees for a Convention. Looking for that perfect holiday gift? How about giving a GMC Vintage RVing magazine subscription (with includes a GMCMI membership) to a friend?

The holiday season is about upon us, and with this being a quarterly magazine, I won’t get to talk to you until after Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and the New Year celebration.

GMCMI Chapter Status

May your holidays be joyous and safe.

Membership stands at 969.

GMCMI Membership Status stands at 969.

CONTENTS FA L L 2 0 1 9

Keep informed about GMCMI Events and Members.

Join us at facebook.com/ GMCMI

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The GMC Motorhome and their

Dealerships

Read the flipbook version of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine online at gmcmi.com

DEPARTMENTS 2 President’s Corner

GMCMI IN 2020

14 FMCA Report

16 | GMCMI MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENT

INFORMATION AND BALLOTING

20 Sunshine Report

15 GMCMH Vendor Profile 21 GMC Motorhome History

17 | 2019-20 GMCMI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

22 Technical Corner

18 | MEET THE NEW GMCMI BOARD MEMBER

37 GMCMH Suppliers List 39 Classified Ads

19 | 2020 GMCMI DUES NOTICE

41 Regional GMCMH Activities

Be part of the GMC Community Facebook page by sharing photos of our GMCs, adventures and those important technical questions.

Join us at facebook.com/ groups/vintage gmcmotorhomes/

43 GMCMH Events Calendar

Technical Support, Parts Interchange, History and More!

GMCMI.com

2019 FALL GMCMI CONVENTION 30 | CONVENTION TECH SESSIONS 34 | CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS AND PHOTOS

Shop for specialized GMCMH items and previous magazines! thegmcmhstore.com

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The GMC Motorhome and their

Dealershi COMPILED BY JANET FREY | MILFORD SQUARE, PA | 1976 PALM BEACH HISTORICAL ASSISTANCE BILL BRYANT | PLEASANT VALLY, NY | PREVIOUS OWNER 1976 PALM BEACH

When exploring the history of the GMC Motorhome, it is important to recognize the link between the assembly line and the eventual owner – the GMC dealer. Since most of us did not buy our GMC from the showroom, it is important to remember that not every GMC dealer became a GMC Motorhome dealer.

Thanks to Bill Bryant’s extensive collection of GMC Motorhome memorabilia, we can tell the story of the dealers and the unique circumstances that occurred during the production of this vintage coach.

An example of a GMC Motorhome dealership in Phoenix, Arizona shows the latest in RV facilities.

Much of the “showroom” is an airy outdoor display area.

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ips The GMC Motorhome was a new and exciting adventure for General Motors. In addition to the hours of research and development, there apparently was a plan to support the eventual dealers and owners. This can be seen from the GM Dealer News newsletter and the formation of the GMC Motorhome Owners Club. Bill Bryant has numerous examples in his archives of the newsletters and other marketing strategies that represented a substantial monetary investment by GM for its dealers, and that show a very serious concern for the promotion of the motorhome. The support by GM was quite extensive (and expensive) and appeared to exceed the usual procedures used to market the family car.

Thank You, Mr. Mair

The word “motorhome� has been handled differently thoughout the years by GMC in publications.

Alex Mair, General Manager GMC Truck & Coach, VP GM was a strong advocate of the GMC Motorhome.

It was through his efforts that much of the success of the GMC Motorhome can be attributed. The GMC Motorhome was launched during a very difficult period, the energy crisis. Many efforts were made to mitigate this problem and improve sales: a fuel mileage run for a motorhome, a rental program, events to demonstrate and display this unique vehicle, advertising support, extensive goodwill give-aways, and much more.

1973: Motor Home 1974-76: MotorHome 1977-78: Motorhome

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The Dealership In June 1973, GMC had 64 dealers signed up to sell and service GMC Motorhomes. The company had hoped to have 200 dealers by the end of 1973 but decided not to sign up any more until an adequate supply was available.

GMC Motorhome dealerships were separate, stand-alone facilities. GMC Truck dealerships did not automatically become motorhome dealers. A minimum of three acres of buildings and land area solely for motorhome operations was required. The cost for a GMC Motorhome dealership was reported to have been $250,000 (1973 dollars).

During the production of the GMC Motorhome, dealers received a publication called the GMC Motorhome Dealer News. The newsletter was renamed in 1974 to the GMC Motorhome & TransMode Dealer News due to the upcoming introduction of the TransMode. This was an important publication that kept the dealers abreast with new programs, offerings, dealer news, different uses of the TransModes, and so much more.

The Introduction of the GMC Motorhome On January 3, 1973, at the Anaheim Stadium in California, the GMC Motorhome was introduced to the news media representatives. Over 100 representatives watched a demonstration of the vehicle’s performance capabilities, rode and drove the motorhome, and participated in a news conference with top GMC executives. Many complimentary articles appeared across the country.

GMC predicted production of 8,000 units a year, thought the pricing could be about midway in the senior motorhome market (identified as class A motorhomes selling for $9,000 and up), and hoped to get 10% of that market. Deliveries were to start in February.

The GMC Motorhome was promoted at RV shows and dynamic demonstrations were used in many parts of the country. There was even a GMC truck show in Germany, displaying the GMC Motorhome. The Germans loved it. Many of you may remember seeing the video of the GMC being driven over a series of 3 x 4 inch timbers to demonstrate its suspension abilities. It was followed by another brand of motorhome fitted with a cover. This S.O.B. (some other brand) was on a truck chassis, and appeared to leap into the air after crossing the third or fourth timber. This demonstration was a crowd favorite.

1973 In early December 1973, the GMC Motorhome assembly operations were shut down “to bring inventories in line with retail sales.” The new market that had appeared almost limitless at the beginning of the year had suddenly come to a screeching halt.

The gasoline shortage had begun to seriously affect the RV industry.

In late 1973, the 1974 models were introduced with little fanfare. They were a continuation of the previous models, incorporating changes made to correct deficiencies in the early designs. Completed coaches were driven to dealerships, the “dealer driveways” usually employed the dealership drivers, sometimes in groups of two or three motorhomes at a time. In talking to some of the delivery drivers, all agreed that little time was lost in getting back to the dealer at a rapid pace, often well over the posted speed limits.

The odometer of each coach would 1973 Model have the mileage from the factory to Year Production the dealership before delivery as a 23’ – 461 new vehicle.

26’ – 1,598 Total 2,059

Video Support GMC Motorhome Suspension The GMC handled the timbers with ease; its tires danced over the obstacles with the body barely bouncing. The covered motorhome with leaf spring suspension on a competitor’s chassis had the tires leaving the ground and appeared to be leaping in the air after the third or fourth timber was crossed.

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View this and other videos at gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos.

1974 Las Vegas Dealer Conference/Show Introductions, New Programs, and Challenges It is reported at the Las Vegas GMC Dealer Conference/Show, January 30-31, 1974, that 249 members of the GMC Motorhome dealer organization, as well as wholesalers, were exposed to opportunity-oriented GMC planning at the show.

Show Spotlights GMC Motorhome “Accent on Action” This was the primary thrust of the show to counteract changed market conditions resulting from the confused energy situation.

Dealers were particularly interested in the new programs aimed toward helping them to reduce inventory, stimulate cash flow, and generate increased floor traffic.

David J. Humphreys of the Recreational Vehicle Institute Washington Counsel noted that there was no restrictive legislation toward the RV industry enacted by Congress, fuel rationing had not been put into effect, and that voluntary plans were working.

Eleganza SE introduced at the Las Vegas Show, January 30-31, 1974

The Introduction of the TransMode Nine different commercial uses for the TransMode were featured at the show. The TransMode (an empty motorhome) was advertised as “The Mobile Anything” and available from 1975 through 1978.

Many companies upfitted the TransMode as both motorhomes and for commercial applications.

“Mr. Realtor” an office-on-wheels concept that incorporated a lounge-discussion area. Beyond is a office area with table, desk, filing cabinets, bulletin board, full length closet, and supplies storage.

Lavatory, air conditioning and wet bar could be added.

The initial TransMode selling concept was: (1) dealers would receive the basic GMC vehicle (the shell), (2) work with the customer and a designated upfitter, (3) design a specialized the vehicle.

GMC provided help for dealers to select well-qualified equipment manufacturers/upfitters. Through the TransMode Sales Development Guide, dealers and upfitters had information to assist in designing these specialized vehicles.

The Introduction of the Eleganza SE This new upscale model of the GMC Motorhome was an attractive, unique coach available in new colors and trim.

Owners of earlier models had requested better quality materials and furnishings and this was the lead for these improvements.

Dealers liked the new model and it was a sell-out at the show.

Motoroaming America

Six Motoroamers were scheduled by zones to appear at dealerships.

Each colorful, fully equipped Motoroamer carried all the materials needed to stage a “Motoroaming America Fair”. In addition to the motion picture provided in a portable theater, popcorn making machines, colorful balloons, banners, posters, and other marketing elements were available for the event.

Holiday on Wheels TV Show Holiday on Wheels was a continuing travel-adventure show seen in more than 28 cities across the country. It was produced in cooperation with Trailer Life group of publications. Three of the films in the TV series that featured the GMC Motorhome were: • “Massive and Majestic Monument Valley” covering a visit to the land of Navajo in America’s Southwest.

• “Florida: Keys to the Botanical Kingdom” featuring a tour of the keys.

• “New England’s Windjammer World” took you on a tour of the New England coast.

Note: These three shows were added to the film library used by the mini-theaters in the dealership showrooms.

Learn more about the TransModes in the Fall 2016, Winter 2017, and Spring 2017 issues of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine.

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1974 National Campaigns Three GMC Motorhome Sweepstakes!

New Motorhome Rental Program Most enthusiastic received news at the show was with the announcement of the “Great Travel in a Great Land” rental demo program. The program consisted of three objectives which were major concerns at this point in time among GMC dealers: reduction of inventory, stimulation of cash flow, and generation of more floor traffic.

The program initially ran from February 1-September 15, 1974. There were many requirements of the dealer to participate in this program. This program continued to run throughout the production of the GMC Motorhome.

The Pepsi Cola “Win a Great Amerian Summer” Sweepstakes gave away a 26’ GMC Motorhome! National exposure included: 20,000 in-store displays, 50,000 in-store streamers, 10 million carton-stuffers, truck billboards, local newspaper ads, and local tv.

Outdoor Life featured a 23’ GMC Motorhome as the grand prize for their “Vacation Home-Stakes” promotion.

Dealers received colorful RentalDemo Kits along with handy Convenience Kits for the customers on the road to enjoy during their rental.

Label would appear on the rental vehicle.

To assist with this program GMC conducted a fuel economy run with press representatives from Automotive News, Motor Trend, and Trailer Life magazines. A 264-mile test from Los Angeles to Las Vegas (which included Baker Grade that peaks at 4,751 feet) resulted in a reported mileage of 10.2 mpg (with the return trip at 11.2 mg, slightly more down hill). GMC was trying hard to revive sales during this difficult period of gas shortages.

Good-will Materials There were also good-will materials available to dealers such as Frisbees, matchbooks, swizzle sticks, pens, coloring books, caps, and jackets. Catalogs were offered and national exposure tie-in campaigns for advertising were detailed.

1974 Vacationland Coloring Book was produced by General Motors.

Union Carbide featured the GMC Motorhome as the grand price in the “Outdoor Family Sweepstakes”.

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Popular give-aways like these and others were always welcomed, and helped to create traffic and build remembrance of the dealership.

Other show activities included GMC’s overall and specific progress in such key areas as vehicle sales, service, parts and accessories, advertising, and sales promotion and training.

An interesting concept was dealers being urged to capitalize on the profit potential represented by Landock storage customers. It was emphasized that virtually every vehicle brought in for storage needed some kind of service, and that many owners were open to the selling approach of “Why not have it done now while the vehicle is available?” An 1974 Model obvious advantage is that the service Year Production could be scheduled at the department’s 23’ – 168 convenience. As General Sales Manager 26’ – 1,496 Robert C. Shelter put it, “Our plans are Total 1,664 based on the fact that your investment in your motorhome franchise is just as sound today as it was when we met nine months ago. In fact, today presents even greater possibilities for profitable action.”

In March 1974, production was suspended due to a lack of orders. But sales picked up in the next couple of months, and by mid-year inventories were depleted. Production of the motorhome resumed once again.

An announcement that went out to dealers in 1974.

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1975 The 1975 model year brought many changes and the introduction of the Eleganza II and Palm Beach. The upscale fabrics, furniture, trim, etc. improved quality. But the heavier weight and higher cost of the furniture was the downside. There were new exterior colors and stripes, the paint was now Imron, and fit and function of the exterior panels were improved. In addition, new models of TransMode based motorhomes were being built by Coachmen, Midas, and others.

Big news for the commercial TransMode business...Ashland Petroleum utilized two custom traveling laboratories. These traveling labs manned with technical service engineers have the capacity of testing 200 samples a day!

Mechanix Illustrated magazine’s article praised the GMC Motorhome as “the best-driving, best-handling motorhome we’ve tried”. The 1975 Model article continues to state, “Now, with a Year Production motorhome from General Motors, we have 23’ TransMode – 36 26 ft’ TransMode – 425 the prospect of being able to buy a fullfledged rig made and sold by a company 26’ GMCMH - 1,196 whose primary business is vehicles, not Total 1,657 houses.”

1976 Two new models were introduced for 1976, the Edgemont and Glenbrook were added to the Eleganza II and Palm Beach carryovers. Production this year reached its peak. “The Great Travel in Great Land” rental program now allowed up to six units in the program that would qualify for a 5% list price reduction.

At the RVIA Show in Louisville, Kentucky (December 2-4), R.W. Truxell, Vice President, General Motors, GMC Truck and Coach stated, “The recreational vehicle industry today is making a steady recovery after a two-year period during which it was seriously affected by the energy problem and then the double punch of inflation and recession.”

New Training Program for Motorhome Sales People The training program consisted of five timely topics covered were: “Selling the New Market”, “Selling to Women”, “Feature-Benefits”, “Twin Bed and 23-foot Models”, and the “TransMode Motorhomes”.

Learn more about the Eleganza models in the Spring 2019 issue of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine.

Learn more about the Palm Beach in the Fall 2015 issue of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine.

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The GMC Motorhome Owners Club In response to the strong bond of pride and recognition shared

by GMC owners, a GMC Motorhome Owners Club was formed in affiliation with the Family Motor Coach Association in 1976. GMC owners benefited from the activities and product information listed in the GM produced newsletter. Dealers benefitted from their participation in chapter activities and events such as the GMC Motorhome Clinics.

Dealers that participated in assisting toward the organization of a GMC Motorhome Owners Club reported that their sales and service staff have been justifiably rewarded with added volume in all areas.

The World Golf Hall of Fame

by GMC The GMC Transmode is upfitted into a display unit for the World Golf Hall of Fame of Pinehurst, North Carolina and hit the road in 1976. It was reported that almost three million golfing fans throughout the country had the opportunity to view golfing memorabilia and photographs displayed in the GMC. Dealers had the opportunity to tie-in on local promotions in connection with the tournament.

1975-76 American Freedom Train Dealer activity that not only gained goodwill in the community but exposed the GMC to many thousands of potential 1976 Model customers. One such event was when Year Production the 1975-76 American Freedom 23’ TransMode – 549 Train (celebrating the United States 26 ft’ TransMode – 298 Bicentennial) visited St. Louis, 26’ GMCMH - 2,413 Missouri where the local dealer loaned Total 3,260 a Palm Beach to be used as the office headquarters and ticket sales booth during the train’s visit.

1977 The Kingsley was a new model with the Eleganza II and Palm Beach continuing to be offered. This was also the year of the CocaCola model, used primarily by Coca-Cola bottlers and distributors as courtesy coaches and for public event functions. It was built in two versions, the “standard” one in Cameo White with a red horizontal stripe. The second version was the GadAbout with all the bells and whistles. It included extras such as refrigerator door graphics that made it look like a vending machine, and a bottle cap shaped spare tire cover. Coke gave away five GadAbouts as part of a contest held in December 1977. GMC records indicate that a total of 55 Coca Cola models were built, most in 1977, and a couple in 1978. (Learn more about the Coca-Cola models in the Winter 2016 issue of the GMC Vintage RVing magazine.)

By the end of January 1977, the 455ci engine was replaced with the 403ci engine and was used for all remaining motorhome production. The downsizing had begun and would soon have severe implications for the GMC Motorhome.

1977 Model Year Production 23’ TransMode – 253 26 ft’ TransMode – 455 26’ GMCMH - 1,694 Total 2,402 Coca-Cola Model used primarily by Coca-Cola bottlers and distibutors.

On November 11, 1977, Robert W. Truxell, General Manager of GMC Truck and Coach announced the phase-out of GMC Motorhome and TransMode production.

“Summer Fun Gadabout Travelstakes”

1978 There were three models of GMC Motorhome interiors – Eleganza II, Palm Beach, and Kinglsey. The TransMode continued with many upfitters participating. Coachmen Industries was a major upfitter.

With the end of production approaching, plans had to be made to phase out production in as orderly 1978 Model a manner as possible. “Build out” Year Production plans were made, i.e., matching 23’ TransMode – 178 parts inventories to dealer/ 26 ft’ TransMode – 1,012 customer orders. An example 26’ GMCMH - 689 was the sale of transmissions Total 1,879 and final drives to an Ohio GMC Motorhome dealer who purchased 1,361 units.

Motorhome and TransMode production finally ended July 1978.

Coke gave away five GadAbouts as part of the contest.

Interesting Information From Documentation in 1978:

In spite of the announcement regarding the end of the production of the GMC Motorhome, a letter dated January 1978 from J. R. Ash, GMC Truck and Coach Division, encouraged dealers in the northwest to place their orders. There had been an increase in sales that seemed to indicate buyer interest and they were encouraged to freshen their inventory, and how to show a motorhome (“remember, a demonstration drive sells a GMC Motorhome”). Dealers were advised to get their share of the profits by planning their advertising.

of six motorhomes and six TransModes a day until July 1978.

Another concern was the availability of service parts for future years. GMC also told the dealers that a letter would be furnished to the dealers for use in sales, explaining the decision to cease production of the motorhome.

After the end of production of the GMC Motorhome, the plant facilities were converted to expand truck operations to respond to growing truck needs. This included chopped vans for use in recreation vehicle applications.

In a May 1978 letter to a dealer, J. E. Conlan of GMC noted that he was attaching a list of questions from dealers with responses from GMC. There had been meetings, personal contacts and telephone conversations with dealers all over the country regarding “efforts to the phase-out production on a sound and orderly basis.” The list included concerns regarding the production plans, with the response noting a production

When the production of the GMC Motorhome ended, it seemed like it was the end of an era. Who knew that almost 50 years after the first motorhome rolled off the assembly line, and into the dealers’ showrooms, it would still be on the road and in demand as younger shoppers discover the allure and design of the futuristic GMC Motorhome?

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For GMC Motorhome Owners Driver’s Directories...

From the beginning owners received a “Drivers Directory of GMC Motorhome Dealers” with the purchase of their GMC Motohome.

Marketing Aids Inside the Dealership 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, and 1978 Drivers Directory of GMC Motorhome Dealers

These are two examples of Dealership Showroom Displays.

In 1979 a letter was mailed to GMC Motorhome owners.

In 1980, a Drivers Directory of GMC Motorhome Service Representatives was available from GMC.

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This large portrait was on display in dealerships. Bill Bryant has donated it to GMCMI and is on display at our Conventions.

National Advertising GMCMH Ads Appeared In Magazines Architectural Digest Automotive News Camping Journal Classic FMC Forbes Fortune Golf House & Garden Motor Trend Motorhome Life National Geographic Newsweek Newsweek Executive Outdoor Life POINTS Popular Mechanics Popular Science Readers Digest RV/Van World Saturday Evening Post Ski Smithsonian Southern Living Sunset Time Time “Z’ Trailer Life U.S. News Wards Auto World Westways Woodalls Trailer Parks & Campgrounds

The cards (above) would be placed with a display coach to emphasize various features.

Starting in 1973 and continuing through 1977, a number of films were produced to promote the GMC Motorhome. Upon entering a dealership showroom, you might see what looked like a small screen TV set along with a number of film cassettes.

GMC called these units MiniTheaters. Films could be viewed Mini Theatre GMC with this self-contained Filmunit, Projector.

Used in Motorhome allowing the potential customer Dealer Showrooms. to view the many features of the GMC Motorhome. There were thirteen of these sales films. In addition to these a number of other films were made, Holiday on Wheels from a TV program of that time, a number of movies with GMCs, workprint, GMC maintenance films for repair facilities, but that is another story for another time.

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Annual Publications Rand McNally Guide Recreation Vehicles Directory Trailer Life Directory Woodalls Directory Sunset West Directory Check out ads at gmcmi.com/gmc-motorhome-ads.

Training Videos Servicing the GMCMH Check out the 23 training videos that GMC produced for the dealership service people and GMC Motorhome owners.

We are pleased to announce that the videos are now available at gmcmi.com/commercials-and-videos.

Thank you, Bill Bryant!

Thank you to Tom Lins who acquired and converted them.

They have been added to the list of commercials and videos for the GMC Community to enjoy.

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fmca report

John Smyrski

Venue Change for FMCA 102nd International Convention & RV Expo FMCA’s Executive Board has voted to withdraw from contract negotiations to stage the association’s 102nd International Convention & RV Expo at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, July 29 through August 1, 2020.

Free Subscription: Snowbirds & RV Travelers FMCA members can receive the Snowbirds & RV Travelers magazine “free” by simply signing up.

If you plan to leave the cold behind, check out the digital issue of Snowbirds & RV Travelers magazine which has great stories of destinations in Florida, Arizona, California, and Mexico to help you pick your next sunny locale. The article on “Our Budget for the RV Lifestyle” has a lot of great tips on how to full-time RVing affordably – it might be cheaper than you think.

Enjoy!

After many months of waiting to receive a contract for signature, the Executive Board determined that the time had come for FMCA to look for another location to stage this event.

FMCA officials are currently busy vetting other sites for the association’s 2020 summer convention and hope to have an announcement about a selected location in the coming weeks.

We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause members.

101st International Convention & RV Expo

March 26-29, 2020 Pima County Fairgrounds Tucson, Arizona Registration to begin September 26, 2019.

Attend an Area FMCA Rally

For calendar and information, go to: fmca.com/fmca-events

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Simply sign up at: suncruisermedia.com/fmca

Ease Your Mail Forwarding & Residency Worries Travel with confidence, knowing your mailing and residency needs are covered. Your RV trips will be easier than ever and way more fun!

As an FMCA member, you can receive the following benefits: • Sign up for a year of mail forwarding and get two months free!

• Your first vehicle registration is free • Lowest fees and handling rates in South Dakota • A South Dakota mail box and legal address • Personal support completing the residency process • Fax service • Digital Mailbox upgrade available

For more information and pricing go to: fmca.com/fmca-mail-forwarding

A GMC Motorhome Vendor Profile

BY BYRON SONGER | FULL-TIMER | PREVIOUS OWNER 1978 ROYALE

Many GMC devotees know DICK PATERSON as one of our dedicated vendors. He has been a source of information with expertise in the ignition system for many years, and has contributed to numerous GMCMI Conventions. Byron Songer chatted with him about his experiences and history with the GMC Motorhome.

inline GM engines. Many years later, while at GM in the early 1970s, I got involved with the Muscle Car “Demo” builds in the service section. That is when I got familiar with the DelcoRemy transistorized ignition systems (the HEI precursor) and Q-Jet single and multi-carb applications.

While owning the GM dealership I had a couple of oval track cars. I found two Allen 2000 Synchrograph machines for doing custom work on distributors. After doing our GMC and race car ignition, I worked on a lot of oval track race cars, street rods, and vintage restorations. Since we live in the middle of hundreds of lakes with old boats and marinas, I have done lots of marine inboard stuff. I lost track of how many GMC distributors we have rebuilt, but I would guess well over 1,000.

How did you meet your wife, Jan?

How did you get interested in the GMC Motorhome?

I joined GM Canada in 1963, and around 1973, a GMC Motorhome landed in our service/training school. About a year later, I saw three at the GM Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, and rode in two at the Desert Test Facility in Mesa, Arizona. These were all fitted with rows of seats and side windows like a bus. They were used as transit vehicles to tour the huge facilities. We were told they were built for the Boston Metro Transit test program and airport transit demos.

That same layout of TransModes were also showing up as “event” vehicles for local breweries.

As a devotee of the 1976 Toronado with front-wheel-drive, I had to get a GMC Motorhome. I was hooked on the thing forever. In 1976 I got a GM franchise for Pontiac/Buick/GMC/Cadillac in Orillia, Ontario. After we were established by 1984, I asked my son to keep an eye out for a GMC Motorhome for sale. Within a week he found two; a 1976 Palm Beach and a 1976 Eleganza II. So, I bought them both! Of the two I bought in 1984, I sold the Palm Beach right away but I still own the Eleganza II. I built a strong 455 in 1985 and began to service the GMC owners around southern Ontario. That became a booming success and the engine building business also flourished. We began buying and importing GMCs from all around the northern United States.

I probably bought twelve or so, including a couple from Clarence Buskirk in Sandusky, Michigan. I sold two to my brother Bob, one was a special events TransMode, he still owns both.

How did you get into ignition systems, carburetors, and related auto fields?

In 1950, just out of high school, I was a hot-rodder. I went into business with a friend to open a small, “rural” speed shop. We built our personal ‘rods’ and Canada’s first dragster, a “sling shot” rail. We had access to an “early” Sun distributor machine and I spent many, many hours on it. I experimented with dual point systems, etc. for

We met in 1975. When I bought into the dealership Jan was working as the comptroller - secretary/treasurer. I credit her for her business savy and management skills as we built the business. We married in 1981. That was the best move of my life. We sold the dealership in 2001 and are now empty nesters with two sons and a daughter (who are all dual U.S. citizens).

Our daughter lives in California and works for GM, the oldest son works in Lafayette, Louisiana in hospital administration and the youngest son is a retired U.S. Navy SUB hunter and works in manufacturing of medical equipment in Wolcott, Connecticut.

What do you like best about the GMC Community?

The variety of very smart folks who have studied these machines for years and willingly share their knowledge with others.

What is the most asked question that you get?

How old are you, anyway? The number two question is “My coach is not running the way it used to, seems slower and fuel mileage is down, could it be ignition or carburetion?”

Many thanks to Dick for giving us an insight into another GMC expert. We look forward to seeing Dick and Jan at many more GMCMI Conventions down the road.

Editor’s note: Dick is no longer rebuilding engines for shipping to the United States. Since his engines are not stock and are modified, they cannot meet the EPA regulations. However, his company, Springfield Ignition, is still going strong and has been since about 1985. Although he no longer does heavy duty work, he still does ignition systems, carburetion, and related components.

For more information go to: springfield-ignition.com

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GMCMI Membership Requirement Information and Balloting At the 2019 Fall GMCMI Membership Meeting held in Mansfield, Ohio on October 9, 2019 members present voted on the following: Shall GMCMI eliminate the requirement to be a FMCA member to be a member of GMCMI? This is an important issue for GMCMI. Below is the ballot that was sent electronically on October 15 and paper ballots mailed on October 16.

Organziation Background Information GMCMI has two levels of membership: • GMCMI “full” Members can vote, hold office, and attend Conventions.

• GMCMI Associate Members cannot vote in elections, cannot hold office, and cannot attend Conventions more than once.

GMCMI is currently a Chapter of FMCA, the same as other FMCA regional GMC Motorhome chapters which requires that members (GMCMI “full” members only) maintain a FMCA membership. Please note: what GMCMI does will NOT directly affect what your regional GMC Motorhome chapter chooses to do.

Declining GMCMI Membership • Currently 951 members • 630 are “full” GMCMI Members (FMCA Members) • 321 are Associate Members – 34% of our membership – they cannot vote, hold office, and can only attend ONE convention • Both Full and Associate GMCMI members pay the same $40 dues • Having to join FMCA to become a GMCMI member is an obstacle to becoming part of our Community.

Difference Between What “You” Receive From FMCA and What “GMCMI” Receives From FMCA The CHAPTER, meaning GMCMI receives insurance: • Organization (D&O Insurance – liability insurance for directors and officers) • Liability Insurance (for Conventions) • Publications (“Vintage RVing magazine and others) None of what FMCA provides to the chapter covers you. Just the chapter and Convention operations. Failure to abide by their rules makes these insurances null and void.

We can replace all of the insurances that GMCMI receives from FMCA for approximately $1.50 per member.

By doing so we would eliminate the Associate Member level making ALL members “full” GMCMI Members which would allow all members to vote, hold office, and attend Conventions.

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This will NOT cause GMCMI to increase its membership dues.

We are not replacing the benefits for the individual provided by FMCA. If you want those benefits, you will need to continue to be a FMCA Member (or find similar benefits elsewhere).

Consequences of Doing Nothing • A continued decline in membership • Calls the long-term viability of GMCMI into question • Increased costs (dues) on a per member basis • We will not be able to offer what we are doing now.

REMEMBER, new members are focused on our coaches, and do not accept the additional burden of having to join an organization that does not address their needs to get to the one (GMCMI) that DOES address their needs. The organization of FMCA long pre-dates the internet, and their magazine drove the membership of this and other chapters for decades. But, times do change.

The Effect of a “Yes” Vote What changes is you will not be required to be a FMCA member to be a GMCMI Member who can vote, hold office, and attend Conventions. We should be able to leverage this change into arresting the decline in membership, and keep GMCMI the vibrant, fiscally sound organization it is today.

The Effect of a “No” Vote Nothing changes, i.e., will still have to pay FMCA dues, now $75/year, to be a “full” member of GMCMI and Associate Members will still be unable to vote, hold office, nor attend Conventions more than once.

What Happens Next?

Thirty days after distribution of this ballot, votes will be tallied. Note: some of these ballots will be sent by postal mail, hence the 30-day window.

If you, the members, are in favor of this change, updated documents for Constitution and By Laws along with Standing Rules for GMC Motorhomes International will be prepared and forwarded to you for your approval.

your GMCMI 2019-20 Board of Directors A special thank you to Joanna Tanner, David Blackshear, Jim Hadcock, Jim Kanomata, and Margie McLaughlin for volunteering and serving on the nominating committee.

Sharon Hudspeth (on behalf of Joanna Tanner) presented the slate of officers at the Fall GMCMI Business Meeting in Mansfield, Ohio and the following individuals were elected to the 2019-20 GMCMI Board of Directors.

Emery Stora | Michelle Vice President Rocky Mountain emerystora@mac.com Cell 505-660-9507 3409 Red Hawk Ln, Frederick, CO 80504 Gary Coaster | Terry Vice President Western garycoastermail@yahoo.com Home 810-364-4213 Cell 810-650-5111 2600 Knob Hill Dr, Reno, NV 89506

Dolph Santorine | Lora Kaye President

dolph@dolphsantorine.com Home 304-233-1230 Cell 304-219-3100 134 Falls Rd, Wheeling, WV 26003-1759

Jerry Work | Sharon Vice President Northwest glwork@mac.com Home 541-592-5360 Cell 541-499-1027 PO Box 3195, Kerby, OR 97531-3195

Margie McLaughlin | Larry Vice President Northeast larryele125@gmail.com Home 506-382-3525 Cell 506-863-7250 125 Edmonton Ave, Moncton, NB, Canada E1C-3C1

Kim Weeks | Keith Vice President Administration kimweeksgmc@gmail.com Cell 612-501-4600 1402 So Cage, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577

David Blackshear | Sue Vice President Eastern dlblackshear@att.net Home 337-443-4616 Cell 443-716-5282 409 Shane’s Crossing; Lafayette, LA 70508-7215

Janet Frey | Ken Secretary freyjanetr@yahoo.com Home 215-536-9064 Cell 215-353-1033 PO Box 4 | 2230 Milford Ave, Milford Square, PA 18935-0004

Lou Boone | Martha Vice President Southeast louboone@msn.com Home 678-984-5195 Cell 678-984-5195 108 Whitfield Run, Peachtree City, GA 30269-3327

Fred Hudspeth | Sharon Treasurer fbhtxak@sbcglobal.net Cell 903-312-9109 5919 Quail Creek Dr, Tyler, TX 75703-4532

Randy Van Winkle | Margie | Pro tem Vice President South Central rlvanwin@gmail.com Cell 417-429-5925 Home 417-429-5925 5211 S Old Wire Rd, Battlefield, MO 65619-9782

John Smyrski National Director for FMCA grandpasmy@aol.com Cell 651-334-3962 Home 651-437-3415 1968 Manor Ln, Hastings, MN 55033-3320

John Pryzbylek | Deb Vice President Great Lakes jmpryzl@gmail.com Home 419-825-5259 Cell 419-490-3835 103 West Ridge Drive, Swanton, Ohio 43558-1522

Keith Weeks | Kim Alternate National Director for FMCA keithweeksgmc@gmail.com Cell 612-978-7243 1402 So Cage, Unit 273, Pharr, TX 78577

Lucy Weidner | Larry Vice President Midwest weidnerl@wwt.net Cell 715-497-2998 E3478 378th Ave, Menomonie, WI 54751-5335

Stan Edwards | Eileen Immediate Past President edwards_stan@msn.com Home 303-423-8129 Cell 720-917-9703 12560 W 60th Ave, Arvada, CO 80004-3904

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meet the GMCMI new board member John Pryzbylek

Vice President Great Lakes John and Deb purchased their 1976 Eleganza II, nicknamed “The Never Ending Story” in September 2011. In 1976 this same GMC Motorhome was purchased by a law firm in Florida and used as a mobile law office, also known as, an “Ambulance Chaser”.

In 1973, after dating for six years when John was in college and Deb attended nursing school, they married. Deb and John met while teaching a Police Athletic League (PAL) drum corps in Connecticut, their home state. They have three children and seven grandsons living in the Midwest. Deb is a retired registered nurse and John, a retired chemist, had two careers. Initially, he held various research and development management positions in the agricultural pesticide business, eventually leading to a sales position in Ohio. His second career, with O-I, formerly known as Owens-Illinois, was working as a department manager supporting seven plastic bottle manufacturing plants, new product development team leader for plastic packaging of beer, wine and spirits, and finally, a new product development project manager for closures.

During their stewardship of the “Never Ending Story” these are some of the benefits they have received: • The camaraderie of the GMC Community • The technical knowledge and innovation of the owners • The willingness of all owners to help and share information • A genuine concern for the health and well being of each other • The diversity of the owners’ careers and backgrounds • The panoramic view from all seat locations • Hearing a horn and receiving a thumbs-up on a trip • The pleasure of driving an antique vehicle that was designed and built ahead of its time John looks forward to actively serving on the board of directors and continuing to make GMC Motorhome memories with Deb and Abbot, their recently acquired cocker spaniel puppy.

GMCMH Suppliers List, GMCMH Marketplace, GMCMH Parts Interchange, Manuals, Technical Papers & Presentations, GMCMH History, GMCMH Community Calendar Community Cookbook, Photos, Community Links to the GMCMH Regional Chapters – GMCMH Registry – H GMCMH Black List, MEMBER BENEFIT and more!

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Your GMC Motorhome Information Source... gmcmi.com

Their quest to acquire a GMC Motorhome included many trips to Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Connecticut viewing potential candidates over a two-year period. In talking to each owner, it was obvious they were proud of their coaches, had many stories and fond memories of their trips and the friendships nurtured over time and were sincere, passionate, honest, fun loving individuals.

So, their journey began!

2020 GMCMI Dues Notice...

We hope you have enjoyed the many benefits of the GMC Motorhomes International during the past year.

Chapter Dues for 2020 remain at $40 (U.S. dollars) and due by December 31, 2019.

Renew online...

Via a PayPal account or major credit card at: gmcmi.com/join-renew-2/

Help us keep adminstrative costs down by renewing today!

If we receive your payment by December 1, we will not need to mail an individual notice, which saves considerable expense. Thank you. (renewal is at bottom of page)

Contact Information Change?

To assist in keeping our records up-to-date: please make us aware of any additions and/or corrections in the space below or via email at admin@gmcmi.com. _______________________________________________________________________

Renew by mail...

To: GMCMI | Kim Weeks 1402 So Cage Blvd, Unit 273 Pharr, TX 78577-6288

First Person

_______________________________________________________________________ Second Person

2020 GMCMI Membership Dues: $40.00

_______________________________________________________________________ Street

_______________________________________________________________________ City

_______________________________________________________________________ State | Postal Code | Country

Home Telephone

_______________________________________________________________________ Second Name Cellular

_______________________________________________________________________ First Name Email

Two Years GMCMI Membership Dues: $80.00 Three Years GMCMI Membership Dues: $120.00 If your contact information has not changed, you need only list enough on your check to assure identity.

Credit Card Payments 2020 GMCMI Membership Dues: $41.50

_______________________________________________________________________

First Name Cellular

Check/Money Order Payments

Second Name Email

_______________________________________________________________________

Two Years GMCMI Membership Dues: $83.00 Three Years GMCMI Membership Dues: $124.50 _________________________________________________________ Name on Credit Card

_________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number

_________________________________________________________ Expiration Date

3 Digit Security Code

Zip Code

Any other information change, i.e. GMC Motorhome year, model, TZE number, etc.

Note: If you joined after October 1, 2019 you are considered current for 2020 GMCMI membership.

Have a Question...

Call 612-501-4600 or email admin@gmcmi.com.

Thank you for supporting GMCMI and the GMC Community.

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sunshine report

As we reflect on good times past, There’s many friendships that will last and last, Some we’ve lost before their time, But oh, those memories, they’re so sublime.

One special benefit of the GMC Community is that we form lifelong friendships. They make us laugh and enjoy life. In times of crisis, we join together to offer encouragement. And when there is loss, there is support and comfort.

So as we celebrate the end of the year, let us celebrate our friends, present and past.

How lucky we are, all starting with that special and unique motorhome.

me Calendar 2020 GMC Motorho This 11" x 8.5" calendar is spiral bound and opens up to 11" wide by 17" tall. It features beautiful photos submitted by owners from the GMC Motorhome Community. It will be a welcome gift to the GMC enthusiast in your life. The large monthly calendar grid offers room for recording rallies, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special events in your life. The calendar makes a statement on any wall.

National Pet Month

Sunshine Note:

Everyone needs to know they are cared about.

Knowing someone does care can mean the world to them.

If you have any information regarding a member that would benefit from a card (illness, hospitalization, sympathy, etc.) please send an email to kimweeksgmc@gmail.com 20

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

Order today at thegmcmhstore.com All items shipped free in the United States.

Exploring the

GMC Motorhome History A column by Bill Bryant, GMC Motorhome Historian, where he will share tidbits of the GMC Motorhome history with us.

GMC Motorhome Documentation GMC has done a comprehensive job of documenting the many aspects of the GMC Motorhome. There are many examples: service manuals, operator manuals, assembly manuals, sub-assembly manuals, parts manuals, etc., and many others by year or model.

Let’s look at an example, “parts manuals” (pictured right). There were by my count eight different parts manuals issued for the six year production life of the GMC Motorhome.

Every part used in the motorhome had to have a part number.

Part Number 705411 One of those GMC parts that was to be used in every coach is part number 705411. The Dealer Service Information Bulletin 75-IM-14 describes this little known, but non-theless necessary item.

It is four rolls of Aqua Soft Toilet Tissue!

Parts Interchange Information Category: Furnishings

Toilet Paper and Chemicals Paper, toilet (package of 4) (soluble matter) GMC 78Z Parts Book 705411 Camping World 9888 Walmart 567380180

Have a historical question about the GMC Motorhome?

Submit it to gmc.bill@gmail.com

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Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

Installing a Fire Extinguisher Next to the Entrance Door Richard Waters | 1976 Palm Beach | Troy, Michigan

When our coaches were manufactured and upfitted by GMC or the various upfitters, a dry chemical fire extinguisher may have been included, or was an option.

STEP 3: Before cutting randomly in the wall as pictured, consider what might be behind the wall. In this case, it is the “floor of the refrigerator compartment”.

In the case of a GMC upfitted motorhome, a fire extinguisher could be located in the entrance door closet (also called the vacuum closet), a galley overhead cabinet, or behind the passenger seat.

In the event of a fire emergency, all of these locations may be difficult to access while exiting the coach.

Many owners have repurposed their entrance door closet (26’ coach) to be a spice cabinet, TV mount or other storage. Thus, making that location even more difficult to locate a fire extinguisher in an emergency.

In order to be better prepared for an emergency, some creative owners have used their skills to provide better access to a fire extinguisher by building in custom storage boxes as shown below.

STEP 1: As an alternative to a custom made fire extinguisher box, a simple Google search for “recessed motorhome fire extinguisher box” brings up several “off the shelf ” approaches. I selected one I found on EBay from SSI Custom Plastics in Hollywood, Maryland.

SSI states that their products are “direct replacements for many originally equipped boats and RV’s, or they are a very simple to install accessory for ones that did not come with them”.

STEP 2: To install the box and to aid in cutting and placement, make a template out of a piece of cardboard. Tape it to the wall in a location that looks good and makes sense.

This “mini tech” session was presented at the 2019 Fall GMCMI Convention.

Handout available at: gmcmi.com/ technical-presentations-papers/

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STEP 4: Using an oscillating multitool and RotoZip to cut out offending framing.

Compare “additional notes” (at right) for approximate measurements required.

STEP 5: Install recessed fire extinguisher box. Place fire extinguisher into box.

The bug next to titles indicates that this was presented at the Fall 2019 GMCMI Convention.

Fuel Stabilizer Needed?

Yes or No...Does Not Function or Perform the Same as the Fresh Fuel Dick Paterson | 1976 Eleganza II | 705-325-4554 Springfield Ignition | springfield-ignition.com ADDITIONAL NOTES: Below are the measurements that were taken after cutting out the hole for the recessed fire extinguisher box.

A

A. Distance from the floor to the interior framing is about 19 1/2”.

B

B. The inside of the wall feature is about 17 1/2” below the “light and water pump” switch panel.

C

C. There is about a 3 1/2” space inside the wall and the wheel well in this location.

D

D. There is about a 3 1/4” space inside the wall in this location.

Some facts for consideration: Current motor fuels are far different than those used when the coaches were built. The introduction of ethanol “dosed” fuel was the game-changer, intitially starting with 10% content. Today, tests indicate that as much as 15% ethanol is often found.

The ban on the sale of 15% ethanol content (restriction by month) has been lifted so 15% can now be sold year-round. This change from 10% to 15% represents a 50% increase.

Additionally, fuels are dosed at the delivery tanker terminals, when altered for summer or winter use.

YES OR

NO

not function or perform the same as the fresh fuel did when it was originally formulated and pumped. Outside temperatures have a large degradation on the rate of change.

Fuel degradation results in: engine ping, bucking, sluggish performance, or hard starting. (If the engine backfires – then go over all the vacuum lines for correct connection.)

The purpose of “stabilizers” is to make the fuel more resistant to the myriad effects that degrade it.

This has alarmed the makers of small motors (lawn equipment, boat motors, etc.) that have categorially specified “non-ethanol” fuel use.

Today, there are special stabilizers available for fuels that contain “ethanol”. Read the labels carefully.

Humidity (atmosphere) is the same outside or inside the fuel tank. Ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs water from the atmosphere; as much as 3.8 teaspoons per gallon. 40 gallons of fuel in a GMC could hold 25.2 oz. of water. (A jug of whiskey is called a 26 “ouncer or fifth”.)

Some general questions to help guide you: • How long before next outing? (storage time frame) • Fuel filter “media”: paper or other?

• Last fuel purchase: summer or winter?

• Fuel grade: regular or ethanol dosed?

• Fuel tank content: full or partial? Full, leaves less room for air with water content; also determines what quantity is required per gallon. (Read label for mix.)

• Carbureted or fuel injection? And fuel pump: electric or mechanical? (How do you get the stabilizer into the carburetor or injectors, or the Onan.

When water content increases beyond that level; the fuel can not absorb any more, and goes into “phase separation” where the extra water settles out into the bottom of the tank.

All fuel pick ups are located in the bottom of the tank – so you know what is going to be delivered to the carburetor or fuel injection unit (FI).

Most fuel filters use a rolled paper element.

Without regular replacement; “as in storage”, the water content in the fuel will decompose the paper. The in carburetor spring can then buckle/distort the filter. Disintegrated paper debris may get into the carburetor/FI unit.

Since many GMCs are not daily drivers, they could be classified as “stored”, either short or long term.

The fact that all fuels (regular or ethanol dosed) degrade while in storage. They lose significant cetane, that alters their “stability”.

In short, good fuel turns to bad fuel and does

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If the tanks are full, I add the correct percentage of stabilizer.

If the fuel is “regular” (no ethanol) I add the correct percentage of stabilizer.

If the fuel contains ethanol, I add the correct percentage percentage of ethanol labelled stabilizer.

“Just saying” – your experience and preference may differ.

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

A Heart/Lung Transplant for Your GMC Jerry Work | Previous Owner 1978 Royale and 1977 Clasco | Kerby, Oregon

Forty-five years ago when the GMC motorhome was designed the only way you could use household appliances was if you were plugged into shore power or running the generator. There was no such thing as an inverter to produce 120vac power from a 12vdc source like the house battery. House electrical needs were simple and few – some interior lights, power to run a 12vdc furnace or ceiling vents for most of the night and perhaps a 120vac/12vdc refrigerator while going down the road. TVs were heavy, bulky and power hogs so were not common in the GMCs of that day. Cooking was relegated to propane stoves or inefficient electric stovetops or a not very common low power microwave oven.

Because these house electrical needs were simple and the typical loads small, the house battery bank was often just a single 12 volt lead acid battery. Sometimes two were used, wired in parallel to give a little more capacity.

Dial forward to today and the story is very different. Inverters are common to provide 120vac power while we are not plugged in or not running the generator. Far more efficient residential style appliances abound to do everything from cooling or cooking our food, recharging batteries in our computers, pads, phones, and power tools, providing entertainment via low power flat screen TVs, DVDs, sound bars, and audio systems, CPAP machines, and on and on. The problem is our

45-year-old house electrical system did not keep up with this increased demand and now is often a limiting factor to our enjoying our time in the GMC. A lead acid house battery bank is simply not up to the demands we are placing on them or the devices we use to recharge those overtaxed house batteries.

Fortunately, both battery technology and all the devices required to recharge and efficiently use the power in the house batteries have improved dramatically in just the last ten or so years.

Ten years ago I gave a presentation at GMC Western States in Pueblo, Colorado, about how to add enough battery capacity to live, what I then called “large” in your GMC. To do that ten years ago required the installation of four 6vdc deep cycle lead acid “golf cart” batteries that weighted over 300 pounds, had to be placed outside the coach in a vented compartment because they gave off corrosive fumes while being charged or discharged, and simply would not fit in many GMC Motorhome configurations. We could fit them in our 1978 Royale because the propane tank was located under one of the dinette seats leaving the passenger side rear compartment open for this use. In GMC finished coaches that compartment is taken up by the propane tank.

In that presentation I showed how to wire these batteries correctly, what all was needed to be done to recharge them and the starting battery

FIGURE #1: VOLTAGE VS CAPACITY FOR LITHIUM IRON PHOSPHATE BATTERIES

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at the same time, what you needed to replace in the way of the converter/battery charger, how to install an inverter to power the 120vac needs, and how to monitor the performance of that new, much larger battery bank. While on paper this 440 amp hour set-up promised to deliver something on the order of 220 amp hours of useable battery capacity, more than twice the typical GMC house battery bank, in real world use I never saw more than 160 amp hours delivered to us for a variety of reasons pertaining to inefficiencies inherent in lead acid batteries.

The good news is that now, just ten years later, everything has changed for the better when it comes to providing adequate power for us to live in our GMC just as we do in our home.

Taking advantage of all of these improvements is what I call, “Giving your GMC a heart/lung transplant!”

In the body, oxygen laden blood is pumped by the heart through arteries to power every cell.

The oxygen depleted blood is then returned by veins to the lungs where the oxygen is replenished and the process repeats. The same is true in our GMC. Electrons are forced by the voltage in the battery or from being plugged into shore or generator power to all the devices that do useful work for us. When all the available battery electrons have been used, our batteries are depleted and need to be recharged so the process can repeat.

For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

Doing this transplant requires more than just replacing lead acid batteries with the far better Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries that are the safe and correct form of lithium batteries to use in our coaches.

We also need to update the electronics required to charge both our lead acid starting battery and the lithium batteries at the same time from all four charging sources common in a GMC – from the engine alternator, from shore power, from generator power, and, if you have it now or plan on adding it later, from solar power.

This is not quite as easy as you might imagine because lead acid batteries and lithium batteries operate at very different voltages.

Figure #1 shows that more than 80% of the capacity of a lithium battery takes place at voltages higher than where a fully charged lead acid battery even starts! Higher average voltage means you get far more watts (the amount of useful work the battery bank can do for you) out of the lithium battery than you can ever get out of a lead acid battery of the same rated capacity. These two types of batteries have to be recharged at different voltages as well. The lithium battery will require recharging at 14.2 to 14.4 vdc while the lead acid battery should be recharged at 13.8 or so volts.

While those may be contributing factors, I think the real culprit is that by trying to recharge these larger and more deeply depleted house batteries, the alternators are overheating and that is what has been causing the failures.

In any case, to safely recharge even larger lithium battery banks at the same time we are recharging the lead acid starting battery bank, we need to protect the stock 80 amp or 100 amp alternators from overheating. Fortunately, devices to do just that have come on the market recently.

They are called Battery Isolation Managers and they work by altering the duty cycle of the alternator. Nothing changes in terms of recharging the lead acid starting battery but charge current is only allowed to flow to the house battery bank for 15 minutes, and then it is turned off for 20 minutes to allow the alternator to cool down. So, whether you are using a lead acid or a lithium house battery bank, the alternator will be far less likely to over- heat. These Battery Isolation Managers are about $175 and I recommend them now for all GMCs.

This alternator was never designed to recharge depleted house batteries.

In order to properly recharge lithium batteries from the converter/charger, the charge profile output by the converter/charger also needs to be changed to the higher voltage range needed to fully recharge lithium batteries. The old, original GMC stock converter/charger cannot be so modified and needs to be replaced by a newer multi-stage converter/charger that does have the correct charge voltage profile. These units are available from companies such as Iota and Progressive Dynamics. They cost just under $300.

It worked okay until about 15 years ago when GMCers started putting inverters and larger house battery banks in their coaches to power 120vac household appliances. From that point forward many have experienced alternator failures and most attribute those failures to poor quality off-shore alternator rebuilders or poor quality components used by domestic rebuilders.

A less expensive alternative is to simply add a new module which both of these companies (and likely others as well) sell for less than $30 that will modify their existing lead acid converter/chargers to output the proper voltage settings for lithium batteries. If you already have one of the Iota or Progressive Dynamics units, this is a simple ten minute task. If you have some other brand converter/charger,

The second complicating factor is that the alternator that GM put into the GMC motorhome 45 years ago was alternator design number one for them. They designed that alternator to do only one thing – recharge the starting battery which takes very little power as starting will usually require only 5% of the start battery capacity.

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contact that company to see if they also have one of these lithium profile modules.

It is even easier if you have a Progressive Dynamics 91xx series converter/charger with an external Charge Wizard.

That is a little external dongle about 1.5” square that plugs into the 91xx unit via a telephone cable to control the charge voltages. On that dongle is a blue button.

Press that and it will put the unit into what they call “boost mode” which will have it output the correct voltage profile for fully recharging lithium batteries. It won’t do that automatically. You have to do it manually whenever you want to recharge your lithium house battery bank from shore power or generator power.

That is not as much of an inconvenience as it might sound since while you are on shore power, you are not using the batteries anyway and, when you do start traveling, the alternator will recharge both the house and the starting batteries at the same time.

Actually, the much larger lithium house battery bank will likely charge as fast as or even more quickly than the smaller lead acid starting battery just because of differences in those two battery chemistries.

I suggest you mount that Charge Wizard right beside the generator start switch. If you are not hooked up to shore power and want to recharge your house battery bank from the generator, simply push the “boost button” right after starting the generator.

Push it once a day while your are hooked up to shore power and you will be sure your lithium battery bank is always fully charged.

Now you have the means to recharge the lithium house battery bank and the lead acid starting battery. But, we have not yet described the many challenges you face when using a lead acid house battery bank or the many benefits you can derive from using the newer, larger and far superior lithium iron phosphate battery bank so let’s delve into that now.

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Technical Corner

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FIGURE #2

Note: These three types of Lithium batteries contain COBALT the element that helps to provide the extra power.

These types of Lithium Batteries are used in Cell Phones, Laptop Computers, and Electric Vehicles because they can supply large amounts of power in a small package. As you have seen, they may be susceptible to a Thermal Event.

You have all experienced the many challenges associated with lead acid house batteries. They are really heavy. Many have to be mounted in an external compartment to vent the corrosive fumes to the outside. You have to keep them properly maintained and frequently clean the cable connections to remove the white or green powder that corrodes and causes high resistance in those cables. They also start to loose voltage the minute you use them and loose voltage even faster the harder you use them so you have far fewer watts (watts = volts times amps) to do useful work for you than you might expect. They also can only be discharged to about 50% of their capacity to avoid drastically shortening useful life.

This voltage loss in use and limit on discharge to no more than 50% of capacity means that you bought and paid for a certain number of watt hours of capacity, but you only get a fraction of that in real world use – something around 30% to 40% of those watt hours as a house battery bank for your GMC.

In Figure #2 shows the energy density (watt hours available per unit of weight) of several different kinds of batteries.

and cell phones. In short, they require a lot of computing power just to keep them alive and safe for each different application.

On the left is the familiar lead acid automobile battery. It has about 40 watt hours of capacity per kilogram. Next is the NiCd battery with about 50% more capacity than lead acid and the nickel metal hydride battery with a little over twice the energy capacity of lead acid. On the right are six different types of batteries all called “lithium”. Not only do they offer very different energy densities, they also differ greatly in terms of life span, safety, cost and other aspects of performance. The letters under each orange bar refer to the chemical composition of these different kinds of lithium batteries.

The one marked LFP is the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery chemistry that is inherently much safer, offers three times the energy density of lead acid batteries and is the only correct one of the six lithium battery types for use as house batteries for a GMC. All of the quality manufacturers of LiFePO4 batteries have the correct micro-processor controls built right in so you can put them to work for you right away. Use of any of the other battery chemistries would require you to build your own electronic controls, heating and cooling systems before you could use them. I do not recommend any of the other five types of lithium batteries for use as a GMC motorhome house battery bank unless you really, really know what you are doing and like to do a lot of blind tinkering.

The three on the right are alloyed with cobalt, a rare earth metal that is environmentally challenging to mine, to transport, and to dispose of. Alloying with cobalt provides far greater energy density as you can see, but it also requires far more stringent electronic monitoring, management, heating and cooling to make these batteries work safely in high demand applications like cars, power tools, computers 26

The take away message here is just because it is called a lithium battery does not make it right for your GMC. Use only Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries.

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LiFePO4 batteries have none of those challenges and offer a bunch of benefits you never dreamed possible. They deliver much higher watt hours for much longer since the voltage starts out higher than with a fully charged lead acid battery and stays higher all the way through full discharge, even in high draw applications such as GMC motorhome house batteries. They offer you two to three times the useable power, weigh less than half as much, can be mounted anywhere in any orientation, recharge five times faster, have a very low self discharge rate, last four to six times longer, and are 100% safe and reliable.

In short, unlike lead acid batteries, you really do get all the watt hours of power you paid for and you will continue to get that power for ten or more years into the future.

The low self discharge rate is important for GMCers who have to winterize and store their coaches for several months in cold weather. Unlike lead acid batteries that need a trickle charger on them all winter, lithium batteries will be at nearly the same charge level when you get your coach out of storage in the spring time as they were when you put

For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

it away in the fall without the need to keep a charger on the batteries at all. You will need to bring your lithium batteries up to above freezing before you do charge them as attempting recharge while below freeing will damage them. They will discharge (operate) just fine clear down to well below zero, but they do not like to be recharged below freezing.

There are many quality manufacturers of the correct LiFePO4 12v batteries. They differ in price, availability by region, warrantee, where the batteries are made, how far you can discharge them before recharging, and other factors. The battery manufacturer I recommend is Battle Born Batteries in Reno, NV. They manufacture their own batteries in house using production machinery they designed. They also designed their own electronic battery management system which is integrated into the case.

They appear to really know what they are doing. One founder has a PhD in electrical engineering from CalTech and the other founder spent his prior career in the inverter business so they are well versed in both the battery side and the use side. They claim their batteries can be fully discharged in use without damage and offer a full 10 year warrantee to back up that claim.

By putting together the vastly superior micro-processor controlled lithium iron phosphate battery technology with a Battery Isolation Manager to protect your existing alternator from overheating, and a converter/charger with the proper lithium charging profiles, you have most of what you require to give your GMC a much needed heart/lung transplant.

You will also need to replace ALL of your existing house battery cables. After 45 years of exposure to the corrosive lead acid battery fumes those cables are corroded and offer great resistance even up under the insulation where you can’t see the corrosion.

Also, newer inverter/chargers, like the Victron 3000 watt unit shown here, provide

even more benefits than most of you can get out of your existing converter/ charger and separate inverter, so I also recommend adding one of these to your system if you can afford it.

They are, however, large and can be a challenge to find space for in a GMC so you may have to be creative in where you put them and how you mount them. The reward is well worth the effort.

These newer inverter/chargers offer rock solid pure sine wave 120vac to power all your residential appliances. Those appliances won’t even know the difference between shore power and inverter power other than the fact that inverter power will remain at 120vac all the time and won’t sag down as you often experience with RV park shore power. Plus, most of the newer units can provide up to twice their rated wattage for 30 seconds or so to make it easier to start even high draw motors.

These newer inverter/chargers also provide automatic switching between shore and generator power. You don’t have to do a thing when going from one to the other. They bring equally rock solid nominal 12vdc power into your coach.

Most also provide you with very useful load sharing. We have all experienced visiting with friends or family where the only power available to you is a 15 amp receptacle. You go in for dinner and after a fun evening retire out to the coach. You turn on a few lights and maybe an appliance or two and the next thing you know the water heater or the charger turns on and you trip that 15 amp breaker! When you trudge back into the house and roust your host out of bed to show you where that breaker is located, you just became the least favorite visitor…….

With load sharing you tell the inverter/charger how many amps you have coming in from shore power. The inverter/charger will monitor coach usage. If you get close to using the amount coming in from shore power, it will start taking power out of your batteries to augment the shore power so you never blow that breaker.

Happy you. Happy host.

FALL 2019

The benefits to you from giving your GMC a heart/lung transplant is that you will live in your GMC just like you do in your home within the bounds of the size of battery bank you select. Grab for the hair dryer when getting out of the shower, make coffee in an electric coffee maker, use the microwave, toaster and convection cooktop as much as you need to (within reason). The Instapot can come along for easy dinners, you can use your flat screen TV and DVD as much as you wish and keep the computers on as long as you want to. You can recharge everything from battery operated power tools to audio equipment to cell phones. Never again will you experience the furnace going off in the middle of a cold night because the batteries went dead. Run your roof vents whenever you wish. And, on and on.

There is simply nothing that will improve your enjoyment of traveling in your GMC than to have all the house electric power you need wherever you are.

So, what does all this good stuff cost? Aren’t lithium batteries terribly expensive? Can I really do this myself or will I need to hire someone to do it for me?

To address these questions I worked with the engineers at Battle Born Batteries to develop three different packages specifically for GMC owners - a “good”, a “better” and a “best” package. Each package contains all the major stuff you will need. You will procure the new battery cables, fuses and switches yourself since they need to be sized to fit your specific coach. Battle Born can help you with what you need here, too, if you want them to.

You can purchase the items required for each package anywhere you wish. If you want one-stop shopping, Battle Born is offering special package pricing for GMC owners.

They have priced each package to provide GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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Technical Corner

a 10% discount on all the components, free shipping anywhere in the US and no sales tax.

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

charger cannot be modified to supply the proper charge profile. 100 really available amp hours is more than most of you have access to now so should be adequate for many owners.

2019 retail price for this package is $1,294.11.

If you decide to buy this package from Battle Born, they will discount this to $1,165 including shipping and no sales tax.

Manager, the Victron Battery Monitor with bluetooth and the digital MultiControl panel for the inverter/charger. 300 amp hours of capacity will exceed the needs of all but the most demanding GMC owners. This package currently retails for $4,672. Purchased from Battle Born the price is $4,205. Again, this includes free shipping and no sales tax.

Most of you will be able to do this yourself since the only heavy thing you need to do is to remove those old lead acid batteries. Everything in each of the three GMC packages weighs way less than even one of those old things! If you are uncomfortable wiring things together, then by all means hire someone to do this for you.

PACKAGE TWO: is the “better” package and is really where I recommend you start if you can.

This package includes two 100 amp batteries that will provide you with about 2500 watts of power, the Lithium Battery Isolation Manager, a Victron Battery Monitor with bluetooth built in so you can monitor everything on your smart phone if you wish, and a new Progressive Dynamics 60 amp converter/charger with the correct lithium charging parameters built in.

Some of you will need this new converter/ charger while others may be able to upgrade your existing converter/charger. This package retails for $2,544. From Battle Born it is $2,290. If you don’t need the new converter/ charger the price drops to $2,020 including shipping and no sales tax. 200 amp hours of really available power is more than I could get ten years ago with 300 pounds of lead acid batteries and is more than most all of you have now by a bunch. And, these two lithium batteries only weight about 60 pounds.

For some of you, making the change to any of these three packages would not be the right thing to do. I recommend you don’t install any of these packages if you plan to sell your GMC within a year or two since you may not recoup all your investment from the next buyer. Don’t do this if you now have AGM house batteries that are less than two years old.

Use them for another couple of years first, then do it. Obviously, don’t do this if your budget can’t stand a $1,000 or more hit. Don’t do it if you are plugged into shore power or run your generator more than 80% of the time. You just are not using battery power enough to justify the expenditure. And, don’t do this if your GMC is a yard queen up on blocks!

PACKAGE ONE: is what I call the “good” package.

A better name would be “adequate” but good, better, best fits the old Sears Roebuck rating scheme. This package will give you one Battle Born 100 amp hour 12v battery that will deliver something around 1250 watt hours to you. Look on the back of all your appliances, 120vac and 12vdc, to see how many watts each takes to do the work they were designed to do.

Then multiply that by the fraction of an hour those appliances will be used to see how far 1250 watts will go for you. This package also includes the Battery Isolation Manager to keep your alternator from overheating plus a small stand alone lithium battery charger for you to use whenever you need to fully recharge your lithium house battery if your existing converter/

PACKAGE THREE: is the “best” package and is ideal for those of you who want to boondock more or who want to add solar charging now or in the future.

All you will need to add solar charging are the solar panels themselves and a Victron MPPT solar charge controller. These will integrate easily with the Victron MultiPlus inverter/ charger that is part of this package to give you seamless and automatic recharging from your alternator, the sun, shore power or generator power. In most cases, you will seldom ever need to plug into shore power or run your generator in the time it takes to use up your fresh water store or fill up your holding tanks.

This package includes three 100 amp batteries (about 3750 watts), the Victron 3000 watt MultiPlus inverter/charger, the Battery isolation

Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries normally come in a 100 amp hour configuration that weigh about 30 pounds and can be installed in any orientation anywhere in your coach. They retail right around $1000 or a bit less depending on the manufacturer. For that you get a full 100 amp hours of capacity plus all the other benefits we discussed above. For comparison, it would take two or three 12v AGM deep cycle batteries to equal the same usable output and the lithium batteries will last four to six times longer.

For example, Trojan AGM batteries cost around $300 each depending on where you buy them and whether shipping is included or not. It will take $600 to $900 of those to provide the same output as one 100 amp hour LiFePO4 battery.

So, yes, the lithium battery is more expensive, but probably not by as much as you might have thought. They will last 10 to 20 years in GMC service. So, over the life of the lithium battery, they are much cheaper than lead acid.

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In all other circumstances I recommend you carefully consider doing this now and you likely will find it is one of the best things you ever did. There simply is nothing like being able to live a carefree life on the road in your GMC without regard (within reason) for which appliances you can use, when or for how long. Just live as LARGE as you want in your GMC once you have given it a heart/lung transplant!

This article is based on a presentation given at the GMC Western States rally and via video conference at the GMCMC Fall Convention in October, 2019. The presentation gives much more detail about how battery technology has changed from 1800 to today, and more information about each of the other components discussed here. If you are interested, I recommend you download that presentation from GMCMI and other GMC club websites. Also, know that I have no affiliation with Battle Born Batteries nor am I being compensated in any way by anyone for publishing this article. I just think it is the right thing for many GMC owners to do.

For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

Alternator Upgrade Revisited Jim Bounds | 1975 Transmode | Cooperative Motor Works | www.gmccoop.com

The discussion in the last issue about the second design Delco alternator update is nothing but a great update from Delco helping us not melt as many alternators.

Adding a 1 wire charge feature to bypass the alternator trigger circuit (nichrome wire) takes a bit of charge circuit rewiring and the really simple rewire circuit in the last magazine was incorrect. Though it is not a safety hazard, it would not protect current drain from the living area battery. Thank you, the GMC brain trust for helping me see the situation.

isolator”. I loved our little blue isolators, reliable and did a good job but today with the improved alternator this new device must be incorporated. There are several models from many manufacturers available.

I have found and am using the Samlex model #ACR-160 which seems to be easily found.

When improving the system by eliminating the trigger circuit, you must go a bit further eliminating our original battery isolator as well (that blue finned thing under the passenger front hood) in favor of a new technology device called a “combiner/

>> ORIGINAL CHARGING

+ Note: on/off of systems can be added

>> ONE WIRE ALT. CHARGING

Original Alternator

To Trigger Circuit

1-Wire Alternator To 12V Ignition

Original Isolator

Vehicle Battery Positive Terminal

Load Capacity max. 160 amp pend. 450 amp

Note: status LED can be added

That is what I get for trying to make things too easy. Thanks for everyone’s input. If you have any questions please give me a call.

One Wire Alternator: Isolator Rewire

Specification

Current Consumption on 340 ma off 1.8 ma

The drawing below showing wiring changes to install the Samlex model from the original charging circuit can also be used on most any “combiner/isolators” you will find.

+

A1

*

A2

Combiner

Boost Solenoid

Boost Solenoid +

+

Living Area Battery

Vehicle Battery Positive Terminal

+ Living Area Battery

Engine Battery

+ Engine Battery

Your GMC Motorhome Information Source...gmcmi.com We welcome all historical and technical information.

If there is something that you would like to share, please contact admin@gmcmi.com. Thank you!

FALL 2019

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Technical Corner

MAINTENANCE, PARTS, TIPS, INNOVATIONS AND MORE

Fall GMCMI Convention Tech Sessions

The technical program is the flagship of GMC Motorhomes International. The topics are developed and presented by owners and enthusiasts to merit your confidence. These presentation summaries serve as a review for those in attendance and are designed to inspire others to attend Conventions and experience in person the ambience of the presentations.

>> GMC 101: Maintenance for New Owners | Ty Hardiman Ty geared his presentation to new and prospective owners of the GMC Motorhome.

He emphasized the importance of attention to detail on the maintenance of many aspects of the vehicle including: • The air suspension system • Bogies/pins with emphasis on proper lubrication • Wheel bearings – front and rear • Fluid changes – differential, transmission, engine, coolants • Filters – fuel, transmission, and engine • CV joints • Wheels and tires – with special emphasis on date codes

>> GMC Electrical System Review | Ken Henderson

Using an enlarged image of the electrical system diagram for the 1975/1976 motorhomes, Ken explained the key elements of the electrical system. He started with the battery at the “top” of the diagram and ended with heating/ ventilation/air conditioning (“HVAC”).

His key points included: • The body grounds and the importance of properly maintaining them • The battery isolator – its operation and failure modes

30

• The battery selector switch – and when/how to use it • The alternator – and the consequences of failure modes that result in overheating of the “nichrome wire”/subsequent major damage to the wiring harness in which it is located • The alternator protection cable and why it is essential that it be installed • Ignition switch – failure modes and how to fix • Fuel tanks – their senders, tank selection function, and solenoid selector valve • Heating/ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) system – complex for its time. How to disable the low fan speed feature and the ambient switch in the HVAC box to cycle the AC compressor/avoid condensate freezing.

>> Fuel Injection | Randy VanWinkle Randy began his presentation with a brief statement of the use of fuel injection today considering the properties of modern fuels relative to those used in the mid-1970s.

Today’s fuels are designed to be delivered under relatively high pressure compared to those for carbureted vehicles. The major points of his presentation included: • A discussion of the advantages of fuel injection (i.e., ignition system control, fuel management, starting, shutdown, vapor lock, etc.)

• The evolution of the use of fuel injection to replace the OEM carburetion

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• Comments on the information resources available for fuel injection systems • A description of the key components of a fuel injection system • The features of the various fuel injection systems (i.e., Howell with “EBL”, FiTech, Holley “Sniper”, MSD “Atomic”, etc.)

• A discussion of installation items that must be addressed in the installation of fuel injection systems – fuel pump type/location, fuel return line, throttle linkage, cruise control linkage, adaptor plates, air cleaner, O2 sensor, etc.

>> Why You Should Weigh Your Coach | Paul Doane Paul’s presentation was a precursor to the actual weighing of the coaches. He began his remarks by addressing (1) permissible tire loads as a function of tire pressures and (2) the importance of proper ride height (and quick means for determining actual ride height) and (3) methods for correcting the ride height.

He then cited facts about coach loading: • The GVW stated on the title is of limited relevance to the actual loading of the coaches • Front wheel loading generally ranges from 1,900 to 2,050 lbs/wheel • Rear wheel loading – from 1,850 to 1,950 lbs/ wheel • The left rear wheel is often 100-200 lbs. more heavily loaded than the other three due to the Onan weight

For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

Three Clinics...

• The air bags are key to proper handling >> Fire Suppression Systems | and ride height. It is important to note that Jim Bounds raising one rear side impacts the weight on Jim’s presentation was via video conference the opposite front wheel. from his location in Orlando, Florida. The • Adjustment of the torsion bars for the front audience viewed/heard him on the large screen suspension is essential in balancing front in the tech program meeting room and he in wheel weight and ride height. turn could view the audience and hear their • With the front loading too light and ride questions from the floor. This was the first of height too high, the caster angle will be three video conferences with presenters who reduced. That angle needs to be maximized could not attend the Convention in person. to between 2.75 to 3.5 degrees for good handling.

It is important to note that Jim donated • Custom modifications made without proper an engine fire suppression system at this consideration of weight balance Convention for the raffle. He did this and ride height can result in as a tribute to the late Fred and very poor handling.

Diane Dugger who died in a • Weighing your coach tragic highway accident on can be very revealing. their way home from the You may find Spring 2019 GMCMI that you need to Convention in Tallahassee, “lighten up”. Being Florida.

Exceptional tech sessions! light, lean, and at So glad that I came Jim described the various proper coach level before buying. types of fire suppression can lead to more new member, systems and emphasized enjoyable travel. first Convention things that need to be considered for fire safety in a >> What’s Your motorhome.

Motorhome Question

Attendee Comment

(or Two Deaf Old Codgers Hosting Questions) | Ken Henderson and Lou Boone

This session was similar to those of the past with the audience invited to ask questions on any aspect of the motorhome. It was a lively session with much valuable information exchanged among the moderators and the audience.

Among the topics of discussion were: • Air bag pressure, • House water pump noise and accumulator tanks, • Bathroom plumbing, • Propane tank volume sensor, • Brake combination valves, • Battery shutoff switches, • Fuel tank venting, • and more.

Key points of his presentation: • It is essential to have a plan for dealing with fire.

• Doing diligent preventive maintenance is a vital prerequisite for fire prevention.

• Cited most likely locations where motorhome fires occur – and means of prevention.

• Use fire suppression equipment designed for the type of fire that is likely to occur.

• Fire fighting products are a small niche business because the customer base in general does not think they need the product.

• Strongly recommends GMC Motorhome owners reject that thinking and consider fire suppression systems for the refrigerator, Onan and engine plus some hand held units.

FALL 2019

>> Windshield Replacement This is a big job! Thank you, Ken Burton for organizing and Meyer Glass & Mirror for installing them. There were 28 windshield replacements.

>> Weighing of the Coaches Thanks and congratulations to Ken Burton and the entire team of volunteers, for an efficient weighing of coaches at the Mansfield Convention. Thank you goes to Alex Sirum GMC (Jeff Sirum) for making arrangements to have the scales available.

29 coaches were weighed and had their ride height checked. Seven returned for a second weighing.

>> Headlight Alignment Thank you to Richard Waters for acquiring the equipment and conducting the clinic.

Owners enjoyed having the ability to have their headlight alignment checked and adjusted if needed.

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Technical Corner

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Fall GMCMI Convention Tech Sessions continued

MINI TECH SESSIONS The Mini-Tech Sessions were introduced a year ago and received with great success. They consist of 15-20 minute tech/informational sessions that features one thing that the presenter wishes to share. What is that one thing that you may wish to share? No formal powerpoint presentation or handout required.

Email admin@gmcmi.com for more info.

>> Digi Panels for the GMC Motorhome | John Richardson John circulated a Digi Panel among the audience as a means of acquainting them with the instrument. He described in detail the features of the instrument. Its principal purpose is to advise the driver of the status of critical parameters of the engine and transmission and alarm the driver when operating limits are reached.

Here are some of the features of the panel that John described: • Monitors temperatures for engine coolant and transmission • Monitors engine oil pressure • Monitors chassis battery voltage • Options to add monitoring of transmission temp (at outlet and pan), engine oil temperature, differential temperature, house battery voltage, and engine kill.

• Alarms: loud audio and red visual

>> Fire Extinguisher Placement | Richard Waters Richard described how he installed a fire extinguisher near the GMC entrance door for ready access during an emergency. (See the article on page 22 for more information.)

He noted: • Fire extinguishers in GM upfitted coaches were not placed near the door, often rendering them useless in an emergency.

• Some upfitters, notably Coachmen, made special provisions for installing them at the entrance door without protruding into the doorway.

• To avoid obstruction of the doorway on GM upfitted coaches, Richard devised a means of recessing a holder for the extinguisher in a wall at the doorway.

• He cited the “surprises” he incurred when cutting a recess in the wall of his coach and how he salvaged the cut.

• His finished product was a neat installation and the extinguisher was (is) readily available in the event of a fire emergency.

>> Innovative Wire Wrap Tool | Tom Phipps Tom demonstrated the use of a tool, The ClampTite, to use wire in place of clamps. It provides a means of tightening the wire, preferably stainless steel in various sizes, depending on the application, wrapped around a hose or other object to lock it in place. It avoids the limitations of using worm gear clamps in tight spaces and high strength applications.

For more information, go to ClampTiteTools.com.

>> A Heart/Lung Transplant for Your GMC | Jerry Work This was the second of three video conferences with presenters who could not be present at the Convention.

Jerry described the modernization of everything electrical to improve the living comfort of our GMC Motorhomes.

He began by comparing the flow of oxygen in the human body to that of electron flow in the battery systems of GMC Motorhomes. His principal focus in his presentation was on lithium battery technology.

A few excerpts: • Lithium batteries are expensive relative to conventional lead acid batteries and will not appeal to everyone.

• The lead acid battery technology has been the most commonly used technology since the early 1800s and into the 1900s.

• It is very inefficient in that only 30-40% of the battery’s capacity can be used.

• In the late 1990s, lithium batteries began to emerge as successors to lead acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries and nickel metal hydride batteries.

• Everything electrical that we use in our GMCs today is far superior to that available when they were designed in the 1970s.

• The lithium battery technology allows greatly increased and more efficient use of modern electrical appliances in our motorhomes today.

• Changing to lithium batteries in the GMC is analogous to a heart/lung transplant in humans.

• Jerry concluded “just live as LARGE as you want in your GMC once you have given it a heart /lung transplant” To read more about this, see the article on page 24.

>> Brakes | Jeff Sirum This was the third of three video conferences with presenters who could not be present at the Convention.

Jeff addressed the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the original braking system for the GMC Motorhome.

He stated that the original system in good condition provides reliable and safe braking. There, however, are some minor modifications that can be made that enhance

Thank you to all of our tech session presenters!

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GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

For technical session presentations and papers, go to gmcmi.com/technical-presentations-papers/

the effectiveness of the original system.

Attendee Comment

>> GMC Motorhome Open Forum Hodge Podge | Ken Frey

Here is a brief summary of his Ken was back with his everThank you! Great speakers and remarks: popular series of presentations technical information and help.

• The brake system on a wide array of topics on the member five years, care, maintenance and repair of is a critical safety third Convention the motorhome. He reflects in his component of the comments his hands-on experience, motorhome. much of that resulting from his long time • Brake repairs, replacement, ownership of his GMC Motorhome service and modifications should be business. He readily shares tips on how to do things done by a qualified person. quicker and easier – many of which would be in the • For work performed by owners, take service manuals if the tech writers had known about pictures before beginning disassembly. them.

• Parking brake system is barely adequate but can be made to work reasonably well. Clean This time, his topics included: guides and adjust brakes at drums correctly.

• Fuel taxes with a chart showing the tax in each state • Carefully examine brake lines, hoses, in the U.S. combination valve, and possible crushing • Trailer/tow car electrical connections between body and frame.

• Holding tanks – how to clean them, the importance • Consider 80MM front calipers, 1 1/16” of keeping them clean, and products for that rear wheel cylinders, drum-width brake purpose. The latter including toilet paper choices! shoes, and a sensitized vacuum booster as • Alternator voltage – measure at center terminal of enhancements. isolator. This is the proper means of determining if • For risk of loss of vacuum due to engine alternator is generating proper voltage. Important failure, consider auxiliary vacuum pump or to check alternating voltage output with AC air reservoir. voltmeter – anything more than 0.75VAC is cause

>> Hydro Boost and the Virgin | Bob Stone

Bob said he designed the title of his presentation to be an “attention getter”. It did. He went on to describe how the Hydro-Boost system can be installed to provide more pressure at the wheels – either drum brakes or disc brakes. Each component of the system was shown. The hydroboost replaces the vacuum booster. To support the hydro-boost as provided in this kit, the power steering pump is replaced with a new unit with a remote fluid reservoir, new hoses, and the brake pedal is replaced with a new modified version. The handout showed the pressures that could be obtained with this braking system versus the vacuum assisted booster.

for concern.

• Description of tools/method for turning hard-to reach-fasteners for adjusting belts • Description of simple methods for removing/ installing wheel bearing caps on rear wheels (without damaging them!)

• Discussion of standard alternators vs. high output alternators (i.e., 70-80 vs. 100amp). High output alternators may trigger the need for dual belts and complications that may be introduced.

>> How to Increase Your Odds of Not Having Mechanical Issues in Travels | Bob Dunahugh

Bob, like Ken Frey before him, has learned ways of doing things that are not addressed in the service manuals. That is a result of many years of experience

doing his own maintenance, repairs, and upgrades on his motorhomes. He acknowledges that he is an extremist on preventive maintenance but that it has resulted in him never having to be towed, despite having traveled in 38 states.

Selected topics covered in his presentation: • Use of laser thermometer for checking tire/wheel bearing temperatures at every fuel stop. ‘Looking for major temperature anomalies as an indication of possible problems. This practice is as reliable as and more revealing than tire temperature monitoring systems.

• Deterioration of plastic timing chain gears and consequences. Bob passed around an old plastic gear originally designed for a 10-15 year life; now at 47 years for oldest coaches.

• Importance of pre-trip checks, like aircraft pilots’ preflight checks (use a check list!).

• Cited problems with fan clutches and their solutions.

• OK to not change transmission filters with every fluid change. Do every other change if not towing or towing light load.

Bob’s GVW with his Corvairs/trailers often exceeds 20K lbs so he changes filters with every fluid change.

• Bob does not use synthetic oils/fluids.

GMC Motorhome engines/transmissions were designed around lubricants available in the 1970s, are “very dirty” and cannot exploit the properties of modern synthetic oils/fluids. Modern vehicles are designed for use of synthetics and many require continued used for optimum service life.

• “ZDDP” issue – said he felt that was a little “overblown” in that refiners compensated for the reduction of ZDDP in the revised formulation of their products to avoid negatively impacting service life.

• Addressed service/repair of suspension compressor.

DISCLAIMER: This material is presented as a service to members, owners, and enthusiasts of the GMC Motorhome brand.

While it is well intentioned, there is no guarantee of accuracy. We urge you to independently verify the material before using it.

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FALL CONVEN CONVENTION NUMBERS

143

Is the number of registrations; 14 were partial attendees, 21 first timers, 10 off-site, and 24 additional day passes.

With 109 GMC Motorhomes!

21.5

Is the number of hours of technical sessions, plus three clinics: Windshield Replacement, Weighing of the Coaches, and Headlights Alignment.

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Regional GMC Chapters utilized the Convention as their rally. They were the GMC Great Lakers, GMC Heritage Cruisers, and GMC Tidewater Crabs.

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First-ever video conference technical classes conducted.

October 4-10, 2019 • Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Ohio We met at the Richland County Fairgrounds in sunny Ohio to enjoy fun, fellowship, food, and fantastic sessions.

As usual, the set-up crew had everything in order when members began to arrive. With 21 first-time attendees, it was an exciting and informative time for all.

Even before the official start of the Convention, there were activities such as morning coffee, Pineblock Derby Clinic, ice cream social, and bingo.

Then it was time to get acquainted with the Ohio Genealogical Society tour, choir practice, first-timers meeting, and a welcome for all followed with a catered meal and program on the GMC Motorhome presented by Becky Johnson.

And we remembered the past – the history of our country as spotlighted by the Ladies’ Social, saluting “Rosie the Riveter”, and the history of our wonderful vintage motorhomes. A special memory was that of our dear friends, Diane and Fred Dugger, lost this past spring in an accident. As the Sunshine Lady, Diane and her husband Fred brought a spark to Conventions. Fortunately, we had Randy and Margie Van Winkle step up to help recover biographies and take new photos of the attendees. In addition, a food drive in memory of the Duggers with the food donated to a needy group and members made blankets for seniors. All in all, it was a great event, lots of fun, with an amazing array of information, and a wonderfully organized Convention.

The weekend kicked off with yoga, Zumba, crafts, discussions on health, fire suppression systems, weighing coaches, brakes, more technical sessions, we had FOOD! There was lunch, breakfast, catered dinners, ice cream, with special surprises every day.

We celebrated our veterans, our volunteers, our members, and their loyalty to the organization.

Winners of our first Frisbee Competition were the “GMC’ers” of Gary & Terry Coaster and Scott & Lori Adams.

A big thank you to our photographers: John Pryzbylek, Gary Coaster, Margie Van Winkle, Scott Adams & Jared Kohl.

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The evening started with a delicious dinner prepared by Ken Frey and friends. Quentin Flagg lead the salute with high energy entertainment along with a tap dancing team, Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller and “Fang” her husband. There was laughing, dancing, singing, more laughing, dancing and the show ended with Lucy Weidner and Mary Colie singing “Sentimental Journey”.

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NTION The Ladies of the GMC Great Lakers hosted the ladies luncheon that took us back in time to the fall of 1943 to visit with Rosie, the Riveter. Thank you, ladies!

THANK YOU TO OUR CONVENTION VENDORS A big thank you to our vendors for all of the time and support! When looking for that part or information, check out this list and give them a call.

Ken Burton Windshield Clinic and Coach Weighing Clinic.

Gary & Terry Coaster GMC RV Shades | 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com GMC RV shades, day/night shades, & exterior window covers.

Ken and Janet Frey Ken L. Frey Auto Repair | kenlfreyautorepair.com 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com Service and repair of GMC Motorhomes.

Tom & Nina Lee Hampton Grandview Motorhome | grandviewmotorhome.com 937-644-4238 | info@grandviewmotorhome.com Bits and pieces, and parts.

Ken Henderson gmcwipersetc.com | 229-938-2797 hend4800@bellsouth.net Electric Windshield Wiper Kits and miscellanous items.

Mac & Shirley McNeal Custom Instrument Panels custominstrumentpanels.com | 704-985-0171 cipdash@sbcglobal.net Custom instrument panels and instruments.

Blaine Merrell bdub.net/blainemerrell | 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net Thru-the-bumper hitch and wind wings.

John Richardson 850-830-6100 | jrichsr@aol.com AMSoil synthetic motor oil, Camshield ZDDP motor oil additive, and GMC Motorhome parts.

JR and Jeanne Slaten Classic Coaches and Accessories, LLC 502-836-2097 | Jrslaten@aol.com Stainless steel braided oil cooler lines, new brass air-leveling valves and faceplate, lighted handles for door entry, etc.

Paul & Joan Smith 231-938-2172 LED lighting, gas struts, emblems, GMC Motorhome parts, steering wheels, taillight struts, and miscellaneous.

Bob Stone 618-964-9124 Service and parts.

John “JR� Wright 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net LED lighting, small parts, etc.

More photos of the Convention available at: gmcmi.com/2019-fall-photos/

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The Shed...

Raffle Winners Thank you to all that donated items, as well as those who purchased tickets in Mansfield.

A special thank you to JR and Jeanne Slaten, Cindy Michelhaugh, and Jackie Barker for conducting the raffle. All of the proceeds from the raffle go directly to Convention costs which results in keeping the Convention fees down.

PINEBLOCK Derby Clinic

First Place Prize: 10-$100 dollar bills ($1,000) GMCMI – John Wright

Collapsible Pot – John Wright

Second Place Prize: Engine Fire Suppresion ($460) donated by Coop Motor Works (Jim Bounds) in honor of Fred & Diane Dugger – Richard Waters

LED Light & Replacement Lens – TZE Zone Restorations (John & Jan Wright) – Jeanne Slaten

Third Place Prize: GMCMI Convention for Two GMCMI – John Richardson Front Exterior Window Cover – GMC RV Shades (Gary & Terry Coaster) Chris Braaf GMC Lighted Entry Handle – JR & Jeanne Slaten – Dennis Hill

Thank you to Dale Ropp for conducting another successful clinic!

Express Ready Set Go – GMCMI – Janet Frey

Men’s Division Rick Denney – 1st Don Fenwick – 2nd Mattias Gastavsson – 3rd

GMC Horseshoe Sign – Bob & Chris Braaf – “Thomas Katzenberger 1973 Wiring Diagram – Ken Henderson – Wendi Meredith

Collapsible Pot – GMCMI – Mark Kalinowski

Entry Collapsible Step – Smith & Robinson (Paul & Joan Smith) – Thomas Katzenberger

Ronco Ready Grill – Jean Palmateer

Rapid Egg Cooker – GMCMI – Ty Hardiman

Stackable Thin Bins – GMCMI – Frank Urbanski

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Freshware Slicer – Bob & Linda Dunahugh – Tim Kennelly

CAM Shield – John D. Richardson – Art Mansfield

Ladies’ Division Laurie Burton – 1st Sandy Wibby – 2nd Eileen Edwards – 3rd

Thanks to all of the derby helpers and the “Vanna Ladies”!

Birch Door Trim – Alex Sirum GMC – Eileen Edwards Premium Stainless Steel Electric Pepper or Salt Mill – GMCMI – Robert Startup

GMC PINEBLOCK DERBY RESULTS Overall Fastest Time Laurie Burton – 1st Rick Denney – 2nd Don Fenwick – 3rd

GMC Motorhome Wood Plaque – Terry & Sonya Null – Lora Kaye Santorine

Youth Division Seylah Dungy – 1st Lyla Santorine – 2nd Turtle Award Bob Dunahugh

PINEBLOCK Derby A record breaking 24 GMC racers competed down the race track.

Laurie Burton continues to reign but look out....first time racer, Rick Denney, was in second!

GMC Motorhome Suppliers List >> FULL SERVICE, PARTS & REPAIR FACILITIES Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs & hard to find parts. We ship to all states & Canada. New updates available.

Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs and Parts. Final Drives with various gear ratios, Headers, 3" Mandrel Bent Exhaust Parts, Mufflers. Tranny & Engine Replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance.

NEW! | Lakeshore Custom RV | http://lakeshorecustomrv.com Nathan & Kim Davidson | 662-273-1003 nathan.davidson@lakeshorecustomrv.com 399B Co Rd 321, Luke, Mississippi 38852 Restoration, custom renovations, service, and repair.

>> COMMERCIAL PARTS SUPPLIERS Alex Sirum GMC Jeff Sirum | 863-763-1121 | sirum@gmcmh.com | www.gmcmh.com 1800 Hwy 70E, Okeechobee, FL 34972-3279 Specializing in GMC Motorhome sales, service, repairs & hard to find parts. We ship to all states & Canada. New updates available.

Applied GMC Jim Kanomata | 510-440-1101 | 800-752-7502 mail@appliedairfilters.com | www.gmcrvparts.com 38424 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560 Specializing in GMC Service, Repairs and Parts. Final Drives with various gear ratios, Headers, 3" Mandrel Bent Exhaust Parts, Mufflers. Tranny & Engine Replacement. Low every day prices on thousands of RV parts...plus tips and a “free” tech line for assistance.

Cooperative Motor Works Jim Bounds | 407-857-5777 | 877-275-4462 coopmotorworks@yahoo.com | www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts & service for the GMC Motorhome.

Repair and maintenance to Full Renovations available.

Read more on our web site.

Golby Motor Corp 352-793-7000 | golby@golbymotorcorp.com www.golbymotorcorp.com 3375 County Rd 528, Sumterville, FL 33585 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs and original body parts. Check out our website today!

Cooperative Motor Works Jim Bounds | 407-857-5777 | 877-275-4462 coopmotorworks@yahoo.com | www.gmccoop.com 6101 Anno Avenue, Orlando, Florida 32809 Information, parts & service for the GMC Motorhome. Repair and maintenance to Full Renovations available. Read more on our web site.

>> SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITIES

Gateway Motorhome 636-931-8282 | 800-654-0374 | www.gmcmotorhomeparts.com 4897 Schumacher Rd, High Ridge, MO 63049 Large selection of GMC parts. Ship daily.

Bob Stone 618-964-9124 | Carbondale, IL Service and repair.

Golby Motors 352-793-7000 | golby@golbymotorcorp.com | www.golbymotorcorp.com 3375 County Road 528, Sumterville, FL 33585 Specializing in GMC Motorhome service, repairs and original body parts. Check out our website today!

DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhome Service 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@embarqmail.com | www.djsgmcs.com 233 Northwest Olive, Sheridan OR 97378 Cinnabar certified service and repair.

Frank Borrman 519-335-3857 | Fax 519-325-6263 | frank@borrmannsgarage.com 86924 Brussels Line, Bluevale, ON N0G 1G0, Canada Complete gmc mechanical service and repair.

>> OTHER PART SUPPLIERS Alan Henderson | Large Format Electrical Diagrams info@midgacomputers.com www.bdub.net/GMC_Motorhome_Wiring_Diagrams.pdf Large format electrical diagrams. Honda EV4010 and EV6010 mounting templates at full scale.

Grandview Motorhome Tom Hampton | 937-644-4238 | info@grandviewmotorhome.com www.grandviewmotorhome.com 13880 Weaver Road, Marysville, Ohio 43040 Restoration, service, and repair exclusively for GMCs. SS brake and tranny lines.

Ken L. Frey Auto Repair 215-536-1246 | freyautoken@yahoo.com | www.kenlfreyautorepair.com 1669 N. Old Bethlehem Pike, Quakertown PA 18951 Service and repair of GMC Motorhomes.

Albert Branscombe | Parking Brakes | $525 519-368-7129 | branscoa@bmts.com | www.bdub.net/branscombe/ 33 Rae Street, P.O. Box 44,Tiverton, ON, N0G 2T0 CANADA All SS/Alum/Teflon kit, includes all cables, pulleys, brackets. Also, Air Powered Actuator kit – $575. Disc brake parking caliper kit -$475.

Complete instructions included. 10 year warranty.

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GMC Motorhome Suppliers List Blaine Merrell 765-522-3241 | dsekula@tds.net | www.bdub.net/blainemerrell/ 101 Way West Airpark, Bainbridge, IN 46105-9449 Front window screens, wind wings, lower radiator guard.

Bob Burkitt 513-530-5021 | Fax 513-530-5023 | rburkitt@cinci.rr.com www.bdub.net/bobburkitt/ 11382 Marlette Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-2210 New screen door and Birch door replacement parts.

Classic Coaches & Accessories, LLC JR Slaten | 502-836-2097 | jrslaten@aol.com www.bdub.net/slaten 7702 Old Third Street Road, Louisville KY 40214-0341 Engine Oil Cooler Lines, Engine Oil Cooler Stainless Steel Rigid Tube Set Exact, Lighted Entry Handles, Power Level II Leveling Valve Set (1973 thru early 77) Custom Instrument Panels Mac McNeal | 704-985-0171 | cipdash@sbcglobal.net www.custominstrumentpanels.com 28585 Valley Drive, Albemarle, NC 28001 Custom instrument panels and instruments.

Dave Lenzi 810-653-3902 | mlenzi@charter.net 2285 Montague Road, Davison MI 48423-9103 Steering components, leveler linkage, leveler valve rebuilding, embossed copper exhaust gasket.

DJ’s Classic GMC Motorhomes DJ Eberhart| 503-706-6402 | djsgmcs@gmail.com | www.djsgmc.com 233 NW Olive, Sheridan, Or 97378 New and used GMC parts.

DL Design Store Terry Taylor | 510-276-5111 | n6mon@pacbell.net www.dldesignstore.com 801 Via Manzanas, San Lorenzo, CA 94580 GMC Model Name Emblems, personalized GMC paraphernalia.

DMAR Enterprises | Stainless Steel Tanks Jim DeMaere | 403-329-3091 2812 – 48th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B3 SS replacement air and water heater tanks.

Frank Jenkins | Fiberglass & Aluminum Parts 352-485-1397 | 352-281-8082 cell gmcfrank@yahoo.com | http://geocities.ws/gmcfrank/ 18214 NE 21st Street, Gainesville, FL 32609 GMC fiberglass & aluminum fabrication. Instrument panels, bumper covers, toolboxes, grills, skirts and flares, radiator fan shrouds.

NEW! | High-End Motorsports 916-774-6686 | sales@high-endmotorsports.com | www.highendmotorsports.com 8331 Sierra College Blvd, #210, Roseville, CA 95661 Made in the USA accessories, custom sunshades, plate frames, tags, receiver covers, and more.

Jim Hupy 503-362-1583 | jamesh1296@gmail.com | www.bdub.net/jhupy/ 1754 82nd Avenue SE, Salem, OH 97317 | Master Cylinder Power Bleeder and Remote Controlled Wireless Air Suspension System.

John Beaver 229-942-0189 129 East Shore Ave, Americus, GA 31719 Automotive machine work and rebuild engines.

John Biwersi | Engine Cooling Fan | Direct Replacement 651-779-6498 | jbiwersi@mac.com 2938 N Mary St, Maplewood, MN 55109-1671 For all GMCMH that have the original steel blade fan. It is the same OD and pitch but has 10 blades instead of 7. Hub is steel and blades are molded nylon, this is not a “flexfan”. “Made in the USA” and is 100 % precision balanced to minimize vibration to the fan clutch and water pump.

John Richardson 850-830-6100 | jrichsr@aol.com | P.O. Box 5191, Niceville, FL 32578 AMSoil synthetic motor oil. CamShield ZDDP motor oil additive.

Ken Henderson | Electric Windshield Wiper Kit | $300 229-924-0851 | hend4800@bellsouth.net | www.gmcwipersetc.com 110 O’Hara Road, Americus, GA 31719-2140 GMC Motorhome Electric Windshield Wiper Kit. All mechanical and electrical parts to install your locally purchased electric motor w/ intermittent sweep. Free shipping for GMC Club members.

Kerry Pinkerton – K.I.S.S. Shelf | $21.50 A simple aluminum tray that hooks over the lip under either of your front hoods to hold tools, parts, or whatever.

Kerry Pinkerton | 256-859-2999 | pinkertonk@mchsi.com

Manny’s Transmissions | Torsion Bar Unloading Tool Manny Trovao | 408-937-1583 | mannystrans@gmail.com Rebuilt THM425 Transmission, Switch Pitch Converter, Power Drive, 3.21:1 Final Drive, One-Ton Front End, New Steering Box, Reaction Disk Brake System, Torsion Bar Pork Chops

New Aluminum Radiator | $799 Jim Buchanan | 828-464-5105 | gmcmei@charter.net PO Box 893, Conover, NC 28613-0893 Modern radiator designed specifically for your GMC Motorhome. Easy installation, dependable cooling. Ships for less than $40.

Gary Bovee 530-200-6247 | gary.bovee@gmcidiotsguide.com www.gmcidiotsguide.com 12495 Muller Avenue, Red Bluff, CA 96080 Alternator & A/C belt tensioners, Electronic Ignition Kit (Onan 4KW & 6KW), GMC valve stem caps, and Headlight & Turn Signal alarms.

Paul Bennett 803-799-4323 | bennettpz@aol.com | www.bdub.net/paulbennett 216 Old Forge Road, Chapin, SC 29036-9751 Jack pads, air bag lifters. Center line hitch ($439.50 plus shipping) designed exclusively for the GMC. Mounts through center of the bumper.

Easy bolt on install with no welding.

GMC RV Shades (formerly Guske Sales) Gary Coaster | 810-650-5111 | gmcshades@gmail.com 2600 Knob Hill Drive, Reno, NV 89502 “Guske” Day/Night shades custom fitted for GMC Motorhomes, outside window covers.

Rance Baxter 814-596-5254 | rancefi@frontiernet.net | www.rancefi.com 230 Mountain View Road, Genesee, PA 16923-9725 Port fuel injection, Cadillac and Oldsmobile engine cores, and 425 transmission/ final drive cores.

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Classified Ads Springfield Performance Ignition Dick Paterson | 705-325-4554 | Fax 705-325-3569 dick@paterson-gmc.com | www.paterson-gmc.com 3956 Line 11 North, RR#3, Coldwater, Ontario, Canada LOK 1EO Re-curved distributors. Rebuilt carburetors.

Wire sets, 1973-74 points conversion.

1976 Glenbrook FL | $22,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 109K miles, runs great with many upgrades done to make this coach road worthy. New fule lines, master cylinder front pads, rotors and bearings, shocks, rear brakes plus more items.

Elias Ohan | 305-772-8810 call or text

TZE Zone Restorations John R. Wright | 989-859-0715 | powerjon@chartermi.net 1196 E Olson Road, Midland, MI 48640-8610 Front Air Dam, Bolt kits for bumpers, axles, exhaust manifolds, and header.

1976 Glenbrook MA | $39,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Second Owner. A “Head Turner”, beautifully restored with custom interior decor. Always garaged. New Jasper engine with 6,000 miles on the odometer. New Transmission. Bicycle hookup at rear bumper, trailer or auto towing hook-up. There are so many little things….Let the pictures speak for themselves. Turn the key and drive her home.

Lloyd Donnellan | 781-749-1441 leave message | ornart1937@gmail.com

Variety Ventures Dan Stuckey | 519-844-2083 | stuckey@brktel.on.ca Box 105 3249 Inwood Road, Inwood, Ontario Canada N0N 1K0 New Main Frame Components (side rails, cross members, H-frames) DIY or I install, Macerator kits.

Classifieds >> REVCON MOTORHOME FOR SALE 1978 Chamelot 31.5’ Zombie Themed photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NC | $18,000 | Has Toronado drivetrain! Slantnose Revcon, many repairs completed in the last two years. New tires, carpet, led lights, etc. Do check out listing on the website.

Michael | 226-225-1445 | Calls only...do not do texts or email.

>> GMC MOTORHOME FOR SALE

1976 Glenbrook – Price Lowered NY | $13,000 entertain all offers $14,999 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com About 54K mi; owned by former GMCMI board member, George DelVecchio. Dinette w/captain chairs; kitchen w/stove, oven, refrig/freezer, sink; rear full-sized bed. Wet bath. Please help George’s wife, Joan, find a new owner for this lovely motorhome!

Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-979 1976 Palm Beach – 28’ Stretch NJ | $37,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Florida Coach Bought In Florida in 2014. Brought it to Cooperative for a checkout and first round of upgrades. $55,000 invested in last 5 years. 455 rebuilt engine, 425 Manny trans, check out list for more details.

Jon Darcy | 646-464-3123 | jrjsjr@msn.com 1976 Golby Twin Bed Conversion photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com FL | $45,000 | Same owner 20+ years. Stored in air-cond garage. Rear twin beds and dry side bath by Golby GMC. Many new /replaced items. Must check it out!

Donald Grisham | 863-291-4314 | dongrisham@hotmail.com

1973 Canyon Land – 2nd Production GMCMH Sold to Public WI | $5,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Historically Significant...Coach built 11-14-72 been maintained with few modifications. Running gear appears original, floor plan kept with changes in seating colors & fabrics. The odometer indicates 94K miles, the 16.5 tires have aged out, the coach is roadable for short distances.

Mike Mager | 920-765-0557 | chavezthemonkey@yahoo.com

“Just wanted to inform you that the GMC Royale I listed sold today [one monthly later] for the k asking price of $29,900! I can’t than – this on help r you for you enough ers what a GREAT service to GMC own who are trying to sell their coaches! can Thanks again for the help and you ” ads! sold the to now move the ad – Jim

1974 GMC Motorhome Price Lowered | WA | $5,900 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com I have made this PRICE drop to move! $5,900 was 9,750! Lets find her a new home... Let’s talk. A great coach to finish and personalize. I have invested time + $ and am now sharing this with the GMC Community.

Jeff Eichen | 360-774-2235 | jeichen@anet.net 1975 Eleganza WI | $2,100 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Engine runs good (120,000). Transmission is questionable. Pretty much original. Newer elec/gas frigerator. Ragusa step. Pod on top.

Mike Prettner | 920-285-2342 | carol_prettner@msn.com

GMCMI MEMBERSHIP HAS BENEFITS

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GMCMI members can place an ad in this quarterly magazine and on the gmcmi.com website free-of-charge!

HH HHH GMC Motorhome classified ads can include MEMBER up to nine photos on the website.

BENEFIT HH HH H Email your ad to admin@gmcmi.com.

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1975 Glenbrook & 1978 VW Karman Convertible!

WA | $22,500 GMC and $14,000 VW | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com GMC-custom exterior paint, new dash, floors furnace, refrig, sink, faucet, countertop, headliner, see website for complete list. VW-70,910 miles, fuel injection, original paint, interior dash, etc. Stored in garage.

Elaine | 509-375-3432

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Classified Ads 1978 Birchaven 23’ CA | $18,500 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Runs great, 73,000 miles. Back seats fold down with mattress over them making an extra long double bed. Side bath. Sold and owned in California. Third owners, had it for 18 years. Front brakes rebuilt from the knuckles out. Radial tires. Onan generator. Everything works.

Ruth | 805-462-3534 | bigcityran@gmail.com 1978 Eleganza MI | $25,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com Mechanically sound with 40,000 miles on the engine and 120,000 on the coach. The coach drives like a dream, check website ad for list of many upgrades.

Greg Smith | gsmith7859@aol.com | 313-886-8546 1978 Eleganza II FL | $28,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com 1,700 miles on new 403 engine. Check listing for many mechanical improvements since 2016. Most mechanical work done at Sirum GMC. Also 2006 Mini Cooper (tow vehicle) available.

Kevin Clapp | krikar2002@yahoo.com 1978 Eleganza II photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com NY | $10,000 entertain all offers | Original w/ 112K Mi; Wet hot kit and bath; rear bedroom w/full; sofa and dinette convert to sleep many; lots storage; owned by mechanical engineer, George DelVecchio.

Suzanne (DelVecchio) Glenn | sglenn@juno.com | 214-616-9792 1978 Palm Beach photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com CA | Asking $13,500 cash only | 403 V8 Cadillac engine, many improvements interior and mechanically..

New RV cover in box comes with it ($500). Paperwork on rebuild and all other repairs included.

Debra or Brian | 562-370-6936 | zhooddeb@gmail.com

1978 Royale NC | $12,000 | photo(s) on www.gmcmi.com New solid bamboo flooring, new frig, many upgrades.

Tyler Townsend | tilertown@hotmail.com

>> PARTS/TOW VEHICLES/ETC. FOR SALE Parts from Royale and More! | IA Many Royale parts and more! Complete list on gmcmi.com Bob Dunahugh | 319-521-4891 | yenko108@hotmail.com Engine Gantry/Hoist | NV GMC engine installation and removal gantry. Used once and works well.

(For removal through the entry door.) Comes with chain hoist and dolly.

Evan Jones | type3yel@yahoo.com | 702-334-7008 Parts from 1977 Kingsley | SC Six side windows, propane tank, three-burner stove w/oven, furnace, over stove vent w/lights, front dinette seats, table and engine air cleaner.

Duane Weber | 843-817-1120

>> WANTED Zip Dee Awning Factory Original Good condition for a 1973 Painted Desert.

Frank Shepherd | candoez007@aol.com Want to sell your GMC Motorhome?

Want to sell your GMC Motorhome? Call Buddy Bethune at Bethune Sales Co. We cover the US and Canada.

Buddy Bethune | 704-892-1234 | www.bethunesales.com

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Calendar | Merchandise | Back Magazine Issues

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>> Regional GMCMH Activities...Join in on the Fun! >> GMC Heritage Cruisers – August

>> GMC Great Lakers – August

A lot of laughs and fun at the Tweed Elvis Festival.

Held at Groveland Oaks County Park in Holly, Michigan.

Toured Meadow Brook Hall, a tudor revival style mansion and Ron Finch’s home-based workshop and studio where he is known for his custom motorcycle designs and unique metal fabrication and wildly-colored painting.

>> GMC Great Lakers – September

>> GMC Cascaders – September

The “Do Nothing Rally” at Algonac State Park, Marine City, Michigan. They enjoyed an ”all you can eat” jumbo shrimp fest at the Marine City Fish Company and had over 30 members, former members, and guests attend the Great Lakers Lunch Bunch in Port Gratiot. When they were not eating, they watched the ships on the St. Clair River.

Great time at Barrell’s Acreage in Aldergrove, British Columbia.

FALL 2019

GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL

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>> Regional GMCMH Activities...Join in on the Fun!

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>> GMC Motorhome Invasion

>> GMC Sunshine Statesmens – October

We had 18 coaches at Jeff Wolf’s place and 25 coaches at the Osceola Wheels and Wings event (Wisconsin). There were 1,000 cars there and the line of folks viewing our coaches was endless. It was a good time.

A great time at the Creekside RV Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida!

>> GMC Western States & Pacific Cruisers

>> GMC Tulsa Lunch Bunch Celebrates 20 Years!

Great time was had by all at the 7 Feathers Casino Resort on October 2-7 in Canyonville, Oregon. Thank you to the Pacific Cruisers for the great breakfasts and all that contritubed to making the rally great!

On September 6 at the Golden Corral in Tulsa, Oklahoma there were 32 in attendance to celebrate. There were seven GMC Motorhomes on display in the parking lot!!

GMC VINTAGE RVING MAGAZINE | GMCMI.COM

GMCMH Events Calendar

>> GMC Classics

DECEMBER 2019 5-8 GMC Saguaro Jetset | gmcsj.com 6 Tulsa Lunch Bunch 6-8 GMC Sunshine Statesmen | gmcss.com 7 GMC Mountainairs Christmas Party | gmc-mountainaires.org Great Lakers Central Lunch Bunch 10 10 GMC Cascaders Gathering | gmc-cascaders.com 27 Central Texas Lunch Bunch East Texas Lunch Bunch 27

The Classics celebrated Halloween at the Fall Rally October 31-November 3 at Oakdale RV Park in Glenrose, Texas.

JANUARY 2020 3 Tulsa Lunch Bunch 14 GMC Cascaders Gathering | gmc-cascaders.com 14 Great Lakers Central Lunch Bunch 16-19 GMC Saguaro Jetset | gmcsj.com 17-19 GMC Sunshine Statesmen | gmcss.com 21 SEMNO Network Lunch 24 Central Texas Lunch Bunch 24 East Texas Lunch Bunch 30-Feb. 1 GMC Classics Rally | gmcclassics.com FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION Go to gmcmi.com/gmc-calendar/

REGIONAL CHAPTER OPPORTUNITY Consider utilizing one of the GMCMI Conventions as one of your rallies, it comes with benefits!

Contact admin@gmcmi.com for more information.

>> GMC Pacific Cruisers The Summertime Moonlight Rally was held in August in the RV park adjacent to the Elks Club. Great food, puzzle, laughter and the play “West Side Story” at the Moonlight Amphitheatre.

TO SUBMIT PHOTOS FOR REGIONAL GMCMH EVENTS Email when the event occurred, place, and a sentence or two plus photos to admin@gmcmi.com

FALL 2019

TO SUBMIT A DATE Email date and information to admin@gmcmi.com

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