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| [GMCnet] first/test post [message #236229] |
Wed, 15 January 2014 13:07  |
tmsnyder
Messages: 151
Registered: January 2014
Karma: -9
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Senior Member |
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Hi,
I don't actually own one yet, but am looking at GMC motorhomes and have
always loved them. Currently, family vacations are often camping with my
wife and 3 small kids in a vintage 1959 Holly 16' travel trailer. Very fun
and easy to tow but no bathroom and we're one bunk short.
I'm loving the community feel of you GMC owners! Am looking forward to
actually owning one.
I guess I'll start off with a question. I looked at AirStreams for a little
while, and despite what I had heard and thought and what seems to be common
thought, they actually do leak and result in rot around the floor perimeter.
I haven't seen any such similar issue with the GMC motorhome. How are these
things at keeping water out?
There's probably a page on this somewhere, but what are the more common
problem areas to look for when buying one?
Thanks and hope to see you in a GMC motorhome of my own some day,
Todd
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Todd Snyder, Buffalo NY
1976 Eleganza II
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| Re: [GMCnet] first/test post [message #236230 is a reply to message #236229] |
Wed, 15 January 2014 13:22  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Hi Todd, welcome to the cult. Most folks here will ask for a general location and I'd suggest you add it to your signature. You might have someone close you can go see first hand and if there is, I'd strongly advise it. Nothing like a first hand, what's this and how does it work discussion.
Yes, they leak but the leaks are findable and the process is well documented. Unlike most RVs and Motorhomes, the only wood in the GMC is in the floor. While some that may have been neglected a bit might have some floor damage, most of us still have the original 1" plywood. Cabinets are another issue and some models of the GMC used particle board with formica over it. As the particle board got wet, it reverted to sawdust. I'm dealing with some of that right now.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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| Re: [GMCnet] first/test post [message #236235 is a reply to message #236231] |
Wed, 15 January 2014 15:00 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Like the others said. They can leak, but everything on a GMC is easy to fix, and information and help is out there.
I realized about 4 years ago, that camping with my wife and 2 daughters was only going to be accomplished happily with a mobile bathroom, kitchen and climate controlled place to sleep. so I started looking for campers.
my own requirements were the need to tow an ATV, or my buggy, so a travel trailer was out and I was looking at motorhomes. I also do and did not own any decent tow truck, so travel trailers were not for me. I had borrowed my father-in-laws 26 foot travel trailer before as well, and felt it was a real pain to tow, and even set up, and I feel I am very used to towing trailers of all shapes and sizes.
I "accidentally" bought the GMC motorhome I have. I was not looking for a GMC, but I found a deal on this one. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would not buy any other motorhome, my palm beach is just perfect for how I do my camping with the family.
take the advice that is always given here. Go check out some nice GMC motorhomes in person. tell us where you live, and I am sure someone local will be happy to show you their coach.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] first/test post [message #236237 is a reply to message #236231] |
Wed, 15 January 2014 16:26 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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You will have some questions, just call us and Nick and I can help you
answer your concerns.
On Wed, Jan 15, 2014 at 11:47 AM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Hey Todd, where are you located? Everyone wants to know, as Kerry said.
> Also, what Kerry said on leaks. I have a small one on pass side windshield
> and another in back bedroom. I know where it is and almost have it stopped.
> Put a new awning cover on this summer and that helped the leak, leak more.
> Anyway, we usually always can find and fix a leak. There are page after
> page on this subject. One can read a little and pretty much isolate the
> leak before any physical work is done. Not all leaks get fixed but most do,
> if the owner wants it fixed. I won't list all the common places but some
> have to do with front and rear cap rivets and the running lights. Windows
> can leak but all of these are fixable.
> You won't regret buying a gmc in good shape. Lots of them out there now as
> some of the one owners are up for sale.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Dexter, Mo.
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
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jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] first/test post [message #236252 is a reply to message #236229] |
Wed, 15 January 2014 20:08 |
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Todd,
I don't know that I'm the only "expert" on here but I'll specifically try to
address your concern. And, unlike most of the others, I have been to the
Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio and did closely observe how they
are building them today.
One of the things I thought to myself was, after seeing how the walls were
put to the wood floor, isn't moisture going to weep into those screw holes
along the bottom. And, that they don't use treated plywood for the floor
also bothered me. I guess that since the trailer floors are more than six
inches off the ground they don't worry about moisture coming in from below.
In addition, the way the windows are assembled (a hole cut in aluminum,
acrylic glass of the correct size inserted in the hole, and aluminum trim
applied from both sides) made me think that there was another place where
the water outside would find it's way inside.
Every Airstream, before it leaves the factory, receives a shower to check
for leaks. That's nice. The problem develops later on when all that shaking,
rattling, and rolling puts stress on the screws and places where metal meets
metal and, before you know it, you have a leak. The seams of the body,
however, do get a strip of butyl tape (or something similar) to go between
the places where the skins overlap. Seldom does an Airstream leak there.
Now, about the GMC. Because there is some shaking, rattling, and rolling
going on over time, things will loosen up a bit and water on the outside
will find it's way to the inside. The observation that many GMCers here will
confirm is that the water rolls into the coach from above somewhere.
Here's where to look for leaks. 1) around the vents, 2) around the window
framing (keep a weep hole on the under side), 3) where the aluminum room
meets the fiberglass end caps, and 4) where the awning has been screwed into
the place above the drip rails. (That reminds me to say you should keep
those drip rails cleaned out. If an awning is mounted just above that then
be sure to check where the awning meets the room and run some sealant along
the edge.)
Our GMC only leaked when it wasn't level. That meant that water ran down to
a certain spot where it made a small pond and then overflowed into the rear
portion of the cabin. As long as it was level it never leaked.
Finding the leaks is a fun project for a couple of people. Force air into
the coach, run soapy water around the outside, then stand back and look for
bubbles. Just be careful not to play with the bubbles too long.
Finally, there used to be a guy that frequented the forum who would always
say that if a guy told you his motorhome didn't leak, you had found a liar.
I think that should be clarified by saying they're all subject to developing
leaks. The thing to do is, of course, find them and repair them.
Good luck looking for a GMC. And, don't forget to go here to get Gary
Bovee's "Internet Idiot's Guide for GMC MotorHome Information," you'll be
glad you did.
http://www.gmceast.com/about/guide/
Byron Songer
Louisville, KY
Todd Snyder wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I don't actually own one yet, but am looking at GMC motorhomes and have
> always loved them. Currently, family vacations are often camping with my
> wife and 3 small kids in a vintage 1959 Holly 16' travel trailer. Very fun
> and easy to tow but no bathroom and we're one bunk short.
>
> I'm loving the community feel of you GMC owners! Am looking forward to
> actually owning one.
>
> I guess I'll start off with a question. I looked at AirStreams for a little
> while, and despite what I had heard and thought and what seems to be common
> thought, they actually do leak and result in rot around the floor perimeter.
> I haven't seen any such similar issue with the GMC motorhome. How are these
> things at keeping water out?
>
> There's probably a page on this somewhere, but what are the more common
> problem areas to look for when buying one?
>
> Thanks and hope to see you in a GMC motorhome of my own some day,
>
> Todd
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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