Hills vs Motorhome

[minds@...>]

Hi All,



I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is starting to
change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about 4200 pounds. I do ok
on moderate hills but the coach feels the strain. It is hard to keep up with
slow traffic and I cringe at the thought of long distant trips with hills. Most
of my travels up to now have been close to home in California and with
retirement closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.



I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very familiar. I'm
looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear axel coach. What is their
ability to handle the varying terrain of the West while towing and your opinion
on what to avoid in my search for a capable coach?



Thanks for any help



Jerry L'Ecuyer

Anaheim, CA

1976 GMC (for now)

1967 FJ-40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Gary Miller]

Jerry,

The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
controlling the descents.

My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
pullout to let folks pass.

If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
Allison 4 speed.

Good Luck,

Gary Miller
83 FC 33
Milwaukee area

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
now have been close to home in California and with retirement
closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
>
>
>
> I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
for a capable coach?
>
>
>
> Thanks for any help
>
>
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
>
> Anaheim, CA
>
> 1976 GMC (for now)
>
> 1967 FJ-40
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[minds@...>]

Gary,

Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm not looking
for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself and the motorhome.
The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to tow much weight.

Thanks again,

Jerry L'Ecuyer
Anaheim, CA
1976 GMC (for now)


----- Original Message -----
From: Gary Miller
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome


Jerry,

The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
controlling the descents.

My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
pullout to let folks pass.

If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
Allison 4 speed.

Good Luck,

Gary Miller
83 FC 33
Milwaukee area

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
now have been close to home in California and with retirement
closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
>
>
>
> I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
for a capable coach?
>
>
>
> Thanks for any help
>
>
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
>
> Anaheim, CA
>
> 1976 GMC (for now)
>
> 1967 FJ-40
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>






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------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Joe Hagan]

Jerry:

Just curious - whch model GMC coach do you have; which engine and
tranny? Do I assume you are refering to a GM coach i.e. 4107, 4905 with
a DD 8V71? Again, just curious - I am a former Continental Trailways
driver from the 1950's and 1960's.

Regards,

Joe (Pappy) Hagan

St. George, UT

BB Wannabe

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Gary,
>
> Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm not
looking for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself and
the motorhome. The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to tow
much weight.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
> Anaheim, CA
> 1976 GMC (for now)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Gary Miller
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
>
>
> Jerry,
>
> The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
> You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
> begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
> Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
> controlling the descents.
>
> My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
> pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
> mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
> trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
> with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
> the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
> for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
> stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
> pullout to let folks pass.
>
> If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
> which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
> in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
> tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
> better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
> Allison 4 speed.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Gary Miller
> 83 FC 33
> Milwaukee area
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> >
> >
> > I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
> starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
> 4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
> strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
> thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
> now have been close to home in California and with retirement
> closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
> >
> >
> >
> > I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
> familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
> axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
> the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
> for a capable coach?
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for any help
> >
> >
> >
> > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> >
> > Anaheim, CA
> >
> > 1976 GMC (for now)
> >
> > 1967 FJ-40
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[minds@...>]

Joe,

I was just in St. George about two weeks ago on my way to Moab. I used to
drive a 4905 Buffalo in the early 1980s for a camping tour company, then moved
on to Neoplans! Talk about a night and day change! As for my current motor
home, it is a GM purpose built GMC Motor home built between the years of 1973
and 1978. Mine is a 1976. It was never a bus. For a reference go to:
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/

Good luck in your BB hunt,

Jerry L'Ecuyer
Anaheim, CA
1976 GMC (for now)
1967 FJ-40

----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Hagan
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 9:52 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome



Jerry:

Just curious - whch model GMC coach do you have; which engine and
tranny? Do I assume you are refering to a GM coach i.e. 4107, 4905 with
a DD 8V71? Again, just curious - I am a former Continental Trailways
driver from the 1950's and 1960's.

Regards,

Joe (Pappy) Hagan

St. George, UT

BB Wannabe

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Gary,
>
> Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm not
looking for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself and
the motorhome. The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to tow
much weight.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
> Anaheim, CA
> 1976 GMC (for now)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Gary Miller
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
>
>
> Jerry,
>
> The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
> You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
> begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
> Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
> controlling the descents.
>
> My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
> pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
> mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
> trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
> with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
> the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
> for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
> stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
> pullout to let folks pass.
>
> If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
> which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
> in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
> tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
> better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
> Allison 4 speed.
>
> Good Luck,
>
> Gary Miller
> 83 FC 33
> Milwaukee area
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> >
> >
> > I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
> starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
> 4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
> strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
> thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
> now have been close to home in California and with retirement
> closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
> >
> >
> >
> > I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
> familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
> axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
> the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
> for a capable coach?
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for any help
> >
> >
> >
> > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> >
> > Anaheim, CA
> >
> > 1976 GMC (for now)
> >
> > 1967 FJ-40
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive maintenance
Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
radiators


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.

b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Joe Hagan]

Jerry:

Enjoyed the website - great design, real eye-catchers. I still - on
occasion - do Elderhostel tours of the National Parks in Utah (Van Hool
T2140). Get to Moab often - Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse. Did you
plan on going to Monument Valley (Gouldings Crossing)? Great scenery in
this state. Enjoy.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan

St. George, UT

Wannabe

In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Joe,
>
> I was just in St. George about two weeks ago on my way to Moab. I used
to drive a 4905 Buffalo in the early 1980s for a camping tour company,
then moved on to Neoplans! Talk about a night and day change! As for my
current motor home, it is a GM purpose built GMC Motor home built
between the years of 1973 and 1978. Mine is a 1976. It was never a bus.
For a reference go to: http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/
>
> Good luck in your BB hunt,
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
> Anaheim, CA
> 1976 GMC (for now)
> 1967 FJ-40
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joe Hagan
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 9:52 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
>
>
>
> Jerry:
>
> Just curious - whch model GMC coach do you have; which engine and
> tranny? Do I assume you are refering to a GM coach i.e. 4107, 4905
with
> a DD 8V71? Again, just curious - I am a former Continental Trailways
> driver from the 1950's and 1960's.
>
> Regards,
>
> Joe (Pappy) Hagan
>
> St. George, UT
>
> BB Wannabe
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> >
> > Gary,
> >
> > Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm not
> looking for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself
and
> the motorhome. The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to tow
> much weight.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > Anaheim, CA
> > 1976 GMC (for now)
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Gary Miller
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
> >
> >
> > Jerry,
> >
> > The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
> > You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
> > begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
> > Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
> > controlling the descents.
> >
> > My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
> > pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
> > mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
> > trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
> > with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
> > the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
> > for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
> > stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
> > pullout to let folks pass.
> >
> > If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
> > which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
> > in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
> > tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
> > better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
> > Allison 4 speed.
> >
> > Good Luck,
> >
> > Gary Miller
> > 83 FC 33
> > Milwaukee area
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
> > starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
> > 4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
> > strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
> > thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
> > now have been close to home in California and with retirement
> > closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
> > familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
> > axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
> > the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
> > for a capable coach?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > >
> > > Anaheim, CA
> > >
> > > 1976 GMC (for now)
> > >
> > > 1967 FJ-40
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> ------
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> >
> > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> >
> >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> ------
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive
maintenance
> Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
radiators
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[minds@...>]

Joe,

Traveled to Monument Valley last October. Went through Saint George on our way
to Lake Powell & Monument Valley, very pretty drive. But I'm convinced that Utah
is all up hill!

Jerry
----- Original Message -----
From: Joe Hagan
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:07 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome



Jerry:

Enjoyed the website - great design, real eye-catchers. I still - on
occasion - do Elderhostel tours of the National Parks in Utah (Van Hool
T2140). Get to Moab often - Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse. Did you
plan on going to Monument Valley (Gouldings Crossing)? Great scenery in
this state. Enjoy.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan

St. George, UT

Wannabe

In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Joe,
>
> I was just in St. George about two weeks ago on my way to Moab. I used
to drive a 4905 Buffalo in the early 1980s for a camping tour company,
then moved on to Neoplans! Talk about a night and day change! As for my
current motor home, it is a GM purpose built GMC Motor home built
between the years of 1973 and 1978. Mine is a 1976. It was never a bus.
For a reference go to: http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/
>
> Good luck in your BB hunt,
>
> Jerry L'Ecuyer
> Anaheim, CA
> 1976 GMC (for now)
> 1967 FJ-40
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joe Hagan
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 9:52 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
>
>
>
> Jerry:
>
> Just curious - whch model GMC coach do you have; which engine and
> tranny? Do I assume you are refering to a GM coach i.e. 4107, 4905
with
> a DD 8V71? Again, just curious - I am a former Continental Trailways
> driver from the 1950's and 1960's.
>
> Regards,
>
> Joe (Pappy) Hagan
>
> St. George, UT
>
> BB Wannabe
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> >
> > Gary,
> >
> > Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm not
> looking for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself
and
> the motorhome. The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to tow
> much weight.
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > Anaheim, CA
> > 1976 GMC (for now)
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Gary Miller
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
> >
> >
> > Jerry,
> >
> > The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
> > You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
> > begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with the
> > Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
> > controlling the descents.
> >
> > My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
> > pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
> > mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
> > trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
> > with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that even
> > the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
> > for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
> > stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
> > pullout to let folks pass.
> >
> > If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
> > which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in retarder
> > in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as it
> > tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is much
> > better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
> > Allison 4 speed.
> >
> > Good Luck,
> >
> > Gary Miller
> > 83 FC 33
> > Milwaukee area
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel is
> > starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is about
> > 4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
> > strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at the
> > thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
> > now have been close to home in California and with retirement
> > closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
> > familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
> > axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
> > the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my search
> > for a capable coach?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Thanks for any help
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > >
> > > Anaheim, CA
> > >
> > > 1976 GMC (for now)
> > >
> > > 1967 FJ-40
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
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> >
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> >
> > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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> >
> > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> >
> >
> >
>
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> ------
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive
maintenance
> Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
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>
>
>
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> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
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>
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>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive maintenance
Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Joe Hagan]

Jerry:

The secret is finding the roads that are downhill in both directions
[] . Seriously, driving heavy vehicles, I much prefer climbing an 8%
grade than facing that same grade downhill - and as you mentioned, there
are many 8-10% grades in this part of the country. Take care.

Joe (Pappy) Hagan

St. George, UT

Wannabe
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, <minds@...> wrote:
>
> Joe,
>
> Traveled to Monument Valley last October. Went through Saint George on
our way to Lake Powell & Monument Valley, very pretty drive. But I'm
convinced that Utah is all up hill!
>
> Jerry
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Joe Hagan
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 8:07 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
>
>
>
> Jerry:
>
> Enjoyed the website - great design, real eye-catchers. I still - on
> occasion - do Elderhostel tours of the National Parks in Utah (Van
Hool
> T2140). Get to Moab often - Arches, Canyonlands and Dead Horse. Did
you
> plan on going to Monument Valley (Gouldings Crossing)? Great scenery
in
> this state. Enjoy.
>
> Joe (Pappy) Hagan
>
> St. George, UT
>
> Wannabe
>
> In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> >
> > Joe,
> >
> > I was just in St. George about two weeks ago on my way to Moab. I
used
> to drive a 4905 Buffalo in the early 1980s for a camping tour company,
> then moved on to Neoplans! Talk about a night and day change! As for
my
> current motor home, it is a GM purpose built GMC Motor home built
> between the years of 1973 and 1978. Mine is a 1976. It was never a
bus.
> For a reference go to: http://www.gmcmotorhome.com/
> >
> > Good luck in your BB hunt,
> >
> > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > Anaheim, CA
> > 1976 GMC (for now)
> > 1967 FJ-40
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Joe Hagan
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 9:52 PM
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
> >
> >
> >
> > Jerry:
> >
> > Just curious - whch model GMC coach do you have; which engine and
> > tranny? Do I assume you are refering to a GM coach i.e. 4107, 4905
> with
> > a DD 8V71? Again, just curious - I am a former Continental Trailways
> > driver from the 1950's and 1960's.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Joe (Pappy) Hagan
> >
> > St. George, UT
> >
> > BB Wannabe
> >
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> > >
> > > Gary,
> > >
> > > Thanks for the info, that was exactly what I needed to know. I'm
not
> > looking for a hot rod, just something less stressful on both myself
> and
> > the motorhome. The GMC is a great rig, but it was not designed to
tow
> > much weight.
> > >
> > > Thanks again,
> > >
> > > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > > Anaheim, CA
> > > 1976 GMC (for now)
> > >
> > >
> > > ----- Original Message -----
> > > From: Gary Miller
> > > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 5:26 AM
> > > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Hills vs Motorhome
> > >
> > >
> > > Jerry,
> > >
> > > The coach lengths you're considering will all have the CAT 3208.
> > > You'll want a turbo (critical altitude(point at which power loss
> > > begins)about 8200 feet) which was introduced in 1983, along with
the
> > > Jacobs electric driveline retarder which is very effective at
> > > controlling the descents.
> > >
> > > My CAT is a 225 horsepower while the last few '83s had the 250. I
> > > pull a 5000 lb Montero and have had no troubles with the long
> > > mountain pulls. I am normally in the slow lane with the heavy
> > > trucks but don't get in their way as my speed is normally matched
> > > with them if not just a little faster. I've found however that
even
> > > the empty trucks wanting to climb quickly don't have much concern
> > > for a slow vehicle on a mountain climb. It's expected, and if you
> > > stop and think about it, only lasts a few minutes before there's a
> > > pullout to let folks pass.
> > >
> > > If you buy an '88 or later you'll have the 300 horse 3208 ATAAC
> > > which will do even better. I'm not as fond of the built in
retarder
> > > in the ZF transmission which was matched to the ATAAC however as
it
> > > tends to heat up the transmission quickly. Descending hills is
much
> > > better with the Jacobs electric retarder and a downshift of the
> > > Allison 4 speed.
> > >
> > > Good Luck,
> > >
> > > Gary Miller
> > > 83 FC 33
> > > Milwaukee area
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, minds@ wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Hi All,
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I am a proud owner of a 1976 GMC coach . but my style of travel
is
> > > starting to change. I tow a heavy FJ-40 Land Cruiser which is
about
> > > 4200 pounds. I do ok on moderate hills but the coach feels the
> > > strain. It is hard to keep up with slow traffic and I cringe at
the
> > > thought of long distant trips with hills. Most of my travels up to
> > > now have been close to home in California and with retirement
> > > closing in I am beginning to look for a more capable motor home.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > I was a school bus driver in my youth, so Bluebirds were very
> > > familiar. I'm looking to get info about the 33-36 foot single rear
> > > axel coach. What is their ability to handle the varying terrain of
> > > the West while towing and your opinion on what to avoid in my
search
> > > for a capable coach?
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Thanks for any help
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Jerry L'Ecuyer
> > > >
> > > > Anaheim, CA
> > > >
> > > > 1976 GMC (for now)
> > > >
> > > > 1967 FJ-40
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> \
> > ------
> > > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> > >
> > > a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> > >
> > > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > >
> > > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> > Service.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> \
> > ------
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> > SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive
> maintenance
> > Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
> radiators
> >
> >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> ------
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> > a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> >
> > b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> >
> >
> >
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
\
> ------
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS Recreational vehicles Wanderlodge Automotive
maintenance
> Recreational vehicle dealer Used recreational vehicles Automotive
radiators
>
>
>
------------------------------------------------------------------------\
------
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> a.. Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
>
>
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>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]