UPGRADE PROJECTS

I found that the least expensive and most common were covers made from EMT  conduit with metal roofing.  The most competitive  were the 12 X 20 X 7 covers made for cars and they were priced from $500 to$800 dollars.  When this same style was built large enough for the GMC, the price went up to about $2,000.

I came up with the following method of making the cheaper shelter fit the GMC.  The secret is that 2" EMT conduit has a 2" interior diameter (ID) and that 2" automobile exhaust pipe has a 2" Outer Diameter (OD) Short sections of exhaust pipe can be used for interior couplings to connect EMT together.  Now it is possible to make the cover , longer, higher,shorter,wider, etc using EMT that costs about $1 per foot.

The following pictures show a Marlene's commercial cover that protects Jim. (don't confuse Jim the coach with Bud the husband) and shows  how the finished product should look.  The second picture is a low cost cover that I am stretching to cover my GMC.  If you look carefully, you will see the commercial cover is very modular with joints in all dimensions so that it is possible to stretch the cover in any direction.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=3227

The completed cover can be hooked to the ground with spikes, cement, or tied to a building.  The base of the cover can be made from Unistrut and the clips that are used to hold the "2 EMT.  The whole structure can be torn down and removed if you want to change it or move it, since it is screwed together with self-drilling bolts.   The entire cover could be built form parts from the building supply if you have a way to bend the rafters, or want a 45 degree roof.

I hope someone finds this useful, it took me a long time to find the matching parts, but I think I am on the road now...gene

I have two types of hitches available. One comes through the center of the rear bumper and the other through the rear of the bumper at the bottom. These hitches can be made to be flush or extend out the rear a few inches which mine does on my 76 Royale. They bolt on at the rear cross member and foward of the rear cross member to the frame. The second hitch which I mentioned also comes with a plate which takes the place of  the plate which holds the center part of the rear bumper and is bolted there also.

 The price for either one of these hitches is  $250.00 and I will pay all shipping charges.If more info is needed please e-mail me or call. Wayne

So you think nothing remains to add to or change on your GMC (fat chance of that). GMC owners have implemented some clever ideas, shown in the following pictures. I am sorry I do not have the names of all the coach owners. If you know the owners please E-mail me and I will update the article. We saw most of these upgrades at the Las Vegas and Petaluma conventions.

PROJECTS
click on thumbnails for larger pictures

Justin Hill's Dinette to Double Bed Conversion

Justin Hill's Engine Compartment Fire Supression System

 SPARE TIRE HOSE REEL
If you look close at this picture, you can see the water hose inside the hubcap of the spare tire. Chuck Aulgur is a very clever innovator and the pictures show how he implemented the next three features.
The spare tire is reversed on the bracket so there is a space for the hose reel. When the hubcap is removed, the reel slides out on a shaft and the hose is easily deployed. Chuck often camps in the forest and needed a long hose for water.
The reel bracket attaches to the spare tire support.

GRASS MAT STORAGE
This storage is designed for the artificial-grass mat. The picture does not show it well but this space is just in front of the door between the frame and the side of the coach.
The aluminum door drops down to open a space large enough to carry a grass mat for use in front of the coach door. The mat looked to be about 10 feet by 10 feet. The door is held up with GMC twist connectors.

ELECTRIC JACKS
Two jacks in the front and one jack on each side of the GMC are for boondocking. With these jacks he can level the coach anywhere and take the load off the air bags. The jacks are controlled from inside the coach. They are strong enough the lift up the front of the GMC

This  picture shows the damage a blowout will do the flairs and side of the coach. Note the flares that are becoming very popular.

BUMPER STORAGE
Two of these units were at the Las Vegas convention.. Note that the ladder had to be shortened and the bumper had to be extended away from the coach.

  Bumper coversand these storage units are manufactured by:Frank Jenkins
http://www.bdub.net/fjenkins/index.html

 
SEAT DRAWER
I have seen these under both seats
 
 

CERAMIC PAPER
The picture shows insulating ceramic paper attached to the under side of the motor cover. The claim is that the paper will stop the heat entering the coach. The paper will also reduce road noise. This product is advertised in Motorhome Marketplace. The paper is applied inside the entire engine area.
 

This electric step swings from the front of the coach to the extended position.  The step is wired so that when the ignition is turned on, the step retracts if the door is closed.  When the coach is parked a switch inside selects the automatic mode where the step opens and closes with the door or the extended mode where the step stays out until the engine is started.   The motor is electric and appears to be a wiper mechanism.  I do not believe this is the Rose unit.

  Here is a pictorial of the step

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=10260 

Gene