I decided at the end of January to rip out and replace the ceiling panels, build valences, and install new blinds and in our Royale before the April Rally. Needless to say I feel like I'm up to my elbows in alligators and busier than a one armed paper hanger in a pile of quicksand as I write this newsletter article. Keep your fingers crossed that I can get her all done on time before the Rally rolls around as life just seems to keep putting other priorities in my way. I will have some fresh technical experiences to share with everyone about my adventures of working on our GMC under a strict deadline. I think I am starting to sweat bullets already!
Well folks, Spring is right around the corner and that means it will soon be time to head to Palm Desert for the Western State's (WS) 2015 Spring Rally. For those of you that have not been there go to www.emeralddesert.com. Be sure to checkout the amenities and photos of this 5 Star resort. All I can say is "WOW"!
So, we better all get busy making sure our coaches are ready to hit the road once again. The important thing is to give yourself plenty of time to get all the maintenance things done so you can have a safe, worry-free trip. Don't forget to check those tire code dates. We don't want to hear about any blowouts on this trip. Be safe folks.
The Spring Rally will have a good line up of technical and non-technical seminars I'm sure you won't want to miss. Here is a partial list:
Technical Seminars:
Improved MPG with HHO System - Chuck Botts
Installing the Atomic EFI Kit on my 23' GMC - Gene Fisher
Rebuilding the Olds 455 Engine - Steve Ferguson
Shocking Shock Absorbers - Manny Trovao
Steering Boot Replacement Made Easy, a man with the right tool - Manny Trovao
Towing - Safety, features, auxiliary brakes, etc. - Blue Ox Representative
Vapor Lock, theories and facts - Armand Minnie
There has been lots of discussion in the last few years about vapor lock, what causes it and how it can be solved. Armand's informative seminar on this topic should bring some lively discussion.
At the last couple of WS Rallies Miguel Mendes has given seminars about the MSD Atomic EFI 2900 Kit. The last time I talked to him he had installed 36 of these Kits on GMC motorhomes and had 4 more scheduled. This is a pretty impressive number.
Gene Fisher told me he purchased the Model 2900 Kit from Applied GMC. I'm an old school carburetor guy and have not had any experience with fuel injection. Being the techie that I am, I jumped at the chance to go help him install the Kit. I wanted to experience first hand what it was like to install the Kit and see how the coach performed afterwards. Well, I'm not going to steal any of Gene Fisher's thunder, so you're going to have to come to the Spring Rally to hear the rest of the story.
I have read about or talked to quite a few who have experienced GMC rebuilt engine failures in the past few years. I know there are a lot of GMCers out there who would enjoy listening to Steve Ferguson talk about the steps he took to rebuild his 455 motor. For any of you who don’t know Steve, he is a very detailed person. He has had lots of experience rebuilding engines over the years. So you won't want to miss Steve's detailed slideshow while he gives some great hints how he rebuild his 455.
Chuck Botts captured our attention a couple years ago at the Casa De Fruta WS Spring Rally giving a seminar about the HHO System he installed on his coach to try and improve fuel economy. At that time he didn't have very many miles on the coach since the installation. Now, two years and many miles later he wants to share what he has experienced and learned.
A Blue Representative will give a seminar on towing - safety, features, auxiliary brakes, etc. Blue Ox is known internationally for its quality towing products, from tow bars and baseplates to steering controls systems, supplementary brakes, and everything in between. This should be an informative seminar with a rep ready to answer your questions.
Non-Technical Seminars:
How to Find GMC Info on the Net - Armand Minnie
Pads, Pods, Phones and Tablets - Gene Fisher
GMCers can spend lots of time searching the super highway (Internet) for GMC information. Come listen to Armand tell us how he can save you lots of time searching on the net.
Gene will share some of his knowledge of Pads, Pods, Phones and Tablets to help keep folks in tune with the ever changing pace of the electronic world.
Last, but not least there will also be an "Ask the Experts" session where you will be able to get answers to your GMC questions.
So mark your calendar for April 11-16 and attend the next WS Rally at Emerald Desert RV Resort, Palm Desert, CA. Good friends, great food and a fun time for all. Drive safe. See you there.
Gary Bovee