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Move-In Ready Survivor: 1978 GMC Royale RV

Taking another look at things previously unknown to me is a 1978 GMC Royale Recreational Vehicle (RV). I had no idea that GMC was involved in this type of vehicular product until stumbling across this listing. RVs are everywhere, of course, take any stretch of I-95 in or out of Florida, for example, and the roadway is choc-o-block at certain times of the year and this has been the case for time immemorial. That said, I don’t ever recall spying a GMC branded RV. That being the case, let’s look a bit closer at this ’78 example, located in Orlando, Florida, and available here on eBay for a current bid of  $8,000, 43 bids tendered as of this writing.

Seeing this GMC RV gives new meaning to the old saw, “You can live in your car but you can’t drive your house.” Not exactly the case here! GMC Motorhome produced about 13,000 RVs between ’73 and ’78 so this would be one of the last to roll off of the assembly line in Pontiac, Michigan. There were two different sizes produced during this RV’s limited run, a 23′ and 26′ version.

According to the seller, this example is a 26′ “Center Kitchen” model. He adds, “This was the top of the line floor plan with the leather seats and sofa and rear kitchen area.” Furthermore, “Interior is in very nice shape the leather is in fantastic shape… ” There are multiple images of the interior and they are worth taking the time to review. As expected, interior appointments have a  bit of a ’70s aura about themselves but the furniture, fixtures and cabinets all appear to be in excellent nick.

Also included is a special GMC-only refrigerator that was an original $1,400 upgrade. Of concern is the non-working A/C. As is typical, it is an R-12 system that needs a recharge. The seller suggests that R-12 isn’t available and the system should be converted to 134A. I would agree with that analysis. While R-12 is still available it would probably cost an arm and a leg in the amount necessary for a system of this size assuming he’s referencing the living space and not the driver’s area – the listing isn’t clear. Nevertheless, the existing system will need to be retrofitted for 134A, and experience will tell you not all R-12 systems make the jump to 134A easily or inexpensively. Something to consider.

The exterior of this GMC motorhome continues with the ’70s vibe. It is in excellent condition with no sign of crash damage or faded/missing paint but it does represent its era well. There is some peeling or discoloration around the front grille but it looks to be minor. The chrome hubcaps set the exterior off nicely and the seller mentions that he has two spares. The roll-out awning is a nice extra, it creates a sort-of patio environment.

The biggest surprise uncovered is the fact that this RV is front-wheel drive, who knew? Not something to dwell upon but I know I never gave RV drivetrains much consideration. For power, an Oldsmobile 403 CI V8 engine is in place that’s good for about 185 net HP. It operates through a Turbo Hydramatic 425 transaxle which is the unit employed by the FWD Toronado. In this RV case, the drive-chain has been modified for additional strength. The seller states that it runs and drives well and has only experienced 65K miles. Oldsmobile 403 engines are of a “siamese-bore” architecture with no cooling jacket between the cylinders – an ideal design for overheating when heavily stressed. And overheating was, in fact, an issue under certain circumstances with the 403 motor during its 1977 to 1979 production term (which would make one wonder why GMC choose this engine in the first place). Since this transaction is a flip, it would be a worthwhile effort to make certain that proper cooling system maintenance has been performed. If one were ever going to experience an overheating problem, this would probably be the perfect vehicle for it.

The seller freely states, “I’m not really sure how to test everything on the coach but I was told that it was all working when sold to me.” I wouldn’t put that in the “Buyer Beware” category but it is something to consider – this RV has a lot more going on than a GMC pickup truck or an Olds 88 so there could be operational issues yet to be discovered. Finally, the seller states, “This GMC is part of the GMC Motorhomes International Registry. FMCA Number F38831 Vehicle ID Number TZE.” I guess that’s good; I’m not sure that it really means much as research indicates that about 7,000 of the almost 13,000 produced are in the registry. I suppose that’s a credit to longevity. I’ll admit my naivete when it comes to motor home/RV’s, as I stated at the outset, I had no awareness of GMC’s involvement in that business segment. It would be great to hear from RV owners, former and current, who can share their experiences with the house that you can drive.

Comments

  1. Avatar PaulG

    Scroll down about 8 submissions, and you’ll see another that Jeff wrote up.
    2 in one day, still pretty rare…
    If I was to choose between the two, this one would get the nod.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar Ken Jennings

    On TVs “Tiny Houses”, idiots pay ten times more than this for a glorified storage shed that you have to haul around. Please tell me why that is so much better then this.

    Like 23
    • Avatar Jeffro

      My wife and I have the same conversation when we watch that show. Actually, she talks. I just nod my head up and down and mumble every now and then

      Like 13
    • Avatar Cathy

      Cuz people have different tastes and want different things and some people pay McOoodles for big homes so why not a lovely tiny home with personalized amenities and not bad looking thangs, either. Simple pimple, man, folks are different. That it bothers you is more interesting!

      Like 0
  3. Avatar H5mind

    These made more sense when gas was 25 cents a gallon. But if the gasoline class A’s these are very popular still, funky 1970’s styling and all. Slip into some nice bell bottoms and don your satin shirt and go glamping!

    Like 4
    • Avatar Bluetec320 Member

      I agree with you, these things were guzzling gasoholics. I could never figure out why they didn’t fit them with diesels. I would put a DD 6V92 in there if it were mine.

      Like 2
      • Avatar Robert Gault

        Actually the GMC motorhome wasn’t one of the best with regards gas mileage!

        Like 2
    • Avatar David Sanborn

      Funny thing if you do the inflation calculator for .25 cents / gal of gas in ’78 compare to now – it’s pretty much exactly what I’m paying at the local Conoco.

      Like 6
    • Avatar Bruce Schmidt

      Wonder how tough it would be to put a diesel in it?

      Like 2
  4. Avatar Capt. Sam Wilson

    I have a 1978 Royale… It is a Transmode version with the interior done by Coachman… This one is a normal layout with the couch across from the dinette. Mine has the bar and cedar closet where his kitchen is. and my kitchen is where his couch is… I have never seen another layout like mine. But have seen a lot of this one.. There are probably 20 odd GMC motorhomes for sale in the Orlando area if you look carefully. and the leather is aftermarket.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Dale

    My parents had a 1974 GMC with the Toronado 455 engine. Never had any engine issues. I assume by the late 70s, the engine was out of production, so the 403 was used instead.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Efred Dean

    I’ve owned one of these for 14 years, and belong to several GMC MH clubs. I’ve never once heard of an engine cooling issue with the 403 caused by the block design. I’ve also never heard that the Morse Hy-vo chain is different in the motorhome than in the Toronado or the Eldorado. And the GMC Registry now accounts for over 9000 of the 13000 produced. Just sayin’…. 👍

    Like 11
  7. Avatar Luxurious_Lexus_Land-yacht

    A substitue for R-12 is camping stove propane. I’ve used it in an ’89 W126, and it worked fine for years.

    “Bit it’ll explode if you got something!”

    Nope. I proved that to be wholly untrue, unfortunately.

    BTW, 20 year old SRS still worked.

    Like 3
    • Avatar Ken Jennings

      Propane? Wouldn’t that damage the seals in the compressor? How do you get it under pressure to insert into the inlet?

      Like 0
  8. Avatar Ken Jennings

    Ya know, a single guy could live in this. Say, in college or something. If you had an understanding college dean, just put her in a far out parking lot, a few solar panels on the roof, and poof, your done!. Much cheaper than even a single semester in a dorm with a meal plan.

    Like 8
  9. Avatar Vin_in_NJ

    This would be a great platform for the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle

    Like 14
    • Avatar SamM

      I was waiting for a Mack Bolan reference,,lol

      Like 2
      • Avatar Randy B

        The Warwagon!

        Like 0
  10. Avatar Chuck

    Star vehicle in Bill Murray and John Candy’s Strips 1981

    Like 2
    • Avatar Chuck

      Stripes

      Like 1
  11. Avatar LyleR

    Just as an fyi… this appears to be a great deal for someone. We have owned two GMC’s. Yes, they are gas guzzlers (Ave. 10mpg) but they were way ahead of their time. In 1973 when GMC introduced the coach, Winnebago was building a brick with wheels. The GMC had air bag suspension in the rear, low ride height, and front wheel drive… which made the driving experience actually pleasant. The engineers made numerous changes beginning in late 1975 which addressed the few mechanical faults the coaches had. Significant interior up grades occurred at the same time. As for the 403 overheating problem, this was in fact a bit of an issue for a small number of engines that were driven hard or that towed heavy loads…. which included the GMC’s. The larger issue was intake manifolds that cracked over time. At any rate, unlike most older RV’s, there is a cult-like following for GMC’s online. Tons of help available including parts lists, trouble shooting, and repair tips. If you own one of these you should join the international group. (GMCMI) Tons of info is posted there with links to just about anything you can think of for repairs and upgrades.
    Happy Trails,
    Lyle

    Like 6
  12. Avatar JS

    R290 (propane) is a good refrigerant and is compatible with the mineral oil used with R12. If one is looking for a substitute for R12 because of leak issues, R600 or R600a, (Butane or isobutane) will work just fine and the operating pressures are much lower. Boils at atmospheric pressure at 31.1F, so you have just about zero pressure in the evaporator. The capacity is diminished a bit so it takes a little longer to cool the car off, but once it is cooled off you would never know it.

    Like 2
  13. Avatar pacekid

    Kudos to barn finders! I like what you are doing here. I especially am impressed when you mention technical info like the 403 with siamese cylinders that have a tendency to overheat when under load. This is a nice machine in decent condition, but I think that this heads up might save someone from purchasing it for mountain travel and finding out the hard way that it might not be the best fit for the extra stress. Great job!

    Like 2
  14. Avatar Mike B

    Nice shape! Ebay pictures also show there is upgraded rear suspension (quad bag) and rear wheel disc brakes. Originally rear drums.

    Like 2
  15. Avatar Claudio

    With the new trucks being diesel , auto and front wheel drive , it will soon find itself in one of these gaz guzzlers
    Cause there is no way i am going back to a carburated 3 speed auto prehistoric beluga …

    Like 0
  16. Avatar JS

    If you wanted a Diesel in this, the post ’73 OPEC GM Diesels would probably bolt right in. My boss at the time had a late ’70’s Diesel Cadillac and claimed 27 MPG. My father in law was a big fan. I still have three Roosa Master injection pumps, spare gaskets, etc. and the special tools he made to work on the injection system. I could list these on E-Bay if anyone is interested. Any other swap would be entailed. That said, the GM diesel engine was not particularly durable. I helped him fix a problem or two on them while visiting. I’d expect with a GM diesel swap you might get ~15-20 MPG. Could you outrun a Whinabagale LeSharo? I don’t know.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar GEORGE

    The last year for the 455 was 1976 across the board. 10 mpg is rather impressive compared to the 6-7 mpg of most RVs.

    Like 2
  18. Avatar grumpy

    might wanna read up, or watch a view of these videos before you get too deep. He will help you properly set your expectations on buying and restoring one of these beauties. http://www.gmccoop.com/

    Like 0
  19. Avatar James

    I have one of these, great rv that has taken me across the continent a couple of times, comments on fuel economy are not right tho, they still have better numbers then what I call “the flying bricks” of today. Its also the most supported rv out there, we have a GMC blacklist for help anywhere across North America, some parts of Europe and Australia. Parts supply is great and there is always someone looking for new ideas. We believe that as the market develops the prices will only go up.

    Like 0
  20. Avatar Thomas Phetteplace

    6V92 too big too heavy. Maybe a power stroke V8. 6V53 is too big.

    Like 0
  21. Avatar Thomas Phetteplace

    10 MPG is PHENOMENAL for the era. Our 73 Champion got 5.5. Dad said 5.5 is lousy for a Toyota GREAT for a 5 bedroom house.

    Like 0
  22. Avatar S

    I’m looking for an rv, I forgot the name of it. Looks very similar in size and shape to this, but it’s silver. Gets 20mpg, late 70’s and early 80’s they made them… has a pop top so you can stand up in the shower… Anyone know what they’re called?

    Like 0
  23. Avatar Timothy D Parker

    I to have a 78 royal with a bar and cedar, Who upfitted it?

    Like 0

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