These “compact” GMC motorhomes are a great buy on the vintage R/V market, and they seem to have an incredibly strong following based on how quickly they sell when they come up for grabs. The trouble with motorhomes is they are often bought with the best of intentions and then fall into disrepair (quickly) when they begin to sit as one repair piles on top of another. This example needs a headgasket, which is why it’s up for grabs here on eBay with no reserve. Despite the issues that have been disclosed, the GMC is still pulling $8,000 in bids at the moment. Despite the leaking headgasket, the seller claims it can drive long enough to get onto a trailer.
Now, the other issue with motorhomes is that once they begin to sit, the interiors get pretty nasty. Whether it’s because of an unresolved water leak that leads to mold and other funk, stepping into an R/V that hasn’t seen much use can be a life changing experience. Fortunately, this GMC was apparently loved before the headgasket let go, because it looks positively inviting inside. The couch cushions look supportive and the upholstery itself still looks clean. Someone apparently laid down some vinyl plank flooring, which makes the interior look way more modern. Overall, the GMC shows signs of being a project in active use with improvements made by a previous owner, so at least you’re not buying a rig that was neglected before the headgasket failed.
The seller doesn’t spell out any major issues with the long list of equipment that comes standard on motorhomes like these, from the stove to the shower to the Onan generator. Buying a motorhome of any vintage is a major commitment, which is why so many of them end up as forgotten projects. Plus, if the whole point to one is being a home away from home and the features that make it a home stop working, what’s the point? The generator is a common failure point with any R/V of a certain age, so while the seller mentions that one is present, it doesn’t specifically say whether it still works. At least the stove top looks clean!
The GMC is located in Springfield, Missouri, which makes it fairly central for picking up with a long-haul trailer if you’re not local (but really, anyone who buys it will need to figure out a way to move it with that bum headgasket.) The bodywork looks good and the period-correct decals are just beginning to fade from sun exposure. The listing claims the tires are still good, so that’s one other major maintenance item the next owner won’t have to deal with. With the GMC-based mechanicals, replacing the headgasket won’t be an issue, but finding the space to work on it may be. Would you take on this cheap but needy GMC Motorhome project?
These are amazing RV’s. As a ’77 it probably has the 403 Olds engine. They require a lot of work to keep them going and get them to drive right but once there they are a pleasure to drive.
There’s always a reason a head gasket blew. Water pump leaked resulting in overheating is likely the culprit, but that can lead to other more significant problems. Anyone buying this should plan on replacing that engine, it would be the perfect time to upgrade. Tires likely need replacing, and those rv refrigerators are usually not working properly and replacements are over a grand. This is probably not a project for a novice. RV shops will do the work but at a premium price. Wish the best to all involved.
God bless America
Jeff your comments regarding motorhomes is pretty much true with any recreational vehicle or boat. I’ve owned a lot of both unfortunately and everyone has required a fair amount of repairs and maintenance. I think that comes with recreational. I have admired these GMC coaches and have heard very good comments about them and a few negative over the years. I as well would figure that it would need a new engine and then the rest of the driveline may need a rebuild to. Good time to upgrade to fuel injection during the process. The owner/seller states the tires are good but date code is what you go by on an RV and the rule is 5-7 years max depending on exposure. Unlike a car if a tire blows the damage can and usually is catastrophic, steer tires have caused a lot of accidents particularly on the bigger single drive axle coaches.
Regardless it appears this is a good example of a rare quality built small Motorhome got its age. Wish the winning buyer a lot of good times.
Good Bless America and all She Represents.
These are great rv’s. Should be a fwd Toronado drivetrain which allows for that low floor and low driving profile. Strange as it sounds, these were halo vehicles for GM and the build quality was pretty high for the time and there’s a pretty robust online community for them
I think that the body is completely fiberglass with a metal framework. Not structural wood. Would not expect to see any major water damage.
How much is a head gasket?
check the fram for rust, it is a problem. i have had 2
Yes, this model was in a movie and no, I don’t want to hear quotes from it.
I have one of these. Strong, reliable and well loved.
Highly recommend these but they should not be entered lightly by new comers.
A blown head gasket is not common but it is fixable …and all the other caveats are well noted. It looks like it’s in good shape and rebuilt engines are available. Remember, the GMC version has a different cam and carburetor than the toronado because it’s use is different. You need the power down low to move 12,000 pounds off the line.
And yes, check the date codes on the tires. I bought one with tires that dates back to 1996 … this was in 2017 … the good news is that it was at a tire shop for new tires so all was good. So some can be loved but lovingly ignored.
I have upgraded mine to fuel injection and there is a strong after market support and an active community around these. Good luck to whom ever gets this one… and hope it is loved and enjoyed.
Regardless of year, make or cost. You lose on these barges of the highway. Once electric cars explode these will be in the back of the local Walmart junk yard or at race tracks across America. The vehicle for retired truck driver or bus drivers.
Your electric car might explode too .Good luck getting out of some of them. The electric door locks can latch if it starts to burn. Of course you might not be in it if you’re charging it up for 55-60 minutes. (or waiting in line)Yes, had two of them.
Beautiful looking motorhome. This is my idea of what a motorhome should be. It’s large enough that up to two American adults could live in it while travelling the country, and yet anyone with a standard (non-commercial) driver’s license could drive it without feeling intimidated.
My comments are only tangentially related to this post but as a cdl licensed driver and also owner of a large diesel pusher, I’m astonished that anyone can legally drive them without proper training and a cdl. Too much vehicle to control for a novice driver.
The advantage of this particular rv is the low floor, low center of gravity and trim dimensions for a motorhome
A fiberglass vault for all your money. Only slightly cheaper than a boat.
I love these. I know, its a dangerous thing. You wouldn’t buy one because it would be economical to drive/keep – there are far better options out there for that. You’d buy it because its so darn cool, and you’d spend what it needs because we don’t make “cool” anymore…..
I am reminded though about the best days as a boat owner; the day you buy it, and the day you sell it. Goes for horses as well, and probably lots of other things as well.
Good luck with the sale!
cheers,
BT
This motor home is top of the line for normal families that don’t have millions. They were great in their time and still are. But what everyone neglects to say is that big block engine has to come out thru the interior and out the side door ! I know a great friend of mine was top mechanic on these and was flown all over the country to work on them. The head gasket sent because it got over heated most likely. Which could mean a waste pump and radiator at the same time as fixing heads. If it’s sat then the brakes need looking at. Missouri is a great salt the roads state everything rusts there, worse then Michigan !
Ended: Sep 26, 2021 , 6:13PM
Winning bid:US $11,490.00
[ 97 bids ]
Located in:Springfield, Missouri,