As they say, “timing is everything,” and General Motors’ decision to get into the motorhome business was poorly timed. The GMC Motorhome was born in 1973, the same year that the OPEC oil embargo caused gasoline prices to spike. That quickly had buyers flocking to fuel-efficient vehicles over gas guzzlers like this. The Motorhome was in production until 1978 and then GM moved on to other ventures. This 1977 edition looks to have been stored in a warehouse for quite some time, occupying a fair amount of real estate in the process. Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, this oversized people mover is available here on craigslist for $5,850. Our appreciation goes to Chuck Foster for this tip!
The innovations of the GMC Motorhome were as big as their size. It was a front-wheel drive touring machine built in 23 and 26-foot configurations on a modified Oldsmobile Toronado/Cadillac El Dorado chassis with a 455 cubic inch V-8 engine. In addition to the mobile home, GMC also built a version for transporting cargo, the Transmode. These carriers were built with a fully integrated body and – unlike most motorhome manufacturing – they were designed, engineered, and assembled in-house at GM. That included modifications to the GM TH-425 automatic transmission to suit the needs of the weighty vehicle. Before production ended, north of 13,000 Motorhomes and Transmodes were built.
At some 73,000 miles, this GMC is said to be completely original, right down to the 1970s furnishings within the living quarters of the camper. Everything there is showing its age and maybe mostly functional, but not updated by today’s RV standards. From what we can see, the body and paint look acceptable, although the finish and striping are all tired.
On the plus side, the motor starts, but no efforts have been made to move it around. The tires are bad, so they would have to be among the first items replaced. These vehicles had airbags, but the ones on this RV no longer work. It has two air conditioners on the roof, but we don’t know if they operate, too. If you search for other GMC Motorhomes on the internet, pricing can be anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on condition. If you’ve been itching to get into the RV game, is this a project you’d want to undertake?
These were pretty advanced for the day, there are suspension kits for these. Something about the rear needed corrected or updated.At the time most motor homes were lumber and tin attached to a truck frame so these are pretty cool.
The original air bag for the rear suspension is no longer made but several updated designs are available.
“EM50-Urban Assault Vehicle”-Bill Murray
How did I know that would pop up.
Probably need to replace the fuel lines before you go anywhere. I saw a video stating that the original fuel lines won’t stand up to ethanol.
There is a business near my house that must collect these behemoths. They probably have twenty that you can see from the road, and who knows how many behind their buildings. I am not sure what they do with them, but maybe this one will be added to the collection.
What happened to the “Urban Assault Vehicle”, from Stripes?
Awesome looking GMC Motorhome. My favourite years have always been the 1976 and 77 models. If only more photos were posted. If only it could be moved outside so that we could get a better view of it. Assuming all parts are there and it runs under its own power, I think it’d be worth the $5000 asking price. I hope whoever buys it is able to restore it, and enjoy it.
My brother had one called it the money pit.
So much cleaning needed (beyond all the mechanical things). When I see such old trailers and motor homes (and some cars too), I think that I can smell them from here. Can these ever smell fresh and nice again?
Boil white vinegar, finish up with Febreze. Presto, , no odor!
These things, along with several other motor homes, get donated to the local auction yards regularly. And they’re insimilar neglected and run-down condition. If I wanted a fixer upper, I could get one for $600, not the $5K they want for this one.
Sometimes you can get these rundown motorhomes for free.
I know where one sits in a farm area of Michigan.
First noted it over a year ago, has not moved, that is for sure.
We used to own one. Very cool designs when released. Freak’n money pits though. While once cutting edge, they are now antiquated. And this one is in need of major work. If it was free I’d still pass.
The 455 Tornado engine was over-taxed pulling this weight when it was brand new. The self-leveling air-bag system was wonderful when it worked. After a few years, many replaced the system with shocks. Not as cool, but less maintenance.
The interior is right out of the Brady Bunch. Wonderful if that’s your thing. But Marcia has got to be pushing 70 now. Which is fine too… if that’s your thing. Neither of these old gals are what they used to be.
If you like the look, let someone else do the renovation. Pay them a buck an hour for their efforts and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
If you want something to restore in this genre, you are far better off buying an old Airstream.
Ah yes,, Old motorhomes.
REPAIR, repair and more repair……..did I mention repair??
The owner makes no claim one way or the other in his Craigslist listing, but the author mentions the GMC motorhomes being powered by an Oldsmobile 455. That was true of the 1973-76 models, but when Oldsmobile dropped the 455 for 1977, GMC went with the Olds 403 for 1977-78. This being a legitimate ’77 model per the serial number, it should have a 403, not a 455.
Ed, where do you live? I’ld like to see the collection of these.
There is a growing loving following for these beasts
Biased Youtube is a great source of information for these things
It is a money pit but all old rvs are
The same goes with old cars
Rv’s carry a lot of plumbing, electricity, mechanical so it will be a big job
But like the car hobby , it is a hobby
I dislike the 403 so its an easy pass for me and the closed border is another issue !
I like the glass skin for an oldie cuz
it may leak less than the other old timers.
Correct?
Also the smaller sz (Reailto or Vixen is even better)
with wheel configuration/low deck.
If bought here it would B a total OH inc a spare 12v
here & alison. I’d want to know wall configuration as I’m
tempted to strip out & spray insulate the back of that skin…
Thanks Russ, all ways of interest when on here~