GMC Motorhome for the win! - 6 wheel, 6 ton, vintage hot rod with fridge, bed & plumbing. Currently holds the land speed record for a Class A (130 mph) Got 3. Yeah me!!!
@@MobileDwellings It was was modified but still street legal. The owner drove it to the Bonneville salt flats and stayed in it between time trials! Perhaps 10 years ago.
@Erik and the "cult" actually is very active in keeping the GMC's alive since parts are not available anymore, and old timers who love them pass on the knowledge to keep em going this far down the road...
I am a kid of the 80s and the place my dad's worked for at the time had a 78 GMC. I can understand why it was mentioned because it was awesome. The company specialized in van conversion and they replaced the carpets and reupholster the seats. Good times
Owner of two 1973 GMC motorhomes one with a 1977 rust free frame Oldsmobile 455 engine drivetrain. Plan on spending 20-30 thousand if original and every weekend working on it frames rust out, but new frames are available. They drive like a full-size van if you roll around 60 mph possible to pull 10+ mpg. No leaking popouts to deal with, aluminum roof that won't leak a true classic cruiser that will last a lifetime.
I bought one and spent a year doing a full restoration, including removing the body from the frame. Was a great rig. But I had probably 6 figures into that thing
I am a happy GMC owner for 25 years now. Will be keeping it the rest of my life. I move it to either SLC or Jackson WY (I live in NJ) and fly back and forth to it for use in the inner mountain west primarily. 76 Glenbrook. 😊
@@MobileDwellings ive been lucky one to not only see a Vixen for sale a few years ago n Maine, but saw another with all the suspension, etc upgrades this past year in Connecticut - lightning strikes twice. I have a hightop 97 AWD Astro and I have a Falcon 170 4x4 camper van for sale right now actually
A most important detail about the GMC was its front wheel drive V8 power train borrowed from the Toranado. Matched with dual trailing arm rear wheels, not axels, gave it a lower floor height. They are a little squirrelly to drive in a straight line though.
Not true if set up correct. A regular wheel alignment shop will not do it right. Takes someone who understands the correct ride height front compared to rear and other adjustments and the correct rear air bag adjustment by the driver for highway compared to around city driving. Bottom line, will out handle and ride better than any other RV on the road bar none if someone with good intentions but no knowledge screwed things up. The rear height is adjustable while driving and the correct attitude is rear is set low for highway contrary to what many think.
I have a friend who has his grandfather’s Barth motor home from back in the late 70’s or early 80’s. I think it has really low miles. It’s kept in a large pole building and has been out of the weather most of its life.
My grandparents had 2 or 3 (to my knowledge) GMC Motorhomes that lasted them forever. They finally stopped when the last one caught fire and completely burned up while driving back from the yearly trip to warmer states during the cold midwestern winters. Awesome vehicle.
There’s a shop in Okeechobee Florida that specializes in restoration and parts for the GMC motorhome. Sometimes they have completely restored examples for sale.
@@joshuaborem7063 haven’t seen the one in Orlando. I’ve checked out the place in Okeechobee a few times last year. He had a fully restored one in front of his shop. I think it was a 77 model completely modernized still have the Oldsmobile drivetrain though. The integrated air leveling suspension was way ahead of its time. If I was going to own an RV, I would take a restored GMC motorhome over just about anything on the market today.
@Fred brandon that’s it! I own a fire protection business and they were my customer. Until the most recent service they wouldn’t pay me. And just a few days ago I found their RUclips channel.
So is it confirmed the Okeechobee shop is out of business? Kind of sad to hear. I imagine it makes it much harder for the people that have these to find service and parts, I would’ve love to attend the auction
Several years ago a friend in Boise introduced me to his Vixen 21 with the BMW diesel engine. As a guy who's fiddled with several school buses I was immediately taken by the design, and especially with the lifting side extensions. Indeed, if you find one, buy it.
that gmc on the thumb is so gnarly!! i grew up seeing those and they are the coolest that have ever been built. no even more that lifted one, oh shit god help me i want it!!
@@MobileDwellings do that definitely wasn't shaped you're absolutely right even if they pillaged all the stuff it's still I'm not sure the viability of putting it on a truck frame to has a tandem rear that still even buying the stuff scrap is still just a massive ton of work I just think it's the coolest thing ever
The truth is most of these older RVs need more work than they are worth completed. Reselling is also difficult for people that want more reliability. That’s why these rebuilds are usually a labor of love.
Starflyte definitely a tuff little rig. Enjoyed one for 3 years. Seemed impervious to wind, rain, snow, very functional, v10 carried motorcycle on back.
OMG. I am so glad to find this video. I used to work at a place where somebody owned one of these(vixen) and I fell in love with it. He used to drive it to work in Fort Lauderdale. I really wanted to find one, but I had forgotten what it was called. Thanks for the vid.
The second edition of the Vixen had a permanent raised roof, and used a GM 3800 V6. Which later same engine in a Pontiac Bonneville was supercharged. So you can upgrade to that. Also, you could remove the entire rear drive, and install the hole rear cradle powertrain from a Tesla Model S/X. You failed to mention the Revcon, Clark Cortez, and Ultravan.
I worked at vixen motors in Pontiac Michigan in the engineering department. And yes I appreciate it. But shifting gears with a clutch is not what I want when I’m on vacation.
This guys correct especially about the Wonderlodge. I’ve had one and you will be surprised how well they are made. They look old but if you clean them they start to turn the corner into interesting classic. You will find at the RV sites people are taking pictures of it. Non of them came with gas engines anyway. I had the Detroit V6 diesel that’s bulletproof. The rear engined ones are so quiet to drive it’s amazing. This rig will easily out live you. Lots of support from owners groups that live to find a cheaper way of maintaining them. The only thing better for similar money is probably a prevost. Don’t buy the home made one. But one that’s converted by a real company like Country Coach. People tend to think that these are Somhow old grey hound buses that are converted. They are actually shipped new from Prevost in Quebec to witch ever conversation company. Mine has 80k miles on it and to give you an idea, after I had the brakes checked I asked the prevost bus people if I should check them again. There reply was “ have you put 50 thousand miles on it since we saw it” then don’t bother. You get the idea those are built to make money for miles traveled and are way overbuilt for personal RV use just like the blue bird. It’s hard to get across how much better those examples are than anything else he covered there. It is a great feeling when there’s a huge storm outside and you’re absolutely comfortable and confident in the vehicle you choose.
A really good one to add to this list is the Apollo Sceptre. One of the first class A diesel pushers. Custom built to order later years were best, only 44 made, cat 3208, Allison transmission, gillig chassis, solid wood cabinets.
@@bigtex2761 Isn't that cool that it's got dual rear wheels but they're in front of and in back of each other?! Apparently it rides well, at least for its time.
I watched a Camelot cruiser rot into the ground in Tn the people lived in it for years then it went abandoned and basically fell over. To be honest i had no clue on the maker until i saw this video and you stated it's name
Love your videos. The motorhomes presented here are indeed worth buying. I picked up a mint 1999 coachmen class B with 28,000 miles, and everything works. Although camping in a van closely resembles a cocoon, but I love it.
The GMC is a FANTASTIC coach but the chain that connects the engine to the transmission can be hard to replace (they were heavier than the one in the cars) thus costing a small fortune. I've had one and loved it. It was almost as easy to drive as a minivan. just don't try driving on wet grass!
4:40 It started when an alien device did what it did, it stuck itself upon his wrist with secrets that it hide, now he’s got super powers he’s no ordinary kid, he’s Ben 10!
Years ago I worked for a heavy truck garage and one of our customers had a Vixen 21. I remember it because it had a similar paint job to the RM50 from the movie Stripes. Naturally we nicknamed it the RM25 and said it depolyed out of the back of the RM50. it was a neat, if odd, piece of machinery.
@@SinSGone Yeah, no one will ever accuse the Revcon of being pretty. And they certainly never made a Revcon Hot Wheels (I still have my GMC Hot Wheels from 1976).
I owned a Safari Trek on the NPR chassis. Your brief review was mostly spot on. It was woefully underpowered, even after I added a bigger exhaust and propane injection. Mileage was more like 12-13, but the interior was very nice. I worried about the bed motor failing, as that would have stranded me, so I carried a spare motor. The body construction was somewhat iffy for rough roads. A friend had a BMW diesel Vixen too and loved it. I currently drive a 4wd F350 dually with a Bigfoot 2500 camper, as close to the Bigfoot motorhome as you'll get.
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. Our new rig is a 2nd gen dodge ram 4x4 2500 with a 2000 Bigfoot 2500. We love it! (As a short trip camper for our family). We'll likely have to move to a 3500 or F350 though in the coming years.
@@MobileDwellings I use to own a 1979 greenbrier Chevy g30 looks like a transvan body and had the 400ci V8 it was actually stollen from me but how rare was that thing?
@patrickfort4467 Thinking about buying a Trek in future...would you recommend certain years over others and certain engines over others like 454 vs the 8.1 Triton? Pros/cons? Would like to tow a trike or small car.
Ok, I just gotta say this. We had a GMC Motorhome when I was a kid. I would not trade those memories for anything. I loved it. HOWEVER, the damn thing BROKE DOWN ALL THE TIME. 🤣 I'm not sure we ever took one trip where dad didn't have to fix something. I don't mean small things. I mean engine problems. Good grief was that thing a headache. But damn, we loved it. I was in 40 states by the time I was 4 years old. Loved that rig, and the layout was great for a family.
As a proud owner of a 1971 Dodge Cabana, whom my husband has dubbed The Platinum Princess due to the fact that parts for my girl are pricey or simply non-existent. Is she cute? Absolutely! In baby blue, she’s a dream. Fun to drive… debatable depending on weather and how loaded she is. Fuel efficiency is questionable BUT she brings me so much joy. My husband, the mechanic and fixer of things would just rather I sell. I just can’t bring myself to do it…. 😊 If you have the time, skills, resources and most importantly don’t plan on staying at bougie RV parks I highly recommend making an RV your own and retrofitting. ❤
The GMC motorhome had a choice of 454 Chevy or 455 Olds. It was front wheel drive so no driveline tunnel which left the floor flat. The Olds version was a Toronado unit. I would prefer the Olds unit for the torque. That and I was an Olds guy to begin with. 😉
I don't think it ever came with a 454 Chevy (you might be thinking about the similar Revcon). But the last year or two ('77-'78), it was downsized to a 403 Olds, after GM stopped making the 455 Olds. I've often wondered if the 472/500 Cadillac motor (from the similar Eldorado) would fit.
@@davidavard8461 When I looked at them years ago the only two options I saw were 455 Olds and 454 Chevy. That's a good question about the Caddy engine but you would also probably have to use the Caddy Eldorado transmission. Buick Olds and Pontiac were referred to as BOP and a lot of parts were interchangeable.
@@davidavard8461 Caddy engines will bolt up. I had a 455 in an old caddy before and I put a 500 caddy engine in a 78 Firebird. The transmissions on the GM products had the same bolt pattern other than Chevy. It was the oddball. I also have an old Revcon (GM) RV. It has a lot of engine room. A 500 should fit a lot better than it did in my Firebird. Valve cover was touching the firebirds brake booster, an I hand to cut holes in the hood for both the carburetor an the distributor.
Bro !!! Super fun video to watch ! Thank you for putting together a great list of rigs ! I looked at a GMC motorhome last year and almost pulled the trigger. I have a walk through video on my channel if you haven’t seen a felt for dead one . Two major things to look out for if you like the GMC . Look for a fully functioning rear air suspension because they are very expensive or have the pricing modified to ensure you have the extra funds to replace/ repair it . Second please beware of frame rot especially in the floor areas . That’s what killed my purchase last year . I did lean towards a Vanagon ✌🏻 Because of the over all size and fuel economy ! Full build series dropping soon !
I caught a glimpse of your new V Dub. Looks sweet! Did you finish Chappie?! Seemed like you were almost done. Thanks for the tips on the GMC Motorhome and thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this type of video!
@@MobileDwellings anytime man ! Chappie was completed and recently sold to get us debt free . I then started the Vanagon project to consume the need to build and I just finished that one up in November. I have over 12 episodes right now ( still editing) documenting the build from day one when she was towed home to our very first cross country trip . I plan on dropping all the episodes at once . I think an ambulance is next on the build list 🤔 so many options and rabbit holes to go down on that topic 👀 wink wink . Cough cough.
@@WeRoamtheUnknown haha well I may talk about amphibious RV's next. Congratulations on the sale! Glad that worked out for you. It looked great at the end and I can't believe you've already done a Vanagon now too. Ambulances trouble me because most of them don't have much standing height. I could be wrong but for me I'm just going to pick a school bus if I can't get say 74 inches of floor to ceiling clearance to start out with and there are plenty of other options that will get you there.
@@MobileDwellings awe thanks !! It was bittersweet but Chappie helped us out ! I went the VW route because of my wife . It’s her dream rig . I had ZERO experience with them but this community of VW people are unlike anything I’ve seen in car culture. So much love , willingness to teach , help with securing parts and always down to meet up for a gathering. If you haven’t yet check out “ Descend on Bend “ . It’s our next cross country trip !
i work with small trucks. (old ford 700, mb 1114 for example) . and ive been thinking about using a 20foot container to build the "house" in. keep the work truck and load the container on the flatbed for when i want to travel. and still have the container/house to be used in the yard where i work the rest of the year.
After owning a lot of Motorhomes I built a 93 Thomas 40 ft school bus 8.3 Cummins diesel Pusher Allison automatic 2 ft roof lift 2- large slides . It’s been great ! Now I’m ready to sell after 11 years!
Wow that sounds like a hell of a rig! At the end of the day nothing beats a purpose built bus conversion. I've built 2 myself and one on a TV show with some friends!
The spartan chassis with Allison Cummins power unit is prime. 36 foot will normally get you into any motor coach park. I miss my motor coach and maybe it's time to go on the water for a few more years.
Two popular garage door sizes are 9x7 and 9x8. The extra foot of height can accommodate certain RVs. A separate garage building needs to be at least 27x27.
So glad the EM-50 made the list. Bought mine last year, and absolutely love it despite the fact that it was/is in terrible shape. In the process of renovation now, and with less than 50k needed to make it essentially brand new...I won't have to spend over 100k for some tiny Sprinter van. GMC in it for the win 🏆
I’d like to build my own bus RV one day. Been working on my welding to make sure I can renovate it right. Given with my already gained carpentry skills and tools.
If you can find a M2 or M3 amphibious rig then you should buy it. You can mount a trailer on top and it is of course able to travel both on land and on the water. When floating it can support a tank! so no weight problems with a trailer on it.
Yes and there are MANY inconvenient aspects to owning one. The only 2 good things is that it gets great mileage and it fits in the garage. Everything else is extremely utilitarian and uncomfortable and not thought out for actual use. Obviously engineered from behind the desk by someone who did not live in it for a week to try it out.
So in 2003 my buddy was selling a all original GMC with 30k+ miles for $2,500 and my dad bought it and lived in it for probably 7 years. I kept telling him it was a collector rv not to sell it any lower than $10k. In 2010 he gave it to his neighbor that said she was going to use it as a chicken coupe... wtf, I was kinda shocked to say the least. (It still ran & even had the built-in vacuum attachments)
A CHICKEN COOP?!?! NOOOO. He could've held it and sold it for $30K right now and it would still probably be a deal for somebody if it was well taken care of. You were right!
@@MobileDwellings I've got two of them local to me and I'm sticking them in my pole barn. $2,500 total for the pair. They both run but need a resto. I have a line on another for $500. None runner.
I found it interesting that you left out the Sunrader. It's a sought-out classic. It's built on the Toyota Hi Lux, and has the legendary 22R engine. I have a shorty, 18 ft, and I regularly find notes on my windshield from people wanting to buy it. The standard version is 21ft, and it's hella comfortable! More comfortable than your average class C. It even has a long couch to hang out, and a bed, and a dinette. There's no need to change setups from bed to couch, etc. The housing module is 100% fiberglass, so no leaks. I'm surprised other RVs aren't made this way. One of the best things about it is the 22R engine. That thing takes a beating! It's also easy to fix and to find parts. If you go to Mexico and beyond, you won't have any problems finding parts and mechanics to service it. I bought it on purpose! I'm hoping to drive from Tuktoyaktuk to Ushuaia, and a 22R hilux is perfect!
pretty flippin sweet bro.. I love the 70s look here reminds me of our 70s Van head to floor orange carpet comfortable as hell captains chairs and lay down kitchen table that turned into a bed.
Ive owned allot of trucks and campers. You can get a 07.5 + ram 3500 drw truck crew cab 6.7 cummins for 15 20k and a really nice slide in camper 6k. Your not obligated to stay at rv parks with limited parking with that setup. Great fuel milage. All the amenities of home. Bullet proof engine. You still have access to a front and rear hitch. That's a great combination.
I'm with you there. Does the 07.5 have any emissions equipment? Do you like the 6.7 more than the 5.9? We bought a 2001 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 and extended cab and a bigfoot 2500 9.6. we're getting just under 14 mpg with the camper attached. I wanted a 3rd gen 3500 with crew cab though and honestly the 24 valve 5.9 is very loud and seems like there's not much to do to mitigate it so I think I'm gonna move on from the truck to maybe exactly what you described.
@Mobile Dwellings compounds quite your exhaust like you wont believe. I have 3 diesel rams and a 02 lance slide in camper. 89 drw w350 a 01 2500 w/ a built 47re large compounds and injectors lastly an 08 3500 drw Laramie with air bags. I love my 08 . My 08 has a dpf but no def . For the money I had decided to get something older with lower miles that didn't need diesel exhaust fluid. It's has a egr and maf sensor. I'm on the fence if I want to delete it. Common rails cost a bit more to maintain. I love my vp44 truck too. I've owned alot of makes modle trucks . I will always buy a cummins.
I'm surprised 1996-2006 Country Coach Diesel pushers didn't make your list. Extremely well made in Oregon (not Elkhardt Indiana) with solid wood interiors, DynaMax chassis, steel tubular frames, Cummings engines, side mounted radiators on all models..etc...etc.. AND you can buy them CHEAP!
I took a peak at that rig and I feel like us youngsters want to do stupid things with our RV's and take them all over BLM and that big Class A has no ground clearance. Just doesn't quite float my boat but thanks for letting me know about it!
I have a neighbor who has 2 GMC's. Both are in pretty bad shape. I offered to buy them from him but he doesn't want to sell them. I figured I could LS swap the engine and fix one up and have a parts one.
That Vixen gets better gas mileage than the hybrid Jeeps or the diesel Jeeps……. And the Jeep Compass, of which I own one. Yeah, if I find one it’s definitely gonna be the daily driver with MPG that high…. The GMC is the EM50 from the movie Stripes, the reason I joined the Army.
This looks like a GMC take off. I will give props for the Germans to redesign the GMC shortcomings, but the Front Wheel Drive BEAST of a combination, Oldsmobile 455, linked to Toronado Front Drive was an absolute terrific combination a engineering. Pull every spare part from any division and make something of it, AND that they did!!
I wanted to see more of the Camelot Cruiser. Definitely the most interesting looking. Also curious about the stove top that had counter space in front of it and if it was removable or if you always had to cook diagonally.
99-06 silverado 4x4 and old 1990s starcraft 1400pbs light pop up slide in truck camper. 8ft fits in 6.6ft shirt bed w tail gate down..my wife and I love it and it had more space than mercedes storyteller we rented from outdoorsy
I found a nice 70s bluebird about 50 miles away for 5k, and I'm really tempted but I live with my mom in a culdesac, so not exactly swimming in space out here. Still, it's a gorgeous burgundy color and it has the ford super duty so plenty of aftermarket support. Ah one day
GMC Motorhome for the win! - 6 wheel, 6 ton, vintage hot rod with fridge, bed & plumbing. Currently holds the land speed record for a Class A (130 mph) Got 3. Yeah me!!!
What?! It goes 130mph? With the Oldsmobile engine. Please tell me more!
@@MobileDwellings It was was modified but still street legal. The owner drove it to the Bonneville salt flats and stayed in it between time trials! Perhaps 10 years ago.
@@erskerbobbles very cool
@@MobileDwellings there are stories photos videos on the web! Do a feature on it!
@Erik and the "cult" actually is very active in keeping the GMC's alive since parts are not available anymore, and old timers who love them pass on the knowledge to keep em going this far down the road...
I am a kid of the 80s and the place my dad's worked for at the time had a 78 GMC. I can understand why it was mentioned because it was awesome. The company specialized in van conversion and they replaced the carpets and reupholster the seats. Good times
Owner of two 1973 GMC motorhomes one with a 1977 rust free frame Oldsmobile 455 engine drivetrain. Plan on spending 20-30 thousand if original and every weekend working on it frames rust out, but new frames are available. They drive like a full-size van if you roll around 60 mph possible to pull 10+ mpg. No leaking popouts to deal with, aluminum roof that won't leak a true classic cruiser that will last a lifetime.
I bought one and spent a year doing a full restoration, including removing the body from the frame. Was a great rig. But I had probably 6 figures into that thing
I am a happy GMC owner for 25 years now. Will be keeping it the rest of my life. I move it to either SLC or Jackson WY (I live in NJ) and fly back and forth to it for use in the inner mountain west primarily. 76 Glenbrook. 😊
Glad you like your GMC motorhome. Is there anything you wish you could change about it?
@@MobileDwellings ive been lucky one to not only see a Vixen for sale a few years ago n Maine, but saw another with all the suspension, etc upgrades this past year in Connecticut - lightning strikes twice. I have a hightop 97 AWD Astro and I have a Falcon 170 4x4 camper van for sale right now actually
@@jmm1000 I really like those high top Astro vans too!
@@2hotscottpro Great video!
@Jacks Garage yeh I agree, a 12v Cummins? No worries, a BMW ? Not so much
A most important detail about the GMC was its front wheel drive V8 power train borrowed from the Toranado. Matched with dual trailing arm rear wheels, not axels, gave it a lower floor height. They are a little squirrelly to drive in a straight line though.
Not true if set up correct. A regular wheel alignment shop will not do it right. Takes someone who understands the correct ride height front compared to rear and other adjustments and the correct rear air bag adjustment by the driver for highway compared to around city driving. Bottom line, will out handle and ride better than any other RV on the road bar none if someone with good intentions but no knowledge screwed things up. The rear height is adjustable while driving and the correct attitude is rear is set low for highway contrary to what many think.
I have a friend who has his grandfather’s Barth motor home from back in the late 70’s or early 80’s. I think it has really low miles. It’s kept in a large pole building and has been out of the weather most of its life.
My grandparents had 2 or 3 (to my knowledge) GMC Motorhomes that lasted them forever. They finally stopped when the last one caught fire and completely burned up while driving back from the yearly trip to warmer states during the cold midwestern winters. Awesome vehicle.
Was it that weird flammable refrigerator situation?
The Mecca for GMC’s is in Okeechobee Florida.
There’s a shop in Okeechobee Florida that specializes in restoration and parts for the GMC motorhome. Sometimes they have completely restored examples for sale.
I have come across that shop in my research. It's nice to know that somebody specializes in these motorhomes in an RV heavy market!
There’s also one in Orlando that does the same.
@@joshuaborem7063 haven’t seen the one in Orlando. I’ve checked out the place in Okeechobee a few times last year. He had a fully restored one in front of his shop. I think it was a 77 model completely modernized still have the Oldsmobile drivetrain though.
The integrated air leveling suspension was way ahead of its time. If I was going to own an RV, I would take a restored GMC motorhome over just about anything on the market today.
@Fred brandon that’s it! I own a fire protection business and they were my customer. Until the most recent service they wouldn’t pay me.
And just a few days ago I found their RUclips channel.
So is it confirmed the Okeechobee shop is out of business? Kind of sad to hear. I imagine it makes it much harder for the people that have these to find service and parts, I would’ve love to attend the auction
Several years ago a friend in Boise introduced me to his Vixen 21 with the BMW diesel engine. As a guy who's fiddled with several school buses I was immediately taken by the design, and especially with the lifting side extensions. Indeed, if you find one, buy it.
I’ve owned two Fleetwood RVs. Never have they let me down. And I’ve brought my first one to Burningman 12 times... such a trooper!!
Looking for something for next BM. What would you recommend?
Damn I always wanted a GMC RV my cousin had the white and green one and man was it sharp. Guess I’ll still be wanting from now on.
that gmc on the thumb is so gnarly!! i grew up seeing those and they are the coolest that have ever been built. no even more that lifted one, oh shit god help me i want it!!
I heard that GMC conversion which is a 6x6 cost more than a million and that may have even been before they started on the interior!!!
@@MobileDwellings do that definitely wasn't shaped you're absolutely right even if they pillaged all the stuff it's still I'm not sure the viability of putting it on a truck frame to has a tandem rear that still even buying the stuff scrap is still just a massive ton of work I just think it's the coolest thing ever
I love the 70s futuristic kind of crap or maybe disco pimp style
I believe those photos of the Camelot Cruiser are from Rutger Hauer's coach that he custom built the interior in the 1980s.
The truth is most of these older RVs need more work than they are worth completed. Reselling is also difficult for people that want more reliability. That’s why these rebuilds are usually a labor of love.
Yes. Perpetual money pits that are no longer allowed in nearly all private rv parks since they have banned coaches over 10 years old
Starflyte definitely a tuff little rig. Enjoyed one for 3 years. Seemed impervious to wind, rain, snow, very functional, v10 carried motorcycle on back.
OMG. I am so glad to find this video. I used to work at a place where somebody owned one of these(vixen) and I fell in love with it. He used to drive it to work in Fort Lauderdale. I really wanted to find one, but I had forgotten what it was called. Thanks for the vid.
So cool to hear somebody actually daily drove their Vixen!
The second edition of the Vixen had a permanent raised roof, and used a GM 3800 V6. Which later same engine in a Pontiac Bonneville was supercharged. So you can upgrade to that.
Also, you could remove the entire rear drive, and install the hole rear cradle powertrain from a Tesla Model S/X.
You failed to mention the Revcon, Clark Cortez, and Ultravan.
I worked at vixen motors in Pontiac Michigan in the engineering department. And yes I appreciate it. But shifting gears with a clutch is not what I want when I’m on vacation.
Wow that is so cool that you helped engineer the Vixen! Legend!!!
1986 Vixen 21TD can't be found? there is one up on Craigs for 30K.
5,100lb curb weight? That is less than a modern SUV like a Yukon or Escalade.
Make sure you checkout a Foretravel Grand Villa if you get the chance. Those still have factory support too.
Thanks for letting me know. I will for sure check it out.
My Mom always wanted a Foretravel but never did buy one.
This guys correct especially about the Wonderlodge. I’ve had one and you will be surprised how well they are made. They look old but if you clean them they start to turn the corner into interesting classic. You will find at the RV sites people are taking pictures of it. Non of them came with gas engines anyway. I had the Detroit V6 diesel that’s bulletproof. The rear engined ones are so quiet to drive it’s amazing. This rig will easily out live you. Lots of support from owners groups that live to find a cheaper way of maintaining them. The only thing better for similar money is probably a prevost. Don’t buy the home made one. But one that’s converted by a real company like Country Coach. People tend to think that these are Somhow old grey hound buses that are converted. They are actually shipped new from Prevost in Quebec to witch ever conversation company. Mine has 80k miles on it and to give you an idea, after I had the brakes checked I asked the prevost bus people if I should check them again. There reply was “ have you put 50 thousand miles on it since we saw it” then don’t bother. You get the idea those are built to make money for miles traveled and are way overbuilt for personal RV use just like the blue bird. It’s hard to get across how much better those examples are than anything else he covered there. It is a great feeling when there’s a huge storm outside and you’re absolutely comfortable and confident in the vehicle you choose.
A really good one to add to this list is the Apollo Sceptre. One of the first class A diesel pushers. Custom built to order later years were best, only 44 made, cat 3208, Allison transmission, gillig chassis, solid wood cabinets.
There is a GMC moterhome here in Houston. I see it all the time. Nor sure if it is forsale but it has been sitting on the side of the road for awhile
They might be the easiest to find on this list. It's estimated around 8,000 are still on the road...or at least in your case on the side of the road!
@@MobileDwellings it's been there for years. I noticed it because the 3rd axel.
@@bigtex2761 Isn't that cool that it's got dual rear wheels but they're in front of and in back of each other?! Apparently it rides well, at least for its time.
It looks like a fun project to renovate. But I'm going to stick with my ambulance
@@bigtex2761 Can you stand in your ambulance? That's the only thing keeping me away from those rigs.
I worked at BlueBird from 95-97. They are so overbuilt. Just amazing.
I watched a Camelot cruiser rot into the ground in Tn the people lived in it for years then it went abandoned and basically fell over. To be honest i had no clue on the maker until i saw this video and you stated it's name
This man knows what's up.
Love the Vixens. There was one for sale near me several months ago. Sadly, it wasn't the one with the Beemer engine. 😢
#7 is from Stripes the movie !! i want one like that so bad!
Very nice video, I have been in the rv industry all my life and have found everything you said to be true, not just personal opinions.
I bought a second hand work van and converted it into our home for less than £2.2k that includes the price of the van 😅 great vid sending much love ❤️
GMC, as fan of Stripes in my childhood, I AM willing to learn.
EM-50's are the best.
I saw a Vixen in my area a couple of months ago and it looked so weird I had no idea what the heck it was. Interesting setup.
Love your videos. The motorhomes presented here are indeed worth buying. I picked up a mint 1999 coachmen class B with 28,000 miles, and everything works. Although camping in a van closely resembles a cocoon, but I love it.
The GMC is a FANTASTIC coach but the chain that connects the engine to the transmission can be hard to replace (they were heavier than the one in the cars) thus costing a small fortune. I've had one and loved it. It was almost as easy to drive as a minivan. just don't try driving on wet grass!
I own a 1977 airstream argosy motorhome 20' long
Oh cool. I'm gonna check out this one for my next RV video.
I saw a bluebird wanderlodge on the interstate...I had to get up close to soak up its majestic looks. 😍
Oh yeah they are eye catching for sure!
Travelled in a GMC with my family as a teen in the late 70s. Really enjoyed it. Sweet rig.
4:40 It started when an alien device did what it did, it stuck itself upon his wrist with secrets that it hide, now he’s got super powers he’s no ordinary kid, he’s Ben 10!
Years ago I worked for a heavy truck garage and one of our customers had a Vixen 21. I remember it because it had a similar paint job to the RM50 from the movie Stripes. Naturally we nicknamed it the RM25 and said it depolyed out of the back of the RM50. it was a neat, if odd, piece of machinery.
0:35 30mpg? Serious? That's like 8L/100km which is as good as most modern (lighter) cars. The GMC looks pretty nice imo.
Got a '94 Holiday Rambler 38' RV for $3500 in 90% perfect condition. Love the solid wood build.
You forgot the Revcon motorhome. Similar to the GMC, but the ultimate model was a 4x4 that came on 44" tires.
Yep, longer and maybe even better made than the GMC, although I would say a little uglier too.
@@SinSGone Yeah, no one will ever accuse the Revcon of being pretty. And they certainly never made a Revcon Hot Wheels (I still have my GMC Hot Wheels from 1976).
I owned a Safari Trek on the NPR chassis. Your brief review was mostly spot on. It was woefully underpowered, even after I added a bigger exhaust and propane injection. Mileage was more like 12-13, but the interior was very nice. I worried about the bed motor failing, as that would have stranded me, so I carried a spare motor. The body construction was somewhat iffy for rough roads. A friend had a BMW diesel Vixen too and loved it. I currently drive a 4wd F350 dually with a Bigfoot 2500 camper, as close to the Bigfoot motorhome as you'll get.
Thanks for sharing your experience with me. Our new rig is a 2nd gen dodge ram 4x4 2500 with a 2000 Bigfoot 2500. We love it! (As a short trip camper for our family). We'll likely have to move to a 3500 or F350 though in the coming years.
@@MobileDwellings I use to own a 1979 greenbrier Chevy g30 looks like a transvan body and had the 400ci V8 it was actually stollen from me but how rare was that thing?
@patrickfort4467
Thinking about buying a Trek in future...would you recommend certain years over others and certain engines over others like 454 vs the 8.1 Triton? Pros/cons? Would like to tow a trike or small car.
Ok, I just gotta say this. We had a GMC Motorhome when I was a kid. I would not trade those memories for anything. I loved it. HOWEVER, the damn thing BROKE DOWN ALL THE TIME. 🤣 I'm not sure we ever took one trip where dad didn't have to fix something. I don't mean small things. I mean engine problems. Good grief was that thing a headache. But damn, we loved it. I was in 40 states by the time I was 4 years old. Loved that rig, and the layout was great for a family.
There was a GMC motor home that was crushed by a tree behind my grandmothers at the beginning of March
There's a bad ass one been sitting untouched for years in Avondale estates Georgia
You need TWO of those if the sky does violet craziness at night and you encounter carnivorous bugs on your way to Albany, NY.
If you do another video, add the 1980s airstream motorhome to your list. Super unique.
I have a 1984 bluebird bus and a 5th wheel I was going to harvest parts to make my bus an ampfi-bus. Open to brainstorm and chit chat as to how to
As a proud owner of a 1971 Dodge Cabana, whom my husband has dubbed The Platinum Princess due to the fact that parts for my girl are pricey or simply non-existent. Is she cute? Absolutely! In baby blue, she’s a dream. Fun to drive… debatable depending on weather and how loaded she is. Fuel efficiency is questionable BUT she brings me so much joy. My husband, the mechanic and fixer of things would just rather I sell. I just can’t bring myself to do it…. 😊 If you have the time, skills, resources and most importantly don’t plan on staying at bougie RV parks I highly recommend making an RV your own and retrofitting. ❤
Love your story. Thanks for sharing!
The GMC motorhome had a choice of 454 Chevy or 455 Olds. It was front wheel drive so no driveline tunnel which left the floor flat. The Olds version was a Toronado unit. I would prefer the Olds unit for the torque. That and I was an Olds guy to begin with. 😉
I don't think it ever came with a 454 Chevy (you might be thinking about the similar Revcon). But the last year or two ('77-'78), it was downsized to a 403 Olds, after GM stopped making the 455 Olds. I've often wondered if the 472/500 Cadillac motor (from the similar Eldorado) would fit.
@@davidavard8461 When I looked at them years ago the only two options I saw were 455 Olds and 454 Chevy. That's a good question about the Caddy engine but you would also probably have to use the Caddy Eldorado transmission. Buick Olds and Pontiac were referred to as BOP and a lot of parts were interchangeable.
@@davidavard8461 Caddy engines will bolt up. I had a 455 in an old caddy before and I put a 500 caddy engine in a 78 Firebird. The transmissions on the GM products had the same bolt pattern other than Chevy. It was the oddball. I also have an old Revcon (GM) RV. It has a lot of engine room. A 500 should fit a lot better than it did in my Firebird. Valve cover was touching the firebirds brake booster, an I hand to cut holes in the hood for both the carburetor an the distributor.
Bro !!! Super fun video to watch ! Thank you for putting together a great list of rigs ! I looked at a GMC motorhome last year and almost pulled the trigger. I have a walk through video on my channel if you haven’t seen a felt for dead one . Two major things to look out for if you like the GMC . Look for a fully functioning rear air suspension because they are very expensive or have the pricing modified to ensure you have the extra funds to replace/ repair it . Second please beware of frame rot especially in the floor areas . That’s what killed my purchase last year . I did lean towards a Vanagon ✌🏻 Because of the over all size and fuel economy ! Full build series dropping soon !
I caught a glimpse of your new V Dub. Looks sweet! Did you finish Chappie?! Seemed like you were almost done. Thanks for the tips on the GMC Motorhome and thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this type of video!
@@MobileDwellings anytime man !
Chappie was completed and recently sold to get us debt free . I then started the Vanagon project to consume the need to build and I just finished that one up in November. I have over 12 episodes right now ( still editing) documenting the build from day one when she was towed home to our very first cross country trip . I plan on dropping all the episodes at once .
I think an ambulance is next on the build list 🤔 so many options and rabbit holes to go down on that topic 👀 wink wink . Cough cough.
@@WeRoamtheUnknown haha well I may talk about amphibious RV's next. Congratulations on the sale! Glad that worked out for you. It looked great at the end and I can't believe you've already done a Vanagon now too.
Ambulances trouble me because most of them don't have much standing height. I could be wrong but for me I'm just going to pick a school bus if I can't get say 74 inches of floor to ceiling clearance to start out with and there are plenty of other options that will get you there.
Great video. A dreamer and lover of the “classic” like many of us, I see. 😆🙌🏼
@@MobileDwellings awe thanks !! It was bittersweet but Chappie helped us out ! I went the VW route because of my wife . It’s her dream rig . I had ZERO experience with them but this community of VW people are unlike anything I’ve seen in car culture. So much love , willingness to teach , help with securing parts and always down to meet up for a gathering. If you haven’t yet check out “ Descend on Bend “ . It’s our next cross country trip !
i work with small trucks. (old ford 700, mb 1114 for example) . and ive been thinking about using a 20foot container to build the "house" in. keep the work truck and load the container on the flatbed for when i want to travel. and still have the container/house to be used in the yard where i work the rest of the year.
Sounds ideal to me!
After owning a lot of Motorhomes I built a 93 Thomas 40 ft school bus 8.3 Cummins diesel Pusher Allison automatic 2 ft roof lift 2- large slides .
It’s been great ! Now I’m ready to sell after 11 years!
Wow that sounds like a hell of a rig! At the end of the day nothing beats a purpose built bus conversion. I've built 2 myself and one on a TV show with some friends!
4:39 Most Replayed 💥
I frikkin love that Camelot Cruiser. Looos like it drove right out of my childhood
As a European, I recognized the GMC motorhome instantly from the Ben 10 series.. :DD
The spartan chassis with Allison Cummins power unit is prime. 36 foot will normally get you into any motor coach park. I miss my motor coach and maybe it's time to go on the water for a few more years.
Two popular garage door sizes are 9x7 and 9x8. The extra foot of height can accommodate certain RVs. A separate garage building needs to be at least 27x27.
So glad the EM-50 made the list. Bought mine last year, and absolutely love it despite the fact that it was/is in terrible shape. In the process of renovation now, and with less than 50k needed to make it essentially brand new...I won't have to spend over 100k for some tiny Sprinter van. GMC in it for the win 🏆
I’d like to build my own bus RV one day. Been working on my welding to make sure I can renovate it right. Given with my already gained carpentry skills and tools.
sweeet. check out my videos about converting school buses!
@@MobileDwellings I like what you did there! Always upsale the consumer! 😆
But I got you
If you can find a M2 or M3 amphibious rig then you should buy it. You can mount a trailer on top and it is of course able to travel both on land and on the water. When floating it can support a tank! so no weight problems with a trailer on it.
LOL the pop top on the vixen opens up ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE of where you actually need head room
Yes and there are MANY inconvenient aspects to owning one. The only 2 good things is that it gets great mileage and it fits in the garage. Everything else is extremely utilitarian and uncomfortable and not thought out for actual use. Obviously engineered from behind the desk by someone who did not live in it for a week to try it out.
I drove a new GMC from Elkhart to California for delivery in 1978
The gmc is a awesome,Camper, I just missed 1 for 2500, Old sold it, sold with in 1 hour
Great video dude! so many cool vehicles have been made!
i was driving to a campsite and on the way there i saw a TON of gmc motorhomes, there was a purple one, a green one, and yellow and multiple of them
So in 2003 my buddy was selling a all original GMC with 30k+ miles for $2,500 and my dad bought it and lived in it for probably 7 years. I kept telling him it was a collector rv not to sell it any lower than $10k. In 2010 he gave it to his neighbor that said she was going to use it as a chicken coupe... wtf, I was kinda shocked to say the least. (It still ran & even had the built-in vacuum attachments)
A CHICKEN COOP?!?! NOOOO. He could've held it and sold it for $30K right now and it would still probably be a deal for somebody if it was well taken care of. You were right!
@@MobileDwellings I've got two of them local to me and I'm sticking them in my pole barn. $2,500 total for the pair. They both run but need a resto. I have a line on another for $500. None runner.
I've always loved the looks of the GMC motorhome. Especially the tricked out ones.
a guy 3 blocks away just had a GMC motorhome for sale EXTREMELY clean inside & out possibly 1 owner, i always liked those and not to common
I have a vixen 21, #134. I'm in Williams az.
I found it interesting that you left out the Sunrader. It's a sought-out classic. It's built on the Toyota Hi Lux, and has the legendary 22R engine. I have a shorty, 18 ft, and I regularly find notes on my windshield from people wanting to buy it.
The standard version is 21ft, and it's hella comfortable! More comfortable than your average class C. It even has a long couch to hang out, and a bed, and a dinette. There's no need to change setups from bed to couch, etc.
The housing module is 100% fiberglass, so no leaks. I'm surprised other RVs aren't made this way.
One of the best things about it is the 22R engine. That thing takes a beating! It's also easy to fix and to find parts. If you go to Mexico and beyond, you won't have any problems finding parts and mechanics to service it.
I bought it on purpose! I'm hoping to drive from Tuktoyaktuk to Ushuaia, and a 22R hilux is perfect!
Don't worry I'll be covering the Sunrader soon! They're siiiick.
hi in the netherlands are 4 vixen 21 for sale from a private collection costs between 35,000 to 65,000 euro s
pretty flippin sweet bro.. I love the 70s look here reminds me of our 70s Van head to floor orange carpet comfortable as hell captains chairs and lay down kitchen table that turned into a bed.
Pretty flippin sweet! Love the 70s vibes too.
Ive owned allot of trucks and campers. You can get a 07.5 + ram 3500 drw truck crew cab 6.7 cummins for 15 20k and a really nice slide in camper 6k. Your not obligated to stay at rv parks with limited parking with that setup. Great fuel milage. All the amenities of home. Bullet proof engine. You still have access to a front and rear hitch. That's a great combination.
I'm with you there. Does the 07.5 have any emissions equipment? Do you like the 6.7 more than the 5.9? We bought a 2001 dodge ram 2500 with the 5.9 and extended cab and a bigfoot 2500 9.6. we're getting just under 14 mpg with the camper attached. I wanted a 3rd gen 3500 with crew cab though and honestly the 24 valve 5.9 is very loud and seems like there's not much to do to mitigate it so I think I'm gonna move on from the truck to maybe exactly what you described.
@Mobile Dwellings compounds quite your exhaust like you wont believe. I have 3 diesel rams and a 02 lance slide in camper. 89 drw w350 a 01 2500 w/ a built 47re large compounds and injectors lastly an 08 3500 drw Laramie with air bags. I love my 08 . My 08 has a dpf but no def . For the money I had decided to get something older with lower miles that didn't need diesel exhaust fluid. It's has a egr and maf sensor. I'm on the fence if I want to delete it. Common rails cost a bit more to maintain. I love my vp44 truck too. I've owned alot of makes modle trucks . I will always buy a cummins.
I love the GMC. Don’t go for shag though
There is a 1989 Vixon for sale in Aptos California listed 6 days ago. 5.000
Oh that's cheap!
I'm surprised 1996-2006 Country Coach Diesel pushers didn't make your list. Extremely well made in Oregon (not Elkhardt Indiana) with solid wood interiors, DynaMax chassis, steel tubular frames, Cummings engines, side mounted radiators on all models..etc...etc.. AND you can buy them CHEAP!
I took a peak at that rig and I feel like us youngsters want to do stupid things with our RV's and take them all over BLM and that big Class A has no ground clearance. Just doesn't quite float my boat but thanks for letting me know about it!
Those Vixens are an amazing design.
I've read about them and would love to see one in person.
They are pretty special in my view.
I know, no sprinters. But it’s worth finding one of the 250 2005 Sprinter Westfalia by Airstream. Unique layout, and well made. Plus, 18-20mph!
blows my mind that you didn't even mention the Sunrader. Specifically the 4x4.
Love your new editing skills 👌
Thanks friend. More videos like this coming soon! Tours too. I'm all over the place!
I have a neighbor who has 2 GMC's. Both are in pretty bad shape. I offered to buy them from him but he doesn't want to sell them. I figured I could LS swap the engine and fix one up and have a parts one.
Thses is a real.great job
That Vixen gets better gas mileage than the hybrid Jeeps or the diesel Jeeps……. And the Jeep Compass, of which I own one.
Yeah, if I find one it’s definitely gonna be the daily driver with MPG that high….
The GMC is the EM50 from the movie Stripes, the reason I joined the Army.
YES this is the best advice ive seen in forever
Mobile Dwellings and Chuck Cassady approved 👊
This looks like a GMC take off. I will give props for the Germans to redesign the GMC shortcomings, but the Front Wheel Drive BEAST of a combination, Oldsmobile 455, linked to Toronado Front Drive was an absolute terrific combination a engineering. Pull every spare part from any division and make something of it, AND that they did!!
I wanted to see more of the Camelot Cruiser. Definitely the most interesting looking. Also curious about the stove top that had counter space in front of it and if it was removable or if you always had to cook diagonally.
99-06 silverado 4x4 and old 1990s starcraft 1400pbs light pop up slide in truck camper. 8ft fits in 6.6ft shirt bed w tail gate down..my wife and I love it and it had more space than mercedes storyteller we rented from outdoorsy
4:48 Josh Cantu makes recovery floats that float upwards of 20000lb
Missed the best one RV Airstream
guy across the way from me has one of those GMC motorhomes... I love it..
Wicked lost and I agree totally. I am sure lots of us will name RVs that we feel you missed but my 1984 Sportscoach III needs to be on the list!
Jurassic Park, yesssssss 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤
literally me...bought a 68 travco 210...freaking been a blast
Siiiick!
Amazing video! Where did you get all that footage?
There are one of these sitting in Saxonburg Pa for sale. I seen it yesterday but I was working so I couldn't stop to look at it.
The Vixen I mean
I found a nice 70s bluebird about 50 miles away for 5k, and I'm really tempted but I live with my mom in a culdesac, so not exactly swimming in space out here. Still, it's a gorgeous burgundy color and it has the ford super duty so plenty of aftermarket support. Ah one day
I'm sure it needs work but that is such a cheap home on wheels if you think about it. But yes you're going to need some space to keep it!
The wild Thornberry's RV yes sir!!!!