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Topic: First camping trip on my 1991 GV (Read 617 times) previous topic - next topic

First camping trip on my 1991 GV

It has been 6 months since I took ownership of this 1991 GV. Feels like 6 years ago. I have been working on the coach to fix things to get it to working condition.
    • Fix Water header
    • Fix air condition dripping water inside
    • Light bulb
    • Water faucet
    • and many many more

The major issue is the odor. I spend last few weeks to remove the carpet, replace with vinyl plank floor. The result is pretty good. Odor is not a problem anymore. So I decide to put the coach in use.

Call me brave or stupid, for this first trip, I booked a nice camp site on Galveston island. It is about 90 miles away from my home.  I think it is not a good idea to have such a long trip for the first try. But there is really no good camp ground near by.



To my surprise, the coach made it. The 6V92 carry us to the destination without problem. Didn't see single black smoke come out of the engine. When push the RPM to 2100, it has enough power to push to coach at 60~65 RPM. The shocks and air spring probably needs to be changed.

Total round trip is about 222 miles. 31 gallon of diesel, that put the MPG to 7.2 Mile per gallon. I think the MPG is not bad.



Also saw a vintage NEWELL coach on the camp ground.

Three Monoco coaches: one signature, one diplomat, one dynasty parked close to each other. They might have a gathering.
1991 Grand Villa U300

Re: First camping trip on my 1991 GV

Reply #1 –
Beautiful coach, well worth all the hard work it takes to restore her.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.

Re: First camping trip on my 1991 GV

Reply #2 –
Enjoy the fruits of your labor!  Looks like a nice park, and not too crowded (a GOOD thing these days).

I have found the owners of older classic coaches, like the Newell, are usually very friendly and like to chat.  The people driving the million dollar plus rolling mansions are, in my experience, less sociable.  Which is fine with me since we have nothing in common.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: First camping trip on my 1991 GV

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Enjoy the fruits of your labor!  Looks like a nice park, and not too crowded (a GOOD thing these days).

I have found the owners of older classic coaches, like the Newell, are usually very friendly and like to chat.  The people driving the million dollar plus rolling mansions are, in my experience, less sociable.  Which is fine with me since we have nothing in common.
The park is 90% full. Jamaica Beach RV Park. The owner build the whole part. They live on the property and still works there. I heard there are quite few famous youtuber lived there.
1991 Grand Villa U300

Re: First camping trip on my 1991 GV

Reply #4 –
How're the bugs?  Was looking at wintering in Galveston but warned about the flying teeth.  What say you?

Quote from: Running Odometer –
The park is 90% full. Jamaica Beach RV Park. The owner build the whole part. They live on the property and still works there. I heard there are quite few famous youtuber lived there.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: First camping trip on my 1991 GV

Reply #5 –
Great question!

There is no bug at all!

Bug was my biggest concern. I brought quite few bug sprays just in case.

We went to Galveston Labor Day. The bugs are eating me alive. There is sooooo many mosquitoes.
I asked the staff on the beach, they said hurricane laurel brought all the mosquitoes over.

But this time, no bug at all!
1991 Grand Villa U300