GMC Motorhome 1976 User manual

A Word To The GMC MotorHome Owner .. .
Congratulations on your purchase of a GMC MotorHome.
You have opened the way
to an endless variety of happy
holidays.
This
manual has been prepared to acquaint you witJ,
the operation and maintenance of your MotorHome, and to
provide important safety information. It is supplemented
by convenient folders which provide additional information
on vehicle maintenance, emission control, and warranties.
We urge you
to read these publications carefully andfollow
the recommendations
to help assure the most enjoyable and
troublefree operation of your vehicle.
When
it comes to service, remember that your GMC
MotorHome Dealer knows your vehicle bestand is interesteiJ
in your complete satisfaction. Return to him for service and
any other assistance you may require.
GMC Truck and Coach maintains a number of Zone
Offices throughout the country. Should you have a problem
that cannot
be handled through normal channels, please fol-
low the procedure described under the n Owner Assistance"
section.
Thank you
for choosing a GMC MotorHome. We
extend ourbest wishes
for many years of pleasant traveling.
Cordially,
~f,.~
(/ General Sales Manager
{ _j
-

~ ..
.
i
,.
I
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GMC MOTORHOME
OPERATING MANUAL
IMPORTANT
This manual should be considered a permanent
part of the vehicle and must remain with the
vehicle at time of resale.
All information, illustrations and specifications
contained in this manual are based on the latest
product information available at the time of pub-
lication. The right is reserved to make changes at
any time without notice.
For vehicles sold in Canada, substitute the
name General Motors of Canada whenever the
name GMC Truck & Coach Division appears in
this manual.
Service Publications
GMC TRUCK & COACH DIVISION
GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Pontiac, Michigan 48053
X-76218
Part No. 201048 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Important Information on
Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Before
Driving Your MotorHome . . . . . . . . . 3
Driver Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Inside Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Keys........................... 4
Entrance Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Lap Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Lap Belt Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Trailer Hauling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operation In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 10
Trip Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Driving Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Starting and Operating Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 13
Engine Exhaust Gas Caution . . . . . . . . . 13
Steering Column Controls . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Anti- Theft Ste ering Column Lock . . . 14
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Starting Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tum Signal and Lane Change Feature 16
Hazard Warning Flasher .......... 16
Hom Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tilt Steering Wheel . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Floor Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Power Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Headlight Dimmer Switch ......... 20
Headlight "Flicker" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Instrument Panel and Controls . . . . . . . . 21
Speedometer and Odometer . . . . . . . . 21
ii
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Charging System Warning Light .... 21
Brake System Warning Light. . . . . . . 21
Tell-Tale Warning Light Cluster .... 22
Headlight Switch .. . ..... . ...... 22
Windshield Wiper Lever .......... 23
Windshield Washers ....... .. .... 23
Fuel Selector Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Battery Boost Switch ....... .... . 23
Cigar-Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Heating System (Without
Automotive Air Conditioner) . . . . . 24
Automotive Air Conditioner ........ 25
Radios and Tape Deck. . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Mobile Radio Transmitters .. .. .... 27
Electro-Level System ............ 28
Operation of Living Area Facilities . . . . . . . 31
Living Area Facilities Caution . . . . . . . . 31
Living Area Electrical System . . . . . . . . 31
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
120 - Volt To 12-Volt Converter
and Battery Charger . . . . . . . . . . . 31
External Power ..... ... ... .... .. 32
Lighting System ................ 33
Monitor Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Motor Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exterior Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Living Area Water System ........... 36
Filling Water Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
External Water Connection . . . . . . . . 37
Water Pump . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
;

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Water Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Kitchen Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
All-Electric Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . 40
Kitchen Range J Oven . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Kitchen Sink and Faucet . . . . . . . . . . 44
Water Purifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Bathroom Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Standard Toilet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Recirculating Toilet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Bathroom sink and
Shower Control Valve . . . . . . . . . . 47
Shower Head .. . ........... ·. . . . 48
Bathroom Warm Air Duct . . . . . . . . . 49
Bathroom Exhaust Fan . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Venti~tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Windows ............ . ......... 49
Ceiling Vents .................. 50
Roof - Mounted Air Conditioner . . . . . . . 50
Furnace ........................ 51
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
In Case of Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Four-Way Hazard Warning Flasher .... 59
Emergency Starting ............... 59
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Engine Coolant Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Jack Usage Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Towing ................ . ........ 63
Freeing Vehicle From Sand, Etc. . . . . . . 64
Emergency Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Fire Extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Care and Cleaning of Interior . . . . . . . . 65
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
iii
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Lap B elt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Interior Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Kitchen Sink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Vacuum Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Dr apery Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Cleaning Fabrics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Cleaning Fabrics (With
Cleaning Fluids) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Cleaning Fabrics (With
Detergent Foam Cleaner) . . . . . . . 68
Rem oval of Specific Stains . . . . . . . . 68
Exterior Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Bright Metal Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exterior Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Polishin g and Waxing .......... .. 69
Touch-Up Paint ... . ............ 70
Undercoating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Exterior Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Engine Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Engine Compartment Light . . . . . . . . 74
Hoisting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Lubrication Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Transmission .................. 77
Final Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Steering System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Brake System .................. 79
Servicing Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Engine Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Carburetor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Chassis Electrical System . . . . . . . . . 83
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Front Suspension .. ...... ....... 89
Rear Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Underbody Maintenance ... ....... 91
LP Gas System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Living Area Electrical System . . . . . . 93
Onan Motor Generator Maintenance . 94
Standard Toilet ................ 104
Recirculating Toilet ...... . ...... 1 OS
Draining Holding Tank ........... 106
Draining Living Area Water System .. 106
Water Tank Filter ....... ...... . 108
iv
SUBJECT
PAGE NO.
Sanitizing Living Area
Water System ................ 109
Winterization .................. 110
Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Vehicle Trip Preparation ...... . ... 112
General Data and Specifications ......... 115
Owner Assistance .. ... .... . . ........ 122
GM of Canada Limited-Zone Offices ... 123
U.S. Zone Territories ............... 124
U.S. Zone Offices .................. 125
General Motors Overseas Offices . . . . . . 12 5
24-Hour Phone Assistance .......... 12 7
Maintenance Manual and Parts Book .. 127
Facts About Gasoline Mileage ........ 128
Index .......................... 129
Gas Station Information .. Inside Back Cover

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
ON
VEHICLE LOADING
CAUTION
The components of your vehicle are designed to
provide satisfactory service
if the vehicle is not
loaded in excess
of either the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) or the maximum Front
and Rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR's)
specified
on the vehicle identification number
(VIN) plate located behind the right front access
door. Overloading can create serious potential
safety hazards
and can also shorten the service
life
of your vehicle. Yaur dealer can advise you
concerning proper loading conditions
of your
vehicle.
When loading the MotorHome, it is impor-
tant that it is properly loaded. All items should
be loaded as centrally and as low as possible.
This is essential to maintain proper vehicle
handling. Even though a single item may not
weigh much alone, several of these items may
have considerable weight. Proper loading is
essential.
MAXIMUM FRONT AND REAR AXLE
WEIGHTS CAS MANUFACTURED)
The weight of the cargoload must be properly
distributed over both the front and rear axles,
although not necessarily evenly. The plate shows
the maximum weight that the front axle can
carry (front GAWR) and the maximum weight
that the rear axle (rear GAWR) can carry. The
GVWR represents the maximum permissible
loaded weight of the vehicle and takes into con-
sideration the engine, transmission, frame, brake .
axle
and tire capabilities. Actual front and rear
end weights at the ground can only be deter-
mined by weighing the vehicle. This can be
accomplished through highway weigh stations
or other such commercial facilities. For assis-
tance in this regard, consult your dealer. Care
should also be exercised to see that the cargo-
load is distributed on both sides of the centerline
of the vehicle as equally as possible.
GVWR RATING 11 ,700 LBS.
REAR GAWR
7,500 LBS.
MAXIMUM TOTAL WEIGHT AT GROUND 11,700 LBS .
*Curb weight is the maximum weight of the vehicle without driver, passengers,
or cargo, but does include fuel and coolant.
Vehicle LoadinR (ZEO 6581)
1
D

GVWR RATING 11 ,700 LBS.
FRONT GAWR
4,200 LBS.
REAR GAWR
7,500 LBS . D
MAXIMUM TOTAL WEIGHT AT GROUND 11,700 LBS .
* Curb weight is the maximum weight of the vehicle without driver , passengers,
or cargo, but does include fuel and coolant.
Vehicle Loading (ZEO 6582)
0 GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION 0
WARRIJITY IIAY 8£ VOIDED IF WEICHT EXCEEDS ANY OF RATINGS SHOWN . GROSS
VEHICU WEICHT INCLUDES WEICHT OF BASE VEHICU , AU ADDEO EQUIPMENT , DRIVER
AIIO PASSENGERS , AIIO AU NOP£RTY lOADED INTO OR ONTO VEHIClE .
RATINGS IN POUNDS · AS IIAIIUFACTUREO
GIIOSS Y[HICU wt:ICH T fOI THIS Y[HICl£
IWll- fiOIIT UID wt:IGHT AT CIIOOIID
Y£HICL[ ID!NTifiCA 11011 NO
0 0
Vehicle Identification Plate
VIN {Vehicle Identification Number) Plate
The vehicle identification number plate shows
the GVWR and the front and rear GAWR's for
the vehicle to which they are attached.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the weight of
the vehicle itself, all items added to the vehicle
after it has left the factory, the driver and all
occupants, and everything that is loaded into
(or onto) the vehicle. The GVW must not ex-
ceed the GVWR and the front and rear weights
2
of the loaded vehicle must not exceed the front
and rear GA WR's.
CAUTION
When using your vehicle to transport
luggage or other cargo, it is recom-
mended that the articles be secured in
place. This precaution will
help prevent
such items from becoming dangerous
projediles in the event of an accident.
EFFECT ON WARRANTY
Your New Vehicle Warranty does not apply to
any part of your vehicle "which has been subject
to misuse." Any part which fails because of over-
loading has been subject to misuse within the
meaning of this provision of the warranty.
TIRES
It is important that the tires on your vehicle
be of the proper size, and be properly inflated .
It is important to avoid over-inflation as well
as under-inflation. See
the SERVICE AND
MAINTENANCE section for proper tire infla-
tion pressures.

BEFORE DRIVING YOUR MOTORHOME
DRIVER CHECK LIST
BEFORE ENTERING VEHICLE
1. See that windows, mirrors, and lights are
clean.
2. Check inflation condition of tires.
3.
Turn off LP gas valve on LP tank (See
CAUTION under "LP Gas System" in SER-
VICE AND MAINTENANCE section).
4. Check that sewer connection, all external
compartments , and filler openings are prop-
erly stowed or closed and I or locked.
5.
Check that items stored on exterior of ve-
hicle are securely lashed.
6.
Will any items stored on exterior of vehicle
present a clearance problem?
7. Are there any rocks, posts , low-hanging lines
or branches under or near the vehicle you
must avoid before driving away?
8. Check that area to rear of vehicle is clear if
about to back-up.
BEFORE DRIVING OFF
1. Lock entrance door.
2.
Check that all windows and vents are in
suitable position for travel (See "Engine
Exhaust Gas Caution (Carbon Monoxide)"
at the beginning of STARTING AND OP-
ERATING VEHICLE section.
3.
Turn off living area water pump.
4. Check th at refrigerator door is fastened.
5. Check that nothing heavy is stored in over-
head or high cabinets - it may fall out en-
route and cause injury.
6. Close and secure bathroom, closet, and all
cabinet doors and drawers.
7. Check that counter tops , range top, kitchen
sink, table tops and shelves are clear-even
s mall items may become projectiles in an
accident. It is not safe to cook while under-
way-hot food or liquid may scald in a sud-
den stop or accident.
8. Be sure all LP gas controls on furnace,
range I oven and optional gas Ielectrical
refrigerator are turned off.
3
9. Check that all interior stowage is securely
held.
10. Check that all lights and switches are set in
positions suitable for travel.
11. Position driver's seat for comfort.
12. Check that driver's and front passenger's
seat, and any other swivel-mounted seats
are locked in position.
13 . Check adjustment of inside and outside
mirrors. Adjust curtains where necessary for
visibility.
14.
If vehicle is equipped with optional Electro-
Level System , check that TRAVEL switch
is
positioned in "HOLD."
15 . Fasten lap belts.
16 . Check that warning light bulbs light when
key is turned to ON or START p6sition .
17.
With engine running , check that warning
lights are now out.
18.
Be sure you understand your vehicle and
how to operate it and its systems safely.
19.
It is recommended that you refer to ''TRIP
TIPS" and "DRIVING TIPS" at the end
of this section for additional information .
CAUTION
Counter and table tops should not be
used for storage when underway-even
for light weight, small articles. They
might become dangerous projediles dur-
ing
an accident. Heavy items stored in
overhead or waist-high cabinets
may
also cause injury if a sharp turn or stop
causes them to topple against inside of
cabinet door, forcing it open. Store
canned goods
and other heavy items
down low.
INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR
Switch inside mirror (see next page) to night
position to reduce glare from following head-
lights.
To raise or lower mirror to achieve desired
field of view, grasp mirror and exert sufficient
pressure by pushing or pulling up, down, or
sideways.
. -' ... -
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DAY - NIGHT LEVER
Inside Rearview Mirror
KEYS
Two sets of keys are furnished with your ve-
hicle. Each key has a different cross section so
that it can be inserted only in certain locks.
Key with Square Head-For ignition switch only.
Key with Oval Head-For door lock, glove box ,
water tank fill door and external utilities com -
partment .
NOTE: A third key is provided for the refrigerator.
The code number of each key is stamped on
the "knock out" plug in the key head. Your
dealer removed these plugs and placed them
with the spare set of keys in the special key
envelope that was given to you at the time of
delivery. For your protection:
• Record the numbers on the key envelope and
discard the key plugs.
• Keep the key envelope in a safe place such
as your wallet, NOT IN THE VEHICLE.
In the event the original keys are lost, dupli-
cates can be made by your dealer or a locksmith
using the key code information. When leaving
the vehicle unattended, remove the keys and
lock the entrance door.
ENTRANCE DOOR
DOOR LATCH
Door must be locked from outside the vehicle
by inserting the key into the door key lock and
turning. To unlock, turn in the clockwise direc-
tion. Reverse the direction to lock.
To lock door from inside vehicle, push the
lock button DOWN. To unlock and open door
from the inside , pull the lock button UP and
pull on inside door handle.
REMINDER: Always lock entrance door
when driving for greater security in the
event of an accident, to help keep chil-
dren from inadvertently opening door,
DOOR LATCH
v
Entrance Door Latch
4
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