Upcoming Rallies
FMCA_Chapter_And_Area_Covid_Waiver.pdf
Winter Rally
March 21-24
Americus, GA:
Brickyard RV
Americus, GA 30741
229-874-1234
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Hosts:
Elise Miller
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Please call the park to make reservations. Let them know you’re with the GMC Dixielanders.
49/night. Holding spots for 20 coaches until March 1, 2024
* Reserve with Brickyard by telephone at 229-874-1234.
* When booking, let them know you're with the "GMC Rally".
* $25 rally fee to: Elise Miller, 133 Taylor Street, Americus, GA 31709
Elise has made a dinner reservation for us at The Station in Americus for Thursday night. Paul (the owner of The Station) will seat us at tables of 8 people each all in the same room. The other meals that will be served at The Brickyard clubhouse include 9 AM breakfasts Friday and Saturday mornings as well as a continental “pick-up” Sunday morning; in addition, dinners Friday and Saturday nights will begin with “Happy Hour” at 5:30 PM. Elise will assign appetizers, desserts and/ or sides. She is working on a Ladies craft session and has 2 group games for Friday and Saturday nights (These will last no longer than 30 minutes and participation is optional—some of us want to play cards and other board games).
We will soon have information about restaurants for lunch in Cordele and Americus as well as what else there is to do in the area. Check out / google Andersonville National Historic Site. The infamous Civil War prison is now a National Prisoner of War Museum. The exhibits highlight every phase of POW life from every war that has had an impact on the lives of American soldiers.
Please let Elise know if you are coming as soon as you know. The rally fee is $25 per person made payable to Elise Miller, 133 Taylor Street, Americus, GA 31709. You can phone/ text her at 229-938-6206 or email at elisemiller523@gmail.com if you have questions. Elise and Stick have a large back yard if you want to arrive early to dry camp and/or use one of 4 spare bedrooms.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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"Pre-Rally" Gathering
April 1 - 3
Vicksburg, MS
Ameristar Vicksburg RV Park
Kim at 601-631-0402
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Hosts:
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Please call the park to make reservations. Let them know you’re with the GMC Dixielanders.
Let's all meet in Vicksburg, MS and caravan together to Mineola, TX for the Vintage RV / Solar Eclipse / GMCMI Rally.
This is a no-host "pre-rally" gathering at the Ameristar Vicksburg RV Park, right off I-20 at the MS/LA line on the Mississippi River, and less than 300 miles from Mineola.
Plan to arrive April 1 (or sooner if you like) and coaches will depart April 3 for Mineola. In between we can rest up, make any needed repairs, and explore historic Vicksburg before continuing on to Texas.
The Mineola rally is April 3-9, with the eclipse happening the afternoon of April 8.
Vicksburg campers will have access to the Ameristar Casino as well as their delicious steakhouse. Bring your walking shoes or your tow vehicle to visit the casino.
Make your reservations NOW by phoning "Kim" at Ameristar M-F 9AM - 2 PM CST at 601-631-0402. The Good Sam rate is $29.96 per night for 30 amp service complete with water and sewer. Upon arrival you can select your own site, so we can all be together.
NOTE: Other RV groups are also coming through, so call ASAP to secure your 30-amp spot, 601- 631- 0402.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Rally with GMCMI
April 3 - 9
Miniola, TX
vintagervrally.net/registration
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Hosts:
GMCMI
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Our primary April rally will be a shared event with GMCMI. The GMCMI hosted Spring Convention / Vintage RV Rally and Total Eclipse. Come experience the tech sessions and social connections only GMCMI can put together for you. In addition to the largest GMC gathering of the year you will see other vintage RV's alongside our group all together to see the April 8 solar eclipse in Mineola, one of the finest locations in North America for viewing the spectacle. Complete your registration on-line at vintagervrally.net/registration
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Spring Rally
April 25 - 28
Crosswinds Campground
Linwood, NC
160 Campground Lane
(336)853-4567
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Hosts:
Carolyn and Barry Owen
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Please call the park to make reservations. Let them know you’re with the GMC Dixielanders.
Joint rally with Dixielanders, Sunshine Statesmen and Tidewater Crabs at Crosswinds Campground, 160 Campground Lane, Linwood, NC 27299, Telephone (336)853-4567
Carolyn and Barry Owen have invited up to 25 coaches from the three clubs to the Crosswinds campground, April 25-28, 2024. Reservations must be made by March 25 and the cost is $49 for 30 amp and $52 for 50 amp when you let the campground know you are with the GMC rally.
This is a no-host rally with dinner out on Thursday at 6 pm and everyone encouraged to bring a casserole or crockpots for Friday and Saturday dinners. Carolyn will provide the appetizers and desserts for Friday and Saturday dinners. She will set up her electric oven and frying pans for breakfast if the campers bring what they wish to prepare. Bring your own setups for all meals. Cooks are EXTREMELY welcome.
Call Carolyn & Barry with questions at 336-596-3278
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Home
Past Rallies
Fall Rally
November 2 - 5
Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga
1623 South Mack Smith Road
Rossville, GA 30741
800-693-2877
Chattacamp.com
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Hosts:
Russell Nix
and
Cindy Michelhaugh
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Please call the park to make reservations. Let them know you’re with the GMC Dixielanders.
Cost: $53.55/night. 30 and 50 amp available. The rate applies for extra days before and after the rally. Cut Off Date for Reservations is Oct 15th.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Spring Rally
March 30-April 2
Johnny's Lakeside RV Resort,
15820 State Hwy 59
Foley, AL
(251) 970-3773
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Hosts:
Midge & Bill Kittredge
and
Tom & Marilyn Phipps
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Make your reservations by telephone with Johnny’s Lakeside RV Resort
*Indicate that you are with the GMC Dixielanders
Rate: $61.61 per night, $184.80 for all 3 nights. $40 deposit will be required
The cut-off date for reservations is March 15
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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Summer Rally
June 9-11
Crosswinds Campground
Linwood, NC
Dixielanders, Sunshine Statesmen, Tidewater Crabs crowd rally!
Near Barry and Carolyn Owens place.
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Organized by:
Carolyn & Barry Owen
adn
Krista & Brian Matthews
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HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
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GMCMI Lebonon, TN
September 26– October 2, 2022
Click for
INFORMATION
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Hosts:
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Enroute to GMCMI
More info Click HERE
Sunday, April 17th until Wednesday, April 20th23-26, 2022
Buccaneer State Park
1150 S. Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS 39576
228) 467-3822
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September 23-26, 2021
Spring Lake RV Resort
255 Fairview Dr
Crossville, TN
877-707-1414
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Hosts:
Cindy & Rick Michelhaugh
Tom & Marilyn Phipps
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We are inviting the Tidewater Crabs and Sunshine Statesmen to join us for this rally. We have the clubhouse already reserved. All sites that we have identified are very near the clubhouse. Of course, everyone is invited to our rallies. The more the merrier.
During this time, Cumberland County has its annual Apple Festival. Typically there are 10 local food vendors and 150 booths of local arts and crafts giving something of interest for everyone. Click HERE for more information
No RV, No problem. Here is a list of nearby places to stay:
Exit 322 on I-40 at Crossville, TN (same exit as the RV Resort):
Comfort Inn
844-203-6957
Super 8
931) 707-7660
Hampton Inn
931) 707-7170
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June 24-27, 2021
Crosswinds Family Campground
160 Campground Lane, Linwood, NC 27299
(336) 853-4567
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Hosts:
Barry & Carolyn Owen
and the Tide Water Crabs
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May 10-12 or 13 , 2021(Before Jekyll Island) –Lou and Tom’s idea
Brickyard Golf Club & RV Park (Americus KOA)
1619 US Hwy 280E,Americus, GA 31709
229) 379-3601
(No Host Pre-Rally) Tom & Marilyn Phipps- No Host Hosts |
Spring Rally
May 13-16, 2021
JEKYLL ISLAND
CAMPGROUND
2743-1 Anniston Rd
Jacksonville, FL 32246
(904) 571-7106
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Hosts:
Harold Coffield,
Charlie Wright
Dan and Cat Meyer
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ALL reservations MUST go through the the rally host. DO NOT make resevations on the campground website.
Rally members must send the following with their rally fee check:
Their full name(s), mailing address, phone number (cell) and email address.
The length of their motohome and number of slideouts.
Number of people AND pets.
What day/time do you plan on arriving. And what day/time do you expect to leave. If you plan an extended (or early) camping, reservations outside of the rally dates should be made with the campgrounds for those days.
Any special items you might require.
Make your rally fee check for $25/person out to C B Wright.
All rally fees must be paid by MARCH 23, 2021 to secure your site. If we sell out all 20 reserved sites by the deadline, we should get a 10% discount. SO get your check and info in early!!
You will be contacted by the campground for you reservation charge. A two day charge will be required. The charge will be $49.00 + taxes per night.
The check in time is after 2:00PM. Check out time is 12:00PM.
A pet charge of $4.00 per pet for only the first night will be charged.
A day (or weekly) toll is charged to get onto the island. The day toll is good for that day, only. You can come and go all you want on that day. Charge cards or cash are accepted.
Your hosts will be arriving Thursday, May 13, 2021 after 2:00PM and departing Sunday, May 16, 2021 before 12:00PM. If you are going to be late or early, you must contact the campground.
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April 22 thru 25, 2021
Johnny‘s Lakeside RV Resort
15810 State Hwy. 59N, Foley, AL 36535
251/970-3773 or 888/878-5687
www.johnnyslakesidervresort.com
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Hosts:
Jim & Ann Gray and
Tom & Marilyn Phipps
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Directions: From I-10 go south on the Baldwin Beach Expressway 17
miles to Co. Rd. 28, then west (rt. turn) 1 ½ miles to hwy. 59, then south
(left turn) ¼ mile to Johnny’s entrance on left.
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Summer Rally II
TBD
Fall Rally
November 7-10, 2019
Joint with the Sunshine Statesmen
BLUE ANGLES CAMPGROUND
2100 Bronson Road
Pensacola, FL 32506
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Hosts:
John & Rita Nichols
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Jim & Ethel Walters |
Blue Angels Air Show & Naval Aviation Museum
The 2019 Blue Angels Homecoming Rally will NOT be held at the Pensacola West KOA, Lillian, AL.
John Nicholls has reserved campsites at the BLUE ANGLES CAMPGROUND and is assigning them to attendees. The sites are going fast and you need to confirm your intention of going to the rally with John Nicholls now.
Please let John Nicholls know if you want to attend the 2019 Blue Angels Homecoming Rally. Use email: johnrita1@cox.net
The agenda will be as usual:
Pot luck Thursday – each coach is asked to bring a dish and a dessert (meat furnished
by the club)
Breakfast each morning (Sunday continental style) by host
Lunches are on your own
Friday evening meal will be catered (probably Sonny’s BBQ)
Saturday evening is own your own so you can watch the nighttime air show.
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Summer Rally I
June 20-23, 2019
Joint GMC Dixielanders & GMC Tidewater Crabs
Crosswinds Family Campground
Lexington, NC
(336) 853-4567
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Co-Hosts:
Barry and Carolyn Owen
Tyler and Jenifer Townsend |
Special Treat!
Visit to Barry Owen’s GMC, Race Car & Corvair Shop
Local NASCAR race shops and Childress Museum and Vineyard
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Spring Convention
March 22-28
In conjunction with GMCMI
North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, Florida
GMC Dixielanders Meeting
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Hosts: |
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Winter Joint Rally
January 10 - 13
With the Sunshine Statesmen
Compass RV Park
St Augustine, FL
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Hosts: |
1505 State Road 207
St Augustine, FL 32086
Hosted By : Dan and Cat Meyer
Co-hosts Harold and Charlie Coffield
Please send your rally fee $25 pp to:
Cat Meyer 1200 Tulip St Atlantic Beach ,Florida 32233
Your rally fees cover Friday to Sunday morning .
On Thursday evening we are putting together an evening out at a restaurant,
that will be at your own expense if you attend,if not your on your own .
Please contact Jerry A.S.A.P. he has prepaid deposits for the spots.
To contact Jerry call : (904) 501-3820
Jerry would like you to send him a check made out to Jerry Parks for $10.00 to assign you a spot. The check will be returned . Jerry will return your check at the rally if you are able to attend.
Address to send Jerry’s check:
Jerry Parks
505 15th Street
ST Augustine, Fl 32084
On October 1, 2018 Compass RV Park will begin taking reservations for 2019.
You will need to make your own reservation and get your credit card on file for payment to
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Get Together
Decemter 10 - 14
Meet the K-9 Breeds
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Apopka, FL
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Hosts: |
Local sight-seeing to include Skycraft, The Co-op and
Ikea. |
2018 Fall Rally
Our 30th Anniversary
November 1 - 4
Holiday Travel Park
Chattanooga, TN
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Hosts:
Zimmermans
and
Phipps
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Get Together
October 27
Oktoberfest Weekend
Leatherwood, NC
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No Hosts
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Mountains Resort
512 Meadow Road Ferguson, NC 28624
Office Phone: 800-4NC-MTNS (462-6867)
Leatherwood Mountains, an equestrian community is located about halfway between Wilkesboro and Blowing Rock, NC. Leatherwood is actually two parts, the residential entity which is spread over a twenty five hundred acre private development with both stream side meadow properties and high mountain homes sitting on ten plus acre lots with views of forever, and the retail entity, which includes large pastures, barns, riding rings and arena, a string of horses that can be rented to ride the fifty miles of trails within the residential community and restaurant.
Call the campground to make your own reservations. The campground is situated in a grove of trees along the banks of a fairly large, mountain trout stream, Elk Creek. The prices for the RV site will be $30.
When traveling to Leatherwood please consult our website. GPS is not reliable in our area
www.leatherwoodmountains.com/directions |
30th Anniversary Rally
November 1 - 4
Holiday Travel Park,
1709 S Mack Smith Road
Rossville, Georgia 30741
800-693-2877
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Hosts:
Zimmerman
Co Host
Phipps
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How it all began ….
In the Fall 1988 at the GMCMI Convention in Cherokee, North Carolina, Jim and Lou McDowell were dining with Marti and Al Samsel, along with other GMCers from the South.
Jim brought up the question of forming a GMC club in the South. All present agreed and the McDowells planned a camping weekend get together at the Holiday Travel Park in
Rossville, GA just south of Chattanooga, TN to hold an organizational meeting of the "GMC Dixielanders" chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association. A charter was awarded on Nov 5, 1988.
Come join your fellow Dixielanders to celebrate the 30th Anniversary where it all began at the Holiday Travel Park in Rossville, GA just south of Chattanooga, TN November 1-4 2018.
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2018 Summer Rally
July 19 - 22
Noccalula Falls
Gadsden, AL
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Hosts:
Almost No-Host Rally
Linda and John Richardson
&
Marilyn and Tom Phipps
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2017 Spring Rally
May 3 - 7
Al and Marty Samsel's Place
Bean Station, Tennessee
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Hosts:
JR and Jeanne Slaten
Rose Whalen
Al and Marti Samsel
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2017 Winter Rally
January 11 - 14
Compass RV Park
St. Augustine, FL
904-824-3574
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Registration:
Make your own reservations at the park
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JOINT RALLY
In conjunction with the Sunshine Statesmen
Hosts: Ada and Jim Galbav |
Thursday thru Sunday (3 day minimum)
Must make reservations by December 20, 2017
Send Rally Fees of $25 per person to
Ada & Jim Galbavy
26 Silk Oak Terrace
Lake Mary Fl. 32746
407-687-2023
Co-Hosts: Marilyn and Tom Phipps |
2017 Fall Rally
October 12 - 15
Leatherwood Mountains
Resort
Ferguson, NC
336-973-5044
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Registration:
Make your own reservations at the park
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Hosts:
Bill and Pat Barger
Cohosts: Tom and Marilyn Phipps
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Rally Fee: $25.00 per person.
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS!!!!!!!
From I-85, take the Gastonia, exit 17. Turn Left on US 321 toward Hickory. In Lenoir, turn right on Wilkesboro Road, County Road 18. Turn right on Grandin Road. Turn left on Elk Creek-Darby (Citgo Station on the corner). Bear right on Leatherwood Lane. Turn right on Meadow road.
or a bit longer way.
From I-85, take the Gastonia, exit 17. Turn Left on US 321 toward Hickory. In Lenoir, turn right on NC 268. Turn left on Elk Creek-Darby (Citgo Station on the corner). Bear right on Leatherwood Lane. Turn right on Meadow road.
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS!!!!!!!
Campsite rates $25.00 per night. Note: If you have Passport America, you can reserve Thursday and Sunday night for $17.50.
Make your reservations with Leatherwood by 15 September, 1-366-973-5044. They only have 21 sites with 30 amp service and water. If you are interested in taking a horseback trail ride let them know when you make your reservation.
Leatherwood is hosting its first Octoberfest, 14 October, with crafts, hayrides, food and music for campers and community to enjoy.
To get in the Octoberfest mood, break out your best German recipes for happy hour, side dishes, and deserts for the potluck meals.
12 October - Thursday
5:00 - Happy Hour snacks - A-I
6:00 - Dinner
Salads: J-Q
Ham, Pinto Beans and Cornbread: Pat and Marilyn
Desserts: R-Z
13 October - Friday
8:00 - 9:30 Breakfast - Ham Biscuits and Sausage Biscuits and Gravy
5:00 - Happy Hour snacks - J-Q
6:00 - Dinner
Salads and sides: R-Z
Roast Chicken
Desserts: A-I
14 October - Saturday
8:00 - Breakfast on your own or at Leatherwood Resort Breakfast Buffett $8.95 (includes beverage)
Octoberfest activities start at ????
1:00 - 3:00 GMC Open House
5:00 - Meet at ?????, to get your Octoberfest food ticket (included in rally fee).
6:30 - Ice cream social.
15 October - Sunday
8:00 Continental Breakfast and Happy Trails. |
2017 Summer Rally
July 27 - 30
Noccalula Falls Campground
Noccalula
Falls, AL.
256 - 543-7412
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No Host Rally set up by:
Nick & Darlene Knowlton
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Please call and make your own reservation.
This is a TRUE NO-HOST RALLY
No Food will be provided, however coffee will be available in the mornings.
Dinner will be booked at local restaurants on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Please bring happy hour snacks as follows:
Thursday: A-G
Friday: H-O
Saturday: P-Z |
2017 Spring Rally
May 4 - 7
Al and Marty Samsel's Place
Bean Station, Tennessee
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Hosts:
JR and Jeanne Slaten
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2017 Winter Rally
January 13 - 15
Compass RV Park
St. Augustine, Florida
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Hosts:
Jerry Parks and Family
In conjunction with the Sunshine Statesmen |
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2016 Spring Rally
May 5 - 8
Bean Station, Tennessee
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Hosts:
Al and Marti Samsel
Jeanne & JR Slaten |
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2016 Winter Rally
January 11 - 14
Lazy Days Rally Park
Seffner/Tampa, Florida
800-905-6627
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Hosts:
No Hosts |
Register directly with the Campground. (800) 350-6731 Be advised you MUST register with Lazy Days before December 15, 2015 to be parked with our group of GMCs.
Mention the GMC Dixielanders Rally. Questions? Contact John Richardson @ 850-897-9726 or 850-830-6100.
This is the “ annual" Treat Your Co-Pilot Rally. She doesn't have to provide anything and can simply enjoy the rally. (Don't forget to also take her to Plant City for strawberries.)
All meals are provided - five(5) from campground-three breakfasts, two lunches and three(3)Catered dinners each evening(Mon.,Tues.,Weds) at 5:30 - 7:00 pm. An area will be available for the rest of the evening for cards and socializing. . Our Business Meeting will be held on Wednesday. at 10:00 A.M.
The total package costs for entire event, 3 nights camping, all meals, tax and tips included is:
$237.39 per couple, $187.39 Single.
Please contact Lazy Days directly if you want to arrive early or stay late.(800) 350-6731 |
2015 Fall Rally
November 5 - 8
Blue Angels Homecoming
Pensacola NAS, Florida
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Hosts:
J. Nicholls
J. Richardson |
https://www.google.com/search?q=Blue+Angels+Homecoming |
2015 Summer Rally
July 30 - August 2
Noccalulu Falls, Gasden, Al.
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Hosts:
S. Miller
J. Richardson |
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2015 Spring Rally
April 30 - May 2
Bean Station, Tennessee
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Hosts:
Al and Marti Samsel
Jeanne & JR Slaten |
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2015 Winter Rally
January 19 - 22
Lazy Days Rally Park
Seffner/Tampa, Florida
800-905-6627
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Register directly
with campground
Invitation
Mention the GMC Dixielander Rally
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No Host:
Questions? Contact John Richardson at 850-897-9726 or 850-830-6100 |
This is the "Treat Your Co-Pilot" Rally. She doesn't have to provide anything and can simply enjoy the rally. (Don't forget to also take her to Plant City for strawberries.)
All meals are provided - four(4) from campground and Four (4) Catered meals, Three(3) dinners and a full breakfast on January 21st, Wednesday, prior to our business meeting. (Those not staying at the campground who plan on attending the meeting may enjoy the breakfast with us for only $7.25 tax/tip included.) Dinner each evening at 5:30 - 7:00 pm . An area will be available for the rest of the evening for cards and socializing.
The total package costs for entire event, 3 nights camping, all meals, tax and tips included is $ 251.89 per couple, $196.02 Single.
Early and late days camping is available at a rate of $41.99 + tax. |
2014 Fall Rally
October 16 - 19
Savannah South KOA
Richmond Hill, Georgia
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Registration |
Hosts:
Dave and Barbara Perry
904-744-0074
Dan and Cat Meyer
904-247-5311 |
"Savannah Rally Update"
GREAT OGEECHEE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL – October 17-19
We will be right there for the 2014 version of the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival. Prices and schedules as well as other information can be found at the website. Since Friday is our “night out” this might be a fun way to sample some of the local fare. It should be fun.
Because of the popularity of the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival and because we only have 25 sites promised to us, it is suggested that you make your reservations ASAP! (800) 562-8741
To get to the Seafood Festival (about 4 miles) we will drive to designated parking areas and ride a shuttle to the Festival.
Old Town Shuttle comes to the campground at 9:00 AM every morning to take you to downtown Savannah. The shuttle makes its return trip at 5:00. Cost is $28.97 per person and includes a tour of the historic section of Savannah.
Information site for the Festival is goseafoodfestival.com
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2014 Spring Rally
May 1 - 4
Bean Station Work Rally
AL and Marti Samsel’s Farm at
Bean Station, TN
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Hosts:
Marty and Al Samsel
JR and Jeanne Slaten |
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2013 Fall Rally
October 17 - 20
Noccalula Falls
1600 Noccalula Falls Road
Gadsden, AL 35904
256-543-7412
campground@cityofgadsden.com
www.cityofgadsden.com
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Hosts:
Audrey and Jerry Holloway
Ethel and Jim Walters |
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2012 Summer Rally
July 18 - 21
Calhoun KOA
2523 Redbud Road
Calhoun, GA
800-562-7512
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Hosts:
Hostless Rally |
Make your rally fees check payable to John Nicholls ($25.00 per adult, children are $10.00 each) and mail it to him at 2481 Tate Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 to arrive not later than 4 July.
Program:
Each coach is asked to bring a dessert which we will split up over the three evening meals.
Breakfast will be furnished each day @ 7:30 am and will consist of doughnuts, fruit, coffee and who knows what. Lunch each day will be on your own.
Thursday: Meet and Greet @ 5:00 pm (light hors d’oeuvres furnished by club) followed by a potluck supper with meat furnished by the club. Each coach is asked to bring a suitable side dish.
Friday: Flea Market @ 9:00 am
Tech session @ 1:00 pm
Happy Hour @ 5:00 pm followed by a BBQ supper furnished by the KOA folks.
Saturday: Executive Committee Meeting @ 9:00 am
Business meeting @ 10:00 am
The afternoon is free to visit local attractions. Please see separate sheet for details.
Evening meal will be on your own followed by an ice cream social (and the rest of the
desserts) at 7:30 pm. Two local restaurants have good reviews. They are The Fork
Diner at 474 Redbud Road and El Pueblito at 206 Park Ave.
Sunday: Breakfast and safe travels
Clyde and Faye Simmons who live in Calhoun have advised me that he has a fairly well equipped shop if anyone needs to do emergency stuff. They have also advised of two local sites that are fun visits. The first is New Echota and the second is Chief Van’s home (more details to come). Calhoun is within 100 miles for 8 members, 200 miles for 18 members and 300 miles for 24 members. Ya’ll come.
Hope to see ya’ll there. Tthey do have cabins so just have your friends send the rally fee. We look forward to meeting and converting them to GMC owners. The KOA cabins with baths normally rent for $125/night but the rally price is $100 but be sure and identify they are with the rally.
See you all at Noccalulu Falls in Gadsden, AL October 17 – 20th. Hosts are the Walters and the Holloways. |
2012 Spring Rally
May 2 - 4
Bean Station Work Rally
AL and Marti Samsel’s Farm at
Bean Station, TN
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Hosts:
Marty and Al Samsel
JR and Jeanne Slaten |
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2013 WINTER Rally
Jan 14 - 17
Lazy Days Rally Park
Seffner (Tampa), FL
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Hosts:
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$220
The package price for two people and one site includes: three nights camping, a welcome fete with
heavy hors d’oeuvres and two catered evening meals. This is a no host rally. You must make your
own reservations with Lazydays (1-800-905-6627). Early or late camping days are at $42.99 per
night and additional people are $42.06. Cutoff date for registration is 14 December 12. All prices are
plus tax. Cancellation between 14 December 12 and 6 January 13 will cost you a one night site fee.
After 6 January, you will forfeit the entire registration fee of $220.00. Please notify John Nicholls at
johnrita1@cox.net when you reserve so we can keep up with the number of attendees. A business
meeting will be held on Tuesday the 15th at 10:00 AM. Anyone not staying at the park but close
enough to travel is encourage to attend the meeting. |
2012 FALL Rally
Oct 4 - 7
City Park
Colquitt, GA
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Hosts:
Jonh Richardson |
The highlight of this rally is the 20th anniversary performance of Swamp Gravy, the Official Folk-
Life Play of Georgia. Its business is storytelling! True local stories are spiced up with songs written by local
musicians and costumes of an era gone by. It’s a helpin’ of down-home Southern flavor. Not just a “local
hoe-down”, it has been performed at the Kennedy Center and other locations to great acclaim.
http://www.swampgravy.com/
We have 40 tickets reserved but they must be paid for or returned by 15 August. If handicapped seating is
needed, I will try to make those arrangements; you will have to let me know as soon as possible.
Additionally, Colquitt has a very rich and interesting history with many places to visit. Colquitt is on US 27, 60
miles North of Tallahassee, FL. We will be staying in the City Park, within walking distance of almost
everything in town, including the town square and the theater.
The large commercial RV park where we planned to stay has been closed. Therefore, we have reserved
Colquitt’s Spring Creek RV park, and obtained permission to park in the adjacent City Park. The RV park has
only 7 sites, all with full hookups, at $15 per night. The City Park has a large level paved parking lot, with
restrooms, a small covered pavilion, and a nice boardwalk leading through the swamp to the creek. There
MAY be some 15A electrical connections but no other hookups. There will be no charge for dry camping there – just leave it cleaner than we find it. The weather in early October should be pleasant enough for dry
camping. There will be no generator restrictions imposed. Dumping can be done in the RV park if necessary.
We will reserve the RV park for those whose physical condition requires hookups; if those individuals do not
reserve all of the 7 sites, the excess will be available to others in the order their registrations are received.
Spring Creek Park is located at the western city limits of Colquitt on US-27, just east of Spring Creek. The
street immediately east of that park leads to the City Park; GMCDL signs will be posted. |
2012 Summer Rally
July 19 - 22
Springlake RV Resort
Crossville, TN
www.springlakervtn.com
(931) 707-1414
|
|
Hosts:
Jonh Richardson |
The highlight of this rally is the 20th anniversary performance of Swamp Gravy, the Official Folk-
Life Play of Georgia. Its business is storytelling! True local stories are spiced up with songs written by local
musicians and costumes of an era gone by. It’s a helpin’ of down-home Southern flavor. Not just a “local
hoe-down”, it has been performed at the Kennedy Center and other locations to great acclaim.
http://www.swampgravy.com/
We have 40 tickets reserved but they must be paid for or returned by 15 August. If handicapped seating is
needed, I will try to make those arrangements; you will have to let me know as soon as possible.
Additionally, Colquitt has a very rich and interesting history with many places to visit. Colquitt is on US 27, 60
miles North of Tallahassee, FL. We will be staying in the City Park, within walking distance of almost
everything in town, including the town square and the theater.
The large commercial RV park where we planned to stay has been closed. Therefore, we have reserved
Colquitt’s Spring Creek RV park, and obtained permission to park in the adjacent City Park. The RV park has
only 7 sites, all with full hookups, at $15 per night. The City Park has a large level paved parking lot, with
restrooms, a small covered pavilion, and a nice boardwalk leading through the swamp to the creek. There
MAY be some 15A electrical connections but no other hookups. There will be no charge for dry camping there – just leave it cleaner than we find it. The weather in early October should be pleasant enough for dry
camping. There will be no generator restrictions imposed. Dumping can be done in the RV park if necessary.
We will reserve the RV park for those whose physical condition requires hookups; if those individuals do not
reserve all of the 7 sites, the excess will be available to others in the order their registrations are received.
Spring Creek Park is located at the western city limits of Colquitt on US-27, just east of Spring Creek. The
street immediately east of that park leads to the City Park; GMCDL signs will be posted. |
2012 Spring Rally
May 3 - 5
Bean Station Work Rally
AL and Marti Samsel’s Farm at
Bean Station, TN
|
|
Hosts:
Marty and Al Samsel
JR and Jeanne Slaten |
2012 Winter Rally
January 9 - 11
Lazy Days Rally Park
Seffner (Tampa), FL |
Phone: 813-246-4777, 800-905-6627
Fax: 813-246-5504
Email: RallyPark@Lazydays.com |
Hosts:
|
Cost: $231.40 + tax (coach w/2people)
Includes: 3 nights of camping, welcome reception, 2 catered dinners . A complimentary breakfast will be available across the street. Some evening entertainment/band is planned.
Make your own reservations with the park – make sure to tell them you will be with the GMC Dixielander/ Alumni group.
This is a No – Host Rally and a business meeting will not be held. Direct any questions to John Richardson at 850-830-6100 email; jrichsr@aol.com |
FALL RALLY
OCT 6 - 9
Lake Park KOA Campground
Lake Park, Georgia
5300 Jewel Futch Road
Lake Park, GA 31636
800-562-2142 |
|
HOSTS:
Dave and Barbara Perry
John and Linda Richardson |
This is a dual club rally. Meeting room provided by KOA for activities/games.
|
SUMMER RALLY
July 14 - 16
Noccalula Falls Campground
Gasden, Alabama
1600 Noccalula Road
Gadsden, AL 35904
256-543-7412 |
|
HOSTS:
John and Linda Richardson
Jim and Ethel Walters |
Attendees are responsible for making their own reservations no later than 1 July.
Make reservations directly with the RV park.
|
FMCA Family Reunion
March 14 - 17
Georgia Fairgrounds
Perry, Georgia |
Lets have a massive GMC rally at this FMCA event! |
|
Greetings Fellow GMCers,
As I'm sure you all know, FMCA has been trying to persuade more GMCers to attend their conventions.
Among the offers they've made are to provide us with preferred parking, together; to
ensure we have meeting facilities available; etc. At the joint GMC Dixielanders and Sunshine
Statesmen rally at Pensacola, FL last month, there was a lot of enthusiasm for an idea I proposed
for the March 14 to 17, 2011 FMCA rally at Perry, GA:
Americus, GA is only 45 miles SW of Perry. 12 miles west of here, my aunt has a 249 acre "play
farm" ( http://goo.gl/N89IA ), mostly wooded and hilly, with a cabin, two fish ponds, a barn, and
plenty of parking for as many GMC's as we're likely to be able to round up. My proposal is that
GMCers gather there a couple of days before FMCA starts, say beginning on March 11th. There
are plenty of attractions in the area, such as Jimmy Carter's home town, the National POW/MIA
museum at the infamous Andersonville Cemetery, and a great aviation museum at Robins AFB.
Or we can just fish & jawbone. On March 13th or 14th (to be coordinated with FMCA), we'll caravan
the 53 miles to Perry and make a Grand Entrance -- ensuring that we're parked together.
http://www.fmca.com/conventions/perry-2011
By mid-March we typically have very pleasant weather and Spring is just about to burst forth so it
should be an ideal time for the dry camping the lack of hookups will impose.
To sweeten the pot even more: GMC Eastern States is having a rally at Dillard, GA during 17-20
March. That's only 215 miles north of Perry, right near the NC line; a pleasant day's drive after
leaving Perry. Just the chance to try the famous Dillard House's meals would be worth the trip,
but the usual Eastern states technical and social events will make it a must-do stop. http://www.
gmceast.com/rallies/
This is an unusually good opportunity for the GMC community to make an impression on the
larger motorhome community and to gain publicity for our old coaches. All as a bonus while
we're having fun!
My request to all of you is that you publicize this proposal and encourage everyone to attend.
Even some GMCers in the far West and Northwest may find themselves over this way and able
to attend.
It will be most helpful to me in planning and coordinating with FMCA if everyone interested in joining
us at the farm will let me know. An email with the subject "FMCA" to ken0henderson at gmail.
com (that 0 is a zero) with arrival date will suffice.
I'll confirm the plan and provide directions early next year -- directly to those who contact me.
Thanks for your help,
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
- As a postscript, The Dec 2010 FMCA magazine discusses the Perry event. – Editor
|
2010 Spring RallyBean Station
2010 Bean Station Work Rally
April 29 - May 2 |
|
Hosts:
Marty and Al Samsel
JR and Jeanne Slaten |
Past rallies
2009 Fall Rally
October 8 - 10
Twin Oaks Park
Perry, GA |
|
Hosts:
Chuck & Sue Chambers
Jerry & Audrey Holloway |
2009 Summer Rally
July 16 - 18
Stone Bridge Park
Maggy Valley, NCPHOTOS
by Howard Nylander |
Hosts:
Jim & Ethel Walters
John & Rita Nichols |
2009 Spring RallyBean Station
2009 Bean Station Work Rally
April 30 - May 3 |
|
Hosts:
Marty and Al Samsel
JR and Jeanne Slaten |
2009 Winter Rally
January 8-11
Tropical Palms Resort
Kissimmee, FL |
Hosts:
Dan & Ellen Springer
Al & Marti Samsel
Ken & Elaine Henderson
|
2008 Fall Rally
September 22 - 26
Lakeview RV Campground
Bristol, TN
866-800-0777 |
|
Hosts:
Roscoe and Shirley Trivette
Elmer & Betty Olsen |
Report::Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 21:43Here we are with 19 coaches near Bristol, TN, having a great time, as illustrated in Chuck Boyd's photos. Today we toured the Bristol Motor Speedway. Very impressive. Since I'm not a NASCAR fan, I had no idea that this 0.5 mile + 74 yards track was surrounded by a 182,000 seat stadium. Largest in N. America and 4th largest in the world! Can't imagine 43 cars running around in that bowl. Nor the 120 db noise level they create. Had lunch at, and a tour of a large Bristol-based charitable organization which redistributes cosmetically damaged and other contributed medical supplies, clothing, food, etc., around this area and 100 missionary-visited countries.This evening we all went to an excellent local restaurant. All-in-all, a most enjoyable social event thus far.Tomorrow, after a full catered breakfast, we'll have the business meeting followed by a tech session, with the ladies excused for sightseeing and shopping in historic Bristol.Our CV-joint plagued member did a test drive today and came back delighted. Even with the blue coating gone from his steering coupler, he reports much better steering. About 3/4" steering wheel play at the rim. Hopefully he'll be able to get a replacement at Harrington.
==========================Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:09Great weather, although a little cool this morning for my thin South Georgia blood. SHE packed my clothes: 1 long sleeve shirt, 1 rain coat, no jacket, sweater, or other cool weather stuff. I think it's a scheme to make me buy the jacket she's claimed I need for the past 5 years -- heck, the old one WILL still zip up (if I just inhale a little bit).Good business meeting this morning ('though they didn't accept my motion that the last meeting minutes were long enough that we didn't need another one so soon). Followed by a good technical bull session for the men and shopping trip for the women. I'm not real sure what happened to the afternoon, but some of the others and I sure wasted a lot of hot air. Supper tonight at a local BBQ restaurant. Lots of folks went to downtown Bristol for free bluegrass music.Hope to see lots of you at Harrington on Sunday.Don't forget, if you have a torque wrench whose accuracy you'd like to check, bring it along & we'll compare it to the electronic version.Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
|
2008 Summer Rally
July 24 - 26
Peace Valley Campground
Marble, NC
828-837-6223
info@peacevalleycampground.com
|
It was great fun! |
Tentative
Hosts:
Jerry and Audrey Holloway
Chuck and Sue Chambers
John and Rita Nicholls |
The GMC Dixielander Summer Rally is scheduled for July 24 thru 26, 2008, at the Peace Valley Campground, Murphy, NC. The park has a limited number of sites, and we have reserved 30 for the Dixielanders. But, each attendee must make their own reservations with the campground. The park will hold the 30 sites for us until June 1st. When you contact the Park, please identify yourself as a “GMC Dixielander”, to obtain the negotiated rate of $20 per night. These rates are also good for early arrivals.
CUT OFF for CAMPGROUND Reservations: June, 1, 2008
Imposed by a very busy campground. If you wait, there will be no room. |
|
It was a success !!
2008 Bean Station Work Rally
May 1 - 4 |
|
Marty and Al Samsel |
Kudos
Wednesday, April 30 - gorgeous day. What a day for the 1st trip of the season from NW Ohio to Bean Station with the new tires, new AE wheels, new shocks and all new bearings in the rear wheels. The 455 was purring like a kitten with Mr. Paterson's newly rebuilt distributor. This was what it was all about.The day before, I took one more look at the engine to verify all connections, and something reminded me of a member's picture showing a gap between the drive axle flange and the final drive - so I looked. Sure enough, on the driver's side, a 1/8" gap. A check of the six bolts revealed they were all finger loose. These bolts had a hex head, the other side had the OEM 12 point bolts. Got them tightened (with new lock washers), good to go.About 50 miles out, we re-torqued the new wheel lug nuts. We were heading for Cincinnati with a stop for lunch with Bob Burkitt, and to pick up some items he had for us, including six new Cinnabar flange bolts and lock washers I had emailed him about. After lunch, and a stop at Sears for a new torque wrench (old one gave up the ghost just before Cincinnati) we were on our way again.Then the day turned cloudy for us. A slight vibration was telling me that there might be a problem with the front end, but we pressed on. It got worse. By the time we hit Corbin, KY, the vibration had turned into a full-fledged side-to-side shaking. It was so bad, it literally almost threw us out of the seats. This only happened during acceleration, and after reaching any speed and letting off the gas, it would be as smooth as glass. Push on the gas, and it shook. After we called Bob B., and discussed options, we decided to try for Bean Station. It was late in the day and we had some good hills before us.About 20 miles out, we called Al Samsel to tell him we were coming, but limping in. That was a good move as when we got to Bean Station, JR put us in the covered area where Eric Tanner had been with his problems the year before. We called it a night. HA! At 11:30pm, the cell phone rang and a voice says: "John, this is Ken Burton - I'm on the phone with Bob Burkitt and I hear you've got a problem". He was in his Blazer going around Indianapolis. The three of us conferenced for a half hour and Ken decided to change his route and go to Cincinnati and pick up some parts that might be needed to repair whatever was wrong with our coach. The next morning, Thursday, we moved into the pit building.If we thought that phone call was amazing, what happened next was also. At some early hour, our coach was inundated with people willing to do whatever was needed to solve the problem. Bill Bramlet led the charge, with pit boss, Ron Davis, Eric Tanner, and Tom Phipps right behind him. John Nicholls pitched in, as did many, many others.It was determined that some of the cv joints were gone. The spindle nut on the passenger side was removed with the obligatory breaker bar and cheater. The same nut on the driver's side was removed with Ron Davis' hand! One inner cv joint was bad on one side and the outer joint was gone on the other side. The driver's side hub and knuckle were shot (knuckle had been pin punched on the inside by some PO or their ‘mechanic'). Luckily, JR had a rebuilt hub and knuckle with him. One of the three balls on the bad inner joint was chipped around the ball opening and the needle bearings were no where to be seen.
It was decided that two, new (rebuilt) drive axles should be ordered, and they were. They would be in early Friday morning. They were ordered from NAPA in Morristown, but that's another story. Ask me sometime in person.That night, Chuck Boyd popped in, and after looking at each wheel setup, made a few observations and suggestions about what I might also want to fix. Ken Burton arrived a little later and we discussed the situation.Bill Bramlet said he would be back at 7:30 Friday morning. He was. As I had inherited two new Sets of Timken #23 bearings and four new seals from the PO, we decided to change the wheel bearings also. Don't ever arm wrestle Bill, period.One of the NAPA axles was the old style; one wasn't. After much discussion, we decided to return the one that wouldn't work and we made a new axle out of the good inner and outer joints from the coach. We also found the driver's side lower ball joint had no nut. By Friday evening, we were back together and a test drive proved out everyone's competence.Pat and I cannot express our thanks enough to the people who helped us with this breakdown and to the members of the Dixielanders group in general. They are all an amazingly friendly and helpful group, and we are very fortunate to be a part of them. We are also very lucky to have Al and Marti Samsel, without whose generosity, this rally would not be possible. Thank you all, again!The trip home was uneventful, and the balancing beads in the new tires worked great!Some trip specifics: 468 miles down, 455 miles back
total miles: 923
total gallons: 89.122
total gas cost: $317.04 MPG: 10.357http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=25099
John and Pat
--
John Shotwell
Archbold, OH
78 Royale CK
Date: Fri, 09 May 2008 07:46:27 -0500[quote title=UziYaH wrote on Fri, 09 May 2008 07:39]
Bean Station ‘08’ was our first rally, our first trip
in our coach, and our first time we slept in our coach
and a life altering experience. I met men who were my
heroes when I was a young boy, men who flew ’those
magnificent flying machines’. I actually met a man and
his beautiful bride who flew the PanAm flying boats to
the South Pacific, and the visions of Nordhoff and
Hall were again kindled within the canyons of my mind.My wife and I were greatly impressed with the humility
and kindness shown us in spite of the fact that most
had far deeper pockets and better education than us.
Everyone seemed focused on our commonality of owning
one of these unique GMC motor homes and not on social
status. How refreshing. I got to meet many who I have come to appreciate from
communicating on this forum, and missed those who
could not show. I was impressed with that fact that my
wife and I did not have to endure the stench of
cigarette smoke. I was also impressed with how many of
these men had lifelong mates. This too was refreshing
as my wife an I are enjoying over fifty years
together. After seeing so many pictures of customized coaches, I
was apprehensive in bringing our ’plain Jane’ only to
hear “this is the coach everyone has been looking
for”, and I began to relax and enjoy what is in the
moment of now. I thank all who shepherded me in the surveyed of our
coach and made repairs. My wife and I left feeling we had just discovered a
large family we didn’t know we had. Such a refreshing,
life altering experience. Thank you all so much. Happy trails,
Howard Nylander
Royale Class of '78'
E 10-O-C===================
Howard,We enjoyed parking by you at Bean Station and talking with you. Your coach was a rare find. Every one who saw it was impressed.
I don't know what it about a GMC but some of the most interesting people I have ever met seem to have one and it is not just the Dixielanders. We belong to 6 chapters and every one of them are full of interesting people if you take the time to talk with them. The International rallies are great to meet new people and see old friends from all over the country and world. We look forward to seeing you all at more rallies.
Gene Dotson
74 Canyonlands
www.bdub.net/Motorhome_Enhancements
|
|
Generally, anyone who owns, or is in the
market for a Class A GMC Motorhome and intends to use it
at club events is welcomed to be our guest. We are sure, that
after you experience the camaraderie, fellowship and immense
collective knowledge of this group, that you will be inclined
to become a member and help support our club and it's activities. Dues are only $20 for the first year and $10 a year after that. The Dixielander Newsletter alone is worth that. |
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