Workhorse info

[jergeod]

A friend of mine is looking at a Georgie Boy 36' with the 8.1 GM motor. What is the average MPG for the GM? How are they for power? He has a ford V10 in a 30' now which gets the average 7 to 8 mpg and has plenty of power to pull his vibe toad on a dolly. Has there been any problems with the chevy he should know about? I will relay any info you all can give on the Chevy motor, trans and chassis setup.

[vettenuts]

I have a 37 foot Newmar and average about 7.4 mpg towing a Chevy Malibu. I have enough power and there are things that can be done to improve the power.

Not sure what year or chassis he is looking at, exhaust manifolds can be an issue and there may be a recall on the fuel damper clip. There may be a recall on the brakes as well depending on the chassis.

Allison transmission is fabulous!!!

I think it's a great setup and am happy with the performance. Haven't had it in the mountains out west yet, but it did fine in the Carolina's this past spring.

[jergeod]

He is looking at an 04 Georgie Boy 36' Cruise Master. Do you know which chassis's had the recalls and if not do you know where I can find out?

[edgray]

Originally Posted by jergeod

He is looking at an 04 Georgie Boy 36' Cruise Master. Do you know which chassis's had the recalls and if not do you know where I can find out?

Unless it is on a P32 chassis, it is highly likely to be on a W-20 thru W-22 and ALL of them were recalled for the BOSCH brake problem. If the sixth vin # is a "6", it WAS recalled. If you provide the last 8 digits of the vin #, we can tell you if it was completed or not.

[jergeod]

He gave them a couple hundred to hold till Wednesday, don't have vin yet till then. I will post it Wed night. The P series used coils in the front right, this has large leaf. I would assume being an 04 with 22.5 tires it will be a W series.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by jergeod

He gave them a couple hundred to hold till Wednesday, don't have vin yet till then. I will post it Wed night. The P series used coils in the front right, this has large leaf. I would assume being an 04 with 22.5 tires it will be a W series.

You are correct, and that is the best way to determine chassis model when the Vin # isn't known. I'm thinking the W-24 was not yet introduced back then.

ALL of the W-20 thru W22 chassis ever made were subject to the Bosch Brake recall, and other recalls may have been issued for that chassis as well. The only way I can see more specific info is with the last 8 digits.

[vettenuts]

Is it a dealer? Sometimes they will list the vin in the advertisement and you could get the information prior to picking up. I would ensure they are done prior to taking delivery unless it is private party and part of the negotiations.

Some of the ads I am seeing for that year are on a W22 chassis.

[jergeod]

Yes it is a dealer, but it isn't listed, they just took it in at the Hershey show. Recalls I'm not to worried about, as you said with the vin we can find out all recalls and if the owner had them done and if not get them done before using it. I'll be back with the vin on Wed. and go from there. But is there any other quirks we should look for?

[Arch Hoagland]

I've had problems with the exhaust manifolds and the Actia dash display.

Make sure the dash display is readable.

I've averaged 7.1 mpg over 80,000 miles while pulling a 4,000lb toad.

Lots of power. I'd buy the same RV again.

[DD788Snipe]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

I've had problems with the exhaust manifolds and the Actia dash display.

Make sure the dash display is readable.

I've averaged 7.1 mpg over 80,000 miles while pulling a 4,000lb toad.

Lots of power. I'd buy the same RV again.

Dittos. I had a stock box 05 34' Winnebago on a w-20 pulling a 2500lbs toad. I live in SoCal and made several trips to Denver. I pulled Vail pass with little effort. Great engine and Trans combo. Drive it like a diesel keeping it at 2500 to 2800 rpms by gearing down and it glides right up at 45 to 50 mph. The Allison tranny makes that happen, also that chevy 8.1 makes its torque at much lower rpm than the V10. Much quieter and less heat also. Throw in the banks system and you have a fire breathing dragon.

[Steve N Sal]

The Newmars of the vintage that we own were probably the heaviest gas Class A motor homes ever built. That being said we have never been for a lack of power and the combination of that 8.1 and Allison trans is a hard one to beat. We average between 7 and 8 mpg. It's been a pleasure to drive and has had NO modifications done to the drive train or suspension at all. We tow our 05 pt Cruiser convertible which weighs in at right around 3300 lbs.

[mc4fun]

Have to agree with above statements. Our W-22 comes in at max weight when we travel and it runs like a champ.
We just put 3400 miles on it going to Yellowstone and back, cutting through the black hills as well.
If it was not already done the shocks will need to be replaced at that age.
Also check the dust covers on the Steering knuckles for dry rot. Part is $15 labor to install around $400 unless you have tools to do it yourself.

[mc4fun]

Originally Posted by DD788Snipe

Dittos. I had a stock box 05 34' Winnebago on a w-20 pulling a 2500lbs toad. I live in SoCal and made several trips to Denver. I pulled Vail pass with little effort. Great engine and Trans combo. Drive it like a diesel keeping it at 2500 to 2800 rpms by gearing down and it glides right up at 45 to 50 mph. The Allison tranny makes that happen, also that chevy 8.1 makes its torque at much lower rpm than the V10. Much quieter and less heat also. Throw in the banks system and you have a fire breathing dragon.

What is the banks system?

[Steve N Sal]

Originally Posted by mc4fun

What is the banks system?

Header and exhaust system along with some other product to let the engine breath a bit better. Drove my friends motor home with the system installed. Have to say it did get up to speed a bit better but it also was a bit noisier with the larger exhaust. JMHO.