GMC Motorhome

Welcome to my GMC Motorhomes page, dedicated to the general history and information of the vehicle. This site is to give just that, so information on specific models is not really dug into too deeply-there were over 15 of them, you know! That's a lot!

GM Design Studio Concepts

Pre-Production design Prototype assembly

In about 1968, GM decided to enter the booming RV market by introducing a complete RV under their name. Unlike other RV models that GM had offered, this was to be a complete motorhome, with body, interior, equipment, etc. An unusual front drive layout was chosen for the design, and as for the styling, it too was very sleek and stylish for a motorhome, epically at that period. Pictured are some design studies that GM had made.

The Production GMC Motorhome

Transpo 72 Brochure-Alternate Uses

Eventually, the Motorhome was decided to be marketed under the GMC name, to hopefully give the brand a more civilian image for at this time, their main business was heavy duty trucks. The Motorhome was debuted at the TRANSPO 72 fair at Dulles International Airport. The Motorhome was billed as also a multi-purpose vehicle, as it could be used for other needs. Envisioned applications included ambulances, transit busses, and handicapped accessible vehicles.

The Motorhome was slightly altered in shape for it's production version. The basic lines were still evident, but it was heightened to give more walking room. There were two models available: the 23 or the 26 foot models were offered, with more people opting for the 26 than the 23. The way to tell the difference at a quick glance is the 26's side door is towards the rear wheels of the coach, whereas the 23's is just after the front wheels.

GMC Motorhome chassis

GMC Motorhome Body

As the original design concept planned, the Motorhome used an all-new way of thinking to construct the vehicle. The chassis was front-wheel drive, mated to a four-speed automatic and a 455 CUI V8. The powertrain came stock from Oldsmobile's Toronado, and the early Cadillac Eldorados, also. The chassis of the Motorhome was also unique. The body was a one-piece body made of an aluminum frame with fiberglass panels. The chassis utilized a single wheel layout in the rear, rather than the traditional "dually" design. The rear suspension was an air suspension type, often found in buses or heavy duty trucks, and allowed a smooth ride and a level coach. Floorplans and models offered are listed on the pictures at the bottom of this page.

GMC Transmode Bus

Pictures of Motorhome Assembly

Two basic models were manufactured. There were the Motorhomes, which were all ready for camping, and then there were the Transmodes. The Transmodes were an empty Motorhome shell, except for the cockpit. Many of these were converted to motorhome useage by other companies, but they were also used for such buisness purpaces that GM envisioned early on.

GMC Motorhomes were all built in Pontiac, MI, where most other GMC trucks were built. The factory interiors were done by a company called Gemini, located elsewhere in Michigan. However, their components were installed in Pontiac. The rear panel was installed last, allowing the components and trim to be wheeled into the interior, compared to wrestling it in on other coaches. Some Transmodes had this panel replaced by two cargo doors, as seen on the full-size GMC van.

Early GMC Interior

GMC Motorhome Dashboard

GMC Motorhome Cockpit

The interior of the Motorhome was as up to date (at that time) as the styling was. The picture at right shows one of the early interior schemes. Don't worry, other colors were available and eventually other patterns too.

Since the chassis was a FWD configuration, this allowed for a lower stance of the coach, and a flat interior. The cockpit also avoided and doghouses and had swiviling chairs. A double-wide swiveling passenger's chair was available. As evidenced by this photo, the Motorhome was very bright with it's large window areas, allowing also a better line of sight.


GMC 23' Floorplans	GMC 26' Floorplans	GMC Motorhome Models and Lengths