Page 9 - Summer 2017 GMC Vintage RVing

Two-page AdvertisementProduction NotesIn late 1973, the 1974 models were introduced with little fanfare. They were a continuation of the previous models, incorporating running changes made to correct deficiencies in the early designs.The GMC plant was operating at one shift while the Gemini plant was at two shifts. The motorhome’s body and chassis were being assembled more rapidly than the interior upfitting at Gemini. An early problem at the Gemini facility was plant layout: parts and assemblies were not properly placed for efficient manufacturing flow given the relatively low build volumes. Gemini plant personnel experience had been based on the one-at-a-time build practices at Travco. Employees from the GMC plant were able to provide assistance with this situation, thanks to their extensive background in large- volume manufacturing.GMC Motorhome assembly operations were shut down in early December 1973, the official reason was stated as “to bring inventories in line with retail sales.” What started out at the beginning of the year as a great opportunity in a new market that at the time appeared almost limitless, suddenly had come to a screeching halt. The gasoline shortage had begun to seriously affect the RV industry.Sales continued to be short of expectation and in March 1974 GMC announced that it had suspended production. GMC offered a motorhome rental program and conducted a fuel economy run with the press. The test involved a 23' GMC Motorhome that went 264 miles from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. The reported mileage was 10.2 mpg using cruise control most of the way. The return trip provided an 11.2 mpg average. GMC was trying hard to revive sales during this period of gas shortage.Over the next couple of months sales began to pick up and by mid-year inventories were depleted and production was resumed.At year end assembly of interiors at Gemini was discontinued, and all of the interior fitting was brought in-house to the GMC Pontiac Plant in 1975.1973-1974 GMC MOTORHOME FACTOIDVehicle identification numbers recorded at the GMC Motorhome Registry (gmcmhregistry.com)1974 Vacationland Coloring Book produced by General Motors.Model Year 23’Canyon Land1973 71 1974 16Glacier1973 63 1974 6Painted Desert1973 72 1974 7Sequoia1973 441974 87987Total 287 1317 160426’ Total391 462 129 145183 246 73 79184 256 70 77208 2521973 Sales Flyerproduced by General Motors was available in three different sizes.SUMMER 2017 GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 9