New to BaT? Learn how it works.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

Sold for $151,000 on 8/20/21comments-icon403Comments
Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

This 1976 FMC 2900R is a 29′ motorhome finished in cream with tri-color accents and powered by a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel V8 paired with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Features include dual roof-mounted air conditioners, a kitchenette, storage cabinets, a sleeper sofa, two twin beds, and a bathroom with a shower. The seller acquired the RV in California in May 2020 and subsequently completed a refurbishment begun during previous ownership. This FMC motorhome is now offered in California with an owner’s manual, a service manual, service records, refurbishment photos, and a clean Montana title assigned to the seller’s LLC.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) produced military vehicles during WWII and firefighting equipment in the 1960s before opening a recreational vehicles division 1972 with the 2900R. This example was repainted in cream in June 2021 and features metallic turquoise, silver blue, and dark green accent stripes. Repairs were made to the fiberglass around the entry door during the refurbishment, and additional exterior details include LED clearance lights, roof-mounted air horns, and new Smart Fan lids. The reinforced rear bumper is equipped with skid wheels and three receiver hitches was completed by the prior owner.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

Polished 19.5″ Alcoa wheels are wrapped in Double Coin RT600 tires showing 2015 date codes. The coach rides on a custom AirLift 2600 adjustable air bag system and a dually rear axle featuring independant suspension. The custom hydroboost drum brake system features three master cylinders and a dedicated hydraulic pump for the rear circuit. A brake service including replacing the brake drums, relining the shoes, rebuilding two of the wheel cylinders, and replacing the remaining cylinders was completed by previous owner in September 2019. A Safe T Plus steering stabilizer is installed, and a front-end alignment and right-side wheel bearing service was performed in July 2020.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The forward cabin features a swiveling captain’s chair upholstered by the seller in beige button-tufted cloth and vinyl as well as a combination passenger bench seat and sleeper sofa trimmed in Southwestern-pattern fabric. The cabin is cooled by a roof-mounted Colman Mach 8 air conditioner and features include overhead storage compartments, dual electric fans, and an aftermarket CD stereo system.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The instrumentation cluster was sourced from a GMC Yukon and includes a 120-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. A ScanGauge II unit and aftermarket gauges for boost pressure and exhaust gas temperature are fitted to the dashboard, and Carling rocker switches control the various accessory systems. The odometer shows 97k miles, though total mileage is unknown.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The living quarters feature brown Formica cabinets and a kitchenette that includes an inverter microwave, refrigerator, freezer, double-basin sink, a Dometic three-burner stovetop, exhaust vent, and factory blender. Additional amenities include a propane heater, a roof-mounted 9.2 BTU Coleman air conditioner, and a drinking water filtration system. The electrical system consists of four 145-Ah batteries, an AIMS Power Inverter/Charger, and a 270-amp DC Power alternator. The stovetop and carpeting were replaced during current ownership.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The bathroom is equipped with a ceramic toilet, three-mirror vanity, sink, and full height shower stall. The seller states that the plumbing was replaced with PEX piping during prior ownership, while the bath and wardrobe mirrors and shower door were replaced by the seller.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The rear sleeping quarters was returned to its correct twin bed configuration with new lower cabinetry, sofa/bed cushions, and carpet installed by the seller. Amenities include overhead cabinets, a two-way Smart Fan, and both 110v and USB ports on the carpeted rear shelf.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

The 6.6-liter LBZ Duramax turbodiesel V8 was sourced from a 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD and was installed during prior ownership with dual alternators, a six-core radiator, two inline oil coolers, and a Caterpillar fuel filter. The intercooler piping, charge air cooler, and Hayden transmission fluid coolers share twin electric fans. The engine air filter and mass airflow sensor were relocated to a pass-thru in the stowage area to draw air from outside of the engine compartment. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation was capped and rerouted PCV to a catch can. Engine control and management systems are accessed from the rear side hatch. A new Garrett turbocharger was installed Oct 2020.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

Power is sent to the rear wheels through an Allison six-speed automatic transmission sourced from a Chevrolet Kodiak. The transmission is fitted with a Pacific Performance Engineering Stage 5 upgrade kit that features a billet triple-clutch torque converter, a larger oil sump pan, multiple shift modes including automatic, manual, and towing. Manual shift mode is demonstrated in the video below.

Duramax-Powered 1976 FMC 2900R Motorhome

An owner’s manual, a service manual, and service records are included in the sale. Photos from the previous owner’s time with the motorhome, including the engine and transmission swap can be seen here. Photos from the seller’s refurbishment of the exterior and interior can be seen here.

This RV will be in attendance at the BaT Alumni gathering at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, August 14th. If you are coming to the track, please stop by the inside of Turn 3 to see this motorhome along with many other BaT alumni vehicles and their owners. Hope to see you there!

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $151,000 by Buyer100
Auction Ended August 20, 2021 at 12:27PM PT
Bids 101
You are not connected to real-time updates. Attempting to connect.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Your real-time updates could not be connected. Missed updates will be sent once your connection has been reestablished.
Reconnected! Checking for missed updates…

403 Comments

Please enable JavaScript to engage in the discussion on this site.

BaT Essentials

Seller: Travalon
Location: San Rafael, California 94901
Listing Details
  • Chassis: S601J01027
  • 97k Miles Shown, TMU
  • 6.6-Liter Duramax Turbodiesel V8
  • Allison Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Cream w/Blue Stripes
  • Mixed Cloth Upholstery
  • 19.5" Alcoa Wheels w/Dually Rear Axle
  • Custom AirLift Suspension System
  • Custom Hydoboost Braking System
  • Kitchenette w/Stove & Refrigerator
  • Sleeper Sofa
  • Two Twin Beds
  • Storage Cabinets
  • Bathroom w/Shower
  • Propane Heater
  • Roof-Mounted Air Conditioner
  • Drinking Water Filtration System
  • Owner's Manual
  • Service Manual
  • Service Records
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #53502