Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Mon, January 11, 2010 8:07:50 AM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
>
> Ã
> My wife and IÃ would like to buy a dieselÃ pusher this spring.Ã In your
opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell
or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler,Ã Fleetwood, or Tiffin?Ã Our funds
are limited so a new ones are out of the question.
>
> Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
>
> Thank You,
> Clyde Byram
> St. Louis, MO
> Want-A-Be Motorhomer
>

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - Pete Masterson - 01-12-2010 09:01

I have to agree. I began looking for a "road cruiser" about 2 years before buying our coach. Our plan was to full-time.

Having passed enough RV wrecks (both fiberglas and aluminum), Class As, Cs, and various trailers -- I simply decided that the risk, however small, of a vehicle that was not substantially built was not worth it to me.

I first started looking at bus conversions -- I realized that those were based on vehicles that were built to safety standards for the traveling public and would be solid with generally acceptable road manners. (Some purpose-built RVs trade off low-speed handling against good road handling on the highway. It's great to be able to maneuver into camp site easily, but the manufacturer can trade that for lousy, unstable handling on the highway.)

Bus conversions proved a problem, while there were a few Country coach and marathon built "commercial" conversions, most were home built with engineering and construction quality ranging from abdominal to outstanding -- but how could I tell -- for sure? Many of the commercial conversions were "entertainer" coaches -- often with 6 to 12 bunks (for the band) -- but those would all have required extensive remodeling to turn into what I was looking for.

Then I discovered the Wanderlodge. It's built on a very solid school bus chassis (newest in 1989) and on a similar highway bus chassis for the Wide Body models (introduced in 1989). These were true "bus conversions" but with a coherent production line design and solid engineering. While each Wanderlodge is semi-custom (especially those where they were presold before construction began), there is enough uniformity from coach to coach that it's a proven design. The design, over the years, has evolved so the learning that went before isn't discarded.

The key and final decider was the wonderful online lists (this one and the Wanderlodge Owners Group Forum) where help and advice was freely given and problems were often easy to identify and solve. (Problems range from "how do I turn on the heat" to more complex maintenance and service issues.) Even though Marathon and Country Coach have a lot of converted Prevost units on the road, no similar online sharing seems to be available -- at least, not to the extent that the Wanderlodge lists offer. (This may be because there are so many older Wanderlodges on the road. The first ones were built in the mid-60s -- and even some of those are still in use -- and there are many more from the 70s and 80s where owners are sharing their experiences with restoration, upgrade, etc. This is not the case with the Prevost-based commercial conversions. It gives new Wanderlodge owners a place to go and share experiences.)

Circumstances required us to sell our coach earlier this year (our plan to full-time having been seriously interfered with by the real estate market crash and other factors) -- but I truly loved my Wanderlodge and deeply regretted having to sell it. Hopefully, our situation will turn around and I'll be able to get another WL in the future.

Finally -- and this is the key -- you MUST carefully evaluate your needs and desired living arrangement. If you plan to carry grandchildren with you frequently -- or if you only wish to use a coach infrequently (and so on) your needs may or may not be well served by a Wanderlodge. But, if your basic needs are met by the RVing experience that a Wanderlodge offers, then you will be very happy you got one.

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Jan 12, 2010, at 12:09 PM, Light "Ltenergy@aol.com" wrote:

<snip>Our brother bought our 26 footer and it was hit and was so badly trashed ( like a toy) , we decided right then to not buy fiberglass again. There is always a trade off with RVs... usually MANY trade offs. BUT once we made up our minds to look a Class A's, we just kept coming back to Bluebirds. There is LOTS of support within the Bluebird family of owners. It has been invaluable.

As far as the BUS goes... We wanted a metal body and solid construction and a million mile engine. For us it was Bluebird or Prevost. We didn't consider others, because we wanted steel bodies. For the price and the quality the Bluebird is a steal these days. We absolutely LOVE our Bird! We ended up with a 1991 40 PT WB... When it was new it was around $450K... so the quality is there.

<snip>

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - Light Ltenergy@... - 01-13-2010 10:00

Hi Pete,

Well, you definitely put it in clearer and more concise words. But, yes, there
is nothing like a Wanderlodge out there. We lived in Oregon and saw Country
Coach building their coaches (our son in law worked there) and our youngest son
worked at Monaco... We were NOT impressed with Monaco (quality construction
--not in our estimation) at all, and Country Coach was not up to the sturdiness
we wanted. Now Marathon puts together a nice coach, but compared to a
Wanderlodge, it is so much more expensive to begin with. Why pay more for a Bus
Coach ? For us, a Wanderlodge is the best bet for quality, safety, and road
handling.

And speaking of Grandkids... we can comfortably carry four of grandkids (all 6
of them if we need to) because we have two sofas which turn into beds (both do)
and that have seat belts. It is perfect for us and our tribe of family.

We are so tickled we were able to get our 1991 40' PT WB a few months ago. We
are still learning about her... but our Blue is our full time home now and we
are truly happy with our decision to go full time in a Wanderlodge. Now I must
add, we had RVed for 7 years living on the road for long months with my
husband's projects over the last 18 years together, so we knew what RV living
was about. We always had a home to go to ... but we figured out, we really
didn't need anything except what we had with us. So the home got sold and we
are on the road. Wherever the winds blow... so to speak.

Happy hunting for your RV...
Hugs,
Light and Captain D
1991 40' PT WB
in Santa Cruz, CA
soon to be in Auburn, CA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson wrote:
>
> I have to agree. I began looking for a "road cruiser" about 2 years
> before buying our coach. Our plan was to full-time.
>
> Having passed enough RV wrecks (both fiberglas and aluminum), Class
> As, Cs, and various trailers -- I simply decided that the risk,
> however small, of a vehicle that was not substantially built was not
> worth it to me.
>
> I first started looking at bus conversions -- I realized that those
> were based on vehicles that were built to safety standards for the
> traveling public and would be solid with generally acceptable road
> manners. (Some purpose-built RVs trade off low-speed handling against
> good road handling on the highway. It's great to be able to maneuver
> into camp site easily, but the manufacturer can trade that for lousy,
> unstable handling on the highway.)
>
> Bus conversions proved a problem, while there were a few Country coach
> and marathon built "commercial" conversions, most were home built with
> engineering and construction quality ranging from abdominal to
> outstanding -- but how could I tell -- for sure? Many of the
> commercial conversions were "entertainer" coaches -- often with 6 to
> 12 bunks (for the band) -- but those would all have required extensive
> remodeling to turn into what I was looking for.
>
> Then I discovered the Wanderlodge. It's built on a very solid school
> bus chassis (newest in 1989) and on a similar highway bus chassis for
> the Wide Body models (introduced in 1989). These were true "bus
> conversions" but with a coherent production line design and solid
> engineering. While each Wanderlodge is semi-custom (especially those
> where they were presold before construction began), there is enough
> uniformity from coach to coach that it's a proven design. The design,
> over the years, has evolved so the learning that went before isn't
> discarded.
>
> The key and final decider was the wonderful online lists (this one and
> the Wanderlodge Owners Group Forum) where help and advice was freely
> given and problems were often easy to identify and solve. (Problems
> range from "how do I turn on the heat" to more complex maintenance and
> service issues.) Even though Marathon and Country Coach have a lot of
> converted Prevost units on the road, no similar online sharing seems
> to be available -- at least, not to the extent that the Wanderlodge
> lists offer. (This may be because there are so many older Wanderlodges
> on the road. The first ones were built in the mid-60s -- and even some
> of those are still in use -- and there are many more from the 70s and
> 80s where owners are sharing their experiences with restoration,
> upgrade, etc. This is not the case with the Prevost-based commercial
> conversions. It gives new Wanderlodge owners a place to go and share
> experiences.)
>
> Circumstances required us to sell our coach earlier this year (our
> plan to full-time having been seriously interfered with by the real
> estate market crash and other factors) -- but I truly loved my
> Wanderlodge and deeply regretted having to sell it. Hopefully, our
> situation will turn around and I'll be able to get another WL in the
> future.
>
> Finally -- and this is the key -- you MUST carefully evaluate your
> needs and desired living arrangement. If you plan to carry
> grandchildren with you frequently -- or if you only wish to use a
> coach infrequently (and so on) your needs may or may not be well
> served by a Wanderlodge. But, if your basic needs are met by the RVing
> experience that a Wanderlodge offers, then you will be very happy you
> got one.
>
> Pete Masterson
> (former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>
>
> On Jan 12, 2010, at 12:09 PM, Light Ltenergy@... wrote:
>
> > <snip>Our brother bought our 26 footer and it was hit and was so
> > badly trashed ( like a toy) , we decided right then to not buy
> > fiberglass again. There is always a trade off with RVs... usually
> > MANY trade offs. BUT once we made up our minds to look a Class A's,
> > we just kept coming back to Bluebirds. There is LOTS of support
> > within the Bluebird family of owners. It has been invaluable.
> >
> > As far as the BUS goes... We wanted a metal body and solid
> > construction and a million mile engine. For us it was Bluebird or
> > Prevost. We didn't consider others, because we wanted steel
> > bodies. For the price and the quality the Bluebird is a steal these
> > days. We absolutely LOVE our Bird! We ended up with a 1991 40 PT
> > WB... When it was new it was around $450K... so the quality is there.
> <snip>
>

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - w5sk - 01-17-2010 03:57

Brad,

I am new to this forum. Have owned several glass coaches but looking to move up
to a bus. Currently in a 40' Vogue V 96 which is really a very nice fiberglass
Prevost look alike.

You said that the 43 foot Wonderlodge had some issues with the ride. Do you
think that was the length or the chassis. Could you tell me more?

Thanks,

Wave
Near Medicine Park, Ok.
96 Vogue V
still working

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, brad barton <bbartonwx@...> wrote:
>
>
> Clyde,
>
> I've owned an 84 FC Blue Bird Wanderlodge, an 86 Newell and a 2000 Wanderlodge
LXi. For what it's worth, my 84 FC was the most trouble-free coach I had, but
underpowered (for my taste).
>
> The 86 Newell was the best handling coach I had, a pleasure to drive, but a
few of the parts were getting hard to find in 2004. My LXi was more problematic
than I thought it should've been. I think the 43' length, excessive vertical
movement and body flex were related to several problems. I'd rather stay at
38-40'.
>
>
>
> Since you're in St. Louis, you'd be fairly close to the Newell factory in
Miami, OK. And they are a pleasure to deal with on maintenance and service
issues (as I'm sure Blue Bird was when their factory was still in business). A
later-model Newell (Series 2000 or newer) in pristine condition would be a good
choice, just keep it serviced at the factory.
>
>
>
> A late 80's to mid 90's Wanderlodge PT40 or SP36 would be fine if it's been
renovated and free of rust.
>
>
>
> If I were in the market for a bus-style coach, I'd find out who services
Prevost and Marathon coaches in my area and get their opinion on parts and
maintenance.
>
> And, if you buy a metal coach, you'll probably never want to buy a fiberglass
coach again, no matter what the price.
>
>
> No coach, new, used, metal or plastic will be a snap to own and run. You have
to be prepared financially and emotionally for wear, tear, breakage, replacement
parts and plenty of maintenance. One other thing that's real important is..no
leaks. No air leaks at the door, no water leaks anywhere, roof, windows, tanks
or valves. They have a way of causing more damage to more things than you can
imagine. If it leaks, and they won't guarantee the fix, keep looking. Best of
luck.
>
>
> bbartonwx@...
>
>
>
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> From: cmlintx@...
> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:07:50 -0800
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> My wife and I would like to buy a diesel pusher this spring. In your
opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell
or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, or Tiffin? Our funds are
limited so a new ones are out of the question.
>
> Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
>
> Thank You,
> Clyde Byram
> St. Louis, MO
> Want-A-Be Motorhomer
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/
>

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - Michael - 01-17-2010 07:31

When considering a newer DP, be particularly mindful of axle weights.
Slides and bling cut into CCC (cargo carring capaticy). Mfrs didn't waste much
money on engineering in first part of the century it seems.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "w5sk" wrote:
>
> Brad,
>
> I am new to this forum. Have owned several glass coaches but looking to move
up to a bus. Currently in a 40' Vogue V 96 which is really a very nice
fiberglass Prevost look alike.
>
> You said that the 43 foot Wonderlodge had some issues with the ride. Do you
think that was the length or the chassis. Could you tell me more?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Wave
> Near Medicine Park, Ok.
> 96 Vogue V
> still working
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, brad barton <bbartonwx@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Clyde,
> >
> > I've owned an 84 FC Blue Bird Wanderlodge, an 86 Newell and a 2000
Wanderlodge LXi. For what it's worth, my 84 FC was the most trouble-free coach
I had, but underpowered (for my taste).
> >
> > The 86 Newell was the best handling coach I had, a pleasure to drive, but a
few of the parts were getting hard to find in 2004. My LXi was more problematic
than I thought it should've been. I think the 43' length, excessive vertical
movement and body flex were related to several problems. I'd rather stay at
38-40'.
> >
> >
> >
> > Since you're in St. Louis, you'd be fairly close to the Newell factory in
Miami, OK. And they are a pleasure to deal with on maintenance and service
issues (as I'm sure Blue Bird was when their factory was still in business). A
later-model Newell (Series 2000 or newer) in pristine condition would be a good
choice, just keep it serviced at the factory.
> >
> >
> >
> > A late 80's to mid 90's Wanderlodge PT40 or SP36 would be fine if it's been
renovated and free of rust.
> >
> >
> >
> > If I were in the market for a bus-style coach, I'd find out who services
Prevost and Marathon coaches in my area and get their opinion on parts and
maintenance.
> >
> > And, if you buy a metal coach, you'll probably never want to buy a
fiberglass coach again, no matter what the price.
> >
> >
> > No coach, new, used, metal or plastic will be a snap to own and run. You
have to be prepared financially and emotionally for wear, tear, breakage,
replacement parts and plenty of maintenance. One other thing that's real
important is..no leaks. No air leaks at the door, no water leaks anywhere,
roof, windows, tanks or valves. They have a way of causing more damage to more
things than you can imagine. If it leaks, and they won't guarantee the fix,
keep looking. Best of luck.
> >
> >
> > bbartonwx@
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > From: cmlintx@
> > Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:07:50 -0800
> > Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > My wife and I would like to buy a diesel pusher this spring. In your
opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell
or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, or Tiffin? Our funds are
limited so a new ones are out of the question.
> >
> > Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
> >
> > Thank You,
> > Clyde Byram
> > St. Louis, MO
> > Want-A-Be Motorhomer
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> > http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/
> >
>

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - brad barton - 01-17-2010 13:10

Wave,

I am only a civilian, not a mechanic, so these are just my impressions. There are many others who would disagree. Compared to my 35'FC and the 43' LXi, the Newell had much less vertical movement in travel. It's just the way different manufacturers set up the suspension and handle the weight on their coaches.

My opinion is that the 43' length of the coach, exaggerated by the wide travel of the suspension produced either flexes or possibly shocks that resulted in several failures plus chatters, chirps and rattles, alllocated near the middle of the coach which I outlined earlier. Maybe they were all unrelated. Maybe I just had some bad luck- Ican't sayfor sure.

Don't get me wrong, my LXi was, and still is the most elegant coach I've ever seen.I'm glad I had the experience of owning it. If I was forced to make a choice right now though, I'd take a close look at a non-slide LXi, a PT40 or an LX if they were impeccably maintained or re-done.

Best of luck,

Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: w5sk@...
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:57:36 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Brad,

I am new to this forum. Have owned several glass coaches but looking to move up to a bus. Currently in a 40' Vogue V 96 which is really a very nice fiberglass Prevost look alike.

You said that the 43 foot Wonderlodge had some issues with the ride. Do you think that was the length or the chassis. Could you tell me more?

Thanks,

Wave
Near Medicine Park, Ok.
96 Vogue V
still working

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", brad barton <bbartonwx@.<WBR>..> wrote:
>
>
> Clyde,
>
> I've owned an 84 FC Blue Bird Wanderlodge, an 86 Newell and a 2000 Wanderlodge LXi. For what it's worth, my 84 FC was the most trouble-free coach I had, but underpowered (for my taste).
>
> The 86 Newell was the best handling coach I had, a pleasure to drive, but a few of the parts were getting hard to find in 2004. My LXi was more problematic than I thought it should've been. I think the 43' length, excessive vertical movement and body flex were related to several problems. I'd rather stay at 38-40'.
>
>
>
> Since you're in St. Louis, you'd be fairly close to the Newell factory in Miami, OK. And they are a pleasure to deal with on maintenance and service issues (as I'm sure Blue Bird was when their factory was still in business). A later-model Newell (Series 2000 or newer) in pristine condition would be a good choice, just keep it serviced at the factory.
>
>
>
> A late 80's to mid 90's Wanderlodge PT40 or SP36 would be fine if it's been renovated and free of rust.
>
>
>
> If I were in the market for a bus-style coach, I'd find out who services Prevost and Marathon coaches in my area and get their opinion on parts and maintenance.
>
> And, if you buy a metal coach, you'll probably never want to buy a fiberglass coach again, no matter what the price.
>
>
> No coach, new, used, metal or plastic will be a snap to own and run. You have to be prepared financially and emotionally for wear, tear, breakage, replacement parts and plenty of maintenance. One other thing that's real important is..no leaks. No air leaks at the door, no water leaks anywhere, roof, windows, tanks or valves. They have a way of causing more damage to more things than you can imagine. If it leaks, and they won't guarantee the fix, keep looking. Best of luck.
>
>
> bbartonwx@...
>
>
>
>
>
> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> From: cmlintx@...
> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:07:50 -0800
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> My wife and I would like to buy a diesel pusher this spring. In your opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, or Tiffin? Our funds are limited so a new ones are out of the question.
>
> Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
>
> Thank You,
> Clyde Byram
> St. Louis, MO
> Want-A-Be Motorhomer
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/
>

Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - David Brady - 01-17-2010 14:58

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your clarification. You may be on to something. There's simply
no way to build something as big as an LXi and not have any flex in the
chassis, and indeed there is strength in flexibility. The LXi is a departure
from the usual Wanderlodge build methods. It still uses the main c-channel
backbone, but in addition, it adds supporting framework that envelops the
backbone. The FC's, PT's and even the Wide Bodies, are all essentially
box over frame construction. The box adds considerable stiffness to what
would otherwise be a rather whippy c-channel backbone. There was no way
that this style of construction could stand a hole cut in the side for a slide.
The engineers needed to rethink the structure. In the LXi you'll find the c-channnel
backbone, and connected to it a stout set of triangulated boxes that make up the
basement. Along the perimeter of the skin there are 5 sets of stout longitudinal
structures, (1) a pair of longitudinal frame rails that run underneath the basement
from steer axle to drive axle, (2) extruded aluminum torque tubes at the top
corners of the roof, (3) the belt bar that runs the full length of the coach at
the base of the windows, (4) the hip beam that runs the full length of the coach
at floor level, and (5) a beam that runs at the basement floor outer corner from
the steer to the drive axle. All of these have vertical supports posts tying the beams
together at the outer skin. The inside walls are also steel gusseted from floor
level to the belt bar under the windows. The joints are welded or huck bolted
together. The folks at the factory, whom I've spoken with, have nothing but praise
for the rigidity of the slide equipped LXi. It is a rather amazing piece representing
40 years of evolution along with new design elements meant to support slide
technology. In my view it's more of a perimeter design than the older box on
frame style, meaning that the space frame envelops the c-channel and the two
work in harmony. My hats off to the folks who did it. Now does it ride rough?
In stock form it does. As everyone here knows by now, I removed my OEM
steer axle anti-sway bar and am overwhelmed by the improvement in ride and
handling. The stock bar is simply too stiff. This stiffness results in almost no
independent steer axle wheel movement and excessive vertical suspension
movement. This may be the cause of some of the issues owners have expressed
with their buses. There may be other causes: tire pressures, ride height, shocks,
maybe a chassis that's too stiff. I don't know. My own experience is that with
the anti-sway bar removed you'll be hard pressed to find a better handing or riding
bus, and I've driven many Prevost's over the years. On the other hand, I am a
slightly biased LXi owner so feel free to take all of this with a grain of salt!. LOL.

Good luck in your search.

David Brady
'02 LXi, NC

-----Original Message-----

From: brad barton <bbartonwx>

Sent: Jan 17, 2010 8:10 PM

To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com

Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Wave,

I am only a civilian, not a mechanic, so these are just my impressions. There are many others who would disagree. Compared to my 35'FC and the 43' LXi, the Newell had much less vertical movement in travel. It's just the way different manufacturers set up the suspension and handle the weight on their coaches.

My opinion is that the 43' length of the coach, exaggerated by the wide travel of the suspension produced either flexes or possibly shocks that resulted in several failures plus chatters, chirps and rattles, alllocated near the middle of the coach which I outlined earlier. Maybe they were all unrelated. Maybe I just had some bad luck- Ican't sayfor sure.

Don't get me wrong, my LXi was, and still is the most elegant coach I've ever seen.I'm glad I had the experience of owning it. If I was forced to make a choice right now though, I'd take a close look at a non-slide LXi, a PT40 or an LX if they were impeccably maintained or re-done.

Best of luck,

Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: w5sk@earthlink.net
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:57:36 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Brad,

I am new to this forum. Have owned several glass coaches but looking to move up to a bus. Currently in a 40' Vogue V 96 which is really a very nice fiberglass Prevost look alike.

You said that the 43 foot Wonderlodge had some issues with the ride. Do you think that was the length or the chassis. Could you tell me more?

Thanks,

Wave
Near Medicine Park, Ok.
96 Vogue V
still working

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", brad barton <bbartonwx@.<wbr>..> wrote:
>
>
> Clyde,
>
> I've owned an 84 FC Blue Bird Wanderlodge, an 86 Newell and a 2000 Wanderlodge LXi. For what it's worth, my 84 FC was the most trouble-free coach I had, but underpowered (for my taste).
>
> The 86 Newell was the best handling coach I had, a pleasure to drive, but a few of the parts were getting hard to find in 2004. My LXi was more problematic than I thought it should've been. I think the 43' length, excessive vertical movement and body flex were related to several problems. I'd rather stay at 38-40'.
>
>
>
> Since you're in St. Louis, you'd be fairly close to the Newell factory in Miami, OK. And they are a pleasure to deal with on maintenance and service issues (as I'm sure Blue Bird was when their factory was still in business). A later-model Newell (Series 2000 or newer) in pristine condition would be a good choice, just keep it serviced at the factory.
>
>
>
> A late 80's to mid 90's Wanderlodge PT40 or SP36 would be fine if it's been renovated and free of rust.
>
>
>
> If I were in the market for a bus-style coach, I'd find out who services Prevost and Marathon coaches in my area and get their opinion on parts and maintenance.
>
> And, if you buy a metal coach, you'll probably never want to buy a fiberglass coach again, no matter what the price.
>
>
> No coach, new, used, metal or plastic will be a snap to own and run. You have to be prepared financially and emotionally for wear, tear, breakage, replacement parts and plenty of maintenance. One other thing that's real important is..no leaks. No air leaks at the door, no water leaks anywhere, roof, windows, tanks or valves. They have a way of causing more damage to more things than you can imagine. If it leaks, and they won't guarantee the fix, keep looking. Best of luck.
>
>
> bbartonwx@...
>
>
>
>
>
> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> From: cmlintx@...
> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:07:50 -0800
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> My wife and I would like to buy a diesel pusher this spring. In your opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, or Tiffin? Our funds are limited so a new ones are out of the question.
>
> Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
>
> Thank You,
> Clyde Byram
> St. Louis, MO
> Want-A-Be Motorhomer
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/
>

Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - wavel - 01-17-2010 15:42

Can imagine someone new to the product feeling like they have to second guess the engineers at BB by removing the anti sway bar for an acceptable ride on the LXi? Should these issues not be worked out at the factory?

Wave

-----Original Message-----
From: David Brady
Sent: Jan 17, 2010 8:58 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Hi Brad,

Thanks for your clarification. You may be on to something. There's simply
no way to build something as big as an LXi and not have any flex in the
chassis, and indeed there is strength in flexibility. The LXi is a departure
from the usual Wanderlodge build methods. It still uses the main c-channel
backbone, but in addition, it adds supporting framework that envelops the
backbone. The FC's, PT's and even the Wide Bodies, are all essentially
box over frame construction. The box adds considerable stiffness to what
would otherwise be a rather whippy c-channel backbone. There was no way
that this style of construction could stand a hole cut in the side for a slide.
The engineers needed to rethink the structure. In the LXi you'll find the c-channnel
backbone, and connected to it a stout set of triangulated boxes that make up the
basement. Along the perimeter of the skin there are 5 sets of stout longitudinal
structures, (1) a pair of longitudinal frame rails that run underneath the basement
from steer axle to drive axle, (2) extruded aluminum torque tubes at the top
corners of the roof, (3) the belt bar that runs the full length of the coach at
the base of the windows, (4) the hip beam that runs the full length of the coach
at floor level, and (5) a beam that runs at the basement floor outer corner from
the steer to the drive axle. All of these have vertical supports posts tying the beams
together at the outer skin. The inside walls are also steel gusseted from floor
level to the belt bar under the windows. The joints are welded or huck bolted
together. The folks at the factory, whom I've spoken with, have nothing but praise
for the rigidity of the slide equipped LXi. It is a rather amazing piece representing
40 years of evolution along with new design elements meant to support slide
technology. In my view it's more of a perimeter design than the older box on
frame style, meaning that the space frame envelops the c-channel and the two
work in harmony. My hats off to the folks who did it. Now does it ride rough?
In stock form it does. As everyone here knows by now, I removed my OEM
steer axle anti-sway bar and am overwhelmed by the improvement in ride and
handling. The stock bar is simply too stiff. This stiffness results in almost no
independent steer axle wheel movement and excessive vertical suspension
movement. This may be the cause of some of the issues owners have expressed
with their buses. There may be other causes: tire pressures, ride height, shocks,
maybe a chassis that's too stiff. I don't know. My own experience is that with
the anti-sway bar removed you'll be hard pressed to find a better handing or riding
bus, and I've driven many Prevost's over the years. On the other hand, I am a
slightly biased LXi owner so feel free to take all of this with a grain of salt!. LOL.

Good luck in your search.

David Brady
'02 LXi, NC

-----Original Message-----
From: brad barton <BBARTONWX>
Sent: Jan 17, 2010 8:10 PM
To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Wave,
I am only a civilian, not a mechanic, so these are just my impressions. There are many others who would disagree. Compared to my 35'FC and the 43' LXi, the Newell had much less vertical movement in travel. It's just the way different manufacturers set up the suspension and handle the weight on their coaches.
My opinion is that the 43' length of the coach, exaggerated by the wide travel of the suspension produced either flexes or possibly shocks that resulted in several failures plus chatters, chirps and rattles, alllocated near the middle of the coach which I outlined earlier. Maybe they were all unrelated. Maybe I just had some bad luck- Ican't sayfor sure.
Don't get me wrong, my LXi was, and still is the most elegant coach I've ever seen.I'm glad I had the experience of owning it. If I was forced to make a choice right now though, I'd take a close look at a non-slide LXi, a PT40 or an LX if they were impeccably maintained or re-done.
Best of luck,
Brad

"bbartonwx@hotmail.com"

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: w5sk@earthlink.net
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:57:36 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......

Brad,

I am new to this forum. Have owned several glass coaches but looking to move up to a bus. Currently in a 40' Vogue V 96 which is really a very nice fiberglass Prevost look alike.

You said that the 43 foot Wonderlodge had some issues with the ride. Do you think that was the length or the chassis. Could you tell me more?

Thanks,

Wave
Near Medicine Park, Ok.
96 Vogue V
still working

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", brad barton <bbartonwx@.<WBR>..> wrote:
>
>
> Clyde,
>
> I've owned an 84 FC Blue Bird Wanderlodge, an 86 Newell and a 2000 Wanderlodge LXi. For what it's worth, my 84 FC was the most trouble-free coach I had, but underpowered (for my taste).
>
> The 86 Newell was the best handling coach I had, a pleasure to drive, but a few of the parts were getting hard to find in 2004. My LXi was more problematic than I thought it should've been. I think the 43' length, excessive vertical movement and body flex were related to several problems. I'd rather stay at 38-40'.
>
>
>
> Since you're in St. Louis, you'd be fairly close to the Newell factory in Miami, OK. And they are a pleasure to deal with on maintenance and service issues (as I'm sure Blue Bird was when their factory was still in business). A later-model Newell (Series 2000 or newer) in pristine condition would be a good choice, just keep it serviced at the factory.
>
>
>
> A late 80's to mid 90's Wanderlodge PT40 or SP36 would be fine if it's been renovated and free of rust.
>
>
>
> If I were in the market for a bus-style coach, I'd find out who services Prevost and Marathon coaches in my area and get their opinion on parts and maintenance.
>
> And, if you buy a metal coach, you'll probably never want to buy a fiberglass coach again, no matter what the price.
>
>
> No coach, new, used, metal or plastic will be a snap to own and run. You have to be prepared financially and emotionally for wear, tear, breakage, replacement parts and plenty of maintenance. One other thing that's real important is..no leaks. No air leaks at the door, no water leaks anywhere, roof, windows, tanks or valves. They have a way of causing more damage to more things than you can imagine. If it leaks, and they won't guarantee the fix, keep looking. Best of luck.
>
>
> bbartonwx@...
>
>
>
>
>
> To: "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
> From: cmlintx@...
> Date: Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:07:50 -0800
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Help...Us buy our first motoerhome......
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> My wife and I would like to buy a diesel pusher this spring. In your opinion, would it be better to buy an older Blue Bird, Prevost, or Newell or....... a newer Newmar, Holiday Rambler, Fleetwood, or Tiffin? Our funds are limited so a new ones are out of the question.
>
> Your opinion is welcome and needed!!
>
> Thank You,
> Clyde Byram
> St. Louis, MO
> Want-A-Be Motorhomer
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Hotmail: Trusted email with powerful SPAM protection.
> http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390707/direct/01/
>

Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.

Help...Us buy our first motoerhome...... - cape0001 - 01-17-2010 16:26

Its a matter of personal choice
Some people like the factory ride others do not

Stephen 97BMC37