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+--- Thread: Complete newbie seeking advice (/showthread.php?tid=3207)
Complete newbie seeking advice - pattypape - 08-18-2006 11:49
Hey Ryan,
The FC's came in 31,33,35 feet. SP was 36/37
PT's are 40 ft. How will you use the motorhome??
Boondocking ? # of months per year? full time living?
Some private parks, State or National Parks have size
limitations.
Bill 88 FC Michigan
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
>
> Leroy,
>
> On 8/17/06, Leroy Eckert
> > Ryan: My two cents. I'll make it short. Three years ago I was
in your position. For
> > 6 months, I looked at BB's and others, cheap ones, expensive
ones, and new
> > plastic ones. I finally paid more than planned for the one I
purchased. I have said it
> > before, I'm happy that I did. I have had very few problems.
The %$# thing may blow
> > up tomorrow but that is the way it goes with a bus. We love
it. You generally get
> > what you pay for.
>
> Thank you for this input. I, too, have been looking at "new plastic
> ones" (well, gently used plastic ones) and I don't like what I
see. On
> the surface, I'm finding they're beautiful, however they don't
seem to
> be built very well. These 20 year old Wanderlodges look to be in
much
> better condition than even a 5 year old plastic coach.
>
> Everyone else whom I didn't address: Thank you all for your help
and
> advice. I have learned something new from each of you and I greatly
> appreciate your taking the time to help me. I'll be digging in and
> doing a lot more research, following your links, etc, for the next
> several weeks to months. There is actually a rally coming up next
> weekend not too far from me (Washington State) and I'm going to
see if
> I can make it, hopefully meet some of you in person and get a good
up
> close look at these machines. If I don't make it, well, I'll have
to
> catch the next one.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> -Ryan
>
Complete newbie seeking advice - Ryan Wright - 08-18-2006 20:00
Hello again,
I'll condense my replies into one message this time:
Bob, Eric: I appreciate your willingness to share major expenditures
with me. It's great to get a handle on what I might be looking at. The
numbers look a bit higher than I might have hoped, but they don't
scare me yet. The 4mpg figure on gas does scare me a bit, however. I
had thought 8 to 10 was a good estimate. Do any FC owners want to
chime in here? I understand fuel economy can be a sensitive issue, but
would love to know what to expect here if it's appropriate to ask. I
also understand my wanting a 40 footer is going to mean a more
demanding thirst for fuel. How much fuel economy do you lose towing a
small car (We'd pull a VW TDI Jetta, most likely)?
How's the generator on fuel? It's my understanding these small diesels
barely sip it. Running a full load of all 3 A/C units in the heat, any
idea how many gallons it might burn through in a day?
One more question I forgot to ask is speed. Will a coach like an FC 40
run at 65 to 70 miles per hour easily on typical interstate highway
driving, or is that expecting too much?
I'm sure maintenance depends heavily on the coach. I'd rather spend
more up front for a very well maintained, well documented rig. While
I'll still have maintenance costs, theoretically they should be more
managable. I can tell you from experience I do NOT want a fixer-upper
- though with a coach this old, I do expect problems.
Eric, in terms of your maintenance and my abilities, I should be
capable of doing most of that on my own. The valve adjustment I'd
probably hire out, as that's quite new to me, and tires would be taken
care of by the tire shop. I might let someone else install the
generator depending on costs but everything else you listed would be
well within my reach (not certain on the air bags - depends on the
procedure - but the idea doesn't scare me any).
Kerry: Thank you again for your comparison of driving. I'm happy to
hear your comments and it sounds like I'd enjoy the Bird very much.
Curious what sort of serious undisclosed problems you found and how
you were able to identify them? That might help me when looking.
Bill:
> The FC's came in 31,33,35 feet. SP was 36/37
> PT's are 40 ft. How will you use the motorhome??
> Boondocking ? # of months per year? full time living?
> Some private parks, State or National Parks have size
> limitations.
My intention is to use it for any out of town trips. First, I'm sure
it will get an awful lot of general camping use within ~100 miles of
home. Second, trips to visit family in central Idaho will be high on
the list. Lastly, it would be used on short vacations (A few days to
weeks); trips to the coast, to theme parks, to tourist type
attractions in bigger cities (zoos, etc), etc. No full time living,
but it would probably see use all year around. Maybe one to two trips
per month on average, with 2 to 4 of those per year being >~100 miles
from home.
Thank you, all, for sharing your group, your world, and your time with me.
-Ryan
Complete newbie seeking advice - Eric Johnson - 08-19-2006 01:28
Hello Ryan,
Maximum length for an FC is 35 feet. Regarding fuel use, we average 8 mpg
towing a Jeep
Wrangler, running the generator, on relatively flat terrain. Our coach has the
250 hp turbo
3208. Larger, heavier, faster, coaches don't do as well.
The mid-80's coaches drivetrains were optimized for the 55 mph speed limit
adopted at
the time. We have a 4.89 rear end and run down the road at 60-65 mph and 2600
rpm.
Max governor setting is 2800 rpm so you can't expect to go much faster unless
you have a
coach with a different rear end.
My Powertech generator manual says it will consume 0.8 gph at a full 8 KW load.
I have no
way to verify that number but it has had a negligible affect on our fuel
consumption on the
road.
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
>
> Hello again,
>
> I'll condense my replies into one message this time:
>
> Bob, Eric: I appreciate your willingness to share major expenditures
> with me. It's great to get a handle on what I might be looking at. The
> numbers look a bit higher than I might have hoped, but they don't
> scare me yet. The 4mpg figure on gas does scare me a bit, however. I
> had thought 8 to 10 was a good estimate. Do any FC owners want to
> chime in here? I understand fuel economy can be a sensitive issue, but
> would love to know what to expect here if it's appropriate to ask. I
> also understand my wanting a 40 footer is going to mean a more
> demanding thirst for fuel. How much fuel economy do you lose towing a
> small car (We'd pull a VW TDI Jetta, most likely)?
>
> How's the generator on fuel? It's my understanding these small diesels
> barely sip it. Running a full load of all 3 A/C units in the heat, any
> idea how many gallons it might burn through in a day?
>
> One more question I forgot to ask is speed. Will a coach like an FC 40
> run at 65 to 70 miles per hour easily on typical interstate highway
> driving, or is that expecting too much?
>
> I'm sure maintenance depends heavily on the coach. I'd rather spend
> more up front for a very well maintained, well documented rig. While
> I'll still have maintenance costs, theoretically they should be more
> managable. I can tell you from experience I do NOT want a fixer-upper
> - though with a coach this old, I do expect problems.
>
> Eric, in terms of your maintenance and my abilities, I should be
> capable of doing most of that on my own. The valve adjustment I'd
> probably hire out, as that's quite new to me, and tires would be taken
> care of by the tire shop. I might let someone else install the
> generator depending on costs but everything else you listed would be
> well within my reach (not certain on the air bags - depends on the
> procedure - but the idea doesn't scare me any).
>
>
> Kerry: Thank you again for your comparison of driving. I'm happy to
> hear your comments and it sounds like I'd enjoy the Bird very much.
> Curious what sort of serious undisclosed problems you found and how
> you were able to identify them? That might help me when looking.
>
>
> Bill:
>
> > The FC's came in 31,33,35 feet. SP was 36/37
> > PT's are 40 ft. How will you use the motorhome??
> > Boondocking ? # of months per year? full time living?
> > Some private parks, State or National Parks have size
> > limitations.
>
> My intention is to use it for any out of town trips. First, I'm sure
> it will get an awful lot of general camping use within ~100 miles of
> home. Second, trips to visit family in central Idaho will be high on
> the list. Lastly, it would be used on short vacations (A few days to
> weeks); trips to the coast, to theme parks, to tourist type
> attractions in bigger cities (zoos, etc), etc. No full time living,
> but it would probably see use all year around. Maybe one to two trips
> per month on average, with 2 to 4 of those per year being >~100 miles
> from home.
>
>
> Thank you, all, for sharing your group, your world, and your time with me.
>
> -Ryan
>
Complete newbie seeking advice - Eric Johnson - 08-19-2006 02:16
Hello Again Ryan,
Please note that I made no mention of depreciation when I gave you the
information on
our costs to own/operate an 84FC. As you know, depreciation is a major expense
in the
early years of a new coaches life. When you have a coach that is over 20 years
old,
depreciation is small by comparison to the new one but maintenance costs are
higher.
When you figure what depreciation is on a $500,000 to $750,000 coach, the type
of
operating expenses I've shared with you, are small indeed. Of course, we don't
have all
the amenities of the new high end motorhomes, but we have a unit that fits our
needs and
is built like a bank vault.
Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83 Wanderlodge
> on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the list
> of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've looked at
> don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw generators; 3
> A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking, heated
> waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.
>
> However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my wife
> and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the bathroom
> taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
> really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
> other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer to
> spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right coach.
>
> As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.
>
> 1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of buying an
> early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
> systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
> coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected to, by
> and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do a lot
> of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with only
> the occasional maintenance and repair item?
>
> 2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list of
> features as indicated in that eBay auction?
>
> 3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at ~100k
> miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?
>
> 4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be getting
> rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real tired
> after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my SUV
> for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able to do
> the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
> same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course, they
> may just want to sell me a new rig.
>
> Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
> Bluebird owner one of these days.
>
> -Ryan
>
Complete newbie seeking advice - davidkerryedwards - 08-19-2006 02:20
My advice is to not rely on either pictures or the opinion of the owner.
One coach described as excellent both mechanically and in appearance
had 3 broken windows and a manifold exhaust leak so bad you couldn't
hear the engine. Another had no front brakes at all, and so little
oil in the engine that oil pressure went to zero around a corner (the
owner admitted never checking it in his years of ownership). Another
had no lights at all. These problems were a result of deceit,
ignorance and just basic differences of opinion on what constitutes
'good condition'.
I am now exceedingly cautious about long distance optimism concerning
motorhomes. (This coming from a guy who once bought a motorhome in the
UK on the basis of an internet ad, telephone conversation with the
owner, and 15 yr old pictures. Talk about apprehension when flying
across the Atlantic!).
Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver
>
> Kerry: Thank you again for your comparison of driving. I'm happy to
> hear your comments and it sounds like I'd enjoy the Bird very much.
> Curious what sort of serious undisclosed problems you found and how
> you were able to identify them? That might help me when looking.
>
>>
Complete newbie seeking advice - Scott - 08-19-2006 03:05
Hey Eric, Ryan. I too have an 86FC35RB. Eric and others have some
good advice as it relates to costs of upgrades fixes etc. I have had
many of the same things done to our coach. BUT my experience seems
more expensive as well as a longer list. :>( I have met some of the
best folks as a result of this whole experience, some have become
great friends. This community is made up of truly great folks with
common interests and give of their time and knowledge freely.
I just put a new PowerTech geset in as well (10/05), I installed a
12kw, the way it was configured from the factory to run "everything"
in the coach at one time. The price tag was a bit higher
The Michelin tires are new 12R 22.5 XZ2 tires purchased within 90days
of production, with equal. Cost appx $525.00 per tire with everything
included.
I really think that the underlying message here is two fold. Expect
the unexpected, and be prepared for a new hobby. I spend alot of time
doing "stuff" to the coach. Many things I have had done
professionally. I am not well set up to work under the coach in the
driveway,(how bout it Ralph) and certainly do not want to get hurt.
Lifting a 34,000 lb coach on our sand driveway is out. We live at the
beach.
The other side of the coin is I know that most of the
repairs/upgrades are going into a coach that will be here for years
to come. That can not be said about 95% of the coaches on the market
today. Folks talk about an "investment" well do NOT look at it like
that..it is a poor investment. Who can say their 20 yo coach has
apprecated. BUT it really comes down to how much you value your free
time and enjoy quality older toys? That comes with a price. To try
and evaluate each and every expense is extremely difficult. Driving
habits, quality of repairs, so many terms/prices here are individual.
The previous owners care, and desire to fix things correctly are in
most cases simply and totally unknown. I do not know how the original
owner handled repairs.
I have seen many BlueBird coaches, some nicer than others, every
coach has a wow factor. For those "wannabees" out there I gotta tell
ya..you will NOT find a better product, heck there are not MANY 15/20
plus year old SOB's out there. That speaks volumes.
Just got back from a FMCA rally and looked at some mid 80's Vogue's
(they are pretty cool) great exterior lines, but extremely faded
fiberglass. But they still can not hold a candle to a well kept
BlueBird of the same vintage. We had tons of folks saying they had a
coach just like ours at one point, "best coach we ever had" almost
everyone stopped to look as they walked by, remembering the old
days..all the shiney chrome, straight sides, wheels you can see
yourself in, great looking original paint..THAT is the Vintage
BlueBird coach experience. Made the many hours of
attention/labor/expense all worth it.
Best of luck in your quest Ryan, get educated by the forums. I am
sure it will pay off.
ScottB
86FC35 "RUBY" 4SALE
Murrells Inlet SC "right next to heaven"
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Eric Johnson"
wrote:
>
> Hello Ryan,
> You're likely to get many different answers to your question on
maintenance costs because
> of varying mechanical skills, some of us have more or less things
done by others,
> condition and degree of use have big affects as well. With your
shop capabilities you can
> save a lot of money.
>
> Personally, we have logged a little over 40,000 miles on our coach
since we bought it in
> 2000. Our total operating costs per mile, including indoor
storage, insurance, fuel,
> repairs, upgrades and PM are about $1.25 per mile. Repairs,
upgrades and PM alone have
> run about $0.93/mile. Sounds like a lot but we have a better coach
now than when we
> bought it. I do some of the work on my own but avoid major engine
or transmission work
> due to lack of training, tools and facilities.
>
> Major cost items over the past six years have been:
> New Powertech diesel generator - $6,000
> Cat 3208 Valve adjustment + new injectors - $2,800
> New set of Michelin tires - $2,800
> New cruise control system - $2,000
> New front suspension air bags $1,000
> New set of AGM batteries - $1,000
> New A/C units - $700
> New icemaker - $600
> New spin-on air dryer system $400
>
> In summary, BB coaches are a wonderful way to travel, but not a
cheap way to travel. I
> hope the above is helpful. Certainly don't want to scare you, but
look carefully before you
> buy. The more of your own work you can do the better off you'll be.
>
> Regards, Eric
> 84FC35SBWL2
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
> >
> > Hi Folks,
> >
> > I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83
Wanderlodge
> > on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the
list
> > of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've
looked at
> > don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw
generators; 3
> > A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking,
heated
> > waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.
> >
> > However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my
wife
> > and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the
bathroom
> > taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
> > really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
> > other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer
to
> > spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right
coach.
> >
> > As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.
> >
> > 1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of
buying an
> > early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
> > systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
> > coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected
to, by
> > and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do
a lot
> > of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with
only
> > the occasional maintenance and repair item?
> >
> > 2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list
of
> > features as indicated in that eBay auction?
> >
> > 3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at
~100k
> > miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?
> >
> > 4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be
getting
> > rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real
tired
> > after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my
SUV
> > for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able
to do
> > the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
> > same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course,
they
> > may just want to sell me a new rig.
> >
> > Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
> > Bluebird owner one of these days.
> >
> > -Ryan
> >
>
Complete newbie seeking advice - one_dusty_hoot - 08-19-2006 04:30
There a lot of pretty girls sitting on the bench with a sign
around their neck saying "pick me i can dance".
For you, all the other lookabees and wanabees flirting
with a desire to take one of these fillies home, you
can save yourselves a lot of grief by getting a Pre-
purchase inspection.
Once you have focused your attention on what you
think is the right girl these guys will take her in the
back room, ask her questions, poke her, prod her,
and examine her in ways you never thought. They
wii give your choice the green light for a clean
bill of health or warn you of potential failures.
See:
http://home.swbell.net/rlf47/index.htm
http://www.millercoachworks.com/
You may also find an owner close by who will give
you their opinion withour charge as a favor to one
with kindred interest.
Bob Janes '87FC35 Greenville SC
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
>
> Hello again,
>
> I'll condense my replies into one message this time:
>
> Bob, Eric: I appreciate your willingness to share major expenditures
> with me. It's great to get a handle on what I might be looking at.
The
> numbers look a bit higher than I might have hoped, but they don't
> scare me yet. The 4mpg figure on gas does scare me a bit, however. I
> had thought 8 to 10 was a good estimate. Do any FC owners want to
> chime in here? I understand fuel economy can be a sensitive issue,
but
> would love to know what to expect here if it's appropriate to ask. I
> also understand my wanting a 40 footer is going to mean a more
> demanding thirst for fuel. How much fuel economy do you lose towing
a
> small car (We'd pull a VW TDI Jetta, most likely)?
>
> How's the generator on fuel? It's my understanding these small
diesels
> barely sip it. Running a full load of all 3 A/C units in the heat,
any
> idea how many gallons it might burn through in a day?
>
> One more question I forgot to ask is speed. Will a coach like an FC
40
> run at 65 to 70 miles per hour easily on typical interstate highway
> driving, or is that expecting too much?
>
> I'm sure maintenance depends heavily on the coach. I'd rather spend
> more up front for a very well maintained, well documented rig. While
> I'll still have maintenance costs, theoretically they should be more
> managable. I can tell you from experience I do NOT want a fixer-
upper
> - though with a coach this old, I do expect problems.
>
> Eric, in terms of your maintenance and my abilities, I should be
> capable of doing most of that on my own. The valve adjustment I'd
> probably hire out, as that's quite new to me, and tires would be
taken
> care of by the tire shop. I might let someone else install the
> generator depending on costs but everything else you listed would be
> well within my reach (not certain on the air bags - depends on the
> procedure - but the idea doesn't scare me any).
>
>
> Kerry: Thank you again for your comparison of driving. I'm happy to
> hear your comments and it sounds like I'd enjoy the Bird very much.
> Curious what sort of serious undisclosed problems you found and how
> you were able to identify them? That might help me when looking.
>
>
> Bill:
>
> > The FC's came in 31,33,35 feet. SP was 36/37
> > PT's are 40 ft. How will you use the motorhome??
> > Boondocking ? # of months per year? full time living?
> > Some private parks, State or National Parks have size
> > limitations.
>
> My intention is to use it for any out of town trips. First, I'm sure
> it will get an awful lot of general camping use within ~100 miles of
> home. Second, trips to visit family in central Idaho will be high on
> the list. Lastly, it would be used on short vacations (A few days to
> weeks); trips to the coast, to theme parks, to tourist type
> attractions in bigger cities (zoos, etc), etc. No full time living,
> but it would probably see use all year around. Maybe one to two
trips
> per month on average, with 2 to 4 of those per year being >~100
miles
> from home.
>
>
> Thank you, all, for sharing your group, your world, and your time
with me.
>
> -Ryan
>
Complete newbie seeking advice - Pete Masterson - 08-19-2006 11:27
Ryan,
See below ....
Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 4203
El Sobrante, CA
On Aug 19, 2006, at 1:00 AM, Ryan Wright wrote:
> Hello again,
>
> I'll condense my replies into one message this time:
>
> Bob, Eric: I appreciate your willingness to share major expenditures
> with me. It's great to get a handle on what I might be looking at. The
> numbers look a bit higher than I might have hoped, but they don't
> scare me yet. The 4mpg figure on gas does scare me a bit, however. I
> had thought 8 to 10 was a good estimate. Do any FC owners want to
> chime in here? I understand fuel economy can be a sensitive issue, but
> would love to know what to expect here if it's appropriate to ask. I
> also understand my wanting a 40 footer is going to mean a more
> demanding thirst for fuel.
My 42' with the series 60 engine (no toad) ranged from 4.5 to 6.5 MPG
on my maiden trip (counting running the generator to keep the roof
ACs going) and a shorter overnighter after getting it home. The 4.5
was crossing Kansas on I-70 climbing toward Denver (long, gradual
climb the whole way) -- and I was moving rather fast (around 70-75
most of the time -- I was lightly loaded). But that fill up also
included 2 days in Denver running the genny as I had no shore power.
The previous owner sent me his 2 years of records ... and during that
time he tracked the MPG at an average of about 6 MPG with the
generator using an additional 1/2 gallon per hour. (This is the 15
Kwatt diesel with the 3 cyl Kubota engine.)
> How much fuel economy do you lose towing a
> small car (We'd pull a VW TDI Jetta, most likely)?
I'm not sure what the previous owner was towing, but it would be
included in the 6 mpg figure in his records.
>
> How's the generator on fuel? It's my understanding these small diesels
> barely sip it. Running a full load of all 3 A/C units in the heat, any
> idea how many gallons it might burn through in a day?
I haven't personally tracked the generator use, but it seems that 1/2
to 3/4 gal per hour estimated by the previous owner for the large
generator in my coach is reasonable for estimating purposes. A
smaller generator would use a bit less fuel.
>
> One more question I forgot to ask is speed. Will a coach like an FC 40
> run at 65 to 70 miles per hour easily on typical interstate highway
> driving, or is that expecting too much?
While the newer WB or PT with the 8v92 or Series 60 engine (470 HP)
will easily take the coach above any reasonable speed on the flat---
it doesn't "accelerate" so much as it "gathers speed" ... but it
gathers it quite readily if you don't watch out. Took me 1000+ miles
(on my maiden trip) to get a "foot feel" so that I didn't creep up
faster than I wanted or was safe. Cruise control was a big help there.
The FCs with the CAT 3208 aren't as robust on the hills, but on level
ground they'll get up there as well. Common sense should prevail
however. The tires on my coach are rated for a maximum 70 mph ... and
I respect that...
> <snip>
> Kerry: Thank you again for your comparison of driving. I'm happy to
> hear your comments and it sounds like I'd enjoy the Bird very much.
> Curious what sort of serious undisclosed problems you found and how
> you were able to identify them? That might help me when looking.
There are always a few surprises. My coach exhibited some overheating
on grades in Eastern Nevada, causing me considerable concern (and
having to pull off to cool down several times). The previous owner
(who had traded the coach in to a dealer --- then it was wholesaled
to yet another dealer who I bought it from) didn't mention any
problems in that area ... but he may not have driven it in similar
conditions. I suspect that the thermostats need replacing ... I plan
to take it to a truck/bus radiator shop for a thorough going over
before I move in for full time living. This could be moderate to big
bucks depending on what's found.
The engine-driven AC unit was supposed to have been serviced and
refurbished by the previous owner, but it isn't putting out much cool
air ... so that's an AC shop trip. (estimated to be a moderate
service cost.)
And, while leaving Denver, I met a low hanging tree branch which
damaged my front roof AC ... I'll replace it and probably the rear
unit as well as its cooling is marginal. (Cooling is very important
to me.)
>
> Bill:
>
>> The FC's came in 31,33,35 feet. SP was 36/37
>> PT's are 40 ft. How will you use the motorhome??
>> Boondocking ? # of months per year? full time living?
>> Some private parks, State or National Parks have size
>> limitations.
>
> My intention is to use it for any out of town trips. First, I'm sure
> it will get an awful lot of general camping use within ~100 miles of
> home. Second, trips to visit family in central Idaho will be high on
> the list. Lastly, it would be used on short vacations (A few days to
> weeks); trips to the coast, to theme parks, to tourist type
> attractions in bigger cities (zoos, etc), etc. No full time living,
> but it would probably see use all year around. Maybe one to two trips
> per month on average, with 2 to 4 of those per year being >~100 miles
> from home.
Depending on the grades involved, the central Idaho trip could be
fairly slow in an FC. Otherwise, it depends on where you live. While
I personally didn't have anything against the FCs or older PTs, I was
concerned about the mountains of the west and having sufficient power
to climb without being the slowest vehicle on the road... so that
narrowed my choices to newer/more powerful PT or WB coaches.
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