Let's get serious - Printable Version

Let's get serious - Printable Version

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Let's get serious - pattypape - 01-06-2008 14:10

Where the heck is George Witt ???

This thread is his favorite topic.

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "pattypape"
wrote:
>
> The first few and last sentences are for Mike H.
>
> Rates at our home base in SouthEast Michigan are about 95/105 per
> hour.
> We visit family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and schedule
> truck/chassis pit work at a trusted garage for about 65/75 per
hour.
> They will also do some RV Work.
> Rates at the BB dealer in Michigan, last checked three years ago
were
> about 95/105. They are too far away to travel and I do not need
their
> help, once was enough.
>
> Fortunately our drive train has been a solid performer.
> But I would use Cat, ZF, and a Big Truck Tire Store.
>
> And also fortunately, all the other work, With the help of these
> forums, I have been able to perform myself.
>
> Such as Fluid/filter changes, radiator rebuild, hoses,
> belts, alternator/batteries etc. motorhome electrical system,
> rv appliance repairs and replacement, & some upgrades.
>
> I would suggest that one needs to be somewhat skilled at repair work
> to own any motorhome, or have deep pockets or stay home.
> Most of the problems are broken parts, so ya do some research, ask
> questions, then ya just fix-it.
>
> Many problems especially in a complicated BB are intermittent.
> Sometimes you hear the noise, sometimes not, sometimes there are
> electrical Gremlins sometimes not.
> So how much does this cost to fix???, When it happens at the
> most inconvenient time??? Who pays for this hourly time????
>
> No experience will help find the hidden , bad ground, frayed wire,
or
> random intermttent circuit boards. Sometimes electrical/mechanical
> parts are temperature, humidity, vibration sensitive. I have
chased
> a few electrical issues for 2 or 3 years, to find the culprit.
>
> If you ask a mechanic to go fishing for trouble,
> do not be surprised at the invoice or if the problem re-occurs.
>
> I would also suggest owning a complete set of common mechanics
tools,
> & electrical testers, Then use them. Do not be afraid of taking
> things apart It is already broke.
> It is amazing how much one can repair. House electrical,
> plumbing, and numerous mechanical problems.
> Most important I try to stay within my tool box and skill level.
> This means anything bigger that 3/8 drive is too big a problem for
a
> driveway, or campground.
>
> With good routine maintenance and most common trouble repairs
> completed between trips.
> These Birds will continue to roll with quite a few problems, that
are
> in need of repair.
>
> Bottom line for me: this is a hobby and a life style, No one knows
> where or when a failure will occur,,, if it does I will pay any
price
> to get moving again.
> My feeling is every time I repair or replace a part ,, I have money
> in the bank for a future failure.
>
> Lastly, for us this is great fun and recreation, When you are
having
> fun, you do not get money back. Golfing, fishing, Sports events, or
> any other form of recreation that we enjoy costs bucks.
>
> So, If I need help I will gladly pay the going rate for that area.
> Hopefully it will be in Germantown, Wisconsin, or Archer, Florida
or
> Duncan, Oklahoma.
>
>
> Bill 88 FC Michigan
>
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
> <MHOHNSTEIN@> wrote:
> >
> > I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group
as
> a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
> plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
> facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
> fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to
spend,
> actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero. I'm
> sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information could
> well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> > Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> > Mike Hohnstein
> > Germantown, WI
> > AutoTransDesign.com
> > 83FC35
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Let's get serious - William - 01-06-2008 14:20

I have been following this thread and just noticed your rhetorical question.

"Who the hell stays at a job that long these days""

Well, here is one. Jessie Gibson at Wanderlodge Technical Support. Its my
understanding
he has been with Wanderlodge roughly 28 years. I have contacted him on several
occasions and was grateful for his assistance.

Bill in NH 1983 FC 35 SB "Coach"

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein" <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
wrote:
>
> It would be great to get some evaluation provided by the folks who built ones
Wanderlodge. However, it's not happening with a unit produced over 20 years
ago, who
the hell stays at a job that long these days?? Right Randy?? Not counting my
wife.
> MH
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Scott Forman
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:47 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious
>
>
> My thought is this:
>
> I have not had any trouble having the major mechanical components of
> my bus(es) worked on. The DD (or Cat in my old FC), the Allison, the
> Ridewell components, the air brakes-these are all common truck
> components. I may be more fortunate than most, as 1) I have a good
> friend who owns a shop that is a dealer for DD, Allison, Cummins,
> Perkins, Yanmar, and is also a genertor shop, and 2) I live in
> Memphis, distribution and logistics capital of America, which means I
> have access to lots and lots of big truck service. I am yet to find
> a problem I couldn't get answered.
>
> What I would wish for from Wanderlodge would be the opportunity to
> have the things that are unique to a WL evaluated/serviced/repaired.
> The wiring. The house systems. Structural issues. Suggested
> upgrades. Things like that. Wouldn't you relish the opportunity to
> have an experienced tech who had actually put your coach together go
> over it and explain what's wrong...or more importantly, what might be
> wrong soon if you don't do ABC? I know I would.
>
> I understand that I may be dreaming. But, then again, a WL is a
> unique, big-ticket item, so maybe tht level of support is possible.
>
> Scott Forman
> 86 PT38
> Memphis
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Hohnstein"
> <MHOHNSTEIN@> wrote:
> >
> > I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group as
> a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
> plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
> facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
> fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to spend,
> actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero. I'm
> sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information could
> well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> > Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> > Mike Hohnstein
> > Germantown, WI
> > AutoTransDesign.com
> > 83FC35
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Let's get serious - Larry Dill - 01-06-2008 16:14

Hey Mike,
What about you, I would think you have been at your job for s lot longer???

Sea Ya
Larry
NYC
84 35FCSB

----- Original Message ----
From: Mike Hohnstein <MHOHNSTEIN@...>
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 6, 2008 8:28:29 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious

It would be great to get some evaluation provided by the folks who built ones
Wanderlodge. However, it's not happening with a unit produced over 20 years ago,
who the hell stays at a job that long these days?? Right Randy?? Not counting my
wife.
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Scott Forman
To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2008 6:47 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious

My thought is this:

I have not had any trouble having the major mechanical components of
my bus(es) worked on. The DD (or Cat in my old FC), the Allison, the
Ridewell components, the air brakes-these are all common truck
components. I may be more fortunate than most, as 1) I have a good
friend who owns a shop that is a dealer for DD, Allison, Cummins,
Perkins, Yanmar, and is also a genertor shop, and 2) I live in
Memphis, distribution and logistics capital of America, which means I
have access to lots and lots of big truck service. I am yet to find
a problem I couldn't get answered.

What I would wish for from Wanderlodge would be the opportunity to
have the things that are unique to a WL evaluated/serviced/ repaired.
The wiring. The house systems. Structural issues. Suggested
upgrades. Things like that. Wouldn't you relish the opportunity to
have an experienced tech who had actually put your coach together go
over it and explain what's wrong...or more importantly, what might be
wrong soon if you don't do ABC? I know I would.

I understand that I may be dreaming. But, then again, a WL is a
unique, big-ticket item, so maybe tht level of support is possible.

Scott Forman
86 PT38
Memphis

--- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@ ...> wrote:
>
> I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group as
a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to spend,
actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero. I'm
sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information could
well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> AutoTransDesign. com
> 83FC35
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Looking for last minute shopping deals?
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - Larry Dill - 01-06-2008 16:33

Hi Bill,
You know you are right on, about the cost of our sports or recreation costs...
you know it is really funny when we go out to get into a sport of our choice, we
do not question the price of $1000 for our golf clubs or the cost of the the
admission to the golf club... the price of our yacht at the yacht club or slip
fees, or repair to our boats... But really question the price to fix our
vehicles, whether a car, truck or BB... Then it gets to be questioned... Why do
we have to pay so much for our BB or car or truck, they are only means of
transportation??? The only thing that I can say about the venture into a BB is
that this is what to be expected of a coach that is 20 -30 years old... You have
to maintain it or give it up no matter what the costs...
just my .02 cents

Sea Ya
Larry
NYC
84 35FCSB

----- Original Message ----
From: pattypape
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, January 6, 2008 9:06:04 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious

The first few and last sentences are for Mike H.

Rates at our home base in SouthEast Michigan are about 95/105 per
hour.
We visit family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and schedule
truck/chassis pit work at a trusted garage for about 65/75 per hour.
They will also do some RV Work.
Rates at the BB dealer in Michigan, last checked three years ago were
about 95/105. They are too far away to travel and I do not need their
help, once was enough.

Fortunately our drive train has been a solid performer.
But I would use Cat, ZF, and a Big Truck Tire Store.

And also fortunately, all the other work, With the help of these
forums, I have been able to perform myself.

Such as Fluid/filter changes, radiator rebuild, hoses,
belts, alternator/batterie s etc. motorhome electrical system,
rv appliance repairs and replacement, & some upgrades.

I would suggest that one needs to be somewhat skilled at repair work
to own any motorhome, or have deep pockets or stay home.
Most of the problems are broken parts, so ya do some research, ask
questions, then ya just fix-it.

Many problems especially in a complicated BB are intermittent.
Sometimes you hear the noise, sometimes not, sometimes there are
electrical Gremlins sometimes not.
So how much does this cost to fix???, When it happens at the
most inconvenient time??? Who pays for this hourly time????

No experience will help find the hidden , bad ground, frayed wire, or
random intermttent circuit boards. Sometimes electrical/mechanic al
parts are temperature, humidity, vibration sensitive. I have chased
a few electrical issues for 2 or 3 years, to find the culprit.

If you ask a mechanic to go fishing for trouble,
do not be surprised at the invoice or if the problem re-occurs.

I would also suggest owning a complete set of common mechanics tools,
& electrical testers, Then use them. Do not be afraid of taking
things apart It is already broke.
It is amazing how much one can repair. House electrical,
plumbing, and numerous mechanical problems.
Most important I try to stay within my tool box and skill level.
This means anything bigger that 3/8 drive is too big a problem for a
driveway, or campground.

With good routine maintenance and most common trouble repairs
completed between trips.
These Birds will continue to roll with quite a few problems, that are
in need of repair.

Bottom line for me: this is a hobby and a life style, No one knows
where or when a failure will occur,,, if it does I will pay any price
to get moving again.
My feeling is every time I repair or replace a part ,, I have money
in the bank for a future failure.

Lastly, for us this is great fun and recreation, When you are having
fun, you do not get money back. Golfing, fishing, Sports events, or
any other form of recreation that we enjoy costs bucks.

So, If I need help I will gladly pay the going rate for that area.
Hopefully it will be in Germantown, Wisconsin, or Archer, Florida or
Duncan, Oklahoma.

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, "Mike Hohnstein"
<MHOHNSTEIN@ ...> wrote:
>
> I think it's probably realistic to pose a question to the group as
a whole. I think the time has come for members to step up to the
plate, particularly the ones who feel they need a genuine service
facility to fix on ALL Wanderlodges, and state what they view as a
fair labor rate. Have at it you guys, what are you willing to spend,
actually pull out the dusty wallet and drop some dinero. I'm
sure 'ol Macy will be VERY interested, and such information could
well be instrumental in justifying such a venture.
> Don't be shy, let's hear it!!!
> Mike Hohnstein
> Germantown, WI
> AutoTransDesign. com
> 83FC35
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - Macy Neshati - 01-07-2008 05:37

Lots of very good observations and points made on the topic of expertise and
costs of getting things fixed. Our goal with factory service is to provide a
fair labor rate that properly reflects the cost of doing business, the cost
of skilled technicians, and making a fair and reasonable profit. My goal for
the future is to set up more service only dealers so we have better coverage
throughout the United States.

A factory certified service dealer however, is going to be required to have
their technicians attend initial AND reoccurring factory training, have a
factory approved list of proper repair tools, factory trained parts
technicians, and a minimum parts inventory. Having met these requirements
they will be added to a list of factory authorized service centers
authorized to do warranty work as well as service work.

I can think of no better source of referrals for possible service center
candidates than all of you with your experience traveling the country I am
sure each of you have ideas of who to invite and not invite to the family.

I would appreciate and will seriously consider all suggestions.

THANKS

Macy

Macy Neshati

www. completecoach.com http://www.thelegacyreturns.com http://www.bluebirdcoachworks.com

email: macy@...

Cell: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684 2023

1863 Service Court

Riverside, CA 92507

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - Macy Neshati - 01-07-2008 06:33

THANKS Randy, we really appreciate your support. I continue to believe that
Mr. O'Conner isn't really against us, just skeptical and needs to see our
words transferred to action. I hope to make him a believer some day. I am
not sure I will succeed but I will NEVER stop trying.

I am also fully prepared for the fact that even as special as I think the
2009 is, there will be critics. We have to be ready for that, but I think
the vast majority of our loyal BLUE BIRD family will be proud of us, and
will love the 2009 as much as I do.

Again I can't thank you all enough, the support has been overwhelmingly
positive, lots of it via private emails that not all on the forum have seen,
and even the guidance of our critics has been an inspiration to do better.

THANKS to all.

Macy

Macy Neshati

www. completecoach.com http://www.thelegacyreturns.com http://www.bluebirdcoachworks.com

email: macy@...

Cell: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684 2023

1863 Service Court

Riverside, CA 92507

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - Robert Britton - 01-07-2008 09:58

I'll put in a vote for Jeff Miller....is he still around?

Robert Britton
87FC
Hollister,California

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Macy Neshati"
wrote:
>
> Lots of very good observations and points made on the topic of
expertise and
> costs of getting things fixed. Our goal with factory service is to
provide a
> fair labor rate that properly reflects the cost of doing business,
the cost
> of skilled technicians, and making a fair and reasonable profit. My
goal for
> the future is to set up more service only dealers so we have better
coverage
> throughout the United States.
>
>
>
> A factory certified service dealer however, is going to be required
to have
> their technicians attend initial AND reoccurring factory training,
have a
> factory approved list of proper repair tools, factory trained parts
> technicians, and a minimum parts inventory. Having met these
requirements
> they will be added to a list of factory authorized service centers
> authorized to do warranty work as well as service work.
>
>
>
> I can think of no better source of referrals for possible service
center
> candidates than all of you with your experience traveling the
country I am
> sure each of you have ideas of who to invite and not invite to the
family.
>
>
>
> I would appreciate and will seriously consider all suggestions.
>
>
>
> THANKS
>
>
>
> Macy
>
> Macy Neshati
>
> www. completecoach.com http://www.thelegacyreturns.com
http://www.bluebirdcoachworks.com
>
> email: macy@...
>
> Cell: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684 2023
>
> 1863 Service Court
>
> Riverside, CA 92507
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Let's get serious - Ross MacKillop - 01-07-2008 10:15

And Canada EH !
Perhaps there are a few great technicians looking for somewhere to go from
Brantford. ( was Blue Bird yellow since 1956- until 2007).
Networking often works.
Ross
2006 LXi450

..........My goal for

the future is to set up more service only dealers so we have better coverage

throughout the United States.

.....................
......................

I would appreciate and will seriously consider all suggestions.

THANKS

Macy

Macy Neshati

www. completecoach. com http://www.thelegacyreturn s.com http://www.bluebirdcoachwo rks.com

email: macy@completecoach. com

Cell: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684 2023

1863 Service Court

Riverside, CA 92507

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]







Looking for a X-Mas gift? Everybody needs a Flickr Pro Account.

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - brad barton - 01-07-2008 11:51

Macy,
Appreciate the responses regarding better BB service.
I know it's difficult to compare coach factories, but...
When I owned an '86 Newell, I took it in to Miami, Oklahoma for service in 2004.
Some of the people who performed the factory maintenance on the coach actually
remembered the coach when it was first built. They showed me things only the
builders could know.
Assuming your most senior service personnel are more than just long-term
freeloaders, they are probably your most valuable resource. The people who knew
the Luce's character, generosity and commitment to excellence had to be
heartbroken over the compromises they were forced to make following the LBO's of
the past. Motivated, experienced people make a difference. Since Wanderlodge
owners pay extra for quality, I believe most owners would pay a few extra
dollars to have people of that caliber supervising their repairs and
maintenance. Brad Barton 00LXiDFWbbartonwx@...

To: WanderlodgeForum@...: macy@...: Mon, 7 Jan
2008 09:37:56 -0800Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious

Lots of very good observations and points made on the topic of expertise
andcosts of getting things fixed. Our goal with factory service is to provide
afair labor rate that properly reflects the cost of doing business, the costof
skilled technicians, and making a fair and reasonable profit. My goal forthe
future is to set up more service only dealers so we have better
coveragethroughout the United States. A factory certified service dealer
however, is going to be required to havetheir technicians attend initial AND
reoccurring factory training, have afactory approved list of proper repair
tools, factory trained partstechnicians, and a minimum parts inventory. Having
met these requirementsthey will be added to a list of factory authorized service
centersauthorized to do warranty work as well as service work.I can think of no
better source of referrals for possible service centercandidates than all of you
with your experience traveling the country I amsure each of you have ideas of
who to invite and not invite to the family.I would appreciate and will seriously
consider all suggestions.THANKSMacyMacy Neshatiwww. completecoach.com
http://www.thelegacyreturns.com http://www.bluebirdcoachworks.comemail:
macy@...: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684
20231863 Service CourtRiverside, CA 92507[Non-text portions of this message have
been removed]

_________________________________________________________________
Put your friends on the big screen with Windows VistaÂ® + Windows Liveâ¢.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/shop/specialoffers.mspx?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_CPC_Medi\
aCtr_bigscreen_012008

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Let's get serious - Mike Hohnstein - 01-07-2008 14:58

I can find Jeff, what do you need him for??
MH
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Britton
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 3:58 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Let's get serious

I'll put in a vote for Jeff Miller....is he still around?

Robert Britton
87FC
Hollister,California

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Macy Neshati"
wrote:
>
> Lots of very good observations and points made on the topic of
expertise and
> costs of getting things fixed. Our goal with factory service is to
provide a
> fair labor rate that properly reflects the cost of doing business,
the cost
> of skilled technicians, and making a fair and reasonable profit. My
goal for
> the future is to set up more service only dealers so we have better
coverage
> throughout the United States.
>
>
>
> A factory certified service dealer however, is going to be required
to have
> their technicians attend initial AND reoccurring factory training,
have a
> factory approved list of proper repair tools, factory trained parts
> technicians, and a minimum parts inventory. Having met these
requirements
> they will be added to a list of factory authorized service centers
> authorized to do warranty work as well as service work.
>
>
>
> I can think of no better source of referrals for possible service
center
> candidates than all of you with your experience traveling the
country I am
> sure each of you have ideas of who to invite and not invite to the
family.
>
>
>
> I would appreciate and will seriously consider all suggestions.
>
>
>
> THANKS
>
>
>
> Macy
>
> Macy Neshati
>
> www. completecoach.com http://www.thelegacyreturns.com
http://www.bluebirdcoachworks.com
>
> email: macy@...
>
> Cell: 951 836 6525 Office: 951 684 9585 Fax: 951 684 2023
>
> 1863 Service Court
>
> Riverside, CA 92507
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]