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+--- Thread: Complete newbie seeking advice (/showthread.php?tid=3207)
Complete newbie seeking advice - Ryan Wright - 08-17-2006 08:53
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 - Stephen - 08-17-2006 11:37
Ryan,
Welcome to the world of "Wanderlodge" If you like toys- you have 'landed'
I have owned a few RV's and Really like my Wanderlodge a lot!
I went and seen this coach (the one on e-bay) Tuesday,not too far away --
and it is nice.. Lots of new upgrades.. Seems to have had a lot of items
changed out to new. He was putting in a new color backup camera while I was
there. Picture looked awesome! I did the same on mine, but I put in a LCD TV
overhead..
Not sure exactly what your looking for (especially for your first time in a
Bus) however, the FC's are a great place to start. I have owned mine for
about 6 months, and still learning about some of the systems, ect.. My
previous was a Fleetwood Southwind. Needless to say, quite a difference.
As far as a "center Bathroom" I like it. It's actually nice to come in the
front door, and go straight into the bathroom from outside on the patio!
Really nice when entertaining others- not to have everyone tracking through
the coach to use the restroom! You will find when "camping" with a group of
non-bird owners everyone likes to hang out at the bus. No engine problems
here yet.. Most engine problems occur as you may well know, from poor
maintenance, or overheating, not from miles. I have spoke to several people
who have worked on these 3208 CAT's in Dumptrucks with 9-10,000 HRS on them,
still strong hauling TONS of DIRT.. We use our coaches only on occasion..
hopefully to last a longtime.. My hour meter just over 3,000 HRS.
As with any RV-new
unexpected. Or get out $$$ for a new one- either way. However, I like
tinkering and upgrading mine personally- as do most im sure on this forum.
Good luck-
Stephen Hare
81 FC-33 SB
Plant City, FL
_____
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Wright
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 4:53 PM
To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Complete newbie seeking advice
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
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Complete newbie seeking advice - davidkerryedwards - 08-17-2006 12:32
I can answer part of your question. I went from a 71 Travco 220 to an
82 Bluebird FC this year. The Bird definitely has a more comfortable
ride than the Travco, but it's not like driving a car. 8hrs on the
road in the Bird is comparable to 12 hrs on the road in a car. (or
something like that).
'Diesels last forever' is a myth. The fact that they last longer than
gas engines means there is more of a possibility that problems that
might not become fatal, have opportunity to do so. The 3208's in the
early 80's models are pretty robust but are relatively small engines
for the load they are carrying. Perhaps it would be good to start a
database here on the number of miles people have gotten from their
3208's before rebuild. I'd be surprised if the average was near 200k
but I might be wrong. But I think even with this qualifier, you'd be
much better off with a 3208 than a 318, 413 or 440.
More systems, more maintenance.
Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver
--- 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 - 08-17-2006 12:33
Hello Ryan,
Err...yeah!, hope I don't offend you here.
First, there is a rear bath FC (Front Coach)coach
'70-80's models where you would not be claustrophobic,
but it would have twin beds, sorry!
Second, if $50K is going to be a stretch for you
as you say, you are not going to find a PT (Pusher Tag)
it in the '90's models.
The coach on Ebay seems to be an excellent entry
level Blue Bird with repairs and current maintenace,
however, if it's not what you want, it won't work
ever.
My suggestion for you is to read the posts on this
and other Wanderlodge Forums, keep an eye on the
Vintagebirds.com, Birdconnection.com, and search
the web using "Wanderlodge. Become as familiar as
you possibly can with all the features, prices, etc.
Lastly, unless you do your own maintenance, you need
to be prepared with a "substantial" budget to cover
things that just happen with any RV, Blue Bird not
excluded.
Welcome to this forum, hope I haven't shattered any
of you enthusiasm for a Blue Bird.
Bob Janes, '87 FC35, Greenville, SC
--- 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 - pattypape - 08-17-2006 12:37
You have asked many good questions. Some are easy, some more
difficult. Some just a persons opinion.
I will answer a few.
Start to read the Forums, lots of info available, also review
http://vintagebirds.com/
especially the classified, the check list and history.
Wanderlodge sales at http://www.birdconnection.com/
will list all the option available and asking prices.
BlueBirds are very durable , and repairable, all parts are available.
It will take some of your time and money to repair , upgrade and
make it your own Bird. This is true of any 20 year old machine.
THese forums are very helpful and BB still supports these motorhomes.
The engine problems are usually neglect and poor ongoing maintenance.
That is a start,
Bill 88 FC Michigan
--- 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 - pattypape - 08-17-2006 12:40
You have asked many good questions. Some are easy, some more
difficult. Some just a persons opinion.
I will answer a few.
Start to read the Forums, lots of info available, also review
http://vintagebirds.com/
especially the classified, the check list and history.
Wanderlodge sales at http://www.birdconnection.com/
will list all the option available and asking prices.
BlueBirds are very durable , and repairable, all parts are available.
It will take some of your time and money to repair , upgrade and
make it your own Bird. This is true of any 20 year old machine.
THese forums are very helpful and BB still supports these motorhomes.
The engine problems are usually neglect and poor ongoing maintenance.
That is a start,
Bill 88 FC Michigan
--- 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 - pattypape - 08-17-2006 12:46
Ryan,
Sorry if this is a double post, Yahoo and my computer are playing
tricks tonight.
You have asked many good questions. Some are easy, some more
difficult. Some just a persons opinion.
I will answer a few.
Start to read the Forums, lots of info available, also review
http://vintagebirds.com/
especially the classified, the check list and history.
Wanderlodge sales at http://www.birdconnection.com/
will list all the options available and asking prices.
BlueBirds are very durable , and repairable, all parts are available.
It will take some of your time and money to repair , upgrade and
make it your own Bird. This is true of any 20 year old machine.
THese forums are very helpful and BB still supports these motorhomes.
The engine problems are usually neglect and poor ongoing maintenance.
That is a start,
Bill 88 FC Michigan
--- 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 - pattypape - 08-17-2006 13:10
Ryan,
The ride and driving ability are far and about a Travco.
BlueBirds are heavy busses with air suspention, air brakes, and
huge tires. They are a joy to drive and the trucks will not blow
these machines around. Hold back some of your budget for repairs
and upgrades and it will last another 20+ years.
Bill 88 FC
--- 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 - Gregory OConnor - 08-17-2006 13:17
Ryan, there is a site with good info on all the Wanderlodge models.
http://vintagebirds.com/
Oh,, and the separate bed issue is why so many wanderlodge owners are
happy. My issue is a totaly different kinda happy.
I think the engines get rebuilt at the hint of a problem because the
total coach value can absorb a reduild investment and many owners
need the secure feeling of 'Remanufactured' in place of 'repaired'.
Most of the need for repairs to the engines are due to heat and
probably never due to being worn out.
Go to a rally,
Gregory O'Connor
94ptRomolandCa
In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
wrote:
>
> 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 - Gardner Yeaw - 08-17-2006 14:12
Ryan,
All I can suggest is that you read the Wonderlodge forums, ask questions,
and look at the âfor saleâ adds. There are many nice units available, and
many that need work. I just purchased a 1978 that is mechanically sound but
needs some cosmetic work. Two days later a 1978 came up for sale that was
garage kept with a rebuilt engine for very little more than I paid. Keep
looking at the âfor saleâ units and read all you can on the forum. I am
convinced that an older Wanderlodge is a real good coach, but be prepared to
maintain it. The layout is very well planned, and there is a lot of useful
storage, The FC (front control) coaches are loud inside when running, but
you can hold a conversation. If you want quiet, you want a pusher.
Gardner
78FC33
-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Gregory OConnor
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:18 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Complete newbie seeking advice
Ryan, there is a site with good info on all the Wanderlodge models.
http://vintagebirds.com/ <http://vintagebirds.com/>
Oh,, and the separate bed issue is why so many wanderlodge owners are
happy. My issue is a totaly different kinda happy.
I think the engines get rebuilt at the hint of a problem because the
total coach value can absorb a reduild investment and many owners
need the secure feeling of 'Remanufactured' in place of 'repaired'.
Most of the need for repairs to the engines are due to heat and
probably never due to being worn out.
Go to a rally,
Gregory O'Connor
94ptRomolandCa
In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
wrote:
>
> 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
>
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