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+--- Thread: Thinking of joining the birders! (/showthread.php?tid=4490)
Pages: 1 2
Thinking of joining the birders! - remiksjewelry - 03-13-2007 11:33
Hello -
Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and are
looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it is a
2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any know
anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but we
would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves. Also,
would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Damien
Thinking of joining the birders! - brad barton - 03-13-2007 16:10
Damien,
I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the coach you
are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and it's at a
truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired dealer
with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986 Newell
Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a longtime Blue
Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things about
the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe it is
true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks ago.
Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point. The
WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as Wanderlodges
got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their engineers
said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-40'
chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines. They were
known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue Bird on it
was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not bad, just
cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new 40'
platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and rear,
kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird chassis with
Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is probably the
best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome, ultraleather
vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design, especially around
the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and finish. We bit
the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only little
more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on the 2000 LX
are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to feel
bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to gain
from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and the one
whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious stretch. Not
only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too because
their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-dollar
coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the M380
which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it, but I
heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly electrical
and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or Allison
4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make sure you
understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most of us
think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot better than
most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on the market,
look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually pristine. Nice
people, too.
http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
BBarton in Dallas
>From: "remiksjewelry"
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
>Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
>
>Hello -
>Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and are
>looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it is a
>2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any know
>anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but we
>would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves. Also,
>would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
>Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
>Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
>Thanks!
>Damien
>
_________________________________________________________________
With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these few
simple tips.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/PreparationTips.aspx?\
icid=HMFebtagline
Thinking of joining the birders! - olson_phil - 03-14-2007 01:30
My in-laws also have a 2000 LX40 Millenium Edition for sale. It is
number 519280 in rvtrader dot com if you are interested, currently
located in Michigan.
Phil Olson
Appleton, WI
83 FC35SB
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "remiksjewelry"
>
> Hello -
> Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
are
> looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it is a
> 2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
know
> anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but we
> would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves. Also,
> would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> Thanks!
> Damien
>
Thinking of joining the birders! - Gregory OConnor - 03-14-2007 02:27
Damien, BBarton AKA "openMike" must be a comedian. Half bird , cheep
bird??? some one clip his wings
GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomoland
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
<bbartonwx@...> wrote:
>
> Damien,
> I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the
coach you
> are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and
it's at a
> truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired
dealer
> with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986
Newell
> Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
longtime Blue
> Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things
about
> the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe
it is
> true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks
ago.
> Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point.
The
> WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
Wanderlodges
> got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their
engineers
> said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-
40'
> chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines.
They were
> known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue
Bird on it
> was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not
bad, just
> cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new
40'
> platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and
rear,
> kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
chassis with
> Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
probably the
> best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome,
ultraleather
> vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
especially around
> the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
finish. We bit
> the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
> LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only
little
> more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on
the 2000 LX
> are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to
feel
> bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to
gain
> from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and
the one
> whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
stretch. Not
> only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too
because
> their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-
dollar
> coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the
M380
> which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it,
but I
> heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly
electrical
> and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
> All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or
Allison
> 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make
sure you
> understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most
of us
> think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot
better than
> most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on
the market,
> look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
pristine. Nice
> people, too.
>
> http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
>
> BBarton in Dallas
>
>
> >From: "remiksjewelry"
> >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> >
> >Hello -
> >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
are
> >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it
is a
> >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
know
> >anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but
we
> >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves.
Also,
> >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> >Thanks!
> >Damien
> >
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these
few
> simple tips.
>
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/Preparation
Tips.aspx?icid=HMFebtagline
>
Thinking of joining the birders! - g_man1146 - 03-14-2007 03:38
That's news to me! A fiberglass LX? Huh?????????
Rich D. '99LXi43' CT
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
<bbartonwx@...> wrote:
>
> Damien,
> I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the
coach you
> are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and
it's at a
> truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired
dealer
> with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986
Newell
> Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
longtime Blue
> Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things
about
> the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe
it is
> true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks
ago.
> Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point.
The
> WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
Wanderlodges
> got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their
engineers
> said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-
40'
> chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines.
They were
> known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue
Bird on it
> was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not
bad, just
> cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new
40'
> platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and
rear,
> kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
chassis with
> Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
probably the
> best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome,
ultraleather
> vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
especially around
> the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
finish. We bit
> the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
> LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only
little
> more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on
the 2000 LX
> are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to
feel
> bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to
gain
> from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and
the one
> whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
stretch. Not
> only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too
because
> their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-
dollar
> coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the
M380
> which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it,
but I
> heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly
electrical
> and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
> All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or
Allison
> 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make
sure you
> understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most
of us
> think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot
better than
> most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on
the market,
> look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
pristine. Nice
> people, too.
>
> http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
>
> BBarton in Dallas
>
>
> >From: "remiksjewelry"
> >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> >
> >Hello -
> >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
are
> >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it
is a
> >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
know
> >anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but
we
> >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves.
Also,
> >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> >Thanks!
> >Damien
> >
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these
few
> simple tips.
>
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/Preparation
Tips.aspx?icid=HMFebtagline
>
Thinking of joining the birders! - brad barton - 03-14-2007 04:48
Sorry, Greg.
>From: "Gregory OConnor"
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Thinking of joining the birders!
>Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 13:27:56 -0000
>
>Damien, BBarton AKA "openMike" must be a comedian. Half bird , cheep
>bird??? some one clip his wings
>GregoryO'Connor
>94ptRomoland
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
><bbartonwx@...> wrote:
> >
> > Damien,
> > I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the
>coach you
> > are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and
>it's at a
> > truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired
>dealer
> > with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986
>Newell
> > Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
>longtime Blue
> > Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things
>about
> > the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe
>it is
> > true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks
>ago.
> > Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point.
>The
> > WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
>Wanderlodges
> > got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their
>engineers
> > said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-
>40'
> > chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines.
>They were
> > known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue
>Bird on it
> > was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not
>bad, just
> > cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new
>40'
> > platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and
>rear,
> > kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
>chassis with
> > Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
>probably the
> > best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome,
>ultraleather
> > vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
>especially around
> > the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
>finish. We bit
> > the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
> > LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only
>little
> > more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on
>the 2000 LX
> > are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to
>feel
> > bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to
>gain
> > from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and
>the one
> > whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
>stretch. Not
> > only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too
>because
> > their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-
>dollar
> > coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the
>M380
> > which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it,
>but I
> > heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly
>electrical
> > and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
> > All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or
>Allison
> > 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make
>sure you
> > understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most
>of us
> > think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot
>better than
> > most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on
>the market,
> > look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
>pristine. Nice
> > people, too.
> >
> > http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
> >
> > BBarton in Dallas
> >
> >
> > >From: "remiksjewelry"
> > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> > >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> > >
> > >Hello -
> > >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
>are
> > >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it
>is a
> > >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
>know
> > >anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but
>we
> > >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves.
>Also,
> > >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> > >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> > >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> > >Thanks!
> > >Damien
> > >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these
>few
> > simple tips.
> >
>http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/Preparation
>Tips.aspx?icid=HMFebtagline
> >
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
The average US Credit Score is 675. The cost to see yours: $0 by Experian.
http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=660600&bcd=EMAILFOOTERAVERAGE
Thinking of joining the birders! - Henry Jay Hannigan - 03-14-2007 05:48
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
>RALPH:
I've had a few BIRDS.....This 1990SP36 is probably the BEST BIRD
they ever made.....Mid door..all the trimmings etc. I call it my
M380 without the problems....except I would like it to go over the
mountains a little faster!
If Bluebird would make some 2008 SP38's with a mid-door and a 450hp
diesel engine they would sell a TON of them!!!
That's my two cents from VEGAS and I am confident that my comments
will get something started!!!
LOL
Hank Hannigan
1990SP36 in Vegas just "lovin it!"
>
>
> Interesting analogy with some truths but fiberglass bodies? no.
>
> Truth, the Wanderlodge II was a striped down model that what once
was OE
> became options. things like HWH jacks and many others.
>
> Starting in '88 with the advent of wide body, the front and rear
caps were
> fiberglass but the side and roof were steel.
>
> The BMC, true is not a Wanderlodge, however the sides and roof are
steel,
> though I think, not sure, that the compartment doors were fiber
glass.
>
> The LX, fiberglass caps that started in '88 but sides and roof are
steel,
> as are the LXI.
>
> The M 380 was not fiberglass but a composite aluminium, 2 sheets
of
> aluminium with a composite center. The main problem with the 380
was the
> skin would grow and shrink with heat and cold, thus the sides
would
> wrinkle. Yes there were a few problems with the electrical but the
lay out
> of the panel was done right for a change. The main problem with
the
> electrical we the marriage between the slide and HWH jack system
via the
> micro p[rocesser. If the Coach was not level, the microprocessor
would not
> allow the slide to move, so the computer had to be reset, jacks
retracted
> and start the system again. There was also a problem of the slide
locks
> pulling, going down the road, this was usually caused by a mis
adjusted
> micro switch.
>
> The LX 450 got away form most of that and went to stainless steel
and
> introduced multiplexing of systems with a beefed up microprocessor.
>
> The myth of the LX model being fiberglass came from the mid year
change in,
> what? 2002 or 2003 where the skin was taken to the composite used
on the M
> 380 and was the test bed for the 380.
>
> There was nothing cheap about all of this, the R&D alone had to
cost a
> bundle because of the change, it is just too bad that the skin
problems on
> the 380 were not better thought out.
>
> Also with the 380 the signature of the Wanderlodge took it's major
hit, the
> "goat rails" were missing, and to my thinking, this was and is the
largest
> mistake BB could have made. Now they look like the Monaco's and
various
> other Manufacturers Coaches.
>
> No, the LX and LXI models are good stable units, though a bit too
glitzy
> inside for my taste. I don't go camping to clean mirrors on the
ceilings.
>
>
> Just my 2 cents
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
> 84FC35
> Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
>
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
> > ><bbartonwx@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Damien,
> > > > I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think
the
> > >coach you
> > > > are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern
decor..and
> > >it's at a
> > > > truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A
retired
> > >dealer
> > > > with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a
1986
> > >Newell
> > > > Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
> > >longtime Blue
> > > > Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some
things
> > >about
> > > > the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I
believe
> > >it is
> > > > true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just
weeks
> > >ago.
> > > > Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price
point.
> > >The
> > > > WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
> > >Wanderlodges
> > > > got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach.
Their
> > >engineers
> > > > said it would take two years to come up with a less
expensive 37-
> > >40'
> > > > chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11
engines.
> > >They were
> > > > known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing
Blue
> > >Bird on it
> > > > was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge.
Not
> > >bad, just
> > > > cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had
a new
> > >40'
> > > > platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on
front and
> > >rear,
> > > > kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
> > >chassis with
> > > > Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
> > >probably the
> > > > best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no
chrome,
> > >ultraleather
> > > > vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
> > >especially around
> > > > the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
> > >finish. We bit
> > > > the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we
did.
> > > > LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach
is only
> > >little
> > > > more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book
prices on
> > >the 2000 LX
> > > > are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every
right to
> > >feel
> > > > bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had
nothing to
> > >gain
> > > > from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K
and
> > >the one
> > > > whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
> > >stretch. Not
> > > > only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad,
too
> > >because
> > > > their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their
high-
> > >dollar
> > > > coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently
wiith the
> > >M380
> > > > which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't
confirm it,
> > >but I
> > > > heard every one of them was recalled for various problems,
mainly
> > >electrical
> > > > and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special
order.
> > > > All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-
11 or
> > >Allison
> > > > 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just
make
> > >sure you
> > > > understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged
Wanderlodge most
> > >of us
> > > > think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a
lot
> > >better than
> > > > most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX
currently on
> > >the market,
> > > > look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
> > >pristine. Nice
> > > > people, too.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
> > > >
> > > > BBarton in Dallas
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >From: "remiksjewelry"
> > > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> > > > >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> > > > >
> > > > >Hello -
> > > > >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari
Trek and
> > >are
> > > > >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we
like - it
> > >is a
> > > > >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland.
Does any
> > >know
> > > > >anything about this particular coach? The price seems
right, but
> > >we
> > > > >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for
ourselves.
> > >Also,
> > > > >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> > > > >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> > > > >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> > > > >Thanks!
> > > > >Damien
> > > > >
>
Thinking of joining the birders! - Ralph L. Fullenwider - 03-14-2007 06:28
Interesting analogy with some truths but fiberglass bodies? no.
Truth, the Wanderlodge II was a striped down model that what once was OE
became options. things like HWH jacks and many others.
Starting in '88 with the advent of wide body, the front and rear caps were
fiberglass but the side and roof were steel.
The BMC, true is not a Wanderlodge, however the sides and roof are steel,
though I think, not sure, that the compartment doors were fiber glass.
The LX, fiberglass caps that started in '88 but sides and roof are steel,
as are the LXI.
The M 380 was not fiberglass but a composite aluminium, 2 sheets of
aluminium with a composite center. The main problem with the 380 was the
skin would grow and shrink with heat and cold, thus the sides would
wrinkle. Yes there were a few problems with the electrical but the lay out
of the panel was done right for a change. The main problem with the
electrical we the marriage between the slide and HWH jack system via the
micro p[rocesser. If the Coach was not level, the microprocessor would not
allow the slide to move, so the computer had to be reset, jacks retracted
and start the system again. There was also a problem of the slide locks
pulling, going down the road, this was usually caused by a mis adjusted
micro switch.
The LX 450 got away form most of that and went to stainless steel and
introduced multiplexing of systems with a beefed up microprocessor.
The myth of the LX model being fiberglass came from the mid year change in,
what? 2002 or 2003 where the skin was taken to the composite used on the M
380 and was the test bed for the 380.
There was nothing cheap about all of this, the R&D alone had to cost a
bundle because of the change, it is just too bad that the skin problems on
the 380 were not better thought out.
Also with the 380 the signature of the Wanderlodge took it's major hit, the
"goat rails" were missing, and to my thinking, this was and is the largest
mistake BB could have made. Now they look like the Monaco's and various
other Manufacturers Coaches.
No, the LX and LXI models are good stable units, though a bit too glitzy
inside for my taste. I don't go camping to clean mirrors on the ceilings.
Just my 2 cents
Safe travels,
Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
84FC35
Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
> ><bbartonwx@...> wrote:
> > >
> > > Damien,
> > > I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the
> >coach you
> > > are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and
> >it's at a
> > > truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired
> >dealer
> > > with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986
> >Newell
> > > Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
> >longtime Blue
> > > Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things
> >about
> > > the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe
> >it is
> > > true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks
> >ago.
> > > Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point.
> >The
> > > WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
> >Wanderlodges
> > > got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their
> >engineers
> > > said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-
> >40'
> > > chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines.
> >They were
> > > known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue
> >Bird on it
> > > was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not
> >bad, just
> > > cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new
> >40'
> > > platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and
> >rear,
> > > kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
> >chassis with
> > > Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
> >probably the
> > > best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome,
> >ultraleather
> > > vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
> >especially around
> > > the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
> >finish. We bit
> > > the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
> > > LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only
> >little
> > > more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on
> >the 2000 LX
> > > are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to
> >feel
> > > bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to
> >gain
> > > from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and
> >the one
> > > whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
> >stretch. Not
> > > only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too
> >because
> > > their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-
> >dollar
> > > coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the
> >M380
> > > which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it,
> >but I
> > > heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly
> >electrical
> > > and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
> > > All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or
> >Allison
> > > 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make
> >sure you
> > > understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most
> >of us
> > > think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot
> >better than
> > > most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on
> >the market,
> > > look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
> >pristine. Nice
> > > people, too.
> > >
> > > http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
> > >
> > > BBarton in Dallas
> > >
> > >
> > > >From: "remiksjewelry"
> > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> > > >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> > > >
> > > >Hello -
> > > >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
> >are
> > > >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it
> >is a
> > > >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
> >know
> > > >anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but
> >we
> > > >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves.
> >Also,
> > > >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> > > >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> > > >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> > > >Thanks!
> > > >Damien
> > > >
Thinking of joining the birders! - brad barton - 03-14-2007 06:52
Ralph,
I bow to your command of detail on the BMC and LX bodies. I know the cargo
doors were fiberglass, but it was my mistake about the fiberglass bodies.
As I said, an LX is still better than most coaches, but BB's manipulation of
quality and amenities among various Wanderlodges makes it hard for LX owners
to get what they think is a fair price for their coach. Again, the coach in
Michigan listed on RVTrader is the nicest I've seen.
Brad Barton
>From: "Ralph L. Fullenwider"
>Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Thinking of joining the birders!
>Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2007 11:28:45 -0600
>
>
>
>Interesting analogy with some truths but fiberglass bodies? no.
>
>Truth, the Wanderlodge II was a striped down model that what once was OE
>became options. things like HWH jacks and many others.
>
>Starting in '88 with the advent of wide body, the front and rear caps were
>fiberglass but the side and roof were steel.
>
>The BMC, true is not a Wanderlodge, however the sides and roof are steel,
>though I think, not sure, that the compartment doors were fiber glass.
>
>The LX, fiberglass caps that started in '88 but sides and roof are steel,
>as are the LXI.
>
>The M 380 was not fiberglass but a composite aluminium, 2 sheets of
>aluminium with a composite center. The main problem with the 380 was the
>skin would grow and shrink with heat and cold, thus the sides would
>wrinkle. Yes there were a few problems with the electrical but the lay out
>of the panel was done right for a change. The main problem with the
>electrical we the marriage between the slide and HWH jack system via the
>micro p[rocesser. If the Coach was not level, the microprocessor would not
>allow the slide to move, so the computer had to be reset, jacks retracted
>and start the system again. There was also a problem of the slide locks
>pulling, going down the road, this was usually caused by a mis adjusted
>micro switch.
>
>The LX 450 got away form most of that and went to stainless steel and
>introduced multiplexing of systems with a beefed up microprocessor.
>
>The myth of the LX model being fiberglass came from the mid year change in,
>what? 2002 or 2003 where the skin was taken to the composite used on the M
>380 and was the test bed for the 380.
>
>There was nothing cheap about all of this, the R&D alone had to cost a
>bundle because of the change, it is just too bad that the skin problems on
>the 380 were not better thought out.
>
>Also with the 380 the signature of the Wanderlodge took it's major hit, the
>"goat rails" were missing, and to my thinking, this was and is the largest
>mistake BB could have made. Now they look like the Monaco's and various
>other Manufacturers Coaches.
>
>No, the LX and LXI models are good stable units, though a bit too glitzy
>inside for my taste. I don't go camping to clean mirrors on the ceilings.
>
>
>Just my 2 cents
>
>Safe travels,
>
>Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
>84FC35
>Ralph's RV Solutions, Duncan, Oklahoma
>
> > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "brad barton"
> > ><bbartonwx@...> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Damien,
> > > > I'm new to the group, but a longtime Blue Bird fan. I think the
> > >coach you
> > > > are looking at is a black and silver coach with modern decor..and
> > >it's at a
> > > > truck dealer. We were considering an LX but cooled off. A retired
> > >dealer
> > > > with whom we did business twice (for our first 84-35FC and a 1986
> > >Newell
> > > > Classic) nearly came unglued when I brought it up. He was a
> > >longtime Blue
> > > > Bird dealer in the 70s and 80s. I have since found out some things
> > >about
> > > > the LX. You're free to accept or reject all of this but I believe
> > >it is
> > > > true. Most of it came from a Blue Bird rep I spoke to just weeks
> > >ago.
> > > > Blue Bird has constantly searched for ways to a lower price point.
> > >The
> > > > WanderlodgeII was the first attempt..and pretty sad. Then as
> > >Wanderlodges
> > > > got more expensive, Blue Bird looked for a new approach. Their
> > >engineers
> > > > said it would take two years to come up with a less expensive 37-
> > >40'
> > > > chassis, so they bought Spartan chassis with Cummins M11 engines.
> > >They were
> > > > known as a Blue Bird Motor Coach..or a BMC. The only thing Blue
> > >Bird on it
> > > > was the dash and the label. The BMC is NOT a Wanderlodge. Not
> > >bad, just
> > > > cheap. By the time those chassis ran out, the engineers had a new
> > >40'
> > > > platform. They kept the fiberglass body, put new caps on front and
> > >rear,
> > > > kept the Cummins engine but used their own superior Blue Bird
> > >chassis with
> > > > Ridewell air suspension. Of all the "cheep" Birds, the LX is
> > >probably the
> > > > best. But it's still fiberglass outside, virtually no chrome,
> > >ultraleather
> > > > vinyl inside, smaller in tank capacity, lacking in design,
> > >especially around
> > > > the windows and roughly $150,000 in overall quality, fit and
> > >finish. We bit
> > > > the bullet and moved on to the LXi and we're very glad we did.
> > > > LX owners asking 165K and up don't like to hear their coach is only
> > >little
> > > > more than "half" bird, but the truth hurts. NADA book prices on
> > >the 2000 LX
> > > > are very harsh..upper 90's to 110's. LX owners have every right to
> > >feel
> > > > bitter, but as a buyer, I asked several dealers (who had nothing to
> > >gain
> > > > from me) what they would offer. One said 95K, one said 110K and
> > >the one
> > > > whole actually knew the actual coach said 150K was a serious
> > >stretch. Not
> > > > only are LX owners unhappy, but WBPT and LXi owners are mad, too
> > >because
> > > > their own manufacturer made it harder for them to sell their high-
> > >dollar
> > > > coaches. And Blue Bird has done it again..most recently wiith the
> > >M380
> > > > which was a disaster (Blue Bird rep's word). I can't confirm it,
> > >but I
> > > > heard every one of them was recalled for various problems, mainly
> > >electrical
> > > > and wiring. They are not made any longer except by special order.
> > > > All that being said, there's nothing wrong with a Cummins M-11 or
> > >Allison
> > > > 4060, or Ultraleather or fiberglass, for that matter. Just make
> > >sure you
> > > > understand it's not the steel-bodied full-fledged Wanderlodge most
> > >of us
> > > > think of. A poor man's Wanderlodge LX is probably still a lot
> > >better than
> > > > most coaches, new or used. If you want the best LX currently on
> > >the market,
> > > > look at this coach. It's garaged in Michigan and virtually
> > >pristine. Nice
> > > > people, too.
> > > >
> > > > http://www.rvtrader.com/rvdetail519280.htm
> > > >
> > > > BBarton in Dallas
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > >From: "remiksjewelry"
> > > > >Reply-To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> > > > >Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Thinking of joining the birders!
> > > > >Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2007 22:33:14 -0000
> > > > >
> > > > >Hello -
> > > > >Thanks for having this group! We currently have a Safari Trek and
> > >are
> > > > >looking into upgrading to a Bluebird. We found one we like - it
> > >is a
> > > > >2000 LX Millenium edition. It is for sale in Maryland. Does any
> > >know
> > > > >anything about this particular coach? The price seems right, but
> > >we
> > > > >would have to travel quite a distance to see it for ourselves.
> > >Also,
> > > > >would love to know about the ride and handling of a bird.
> > > > >Is the M11 450 cummings a reliable engine?
> > > > >Any comments or advice will be greatly appreciated.
> > > > >Thanks!
> > > > >Damien
> > > > >
>
>
>
_________________________________________________________________
With tax season right around the corner, make sure to follow these few
simple tips.
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/PreparationTips/PreparationTips.aspx?\
icid=HMFebtagline
Thinking of joining the birders! - Michelle Brunner - 03-14-2007 12:32
BBarton,
Thanks so much for your candid info on the LX - It was indeed the black and
white Millenium Edition in Maryland that had caught my eye. The layout was
fabulous as I work full time on the road and loved the set up with the desk. I
also loved the fact that there was no gold or "frilly" overdone interior.
Unfortunately, I was notified this am that my beloved bird has been sold to a
couple from Ohio. The others I have seen for sale are just a bit out of my
price range.
Nevertheless, I appreciate the fact that there are those like yourself out
there that will take the time to lend advice to a stranger.
Thanks again,
Damien
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