Tools and Fixit Stuff

[runnerful]

Hi Bill,

Thank you for your very thoughtful reply.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wilhelmus Schreurs
wrote:
>
> Ginger;
> I purchased myself a BB last year, and like others have said, be
prepared to spend additional monies to have it right.

Yep. That point has come from several sources.

> I bought mine from Randy Dupree, and some of the costly items that
has to be replaced or repaired had already been done. Things such
as:
> Tires - cost $3000
> Fridge - used to new - $500 - 1800
> Inverter instead of rediline - $1500 - 2500
> Batteries - 4 each - $400

$400 EACH?!!!!
>
> During the past couple of months I have had to do such things as:
> Rear furnace was blowing soot - required a few items $50

Sounds messy.

> Repair leaks to the entry step - time required
> Flourescent lighting - replaced some but now have to buy more
parts figure $50 per lamp

Do you mostly use 12V lamps?

> Items done recently at a mechanic shop, I was helping him, hey

My auto mechanic has a sign:

RATES:
$75.00 per hour
$85.00 if you watch
$95.00 if you help

this was very helpful, some things I will be able to do myself next
time, other things will take back for him to do:
[snip items of repair]

It would be nice to have a mentor. I will definitely shop for
one. :-)

> Also while under the coach, there were wires off from the fuel
tank etc. We inspected it, checked it twice and made another list
of things which has to be done.

Now, "under the coach" is someplace to which I have no interest in
going. It's dark, dangerous and dirty.

> So, what am I trying to say, purchase the best that you can
afford, but pay attention to the major items such as listed above.
Find out what kind of maintenance has been done on the engine,
regular oil changes is almost a must.

I've almost decided that if the present owner doesn't have
maintenance records then that's a deal-breaker.

> This will also determine what kind of tool chest that you will
require on the road. If you have to continue to fix it as you go,
well, have a good tool chest ready.

This would not be my preference. I don't mind stuff needing
tinkering but I want a coach that's reliable that I'm not always
gluing back together in order to get to my destination. For this I
will make sure all recommended PM is done in a timly fashion.

> Also, from experience, don't buy the cheapie tools, does not have
to be the best either though, screwdriver tips break off, wrench
corners will become round, knuckle busters, and you will curse
yourself for buying them.

> I like craftsman tools from Sears, fairly good tool, and exchange
policy for broken tools is the best, take it in and they will
replace, no questions asked, and without a receipt.

Looks like Craftsman get good marks from a lot of folks.

> One last question, where u from?

Toronto, Ont. We're not exactly neighbours but we are compatriots.
>
> Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
> Terrace, B.C. Canada

"$quanderlodge" doesn't make me real comfortable about ongoing
costs. ;-)
By the way, I suspect that I will end up with an 84/85 FC35SB but
why do they all have to be brown with orange carpet????

Ginger
BB wannabee

[runnerful]

Wow, Pete, thank you for all this great info. My BlueBird file is
getting nice and fat.

Onc thing that's emerging is that there are more electrical than
mechanical (powertrain related) problems. This is encouraging as I
feel much more comfortable dealing with electrical issues than
mechanical.

I may visit some yard/garage sales this summer and keep an eye out for
good quality used tools.

Thanks, again,
Ginger
BB wannabee

[runnerful]

Maybe even borrow from a neighbour. I'm always happy to loan.

Thanks, Rob.

Ginger
BB wannabee

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Robinson"
wrote:
>
> Ginger it sounds like you have most of the tools you need in a
basic tool
> kit. Curt's list will top you up. When you come across a project or
> modification you feel capable of then by all means go out and rent
or buy
> the additional tools needed for a specific job. Enjoy your Bird
>
> On 20/05/07, runnerful wrote:
> >
> > I don't have much of a tool collestion: a hammer, screw
driver, vice
> > grips. If I need anything fancier, I want it to come with its own
> > operator.
> >
> > I realise that as a BB owner, I should develop some "fixit"
skills
> > and an appropriate arsenal of tools. I also notice that some
birds
> > come with a HUGE tool chest in one of the roll out trays.
> >
> > 1. Is this tool chest a standard item?
> > 2. Is it useful?
> > 3. What is the "must have" list of tools for a low to average
skill
> > owner?
> > 4. Are brand name tools like Dewalt worth their extra cost over
> > store brand tools?
> > 5. What are some of the relatively simple, common jobs I should
be
> > prepared to do?
> >
> > I appreciate your input,
> > Ginger
> > BB wannabee
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
> 94 WLWB
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[runnerful]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, msecoolcal@... wrote:
>
> Tools are like pants,
> Some you like and some you don't. [snip]

Hahahaha. Thanks for the wisdom and the laugh.

I think my favourite tool is the heavy vice-grips. They can be used
as a clamp, pliers, wrench, small hammer and in a pinch, the end of
the handle can tighten a screw.

Ginger
BB wannabee

[Wilhelmus Schreurs]

Ginger:
The batteries range from $100.00 to $250.00 each, depending on the type.
I think the Trojan batteries are probably one of the best buys for the money.
The T105 costs about $100.00

12 Volt lamps - Yes, most of the lamps/lights are 12 volt. Some of these could
be changed to 110 volt due to the advance of inverter circuitry, but I think I
would like to leave things in the original condition.

Under the coach - hmmm got to understand what is going on under the coach, very
important. By the way, do you have a commercial driver's licence, or air
endorsement? Is that necessary in Ontario?.

$quanderlodge was the name given by the previous owners, we inherited it. We
will be renaming it sometime next year. We intend to live full time and travel
as much as we can. Hopefully our paths will cross one day.

We will making changes and brightening up our coach, it will always be the
Bluebird but have our own touches to it.

Hope that you find one soon, so you can enjoy this summer.

Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
Terrace, B.C. Canada






Hi Bill,

Thank you for your very thoughtful reply.

--- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, Wilhelmus Schreurs
wrote:
>
> Ginger;
> I purchased myself a BB last year, and like others have said, be
prepared to spend additional monies to have it right.

Yep. That point has come from several sources.

> I bought mine from Randy Dupree, and some of the costly items that
has to be replaced or repaired had already been done. Things such
as:
> Tires - cost $3000
> Fridge - used to new - $500 - 1800
> Inverter instead of rediline - $1500 - 2500
> Batteries - 4 each - $400

$400 EACH?!!!!
>
> During the past couple of months I have had to do such things as:
> Rear furnace was blowing soot - required a few items $50

Sounds messy.

> Repair leaks to the entry step - time required
> Flourescent lighting - replaced some but now have to buy more
parts figure $50 per lamp

Do you mostly use 12V lamps?

> Items done recently at a mechanic shop, I was helping him, hey

My auto mechanic has a sign:

RATES:
$75.00 per hour
$85.00 if you watch
$95.00 if you help

this was very helpful, some things I will be able to do myself next
time, other things will take back for him to do:
[snip items of repair]

It would be nice to have a mentor. I will definitely shop for
one. :-)

> Also while under the coach, there were wires off from the fuel
tank etc. We inspected it, checked it twice and made another list
of things which has to be done.

Now, "under the coach" is someplace to which I have no interest in
going. It's dark, dangerous and dirty.

> So, what am I trying to say, purchase the best that you can
afford, but pay attention to the major items such as listed above.
Find out what kind of maintenance has been done on the engine,
regular oil changes is almost a must.

I've almost decided that if the present owner doesn't have
maintenance records then that's a deal-breaker.

> This will also determine what kind of tool chest that you will
require on the road. If you have to continue to fix it as you go,
well, have a good tool chest ready.

This would not be my preference. I don't mind stuff needing
tinkering but I want a coach that's reliable that I'm not always
gluing back together in order to get to my destination. For this I
will make sure all recommended PM is done in a timly fashion.

> Also, from experience, don't buy the cheapie tools, does not have
to be the best either though, screwdriver tips break off, wrench
corners will become round, knuckle busters, and you will curse
yourself for buying them.

> I like craftsman tools from Sears, fairly good tool, and exchange
policy for broken tools is the best, take it in and they will
replace, no questions asked, and without a receipt.

Looks like Craftsman get good marks from a lot of folks.

> One last question, where u from?

Toronto, Ont. We're not exactly neighbours but we are compatriots.
>
> Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge"
> Terrace, B.C. Canada

"$quanderlodge" doesn't make me real comfortable about ongoing
costs. ;-)
By the way, I suspect that I will end up with an 84/85 FC35SB but
why do they all have to be brown with orange carpet????

Ginger
BB wannabee





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

[Pete Masterson]

Mechanically, a Blue Bird is a bus ... built to commercial standards.
Heavy duty components intended to go a million miles or more. Of
course, maintenance is required: oil changes, water, belts, filters,
suspension components, and what not. But, for the most part,
preventive maintenance is the primary concern. Only when preventive
maintenance falls short do (most) mechanical issues arise. (Of
course, a little bad luck might have a role as well -- and time, wear
and tear will eventually require that some components be attended to.
(Note, a fair number of Blue Birds have had engine rebuilds --
usually as a result of overheating damage -- that, which vigilance
and good preventive maintenance could avoid. Also note, the DD 6v92
and 8v92 engines are _very_ sensitive to overheating caused problems.
The Cat 3208 is, perhaps, a bit more forgiving. I have a DD Series 60
in my coach. I'm trying my best to not take any chances with it.)

Electrical issues, however, tend to be a factor of time and exposure.
Electrical components degrade as they repeatedly heat and cool
through the cycles of use. Wires become corroded as exposure to the
atmosphere causes it to degrade and the insulation to break down.
Unintended and/or unexpected overloads, replacement of components
that may draw more power than the original, etc. will also place
demands on the electrical system. And, as many have noted, a coach
can have some rather long runs of wire. While 120 VAC handles long
wire runs fairly well, 12 VDC tends to much less efficient in the
same circumstances.

Earlier BBs sometimes have unfortunate arrangements where components
are not in the optimum location-- leading to a 60' run (around
corners, etc.) for a 12 V wire... a prescription for low voltage
during sub-optimum conditions or corrosion, etc.

Add to the mix the general complexity of the Wanderlodge with it's
lengthy list of features and conveniences ... and you have a wiring
wonderland -- in the sense of Alice in Wonderland...

As I poke and prod my coach, I see little sign of any mechanical
difficulties in prior years... but when I look at the wiring, I
discover odd re-routings, blocked off circuits, and other evidence
that knowledgeable and not-so-knowledgeable folks have been poking
and troubleshooting and making work around solutions over the years.

Sometimes, I contemplate the power center(s) and think, "Alas, it is
a puzzlement..."

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas



On May 22, 2007, at 10:24 AM, runnerful wrote:

> Wow, Pete, thank you for all this great info. My BlueBird file is
> getting nice and fat.
>
> Onc thing that's emerging is that there are more electrical than
> mechanical (powertrain related) problems. This is encouraging as I
> feel much more comfortable dealing with electrical issues than
> mechanical.

[Pete Masterson]

I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger batteries.
My coach has six model 4D house batteries. (The 4D size are really
large, approx 9 x 17 x 10 inches, and about 150 lbs. each.) I
recently replaced mine with a set of AGM made by Fullriver.
Delivered, they cost about $340 each.

There are many opinions about the size and kind of battery that's
best suited for use as a house battery. Standard flooded batteries
are the least expensive ... and using 6V "golf cart" batteries is a
popular option. (Wire in series for 12 V.) These require checking
water level periodically -- and the inconvenience of the way they are
installed may hinder the process (automatic watering system is a wise
investment for flooded cell batteries). Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
batteries offer "zero maintenance" but require more careful charging
-- a mis-set controller led to early failure of the previous set in
my coach.

You can listen to the debate(s) that arise on the list over batteries
from time to time and make up your own mind.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA




On May 22, 2007, at 10:49 AM, Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote:

> Ginger:
> The batteries range from $100.00 to $250.00 each, depending on the
> type.
> I think the Trojan batteries are probably one of the best buys for
> the money.
> The T105 costs about $100.00
<snip>

[runnerful]

Hi Pete,

I doubt any BB I can afford would be described as "newer". I'm
concentrating on FC 84-86's (87-89's if I get lucky).

My plan, at the moment, is to rely more on solar than generator
power when boondocking. I'll probably start with 4 panels and 4-6
6V batteries (Trojan 105's) whatever will fit. I spent a lot of
time on the Lazy Daze forum where solar is very popular and there is
a wealth of info on solar, smart chargers, battery choices and care
over there.

If I feel really flush, I'll get gel cells. No maintenance and can
even install them flipped on their ends or sides if necessary for
installation.

The genny will get used, but only when I need A/C or to top off the
batteries. I may also look into installing an evaporative cooler
for hot days in the southwest.

I make jewellery and would like to take my BB to craft shows. Most
of these situations mean parking in an arena parking lot or just a
field. It would be nice not to bother my neighbours with a diesel
generator running. Also, when parked in a beautiful primitive site,
who needs all the chugging and fumes?

Ginger
BB wannabee

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger
batteries.
[snip]

[Leroy Eckert]

Ginger:
My genset is very quiet and the exhaust exits through the roof. Just in case you
need it. I won't keep the neighbors awake.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL

l----- Original Message -----
From: runnerful
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 2:16 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Tools and Fixit Stuff


Hi Pete,

I doubt any BB I can afford would be described as "newer". I'm
concentrating on FC 84-86's (87-89's if I get lucky).

My plan, at the moment, is to rely more on solar than generator
power when boondocking. I'll probably start with 4 panels and 4-6
6V batteries (Trojan 105's) whatever will fit. I spent a lot of
time on the Lazy Daze forum where solar is very popular and there is
a wealth of info on solar, smart chargers, battery choices and care
over there.

If I feel really flush, I'll get gel cells. No maintenance and can
even install them flipped on their ends or sides if necessary for
installation.

The genny will get used, but only when I need A/C or to top off the
batteries. I may also look into installing an evaporative cooler
for hot days in the southwest.

I make jewellery and would like to take my BB to craft shows. Most
of these situations mean parking in an arena parking lot or just a
field. It would be nice not to bother my neighbours with a diesel
generator running. Also, when parked in a beautiful primitive site,
who needs all the chugging and fumes?

Ginger
BB wannabee

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
wrote:
>
> I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger
batteries.
[snip]





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