Complete newbie seeking advice

[davidkerryedwards]

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"
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
>