Complete newbie seeking advice

[pattypape]

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"
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
>