Complete newbie seeking advice

[The Squires]

Also take a look at http://vintagebirds.com/
-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Gardner Yeaw
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:13 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Complete newbie seeking advice


Ryan,
All I can suggest is that you read the Wonderlodge forums, ask questions,
and look at the ‘for sale’ 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 ‘for sale’ 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
, "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
>

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