Experienced Help Please

[Pete Masterson]

On Jan 31, 2007, at 7:07 AM, bennyjamesthedog wrote:

> <snip>
>
> How many miles is too many miles? For example we see some at 50,000
> miles and some at 140,000 is the latter too many?

The Wanderlodge is built on a bus chassis. These are designed for
very high mileage use. With proper care and maintenance, they can
last for a million miles. The key, is, however, "proper care and
maintenance" -- unfortunately there's no guarantee that has happened
in the past.

I would be more concerned with low mileage rather than high mileage.
There are issues with "rot" when the vehicle isn't used regularly --
and required maintenance may have been skipped because it was the
"mileage" for it to be performed (despite most preventive maintenance
recommendations being based on both time and mileage.)

The actual physical condition of the vehicle is more important than
the nominal mileage. You may wish to get an experienced BB person to
do a physical inspection once you narrow down candidates of interest
to you.

> Is it unreasonable to think we can purchase one from the late
> 70s/early 80s and expect it to be reliable?

Reasonably so ... you will have issues with some components,
particularly "house" items like refrigerators and microwaves that
tend to have a shorter life span than the chassis. It's wise to also
expect deferred maintenance on some mechanical items -- but based on
a thorough evaluation of the selected vehicle it may be OK if you
have a budget to cover ... do try to avoid "project" vehicles that
need extensive restoration unless you are a mechanical "hobbiest."

Visit the Vintage Birds web site <http://www.vintagebirds.com/> and
study the history and the Wanderlodge Model Changes listing that
describes changes, upgrades, and improvements from year to year. You
may, for example, wish air suspension (or not) so that may affect the
model years you wish to consider.

> If you were to break down is it hard to locate people that can work
> on these units? Can any diesel truck mechanic fix these things?

Blue Bird coaches are a combination of relatively standard bus,
truck, and RV components. While a number of specific items are unique
to Wanderlodges, most of the major components can be adequately
serviced by heavy equipment mechanics. (For example, I had radiator
work done by a service that handles busses from a local transit agency.)

> When buying one are there certain things that we should focus the
> most attention on because they are the most expensive to fix?

Obviously, the engine and transmission are the most expensive
components. Radiators and other running gear are expensive as well.
Most of the trim and 'house' features are less costly to deal with.

> Is there a noticeable power difference in the late 70s non-turbo
> engine vs. the 80s engine with the extra power?.

Well, I have a somewhat newer model, so it's hard for me to comment
on this question. Obviously 210 HP in a 3208 NA unit is going to have
a lot less "spirit" than one of the later turbo models. However,
different sizes and weights also contribute to the overall
performance (or lack thereof) -- as power improved, the 'birds also
tended to be built heavier.

> What is the expected fuel mileage on of these units?.

Well ... if you have to ask....

You may well get many responses that range from reasonable to wildly
exaggerated. Most comments I've seen put the 70s--early 80s units at
7 to 10 mpg. The biggest difference depends on how fast you drive. My
'95 (with a 470 hp DD Series 60 engine) has delivered between 4.5 and
(nearly) 7 mpg. The 4.5 was "achieved" cruising at 70+ mph across
Wyoming with the generator and 3 roof ACs operating. The 6.95 mpg was
while traveling mostly 55-60 mph with no ACs operating (generator off).

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