Looking to purchase used 1992 WB40

[Gregory OConnor]

Michael, I wonder if the tag tires are scuffed because the PO (
previous owner) did not pump the bags up leaving the rear tag to
swing sideways around turns???? I drop air in the tag to back into
tight camp sites.

Some points to remember ;
always park with the steer wheels centered forward. When the bags
empty the bus will lower past the fender flairs.

Leave room for the auto step to open. The air step will automaticaly
pop out when it detect the air in the tanks may deplete past a
operating pressure. If parked too close, the step may extend over a
curb then the bags will lower the bus hung up on a curb.

When I bought my bus I was overwelmed with all the systems and terms.
In short time I learned; Sporlan is not a bace ball maker; Wabasto
is not an Asian spice; GoatRails are bodyparts; and, no matter what
the neighbors say,,,,, I was no longer a SOB

I hope you enjoy the ride.

GregoryO'Connor
94PTRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "mbrund" <mbrund@...>
wrote:
>
> Well we went and did it now, we went from being wannabee's last
week
> to a newbee this week. We looked at two WB this week, a 1994 PT40
> (well used and abused), and the white 1992 that was on Bird
> Connection. The 1992 was in great shape for its years, we end up
> purchasing the unit after going over it for 3 hours, and then 1
hour
> drive on rought roads and interstate.
>
> The only items we could find that had issues where: Front A/C was
> low on freon, the tag axle tires have scrubbed off the inner tread
> on both sides, the other tires while not dry rotted show
significant
> wear, the backup monitor does not work. That was pretty much the
end
> of the list of issues.
>
> One issue that concerned me during the test drive revealed itself
in
> the user manual. I had the retarder in apply, and set the cruise
> control at 65mph. We happen to hit a large expansion joint in a
> bridge that gave us one heck of a jolt, and the cruise control shut
> down. We expect that the retarder might have kicked in and shut
off
> the cruise when the rear axle went over the bump because we had no
> more issues with cruise other than that incident as I turned off
the
> retarder after that.
>
> The prior owner removed the rear body wide mud flap, so when I
> inspected the radiator for debris I was surprised how clean it
was.
> And that is when he told me he removed the mud flap because he was
> told it would cause an issue.
>
> Engine campartment was clean, batteries showed no signs of
> corrosion, no oil leaks in the under carriage other than at hose
> joint for the hyd. fluid that I believe drives the power
> steering/fan (it is a hose right under the radiator).
>
> Michael Brundridge
> 1992 WLWB PT40 - Georgetown, TX
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson
> wrote:
> >
> > It's a good looking coach ... had it been available when I was
> > looking it would have been high on my list of units to consider.
> With
> > the new paint job, you'll find that hardly anybody (outside the
> BB
> > community) will believe that it's a 15 year old RV. (My coach is
> > quite similar, though a couple of years newer and with the Series
> 60
> > engine.)
> >
> > The Primus heat is a concern ... but parts are available, even
if
> > single-sourced. A steel bodied RV does need a bit more heat
(when
> > it's cold) than, perhaps, a plastic model. (One of the trade-
> offs,
> > but I still much prefer the strength of steel.)
> >
> > The main concern is vehicle mechanical condition and the wear
and
> > tear on the various systems. If the engine hasn't been
mistreated,
> it
> > is certainly good for a lot of miles beyond the 144,000 lsited.
> The
> > miles divided by the engine hours equals an average movement
speed
> of
> > 50 mph -- that suggest that the coach was a fair number of
> freeway
> > miles. I would plan a fairly complete servicing including oil
> change
> > and brake inspection early on.
> >
> > One "watch for" is the condition of the radiator. DD engines are
> not
> > forgiving of overheating. It is common for the radiator to
become
> > partially clogged with oily-dirt. The tendency of DD engines to
> spray
> > a bit of oil through the breather tubes makes the problem worse
> as
> > the fan often sucks the oil mist back through the radiator
mixing
> > with dust that kicks up. This should be something that you
> carefully
> > monitor and try to clean out the radiator if it shows any
> blockage.
> > (It was very difficult to examine on my coach as it sits behind
> the
> > air-charge radiator (that cools air from the turbo charger), but
> > perhaps the DD 8v92 configuration allows easier viewing of the
> > radiator.) Simply pulling the radiator is a $2000+ job. The
> complete
> > replacement of the core may run as much as $3000+. (I also had
> work
> > done on my chassis AC -- so my tab came to about $4000 for core
> > replacement and the other services performed by a professional
> heavy
> > duty radiator service. Costs for work done outside California may
> be
> > more reasonable.)
> >
> > Other expenses you might plan for would include new tires in a
> year
> > or two. (8 times $350~450) Also, the gel batteries have a life
> > expectancy of up to about 7 years... but if they've been
> mistreated,
> > they may also be next to go. I'm shopping for batteries now ...
> looks
> > like about $2100 for six size 4D AGM house batteries. I haven't
> > priced engine batteries (mine seem OK), but my coach has 3 AGM
> class
> > 37s -- about $160 each .
> >
> > Of some concern would be the refrigerator. While home
> refrigerators
> > used to run for 25-30 years, since the 80s, they've been
> manufactured
> > to only last about 10-12 years or so. It's hard to guess how long
> an
> > RV refrigerator might last -- it depends on brand, type (RV with
> gas
> > & electric option or regular home-type), and use. In particular,
> if
> > gas operated, the burner and venting is subject to corrosion.
> >
> > Not as difficult, but still a modest headache would be the
> microwave/
> > convection oven ... at 15 years, it, too, may be near it's
> expected
> > life span -- or not -- again depending on use, etc.
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > aeonix1@
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
> > El Sobrante, CA
>