Tendencies toward major problems?
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04-14-2007, 04:32
Post: #5
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Tendencies toward major problems?
Ryan, I have owned 5 Blue Birds since 1984 and 4 of them were used
coaches. Fortunately, I have never had a major problem with any of them. Rotten flooring is highly unlikely to be a problem in a Bird because of the 3/4 inch marine grade plywood. Assuming your Travco is gasoline powered, you will find that diesel power requires more attention to fuel filters and fuel treatment. If you decide to purchase an older Bird I would urge you to have the engine and transmission checked by a Detroit Diesel dealer. Those items can be exceptionally expensive to repair or replace. While the coach is at the Detroit dealer have them check the air brakes. Also you will have an air suspension system which is very different than you may be used to. The suspension air springs (air bags) can dry rot or crack and may need to be replaced which will be expensive. Another suggestion would be to get the coach body number and call the factory to see if they can tell you if the coach has been serviced there for any major problems. A final suggestion would be to have the coach inspected by Ralph Fullenwider before you finalize the purchase. It's likely you can find a Bird that is in good condition because most of us overmaintain them, but still have it checked!!! You will love the Bird compared to the coach you now have. Royal Washburn 97 43BBWL Conway, AR --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright" > > Folks, > > As I sit here debating whether to finish the restoration of my '66 > Travco or sell it to my neighbor and buy a Bird, some questions come > to mind. > > Particularly, I am curious what the Bird's tendencies are toward major > problems. The Travcos, for example, tend to have rotted floors. That's > the case with mine and most Travcos I have looked at for sale seem to > have the same deal. This is, of course, an absolutely huge job > requiring hundreds of hours of labor. > > I'd like to know what, if any, expensive tendencies a vintage Bird > would have. I'd be looking at an '88 - '92 PT-40 w/8V92. Basically, > are there any common issues that are going to cost me in excess of > $5,000 to fix (for that single issue - certainly there will be a lot > of $1,000 - $3,000 issues that pop up from time to time)? Anything > major like the Travco's tendency toward floor rot? > > If I jump into this, I want to be prepared. I don't want to buy a Bird > that is going to bankrupt me and be too costly to keep operating. > > -Ryan > |
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Messages In This Thread |
Tendencies toward major problems? - Ryan Wright - 04-13-2007, 17:15
Tendencies toward major problems? - erniecarpet@... - 04-13-2007, 20:57
Tendencies toward major problems? - Pete Masterson - 04-14-2007, 01:18
Tendencies toward major problems? - Leroy Eckert - 04-14-2007, 01:35
Tendencies toward major problems? - bbwlwb88 - 04-14-2007 04:32
Tendencies toward major problems? - bloomas - 04-14-2007, 05:05
Tendencies toward major problems? - brad barton - 04-14-2007, 05:27
Tendencies toward major problems? - bbwlwb88 - 04-14-2007, 05:43
Tendencies toward major problems? - Tom Meservey - 04-14-2007, 07:00
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