Comments needed on a Bluebird puller conversion

[Blair]

Are you feeling ok?

At 06:35 PM 5/9/2005, you wrote:
>dude,just buy it!!!VBG!! randydupree93wb
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jim March
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, May 09, 2005 9:11 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Comments needed on a Bluebird puller conversion
>
>
> Hi all.
>
> There's an EBay bus that failed to meet reserve and is now open, I can
> get it for $13k:
>
>
><http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...rd=1&\
sspagename=S>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...45439\
18765&rd=1&sspagename=S
>
> TRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1
>
><<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...&rd=1\
&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dl\
l?ViewItem&item=4543918765&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1>
>
>
>
> It turns out the thing is exactly 6'4" tall inside, which means a lot to
> me 'cuz that's my height. (It's some sort of "adult model" versus
> skoolie maybe.) It's taller inside than most 70's vintage Wanderlodges.
>
> One of my main goals is to end up with a "mini garage" the width of the
> bus and 6" or so long (adding to the bus length). I could have such a
> full 6' long (by 8' wide) garage "tacked on" no problem with this thing
> given it's current short length (29' and minimal rear overhang -
> stretch it to 35' and it would be just like a 35' Wanderlodge in terms
> of drivability. This would net me the best possible garage and living
> layout in a 35ft overall platform.
>
> I *really* like that.
>
> Flaws: tachometer doesn't work (all other gauges do thank God) and the
> fridge is wonky (maybe an easy fix, maybe not). It also needs a better
> battery bank and inverter/charger but that's a given with any older
> conversion or even a Wanderlodge in my opinion. The propane genset is
> mediocre.
>
> The biggest real flaw to me is that the milage is only about 8mpg and
> according to the owner, does that regardless of standalone or towing up
> to the 6,000lb he regularly pulls. Top speed is 72, it's more
> comfortable around 62 - 65. As it was probably a gasser at one point,
> odds are the rear axle gears haven't been changed (5.36 per frame tag)
> and the Cummins in front of an Allison 4sp is almost certainly straining
> (maybe even over-revving?).
>
> So...first, does anybody know exactly which motor this might be and know
> anything about it's reliability?
>
> Second, am I right in thinking this bus would benefit big from 4.11 or
> so gears in the rear?
>
> Third, would I be better off with a gearvendors thingie behind the
> tranny, or just swap the rear end gearing?
>
> The bus is currently at 20,000lbs and I doubt I'd be adding more than
> 2,500 complete with add-on box in the rear (aluminum tube frame,
> aluminum skin), better batteries and a bike. What are the odds I'll be
> able to nudge 10mpg with gearing changes?
>
> Any other comments about this puppy?
>
> My alternative is to hollow out the back bedroom of a 4104 or similar
> into a garage (with side hatch) or empty the rear bedroom of a 35'
> Wanderlodge FC and either way turn the front couch into a dedicated bed
> with pillows for daytime "couch use". That gives me a smaller main bed,
> less choices for guest bed, etc. This Bluebird 29' does have a
> queen-size rear bedroom (a bit tight, but decent) and a pretty good
> overall front living area, and THEN I'd add a garage without messing
> with any of that.
>
> Anybody know anything about this drivetrain and gearing options?
>
> Jim
>
>
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