LX vs LXi

[Pete Masterson]

The DD Series 60, an in-line 6 cylinder engine is longer than the previously used DD 8V92 (a V8). So, the 40' chassis was extended by about 2' and some inches to accommodate the Series 60 engine. It was first used in the '95 "42 foot" model. (Some one claims that it actually measures 42' 3" -- but I haven't measured my coach to get the exact length.)

Sometime after 95, the DD Series 60 engine was repositioned to allow a larger rear closet and the 43' model was born. In 1996, the 42' had the S-60 and the 40' had the 8V92. In 1997, a 41' and 43' model with the DD Series 60 were available. There was no 40' model in '97. (97 BMC had 37 and 40 models with a Cummins engine.)

In 1998 the LX and LXi models were introduced. 1999 model line up was about the same.

LX - 40' with Cummins M11/450hp engine

LXi - 41' and 43' with S-60/500hp engine

LX                LXi-40       LXi-43

12.5kw      15kw          15kw  -- generator

175 gal      260 gal      300 gal diesel fuel capacity

4 house      4 house      6 house batteries

47200       47400        48900 GVWR

no                yes             yes  -- bulk oil fill

3000w       3000w       6000w inverter(s) total capacity

there are also modest differences in the fresh and holding tank capacities,

alternator sizes, and other details.

Judging from the brochure photos, it appears that the shorter LX had a less elaborate interior design than the LXi, although the basic components are quite similar. But differences seem to include laminate covered cabinets vs. stained wood, more leather-like furniture, more mirrors (including on the ceiling), etc. 

So, it appears that the LX is simply a 'stripper' (but still high-end) design with fewer features than the LXi with the major difference being a 50 hp lower powered engine.

In 2000, the 40' LX was joined by a 40' LX - Millennium Limited Edition. Same engine, generator, and capacities as the regular LX, but with (apparently) a higher-design level interior. The 41' LXi was gone from the line-up. A Millennium Limited Edition LXi was also produced. These Millennium edition units might have a higher resale price to reflect the upgraded interior fittings.

In 2003, the M380 and M450 were introduced, ending the LX and LXi era.

See the Vintage birds "history" link at 

<http://www.vintagebirds.com>

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Apr 9, 2008, at 6:42 PM, tumble_weed_ft wrote:

I notice that the Wanderlodge LX resale amounts are significantly lower 

than the LXi and earlier model Wanderlodges. Why is this? Is the LX a 

newer version of the BMC? Does it have a different chassis? Just doing 

my research. I'm thinking about possibly fulltiming in the future and 

have been interested in a Wanderlodge. I would like one with a Detroit 

Series 60 but don't know if I will be able to afford that. I also want 

to stay at the 40 to 41 length.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Dave

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