LX vs LXi

[Pete Masterson]

Looking at the photos I've seen of the various LX and LXi units, they appear to be variations of the same chassis. The length difference all appears to be behind the rear axle, although that may be an optical illusion as I've never seen a longer and shorter coach side by side. (I can assure you that the extra rear overhang of the longer units is not without some annoyances when encountering driveway dips, etc.) I suppose somewhere you might find specifications that list the wheel base of the various models.

The specifications given on the Vintage Birds site, describes near-identical running gear for the different models -- but the GVWR differences would suggest slightly different components in the axles, etc. The one earlier model, the BMC that used a different chassis, had a lot of family resemblance but is still fairly obviously not the same chassis as the 'regular' Wanderlodges built in the same years. The 40, 41, and 43' LX and LXi appear to be near identical in every visible way in the exterior views, so it appears that the chassis is the same. The primary difference in the resale value would appear to be related to the slightly lower hp engine and value difference of the variations in fittings. 

The "missing" 50 hp in the Cummins engine might be noticeable, but not critical to the use and enjoyment of the coach. (Indeed, my '95 has a 470 hp DD S-60 and there have been times that I'd sure like to have the 30 extra hp the DD S-60 in the '96 had ...). Other than that, Cummins makes well regarded engines used in a wide variety of heavy equipment. 

Indeed, I recently read a report that stated that DD, owned by Daimler (of Germany) will, in the future, only be used in Daimler produced products. Daimler owns Freightliner (trucks and RV chassis), Orion Bus (transit busses), Setra (highway busses), Sterling (trucks), Thomas (school bus), Western Star Trucks, and Mitsubishi Fuso (outside the US). They will continue to provide service to existing DD engines no matter what installation they may have.

Anyway, I would not be adverse to having a Cummins engine powered vehicle. DD, Cat, and Cummins are  (and have been) very competitive heavy equipment engine manufacturers for many years. Over time, one or another has on top, but all have been competitive. I note that the 2009 Wanderlodge uses a Cummins 600 hp ISX engine. The only downside to the Cummins engine WLs is that there are very few of them so finding list-members with direct experience might prove difficult. (But the many similarities from model to model and year to year will still make the online list/forum beneficial.)

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Apr 10, 2008, at 5:52 PM, tumble_weed_ft wrote:

Pete:

Thanks. Great information. Does the LX have the same chassis and 

steel siding / roofing as prior Wanderlodges and the LXi? Other than 

the lower horsepower, is the Cummins engine considered inferior to 

the DD?

Dave

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