The Fun Begins, Or my first day with our New to us Wanderlodge

[jcpryn]

Well I can finially say that I am not just a dreamer, but an OWNER.

Monday we went and looked at a "1982 WONDERLODGE" turned out to be a
83 Wanderlodge.

on the first inspection, lots of things didn't work. Would not air
up, constant low air alarm, huge oil leak, genset would not go back
in, and several other things.

Went down there with the intent to buy on the spot. It was a 3.5
hour drive each way and didn't want to make that trip anymort than we
had to. After crawing around the coach for a couple of hours and
messing with the air, it was still hoplessly sitting low. Came back
home with hopes dashed somewhat.

Thought about it all the way home and most of the next day. Then
made a phone call to the owner and discussed condition, after some
back and forth we agreed on a very reduced price.

Tue got ready for a trip with jacks, blocks, bars, chains, wrenches,
and most every other tool I could think of.

Today was the day for the adventure.
My father volunteered to go with me, he was a commercial truck
driver so he had a ton more experience than I do with air systems.
Long story short, after messing with it for about 30 min we had her
up on air. Still had an alarm that would sound for awhile then go
off. Looked like pressure was just about 100 lbs and holding steady.
We took a good look around, secured the genset with a strap. and hit
the road. Traveled about 20 min and stopped for fuel, guage said 1/2
of tank but had no idea if it was true or not. Put $100.00 in it and
$50.00 in the dodge and kept heading north. Had my GPS with me so I
checked the speedo and it was very close. Temp stayed between 185-
195, oil pressure was 75 lbs at cruising and 50 @ idle.

Had a 4 hour drive, everything worked great. The 3208 sung the whole
way. Didn't touch anything except the basics, didn't want to turn
something on and loose all of my air. The air stayed real steady,
but did have an alarm from time to time. Think I have at least one
leak.

So tomorrow (thur) will will start making a list of things to fix.
At that point we will try to put them in order of importance, (air
being rite up on the top). Mechanicly it seams very sound. Ran
great, had great presure, and temp was fine. Think after I get the
air taken care of, I will take it in for a oil change and radiator
flush.


Overall very happy, had a nice 4 hour drive with our "new" bird.
lost all of the white knuckles after about 20 min. The more I drove
it the more I could tell what it was going to do with big bump.
Overall a very smooth ride, easy to controll and very confortable.

More to come

Looking for suggestions on best way to troubleshoot the air system,
Will have to rebuild the generator tray, (it took a big hit to the
door). Have seen a couple that have been modified with the radiator
flat. Will look more into that.

Know I need to do the relays for the dash lights.

Somethings need fixed now some will wait. I look forward to
attacking each one.

And the musical horn does work.............. got a smile out of my
brother on that one....



Thanks Gang.

John & Pong