Annual Maintenance / Repair Cost

[Pete Masterson]

I'd say the $3000 figure will more than cover the routine annual
maintenance (without tires). I've paid a shop to perform oil changes
and other lubrication and filter replacement. The typical service
bill has been about $1000 to $1500, depending on the variety of items
needing attention. This basic oil-change and lubrication service (and
fixing any minor running gear gripes) is done annually, usually in
the spring before I do any lengthy trips. I'm probably facing a brake
lining change sometime soon -- and I'll call around for estimates for
that.

The repair/upgrade situation is harder. If you find a cream puff that
you are perfectly happy with in it's current condition, you might
spend relatively little on cosmetic repairs or upgrades. In my case,
at the time of purchase, I budgeted another $20,000 for "unexpected"
repairs and upgrades. -- In the end, it wasn't a bad estimate but I
haven't totaled things up recently to see where I stand.

"Unexpected repairs" included replacing the radiator core; aligning
the wheels and replacing a bent and broken Blue Ox True Center
steering device; replacing the house batteries that had been abused
while the bus was in various dealers hands for 7 months before I
bought it; and repairing a failed upper shock-mount on the street
side front axle. I have a misbehaving inverter that I'll have to
remove and (more fully) troubleshoot -- I'm assuming that I'll
probably have to replace it (I'll most probably get a remanufactured
unit).

A semi-unexpected repair was the replacement of the muffler.

Upgrades include remodeling the forward salon to a more "office like"
arrangement (with desk and filing cabinets) to accommodate my
business while on the road. Replacing the carpet (and kitchen tile)
with bamboo wood flooring. Recovering some of the fabric on the
window valances and recovering the worn wall paper on the walls.

There are also a not unusual handful of minor glitches (bad switch
here, vent fan motor there) that require dealing with from time to
time. Most of these aren't dreadfully expensive, but some leeway in
the maintenance budget is required to cover these items.

Every Wanderlodge has its share of electrical glitches to
troubleshoot. (I suspect that this is the case with most any older RV
-- but WLs have more systems, hence more that might go wrong.) I
believe this is inherent in the wire-run length of the 12 VCD
systems. The 120 VAC systems don't seem to ever cause much trouble
(other than somewhat predictable issues with inverters and/or
transfer switches). Also, as the vehicle ages, various appliances
(especially TVs and Microwaves) may need upgrade/replacement -- but
those occur on much the same schedule as your home appliances.

I doubt that a Prevost would be much different in its overall
reliability. Many carry very similar appliances as Wanderlodges --
and the physics that cause 12 VDC to be unreliable in a 40' vehicle
applies equally to any 40' bus.

Keep in mind that you can do many of the maintenance things for
yourself. Often it's a matter of time vs. money. If you have the
time, you can DIY -- if you prefer to spend the money, then it will
cost more. I do the basic oil-change and lube job with a shop because
I really have no desire to deal with nearly 10 gallons of oil drained
from the engine. I'd rather have a shop take care if it. I have done
my own oil changes for the generator -- as it only takes a couple of
gallons of oil -- well within my capability of handling. I also note
that I don't have a good place to work on my coach (I park it on the
street in front of my house). That's a factor in what I decide to do
for my self vs. what I pay others to do.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart, TX



On Nov 19, 2008, at 8:21 PM, Dave Mayo wrote:

> In reading these type forums one would get the impression that a
> motorhome is constantly broken and being repaired. That is the nature
> of this type forum to discuss mechanical issues.
>
> I'm interested in getting an idea of the ballpark annual cost for non-
> routine repair for a mid 1990's Wanderlodge. I am also interested in
> a ballpark cost of annual routine maintenance.
>
> In planning a budget should one plan on $3,000 per year; $5,000 per
> year; $10,000 or more.
>
> Outside of the cost of purchase, depreciation, etc. how rich does
> one's blood need to be to afford the maintenance on a Bluebird.
> I understand that this will vary based upon the age of the coach and
> its condition. I'm just doing research to understand what is required
> to be able to own and maintain a Bluebird.
>
> Also, would the maintenance and repair cost between a Bluebird and a
> Prevost be similar or would one expect the Prevost to be higher.
>