overweight -1st Press release

[Pete Masterson]

The overweight front axle infects the LXi (and probably LX) starting in 2004 or so... These coaches were built by Blue Bird before CCW bought the company. The recent bankruptcy/liquidation of BB Coachworks probably inspired the need to file the lawsuit(s). As I understand it, a recall was issued on the coaches with the problem. No doubt, CCW has contractual language as part of their BB purchase that protects them from the liability for this problem (shifting it to Cerberus), but the usual course is to sue the current owner of the company.

It is certainly a warning to all of us to weigh our coaches axle by axle. When I did, I was surprised that the axle weights were somewhat above the weights suggested by the tire inflation guide located and visible in the street side front cargo compartment. Using the axle loadings (and allowing for a modest side to side variance) based on actual scale weights, I determined that I needed to inflate my tires to 115-F, 120-D, 120-T* to have sufficient rated weight carrying capacity for the tires. The axles were all under their rated weights (sufficiently) to allow for variations in loading that normally occurs, but (due to the side to side variation) the tires were actually somewhat closer to their limit on one side than I had expected. The "suggested" inflation does give a slightly softer ride.

*Based on the numbers, I probably could drop the tag down to 115 psi, but I may as well give the tires the pressure to handle any transient higher loads caused by the dynamics of movement. I don't notice any particular difference between 115 and 120 on the tag axle in ride quality -- since passengers sit in front of the front axle, most of the ride perception is based on that axle's tire inflation.

I've subsequently heard that due tovagariescaused by the air suspension that side to side weights may not be fully reliable even though the total axle weight may be correct. Still, it suggests that during movement, the actual weight carried by one side or the other might be rather higher than the combined weight suggests.

When packed, loaded, and filled with fluids and passengers, my coach weighs just under 48,000 lbs, leaving it about 900+ lbs under the GVWR. I don't have the weights by axle handy right now, but each axle was comfortably below its maximum weight.

I think it's wise for all Wanderlodge owners to physically weigh their 'bird axle by axle, and if possible, wheel by wheel, to assess the properties of their coach soinadvertentoverloading can be avoided.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 18, 2009, at 11:16 AM, Leroy Eckert wrote:

Yours is probably around 14,000. For instance, mine is 14,600. You can find it on the data plate most likely above the driver hidden on the overhead. I am not overweight on any axle when completely full of everything my wife wants in the bus, full fuel and full water. I have plenty of variance. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors Dahlonega, GA --- OnWed, 3/18/09, Dan Williams<"danusa@comcast.net">wrote: Ross, Can you tell me what is the load limit on the front axle? Dan Williams 88wb38 Jackson, MS From:WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com ["Wanderlodge"Forum@yahoogroup s.com]On Behalf OfRoss Sent:Wednesday, March 18, 2009 12:22 PM To:WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com Subject:[WanderlodgeForum] overweight -1st Press release Copy and paste please . Couldn't get "link" to work. http://www.rvinews. com/News/ tabid/16941/ ctl/ArticleView/ mid/38805/ articleId/ 3623/Blue- Birds-luxury- motorhome- division- faces-lawsuits. aspx Ross 2006 450 LXi