Wanderlodge Question

[Pete Masterson]

As a '95 WL owner, I can agree with these points. I'd add that most mid 90s 'birds are a little less expensive than the Prevost of the same year, depending on the Prevost conversion.

I've had generally good experience with my coach -- but I'm not that handy with a wrench (and worse) I don't have a comfortable place to do much of the work myself. However, most of the stuff on the coach is pretty accessible. Just don't _ever_ get under one without sturdy jack stands for support. While uncommon, a failure of the jacks or a sudden release of the air bags can be fatal.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 17, 2009, at 7:20 AM, David Brady wrote:

I think the pros for the Wanderlodge are: The community (this forum
and others); simplicity (the mid-90's coach follows the same basic
design criteria as the earlier coaches (Ridewell suspension, etc);
consistency (Wanderlodge has been doing it since 1963); ease
of maintenance (HWH jacks makes tire changing easy, all English
hardware, shares most heavy duty items with the trucking industry
(Brakes, air dryers, etc.); and safety.

Pros for the Prevost are: 2 million mile "over-the-road" touring coach
chassis/suspension that's been continually evolved, world class.

Cons for the Wanderlodge: Old chassis/suspension design, choppy
ride and so-so handling.

Cons for the Prevost: Many different conversion companies with
varying level of expertise, some no longer in business. No real
community (most Prevost owners don't wrench their coaches).
A good bus, but not tough like a Wanderlodge. If I were driving to
El Salvadore I'd take a Wanderlodge (the c-channel backbone makes
pulling it out of the mud easy, the Ridewell suspension is bullet proof).

Similarities between Wanderlodge and Prevost: both uses Detroit Diesel
engines, both use Allison transmissions. The mid 90's Prevost use a stick
axle up front like the mid 90's Wanderlodge (No Independent Front
Suspension). Both are all steel constructed buses.

-----Original Message-----
From: cmccarty4301
Sent: May 17, 2009 8:36 AM
To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Wanderlodge Question

I am contemplating a used higher end (mid 1990s) RV purchase and inquiring on the benefits of the Wanderlodge over the Prevost. Is one more reliable and or easy to maintain than the other? Cost of Ownership?

The Wanderlodge has different axel and engine configurations. Any thoughts on this? I think I am more interested in the Detroit Deisel, but am open to anyone's thoughts.

Are these relatively easy to maintain for someone with basic mechanical skills?

Thanks
Chris