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08-19-2009, 05:27

FWIW, the long-standing advice is to hold out about $10,000 from your budget for unexpected repairs and desired upgrades.

Within the first six months of ownership, I spent:

$4000 on R&R the radiator and replace the radiator core.

$1600 replace two (of three) roof-top ACs with new units.

$1000 or so, getting the chassis AC working again. (In retrospect, I shouldn't have bothered with that one. A 12 v electric, oscillating fan by the driver does a better job of countering the "fish bowl" effect when the sun pounds in. It cost about $10.)

Most AquaHots (starting in 1994 or so) only need a $100 (or so) "annual" service to be put into top shape. A serious deficiency could be expensive (like having been operated without coolant causing damage to the internal tubes).

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Aug 19, 2009, at 4:39 AM, Markus Meyer wrote:

As I've been on the hunt for a bit, here are some of the major systems I pay attention to that can cost big $$$:

1) drivetrain - engine and/or trans can be 5 figures to replace
2) self leveling system - if not working, can be cheap to fix or quite expensive
3) heating system - if something like Aqua Hot is there but not working, can cost upper 4 figures to low 5 figures to replace (worst case)
4) cooling system - if multiple air conditioners and original, they may need replacing at some point in the near future and cost a few thousand each
5) if refrigerator is original, probably not going to last a whole lot longer and will cost 4 figures
6) air system - I'd look to see that this is working correctly
7) if tires are older or look dry rotted - I'd count on replacing them all

Good luck!

Markus

To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
From:"gerard@kocher.com"
Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:38:20 +0000
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] What to look for?

I have been a member of this site for around 2 years. I think I have found a coach (1986 PT36) that will meet my needs and budget. I will be traveling from San Francisco to St. Louis the weekend of the 29th to view the coach. I have printed a check list off of the vintage bird site to help me inspect the coach.

Can anyone let me know of any major components that I should check out that can possibly be a deal breaker on a 1986 coach?

Thanks for your help,

Gerard Kocher
2003 30' Airstream Travel Trailer
San Francisco, CA

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