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10-02-2009, 12:22

From the Vintage Birds web site...

From 1964 through 1976 the Ford industrial gas engine was factory installed as the standard engine.

In 1977 the switch from gas to diesel started. The Cat 3208 NA (non turbo) was the standard diesel engine. Early 77 units (still) had the gas engine.

1978 there were still a few gas engine units delivered (probably 77s carried over to 78... but give 1978 model year) with mostly diesel units.

1979 was the 15th anniversary unit - the first pusher. All used the diesel Cat 3208.

After 1979 only diesels were produced with air suspension added in 1980.

Pete Masterson

(former) '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Oct 2, 2009, at 4:34 PM, ludlowthudpucker wrote:

I appreciate all those who have chimed in so far, lots of good info! Are there any actual gasser owners out there that can tell about thier experience with one. I am leaning heavy towards the diesel, for all the obvious reasons, but I always like to have all the info I can. I figure if they made gasser models, I should get a good perpective on those too, in order to make sure my decision is based on as many facts as possible.

If all things are equal in any given year except for the motor being either gas or diesel, then the huge price breaks on the gassers may be attractive. If the performance is lousy and the gassers are undependable, coupled with other substantial differences, then the price break may not be a value at all.

Steve Hutter.

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "ludlowthudpucker" wrote:

I am trying to understand the full difference between a diesel or gasser wanderlodge of any given year.
It seems hard to find much info on the powertrain difference, could any gasser peeps, give any insight to thier experience with a gasser unit.
The area that I can't seem to find any info on at all is the chassis. Other than the gasser (usually a Ford industrial 391 (I think))Is there any difference in an FC gasser unit as compared to the diesel. Do they both have the air ride suspension? Do they both have airbrakes? Are the chassis identical? Do they both have 22 inch tires? Do both have brake assist system (Maybe not a jake for the gasser,but a retarder of some sort)? Are there any other difference other than just the engine?
Any info would be great.