M380 Problems

[richardfriedkin]

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "johnhaney17"
wrote:
>
> Hi all:
>
> I'm brand new to your forum and have a couple of questions. First
let
> me give you some background. I work for an auction company out of
> Florida that has owned 5 birds over the last 30 years. I have only
> been involved with the last two. The current bird is a 2004 M380
(on
> the road 7 weeks since delivery and already 16K miles). The
previous
> bird was a 1998 43' Lxi with (we ran her to 200K+ miles).
>
> We primarily auction real estate all over the United States and
use
> the bus to travel from site to site so we're not the typical RV
owner.
> Our bus rarely (um, never) sees a campground.
>
> Anyhow, on to the problems. We seem to constantly run into
problems
> with refrigerators, air conditioners, and general electrical
issues.
> Just recently we have had the daytime running light module burn
out,
> abs warning light on, entry step engage while vehicle is in
motion,
> dead batteries for no particular reason, inoperative fuel guage,
etc.
> I have also noticed several fit and finish issues. We have several
> places where the paint is peeling, the headlight covers have
peeled,
> and we've had water leaks around the shower vent and slides.
>
> Although we work our bird like a loaned out mule, we do take good
care
> of her. I ensure that she is regualry serviced, professioanly
cleaned
> in and out, and gets daily checks (engine & gen oil, transmisson,
> coolant, tires, etc) when were on the road. In other words, she is
> used but not abused.
>
> I realize we are not the typical bluebird user, but do any of you
run
> into similar problems? I know that the machines are much more
> complicated than most realize and therefore run into more issues.
> Also, if any of you own a 380 or 450, how satisfied are you with
it?
>
> I think it is also important to note that in spite of the problems
we
> still love the ride, style and manueverability of the 380. I look
> forward to your responses.
>
> John
>

John,

We've had our 2004 M380 since Feb 05. We put 8000 miles on since
June. The only problem we've had like yours were dead batteries,
which Bluebird and Parliament replaced under warranty. We've had no
leaks anywhere and no electrical problems. The arm on the drivers
seat fell off, the entertainment system and GPS weren't wired
properly,and a few other minor problems. The fit and finish seem
fine. Parliament in Clearwater Fl, where the coach was bought, did a
wonderful job in fixing everything. As you say, it drives and rides
beautifully, and we're quite happy with it. We used it as our escape
vehicle to stay away from Wilma. Went to White Springs, Fl (Suwanee
River) and enjoyed our safe and quiet stay. Our only complaint is,
that traveling with 3 dogs and an African Grey Parrot, we would like
a little more space. We've been looking at 3-5 year old LXi's, but
the fuel mileage is about 50% worse than the M380. We'd be
interested in hearing about anyone's experience with 2000-2002 LXi's.

Dick & Sandy Friedkin, Winston, Annie, China & Junior
2004 M380, 2003 PT Cruiser
West Palm Beach, FL