Wanderlodge Structural Questions...

[Andy Coleman]

Hello Wanderlodgers,

I just joined your list and I'm very excited! A friend of mine just
turned me on to the Wanderlodge - which might be the perfect vehicle
for me!

I just spent the last 6 months shopping for another school bus to
customize into an RV.

I have an old Dodge bus that I bought in college in the late 80s.
Since that time I customized it and built a very nice aluminum
platform (with ladder) on its roof. The platform, as it turns out, is
my favorite part of the bus.

Now in my late 30s, I'm ready to step up to a larger, more fuel
efficient and reliable diesel platform. I've been shopping for rear
engine Thomas and Blue Bird All American buses to convert. Both have
strong frames to support another (possibly larger) roof rack.

My question is, since the Wanderlodge is based on the All American
body, will it be able to support the weight of a rack with people on
it? Maybe over 3,000+ lbs? The All American School bus by law is
required to handle 1.5 times its weight on the roof in the event of a
roll over.

Also, does the Wanderlodge have the same interior and exterior height
as the All American bus? I'm 6' 4" tall. My head nearly touches the
ceiling in the All American School buses.

Finally, by studying all the fantastic information posted by your
group, I have learned that some of the 80's Wanderlodges had Central
Air - without the individual AC units on the roof (less obstructions
for a rack). Is the Central air a good option? Do the vents blow air
near the ceiling of the bus? Is it difficult to maintain?

Thank you so much everyone! The Wanderlodge just might be the vehicle
I have been searching for - and it might save me much time and money
over converting a school bus! I look forward to being a part of your
group!

Andy Coleman, Central New Jersey