Our Accident

[Chuck Wheeler]

Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want to know what happened. So here goes:

Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn’t be avoided and it made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about 50mph. “Bouncing” off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to exit the highway.

Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..

Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort Worth. The road service person said that “your RV must be built like a tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not drivable.” I don’t think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived hitting as hard as we did.

Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work on it.

I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie’s salvaged Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate it.

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

[cape0001]

this is the listing I have
Thomas Eastham
Anitel Investments Llc
2305 Lyons Ave
Houston, TX 77020
Phone: (713) 851-9693


Stephen 77fc35

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>
> Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
> stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
> 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
> concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
> made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
> off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
> were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
> 50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
> exit the highway.
>
>
>
> Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing
> (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve
> and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left
> outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..
>
>
>
> Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort
> Worth. The road service person said that "your RV must be built like a
> tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not
> drivable." I don't think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived
> hitting as hard as we did.
>
>
>
> Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what
> they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work
> on it.
>
>
>
> I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie's salvaged
> Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate
> it.
>
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>

[cape0001]

this is the listing I have
Thomas Eastham
Anitel Investments Llc
2305 Lyons Ave
Houston, TX 77020
Phone: (713) 851-9693


Stephen 77fc35

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>
> Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
> stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
> 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
> concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
> made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
> off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
> were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
> 50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
> exit the highway.
>
>
>
> Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing
> (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve
> and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left
> outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..
>
>
>
> Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort
> Worth. The road service person said that "your RV must be built like a
> tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not
> drivable." I don't think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived
> hitting as hard as we did.
>
>
>
> Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what
> they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work
> on it.
>
>
>
> I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie's salvaged
> Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate
> it.
>
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>

[Donald Watson]

Chuck,

I always read your posts and appreciate what you share. I'm glad you and
Kathy are safe. Anytime we deal with steering tire failures, anything can
happen. While the construction area was what probably created the debris,
those barriers maybe kept you from straying elsewhere. I think your message
to us all is a testimony to the construction of these vehicles we focus on.
Be thankful that the damage was confined and you were able to drive so far
home. Good luck with the 'rebuild'.

Try this number for Thomas:

713 851-9693 cell

It's the number I used to communicate with him when he was parting out the
Bird two and a half years ago.

Regards,

Donn
76 FC33
South Kingstown, RI



From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Chuck Wheeler
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 12:03 AM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Our Accident

Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
to know what happened. So here goes:
<snip>
Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
exit the highway. .....
___

[davidkerryedwards]

Chuck:
Sorry to hear about the accident but very glad the consequences weren't more
serious. Hope you can find the replacement parts. As far as the tanks and
valves go, I once owned a Mobile Traveler RV whose tanks were seriously damaged
but I still had the various pieces which had broken off. I repaired it with
epoxy resin and glass cloth which held the various pieces in place. Held up for
about 3 yrs just fine until I sold it. It was an easier fix than removing the
tank which required a lot of work.
I assume the metal hit the tire that blew?

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>

> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>

[Chuck Wheeler]

Thanks Stephen, between you and Donn I have two numbers to try.

- Chuck Wheeler-

1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

---

From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com [mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of cape0001
Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 7:47 AM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Our Accident

this is the listing I have
Thomas Eastham
Anitel Investments Llc
2305 Lyons Ave
Houston, TX 77020
Phone: (713) 851-9693

Stephen 77fc35

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Chuck Wheeler" .> wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>
> Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
> stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
> 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
> concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
> made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
> off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
> were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
> 50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
> exit the highway.
>
>
>
> Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing
> (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve
> and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left
> outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..
>
>
>
> Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort
> Worth. The road service person said that "your RV must be built like a
> tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not
> drivable." I don't think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived
> hitting as hard as we did.
>
>
>
> Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what
> they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work
> on it.
>
>
>
> I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie's salvaged
> Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate
> it.
>
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>

[gregoryoconnor]

I bet you can find a place to work on it. There are alot of construction
equipment yards that have facilities that they pay rent on and are not utilizing
them. You may even seek the service of a mobile tec to help and check what
local place he has to set the bus up for repair. I am dropping a ten speed
trans out of a truck today and running parts for the mobil tec that will rehang
the trans Friday or Monday. (I am on the last clutch adjustment and dont want to
hang the truck on a cliff without a clutch) From time to time I let him bring a
project to our facilities when that customer has not a place to do the work.
Napa parts clerk are a good source for local Diesel Mobile techs and automotive
paint retailers may have a source for a good craftsman to finish the sheetmetal.
There are also commercial truck storage yards that you can pay a monthly rent on
and often allow minor repairs to commence.

Do you have any tips on control of the bus without a front tire or can you
describe the effort it took to maneuver the bus to safety. Were the Michelin
techniques helpful or utilized?

http://www.rainbowrv.com/rv-talk/how-to-...ut.ht\
ml



Greg of Tim&Greg
94ptca

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>
> Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
> stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
> 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
> concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
> made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
> off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
> were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
> 50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
> exit the highway.
>
>
>
> Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing
> (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve
> and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left
> outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..
>
>
>
> Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort
> Worth. The road service person said that "your RV must be built like a
> tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not
> drivable." I don't think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived
> hitting as hard as we did.
>
>
>
> Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what
> they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work
> on it.
>
>
>
> I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie's salvaged
> Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate
> it.
>
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>

[gardendoc17]

Chuck,
So sorry to hear of your accident I know how bad it feels. I have Thomas's
cell number if you want to call me at work I will give it to you. He has moved
to Magnolia, TX and has an equipment yard there. My old bus was taken to the
crusher a year ago, after Thomas parted out everything except the steel shell
and frame. But he might possibly have some part you need?
By your being in a Bluebird when you had the accident it could have possibly
saved you and your wife's life. The very best reason to own a steel Bluebird.

Rick Archie
85PT40 "Fort R"
Fort Worth

[Wallace Craig]

Chuck, you have our sympathy having been through similar accident in our previous coach 85/40ft. Blow out in construction zone near Childress with Faye driving. She did a masterful job and I did the screaming. Happily, our damage was not as great as yours. Don't know of anything we can do to help, but if you have any ideas, we are not that far away as of 1st Sept. Wallace & Faye Craig 95 WLWB 42 Azle, Texas 817 360-8051 cell --- On Wed, 8/19/09, Chuck Wheeler wrote: From: Chuck Wheeler Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Our Accident To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 11:02 PM Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want to know what happened. So here goes: Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth . We had stopped in Guthrie , OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn’t be avoided and it made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about 50mph. “Bouncing” off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to exit the highway. Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete.. Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort Worth . The road service person said that “your RV must be built like a tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not drivable.” I don’t think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived hitting as hard as we did. Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work on it. I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie’s salvaged Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate it. - Chuck Wheeler- 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX

[ronmarabito2002]

Sorry to hear of your accident. Hope it isn't as bad as it sounds. I still
don't have my coach back from Prevost Car in Ft. Worth. We have passed 2 months
not having the coach.

R.E. (Ron) Marabito, Dallas, TX 92WB40

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Chuck Wheeler" wrote:
>
> Since I am looking for parts for out Wanderlodge, folks will probably want
> to know what happened. So here goes:
>
>
>
> Last week Kathy and I were headed to Nebraska from Fort Worth. We had
> stopped in Guthrie, OK and I had checked the tires, etc. About mile post
> 231, north bound on I-35, we were in a single lane construction zone between
> concrete dividers. I hit a piece of metal that couldn't be avoided and it
> made a great deal of noise. While I was thing that I would take the nest
> off ramp and see if there was any damage the left steer tire exploded. We
> were only about 2 feet from the concrete divider and we hit that at about
> 50mph. "Bouncing" off that pointed us toward an off ramp which we took to
> exit the highway.
>
>
>
> Damage was to the front left of the bumper and the body. The dump plumbing
> (gone), front left docking light (gone), front of the grey water tank(valve
> and tank fitting pulled out), battery door and hinge damage, and the left
> outside rear tire damage from being scraped along the concrete..
>
>
>
> Had road service installed a new tire and we drove it 308 miles back to Fort
> Worth. The road service person said that "your RV must be built like a
> tank! I have seen a lot of accidents along here and most of them are not
> drivable." I don't think a plastic coach or even a car would have survived
> hitting as hard as we did.
>
>
>
> Insurance is coming out to look at it. It will be interesting to see what
> they come up with. I could do most of the repairs if I had a place to work
> on it.
>
>
>
> I am looking for Tom Eastman to see if he still has Rick Archie's salvaged
> Wanderlodge. If any one has contact information for Tom I would appreciate
> it.
>
>
> - Chuck Wheeler-
> 1982 FC 31SB Fort Worth TX
>