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05-16-2009, 02:57

We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and have for
7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just recently bought our
Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and took 101 all the way to
North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the Bird) on 101 all the way from
Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it was a good trip for the most part.

While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion from
Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and gives your
driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and use the retarder
without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your skills - especially with
lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did my retarder exceed 230 (closer
to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the time - I had to get slow enough to make
a corner that snuck up out of nowhere!

I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do full
time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the basement.
But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle). I was surprised
at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if this is normal. The
steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way to the top. The engine
temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215 so I was in no danger of
overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of the Detroit (330?) would go up
hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208 Cat from the Beaver (250). I do
know the BB is much heavier right out of the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of
diesel, a tank of water and the tow car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).

On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I had to
watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted to conserve
fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the Bird to go up hills
at 20-25 mph?

Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal in
about 2 weeks.

Jerry
85 PT40

05-16-2009, 04:08

Unfortunately the 330 hp 6V92 in a Bird does not have enough power. You must
use your downshifting and maintain your rpm's. It will do better, but if you
let drop off before shifting, you will have a hard time making it up.

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

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "jburgessx2" wrote:
>
> We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and have
for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just recently bought
our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and took 101 all the way to
North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the Bird) on 101 all the way from
Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it was a good trip for the most part.
>
> While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion from
Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and gives your
driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and use the retarder
without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your skills - especially with
lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did my retarder exceed 230 (closer
to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the time - I had to get slow enough to make
a corner that snuck up out of nowhere!
>
> I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do full
time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the basement.
But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle). I was surprised
at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if this is normal. The
steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way to the top. The engine
temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215 so I was in no danger of
overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of the Detroit (330?) would go up
hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208 Cat from the Beaver (250). I do
know the BB is much heavier right out of the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of
diesel, a tank of water and the tow car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
>
> On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I had
to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted to
conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the Bird to go
up hills at 20-25 mph?
>
> Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal in
about 2 weeks.
>
> Jerry
> 85 PT40
>

05-16-2009, 04:09

Yes, you are going to find that your weight to horsepower ratio is less than it
was with the Beaver. When you get a chance you will want to weigh your coach,
both for information and to make sure you run proper tire inflation by axle.

You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate
weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when they
are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to use. When
you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which means completely
out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle and get the weight.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" 49,000 lbs combined weight in normal full configuration,
with 475HP - still slow up the steep ones!
My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1

On 5/16/2009 at 2:57 PM jburgessx2 wrote:

>We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and
>have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just
>recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and
>took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the
>Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it
>was a good trip for the most part.
>
>While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion
>from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and
>gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and
>use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your
>skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did
>my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the
>time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of
>nowhere!
>
>I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do
>full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the
>basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle).
>I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if
>this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way
>to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215
>so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of
>the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208
>Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of
>the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow
>car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
>
>On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I
>had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted
>to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the
>Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?
>
>Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal
>in about 2 weeks.
>
>Jerry
>85 PT40
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

05-16-2009, 04:13

Golly, I guess I better get out and help push my 77FC35/3208 up them hills Smile

She goes slow up those hills, but the goes! We climbed the 1.5 mile
22 degree road up to the tramway in El Paso. We did it in first gear
about walking speed, but we did it Smile

Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Hogansville, GA

On Sat, May 16, 2009 at 12:09 PM, Don Bradner wrote:
>
>
> Yes, you are going to find that your weight to horsepower ratio is less than
> it was with the Beaver. When you get a chance you will want to weigh your
> coach, both for information and to make sure you run proper tire inflation
> by axle.
>
> You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate
> weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when
> they are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to
> use. When you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which
> means completely out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle and
> get the weight.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" 49,000 lbs combined weight in normal full
> configuration, with 475HP - still slow up the steep ones!
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>
> On 5/16/2009 at 2:57 PM jburgessx2 wrote:
>
>>We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and
>>have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just
>>recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and
>>took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the
>>Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it
>>was a good trip for the most part.
>>
>>While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion
>>from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and
>>gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and
>>use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your
>>skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did
>>my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the
>>time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of
>>nowhere!
>>
>>I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do
>>full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the
>>basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle).
>>I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if
>>this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way
>>to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215
>>so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of
>>the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208
>>Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of
>>the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow
>>car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
>>
>>On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I
>>had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted
>>to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the
>>Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?
>>
>>Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal
>>in about 2 weeks.
>>
>>Jerry
>>85 PT40
>>
>>
>>
>>------------------------------------
>>
>>Yahoo! Groups Links
>>
>>
>>
>
>

05-16-2009, 04:53

Can this be done in other states???, if the weigh station is closed???
We have used the closed weigh stations in Canada.

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner" wrote:
>
> Yes, you are going to find that your weight to horsepower ratio is less than
it was with the Beaver. When you get a chance you will want to weigh your coach,
both for information and to make sure you run proper tire inflation by axle.
>
> You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate
weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when they
are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to use. When
you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which means completely
out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle and get the weight.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" 49,000 lbs combined weight in normal full
configuration, with 475HP - still slow up the steep ones!
> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>
> On 5/16/2009 at 2:57 PM jburgessx2 wrote:
>
> >We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and
> >have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just
> >recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and
> >took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the
> >Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it
> >was a good trip for the most part.
> >
> >While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion
> >from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and
> >gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and
> >use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your
> >skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did
> >my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the
> >time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of
> >nowhere!
> >
> >I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do
> >full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the
> >basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle).
> >I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if
> >this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way
> >to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215
> >so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of
> >the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208
> >Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of
> >the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow
> >car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
> >
> >On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I
> >had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted
> >to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the
> >Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?
> >
> >Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal
> >in about 2 weeks.
> >
> >Jerry
> >85 PT40
> >
> >
> >
> >------------------------------------
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

05-16-2009, 05:16

I have not always paid attention, but I haven't seen any other state that way
(been in 47 of them so far). Many states don't even have an outside display.

On 5/16/2009 at 4:53 PM pattypape wrote:

>Can this be done in other states???, if the weigh station is closed???
>We have used the closed weigh stations in Canada.
>
>Bill 88 FC Michigan
>
>--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Don Bradner"
>wrote:
>>
>> Yes, you are going to find that your weight to horsepower ratio is less
>than it was with the Beaver. When you get a chance you will want to weigh
>your coach, both for information and to make sure you run proper tire
>inflation by axle.
>>
>> You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate
>weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when
>they are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to
>use. When you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which
>means completely out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle
>and get the weight.
>>
>> Don Bradner
>> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder" 49,000 lbs combined weight in normal full
>configuration, with 475HP - still slow up the steep ones!
>> My location: http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user2.cfm?user=1
>>
>> On 5/16/2009 at 2:57 PM jburgessx2 wrote:
>>
>> >We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and
>> >have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just
>> >recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and
>> >took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the
>> >Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it
>> >was a good trip for the most part.
>> >
>> >While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion
>> >from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc.
>and
>> >gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift
>and
>> >use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your
>> >skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did
>> >my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the
>> >time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of
>> >nowhere!
>> >
>> >I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we
>do
>> >full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the
>> >basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag
>axle).
>> >I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if
>> >this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the
>way
>> >to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about
>215
>> >so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower
>of
>> >the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my
>3208
>> >Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out
>of
>> >the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the
>tow
>> >car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).
>> >
>> >On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact,
>I
>> >had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I
>wanted
>> >to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the
>> >Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?
>> >
>> >Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to
>SoCal
>> >in about 2 weeks.
>> >
>> >Jerry
>> >85 PT40
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >------------------------------------
>> >
>> >Yahoo! Groups Links
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

05-16-2009, 05:31

Sounds pretty normal.

I weighed my coach road ready (with (nearly) full fuel and water) tools, 'contractors' air compressor and a considerable assortment of other stuff on board. Weight was about 48,000 lbs. (GVWR 48,900). Weight distribution was a little different than stock, so I have to carry 120 psi in the drive axle (in part to compensate for a side to side weight imbalance).

The 85 has a 6v92TA with 330 HP. That's not a lot of power for the weight (probably somewhere above 40,000 lbs.). The later PT-40s with the 8v92 do somewhat better. In my 42, with the DD Series 60, I can hold 40-45 on most grades ... but it has 470 hp. (Later PT40s and WBs had up to 500 hp from the 8v92.)

PS-- those hills and curves on US 101 will seem easier with more experience -- but the part through the redwoods is always a bit scary. There is a bypass freeway, which helps cut the traffic load. As a child, I can recall going through the redwoods with giant logging trucks and Greyhound busses coming past every few seconds ... we were in a car, but it was still scary...

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 16, 2009, at 7:57 AM, jburgessx2 wrote:

We've taken our first trip in our BB with it loaded. We full time and have for 7 years now. We did most of that time in a Beaver and just recently bought our Bird. We left the Ventura, CA area on Thursday and took 101 all the way to North Bend, OR. I've taken a motorhome (not the Bird) on 101 all the way from Seattle to San Diego. In the 85 PT40, it was a good trip for the most part.

While this trip was good, it's not for the weak of heart. The portion from Oakland to North Bend is full of hills, twisties, Redwoods, etc. and gives your driving skills a test. It also tests your ability to shift and use the retarder without overheating it. It's a workout that tests your skills - especially with lots of traffic to contend with. Only once did my retarder exceed 230 (closer to 260) and it couldn't be helped at the time - I had to get slow enough to make a corner that snuck up out of nowhere!

I guess I must have more weight in the coach than I thought. Since we do full time, I have my tools, golf clubs and other goodies that fill the basement. But, it's no more than we had in our 40' Beaver (no tag axle). I was surprised at how slow it took the steep hills and I'm not sure if this is normal. The steep hills had us crawling at 20-25 mph all the way to the top. The engine temp stayed about 185 and the tranny at about 215 so I was in no danger of overheating. I somehow thought the horsepower of the Detroit (330?) would go up hills faster than the horsepower of my 3208 Cat from the Beaver (250). I do know the BB is much heavier right out of the gate. Plus, I had 300 gallons of diesel, a tank of water and the tow car (a Miata - 2450 lbs).

On the straights, the Detroit hauled butt with zero problems. In fact, I had to watch my speed because it wanted to run faster (70-75) and I wanted to conserve fuel and go 65 at best. My question: Is it normal for the Bird to go up hills at 20-25 mph?

Other than that, it was a great trip and we should be headed back to SoCal in about 2 weeks.

Jerry
85 PT40

------------------------------------

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05-16-2009, 05:40

It entirely depends on the state (or province). In CA, closed weigh stations arebarricaded. Many (most?) CA scales are electronic and are shut off when the scale is closed.

Some states encourage use of scales by leaving them accessible, others close 'em down as they want to avoid wear & tear or damage to the scales. Call the highway patrol for a state where you have questions about access, and they should be able to tell you the local policies.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 16, 2009, at 9:53 AM, pattypape wrote:

Can this be done in other states???, if the weigh station is closed???
We have used the closed weigh stations in Canada.

Bill 88 FC Michigan

--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", "Don Bradner" wrote:

<snip>
You happen to be in the one state where it is easy to get free, accurate weights. Most Oregon highway scales are closed most of the time, and when they are closed the scales with outside display are left on for anyone to use. When you see a closed weigh station (unless it is barricaded, which means completely out of service), just roll on in and stop on each axle and get the weight.

<snip>

05-16-2009, 08:05

If a DOT scale is open, but not busy(no trucks), pull in and ask.
Most are willing to do it. Most of the time, you're going to light
up the "Must Pull In" sign anyway. Use your CB radio, and stop after, and they
will print it out for you.
Also, the agent there will be very surprised at your weight.

This is from personal experience.

Steve Gureasko
90WBWL401/2 Jus Chillin
Ponchatoula, La. presently in real cajun country, Breaux Bridge, La.

05-16-2009, 08:27

If it's open and you are overweight, you could have a problem.
Ross
I had this with a horse trailer over GCVW

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "patticake592000" <sgureasko@...>
wrote:
>
> If a DOT scale is open, but not busy(no trucks), pull in and ask.
> Most are willing to do it. Most of the time, you're going to light
> up the "Must Pull In" sign anyway. Use your CB radio, and stop after, and they
will print it out for you.
> Also, the agent there will be very surprised at your weight.
>
> This is from personal experience.
>
> Steve Gureasko
> 90WBWL401/2 Jus Chillin
> Ponchatoula, La. presently in real cajun country, Breaux Bridge, La.
>