Christina,
In respone to you first question, here is a past post from a very
knowlegeable source, Jeff Miller: (it's a bit long and covers a lot of
ground)
Okay, one at a time:
> Is the top end governed at approx 64 MPH?
-- No. The engine is governed to approx. 2650-2800 full load
originally, this should be 65-70mph on a turbo (theoretically,
but...). It is really governed by power/weight, and by the lack of
available intake air, which can be improved somewhat. Only the 300hp
and early N.A. are really governed by max. RPM as their power/weight
ratio is better.
> What approx miles per gallon could I expect - around 8?
-- 8 would be good on an '83 FC35. Could easily be 7.5 if you have a
heavy foot.
> Does the 250 cat climb grades "well" on the FC35?
-- In a word, no. It will climb, and a well maintained diesel will
run at full load all day without hurting it (such as long climbs).
Depending on the grade and the coach I'm told that some FCs have
trouble holding 40mph on a long climb.
On the other hand, unless you live in mountains and drive there
constantly, it really doesn't make a significant difference in your
overall trip time to spend an extra 4-5minutes climbing a grade at
40mph. The turbo will help to maintain full power, and you'll get
there safely with that heavy coach even in strong winds. The hill
retarder also helps a good deal to make the descent safer and save
your brakes.
> Is this model ok for total weight, front and rear axle weights,
pulling a light compact toad with full fluids etc?
-- BlueBird tended toward overkill here, you should have a decent
amount of capacity front and rear. Mine can carry more weight than
most coaches are rated to tow.
> I am very safety conscience about staying within safe design loads.
Does anyone know the wheelbase in ft and/or inches?
-- Don't get too sucked into the wheelbase/length ratio, it doesn't
mean squat when you get into a 35,000lb coach. For the record, the
35FC is 216.5" wheelbase, with a 35.1' (curb) turning radius which
makes it manuver better than a 29' class C. The wheelbase is approx.
51.5%, which some consider important for handling characteristics,
but you only have to drive a "safe ratio" plastic disposable
motorhome like a Winnebago (my good friend calls his the "Windybago"
for its poor crosswind and truck wake characteristics) or other to
see the massive difference. The strong truck frame/suspension/tires
coupled with the sturdy steel body and generous radii to spill air
over the top, coupled with the balance of overhang front/rear, throw
it into a whole different catagory for windy day performance and
handling safety. Drive each on a windy day and find out. This does
require the steering and tires to be maintained well BTW.
I also am a safety freak, this is why I bought BlueBird.
> Is there a safe built into these models?
-- Generally, yes. I haven't seen one without, but don't know that it
was standard.
Christina-this is most relevant to your question ---->
Q) My use would be vacation use for 2 to 5 years, then full time. Any
pros/cons to the 83 FC35 given this? I just am not sure yet of the
pro/con to PT vs FC.
A) The FC is less expensive to buy and maintain, it is also more
manuverable which is an advantage if you go to races, events, or even
state campgrounds. It also generally gets better fuel mileage. The
advantage to the PT is the quiet drive of the rear engine, additional
power, and especially in the PT40 there is much more basement storage
and inside space. More size/space costs more money, that's all.
I love my FC for going to campgrounds, the beach, and even to July4
fireworks because I can easily negotiate traffic. For long hauls and
long stays I'd prefer a 40' widebody.
- Jeff Miller
Jim Owens
77 FC33SB (Gas)
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
--- In
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "gone2k9z"
wrote:
> Hello Waderlodge people~
> My husband & I are hoping to become fulltimers when we retire, so
> we're doing a lot of research on the Wanderlodge as we have decided
> this is "the only way to fly" (pardons to Mr. Magoo)...I have 2
> questions right now: 1. For you fulltimers out there, is a 35 foot
> coach too small?
> 2. Are there any members in Southern Calif that wouldn't mind letting
> us visit your Wanderlodge? We've only been inside one so far, a '74
> gas rig, lovely, but a bit small (31'
for fulltiming we think. Your
> input is greatly appreciated!
> Christina in Oxnard, Ca