Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

I can't answer all your questions, others will pop in I am sure but here is
why I went to a wanderlodge, My first MH was a 76 dodge class c with a 318.
Good old motorhome, leaked like a sift, 8 or 9 miles to the gallon, not
overloaded with power or room. My second was a 92 Cruise Master Class A, 454,
6
miles to the Gallon, and still not enough power to tow anything with ease,
and there was so much hanging over the rear axle that a tow would get it pretty
loose in the rear when braking. My biggest thing was when going down the
Highway and a Tractor Trailer would come by, it was a constant fight to keep
it in the road. When you drive a vehicle that is in a strain, you are in a
strain. It will wear you out as much as work. Another thing was the wood sides
and roof, and trying to keep leaks fixed. I decided my next MH would be a
diesel for fuel economy, but mostly power to pull a tow. It would be either
all alumium, or steel, no plywood walls or roof. And heavy enough to sit up in
the road and run with out having to fight the wind and drafts off big
trucks. The only thing that met my needs was either a bus conversion, or a
Wanderlodge. When I found my wanderlodge and started home with it, I knew that
for
me, it was the right choice. There were other factors that helped me make a
decision on which one, but basically Just make you a list of things that you
want in a Motor Home, then buy what ever you find that fits that list. Hope
this helps alittle.
Sam Durrett
68 31 FC TN

In a message dated 2/18/2006 1:36:42 P.M. Central Standard Time,
kerry.edwards@... writes:

Hello everyone:
I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
become too small. I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge. Can you give me some
convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus? I know they seem
quite a bit safer in their construction techniques. I am somewhat
concerned about engine noise in the FC models. I'm considering early
80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
motorhomes. Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
seeing in the 3208T?

Kerry Edwards






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 2/18/2006 4:27:09 PM Central Standard Time,
kerry.edwards@... writes:

whether the one I looked at today is a converted NA


Kerry, refresh my memory- where is the coach you are looking at located?
Ernie-83pt40


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kerry- have you driven this coach? Ernie


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

if it was 10 below, I wouldn't even be outside! ernie


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello everyone:
I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
become too small. I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge. Can you give me some
convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus? I know they seem
quite a bit safer in their construction techniques. I am somewhat
concerned about engine noise in the FC models. I'm considering early
80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
motorhomes. Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
seeing in the 3208T?

Kerry Edwards

Dave, I had a 69 Travoco 220 what a fun camper.The 318 in the Travco
fiberglass camper will run circles around my 500 hp 40 ft diesel
bus. The cat-Foretravel has got to perform better and get more mpg
than the cat-Bird. The safty point never did much for me because the
windshields were the same thickness. The convincing factor is Ride,
Style, and timeless appeal. Look at the Brinners' Bus on the
homepage of this forum, Beautiful
Greg
94pt pulling a foretravel toad

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "davidkerryedwards"
wrote:
>
> Hello everyone:
> I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
> become too small. I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am
now
> giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge. Can you give me some
> convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus? I know they
seem
> quite a bit safer in their construction techniques. I am somewhat
> concerned about engine noise in the FC models. I'm considering
early
> 80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on
their
> performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for
maintenance.
> The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
> motorhomes. Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt
with
> in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes
me
> that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
> manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
> seeing in the 3208T?
>
> Kerry Edwards
>

Kerry there is a Bluebird for every budget. You have a 1971 Travco and I
suspect you might be a bit of mechanic. If this is the case then the Bluebird
age spread option for you is certainly greater. All birds require TLC, some
more than others, but if you are a better than average wrench and you want an
older top notch quality production built motorhome, Bluebird is for you. Your
choice, pick the one that best meets your ability and budget. Forget about
safety, it is covered no matter what bird you choose. There is nothing safer.

Rob, Sue & Merlin (still larn'n wrench'n)
94 WLWB


Quoting davidkerryedwards :

>
>
>
>
> Hello everyone:
>
> I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
>
> become too small.  I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
>
> giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge.  Can you give me some
>
> convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus?  I know they seem
>
> quite a bit safer in their construction techniques.  I am somewhat
>
> concerned about engine noise in the FC models.  I'm considering early
>
> 80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
>
> performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
>
> The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
>
> motorhomes.  Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
>
> in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
>
> that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
>
> manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
>
> seeing in the 3208T?
>
>
>
> Kerry Edwards
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicles
>
>
> Wanderlodge
>
>
> Automotive maintenance
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicle dealer
>
>
> Used recreational vehicles
>
>
> Automotive radiators
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>
>
>  Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>  
>  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
>  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

You read me well. Yes, I do most of my own mechanical work. I live
in Colorado so I need a turbo. I assume, from some research today,
that limits me to post-83 production? Can you answer the question in
my other post about whether the one I looked at today is a converted NA?

Kerry

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> Kerry there is a Bluebird for every budget. You have a 1971 Travco
and I
> suspect you might be a bit of mechanic. If this is the case then the
Bluebird
> age spread option for you is certainly greater. All birds require
TLC, some
> more than others, but if you are a better than average wrench and
you want an
> older top notch quality production built motorhome, Bluebird is for
you. Your
> choice, pick the one that best meets your ability and budget. Forget
about
> safety, it is covered no matter what bird you choose. There is
nothing safer.
>
> Rob, Sue & Merlin (still larn'n wrench'n)
> 94 WLWB
>
>
> Quoting davidkerryedwards :
>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello everyone:
> >
> > I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
> >
> > become too small. I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
> >
> > giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge. Can you give me some
> >
> > convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus? I know they seem
> >
> > quite a bit safer in their construction techniques. I am somewhat
> >
> > concerned about engine noise in the FC models. I'm considering early
> >
> > 80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
> >
> > performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
> >
> > The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
> >
> > motorhomes. Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
> >
> > in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
> >
> > that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
> >
> > manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
> >
> > seeing in the 3208T?
> >
> >
> >
> > Kerry Edwards
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > SPONSORED LINKS
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Recreational vehicles
> >
> >
> > Wanderlodge
> >
> >
> > Automotive maintenance
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Recreational vehicle dealer
> >
> >
> > Used recreational vehicles
> >
> >
> > Automotive radiators
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
Service.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

David I cannot answer that. There are people on this forum who can though so
wait a little and someone like Randy Dupree and Jeff Miller will hopefully
chime in.

Rob, Sue & Merlin
94 WLWB


Quoting davidkerryedwards :

>
>
>
>
> You read me well.  Yes, I do most of my own mechanical work.  I live
>
> in Colorado so I need a turbo.  I assume, from some research today,
>
> that limits me to post-83 production?  Can you answer the question in
>
> my other post about whether the one I looked at today is a converted NA?
>
>
>
> Kerry
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> >
>
> > Kerry there is a Bluebird for every budget. You have a 1971 Travco
>
> and I
>
> > suspect you might be a bit of mechanic. If this is the case then the
>
> Bluebird
>
> > age spread option for you is certainly greater. All birds require
>
> TLC, some
>
> > more than others, but if you are a better than average wrench and
>
> you want an
>
> > older top notch quality production built motorhome, Bluebird is for
>
> you. Your
>
> > choice, pick the one that best meets your ability and budget. Forget
>
> about
>
> > safety, it is covered no matter what bird you choose. There is
>
> nothing safer.
>
> >
>
> > Rob, Sue & Merlin (still larn'n wrench'n)
>
> > 94 WLWB
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Quoting davidkerryedwards :
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Hello everyone:
>
> > >
>
> > > I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
>
> > >
>
> > > become too small.  I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
>
> > >
>
> > > giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge.  Can you give me some
>
> > >
>
> > > convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus?  I know they seem
>
> > >
>
> > > quite a bit safer in their construction techniques.  I am somewhat
>
> > >
>
> > > concerned about engine noise in the FC models.  I'm considering early
>
> > >
>
> > > 80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
>
> > >
>
> > > performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
>
> > >
>
> > >  The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
>
> > >
>
> > > motorhomes.  Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
>
> > >
>
> > > in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
>
> > >
>
> > > that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
>
> > >
>
> > > manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
>
> > >
>
> > > seeing in the 3208T?
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Kerry Edwards
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >    
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >     SPONSORED LINKS
>
> > >  
>
> > >          
>
> > >                  
>
> > >            
>
> > >         Recreational vehicles
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Wanderlodge
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Automotive maintenance
>
> > >      
>
> > >              
>
> > >                        
>
> > >            
>
> > >         Recreational vehicle dealer
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Used recreational vehicles
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Automotive radiators
>
> > >      
>
> > >              
>
> > >                    
>
> > >           
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >  
>
> > >   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >    Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> > > 
>
> > >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
> > >  WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> > > 
>
> > >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>
> Service.
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicles
>
>
> Wanderlodge
>
>
> Automotive maintenance
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicle dealer
>
>
> Used recreational vehicles
>
>
> Automotive radiators
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>
>
>  Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>  
>  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
>  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Kerry, just as an adjunct. In the 3 or 4 years I have been on this forum I
cannot remember anyone having anything positive to say about attempting
an 'after market' turbo job on a NA 3208. Believe me there are some experts
here that could do it, but as I recall they have all said it would be their
special project and it was not for the shade tree guy. I could be wrong but
that's how I remember it.

Rob, Sue & Merlin
94 WLWB


Quoting davidkerryedwards :

>
>
>
>
> You read me well.  Yes, I do most of my own mechanical work.  I live
>
> in Colorado so I need a turbo.  I assume, from some research today,
>
> that limits me to post-83 production?  Can you answer the question in
>
> my other post about whether the one I looked at today is a converted NA?
>
>
>
> Kerry
>
>
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Rob Robinson wrote:
>
> >
>
> > Kerry there is a Bluebird for every budget. You have a 1971 Travco
>
> and I
>
> > suspect you might be a bit of mechanic. If this is the case then the
>
> Bluebird
>
> > age spread option for you is certainly greater. All birds require
>
> TLC, some
>
> > more than others, but if you are a better than average wrench and
>
> you want an
>
> > older top notch quality production built motorhome, Bluebird is for
>
> you. Your
>
> > choice, pick the one that best meets your ability and budget. Forget
>
> about
>
> > safety, it is covered no matter what bird you choose. There is
>
> nothing safer.
>
> >
>
> > Rob, Sue & Merlin (still larn'n wrench'n)
>
> > 94 WLWB
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Quoting davidkerryedwards :
>
> >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Hello everyone:
>
> > >
>
> > > I'm new here and I'm looking to replace my 71 Travco 220 which has
>
> > >
>
> > > become too small.  I've been looking mainly at Foretravels, but am now
>
> > >
>
> > > giving serious thought to a Wanderlodge.  Can you give me some
>
> > >
>
> > > convincing reasons to make the switch over to a bus?  I know they seem
>
> > >
>
> > > quite a bit safer in their construction techniques.  I am somewhat
>
> > >
>
> > > concerned about engine noise in the FC models.  I'm considering early
>
> > >
>
> > > 80's models with the turbo cat 3208. Wha't everyone's opinion on their
>
> > >
>
> > > performance in mountainous terrain. What about access for maintenance.
>
> > >
>
> > >  The engine seems shoehorned into the FC compared to pusher
>
> > >
>
> > > motorhomes.  Are most frequent maintenancce problems easily dealt with
>
> > >
>
> > > in an FC ro do you have to hire a kid with small hands? It strikes me
>
> > >
>
> > > that the shorter wheelbase would make the Bluebird's a little more
>
> > >
>
> > > manoeverable in tight quarters. What kind of fuel economy are people
>
> > >
>
> > > seeing in the 3208T?
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > > Kerry Edwards
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >    
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >     SPONSORED LINKS
>
> > >  
>
> > >          
>
> > >                  
>
> > >            
>
> > >         Recreational vehicles
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Wanderlodge
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Automotive maintenance
>
> > >      
>
> > >              
>
> > >                        
>
> > >            
>
> > >         Recreational vehicle dealer
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Used recreational vehicles
>
> > >      
>
> > >                      
>
> > >         Automotive radiators
>
> > >      
>
> > >              
>
> > >                    
>
> > >           
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >  
>
> > >   YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >    Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>
> > > 
>
> > >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
> > >  WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
> > > 
>
> > >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>
> Service.
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >  
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> > >
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> SPONSORED LINKS
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicles
>
>
> Wanderlodge
>
>
> Automotive maintenance
>
>
>
>
> Recreational vehicle dealer
>
>
> Used recreational vehicles
>
>
> Automotive radiators
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
>
>
>
>
>  Visit your group "WanderlodgeForum" on the web.
>  
>  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>  WanderlodgeForum-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>  
>  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>