Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

Hello Everyone,
We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
you more experienced BB Owners.
Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!

We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
investigate that a little more when I get a chance.

I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
of the coach?

Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?

Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
adventures in the future.

Thanks,
John, Jennifer & James Cassel
98 LX

Congratulations on your new coach!

On Oct 9, 2006, at 6:27 PM, John wrote:

> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
> Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
> years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
> filters.

Take a very close look at the tires. Find the DOT manufacturing date.
You do not want any tires over 6 years old. Check for cracks or other
damage to the side walls. RVs rarely wear out tire treads, but they
deteriorate over time no matter how much they're used.


> Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
> impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!

Indeed!

>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside?

It depends. Most RVs of 40 feet only have 2 roof ACs. BBs and many
other high-end motor homes have 3. Don't expect to be able to hang
meat inside when it's 100 outside ... but the 3 ACs should make it
reasonably comfortable.

> I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.

It's very likely that the dash a/c system has lost most or all of its
coolant. My coach sat for 6 months on a dealer's lot and was without
any of the "freon" when checked by an AC specialist. It is normal for
automotive-type ACs to require operation about once a month to keep
the seals tight and avoid losing the coolant. If your coach sat 2
years, I have no doubt that the dash AC system is in need of a full
servicing. Hopefully, a '98 will have R134a as the older coolant is
no longer available. (I forget what year the old freon was phased out.)

> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
> of the coach?

Gosh, I hadn't noticed that -- but I haven't really checked for it
either. There is a 'danger' with a vent or exhaust fan in the rear as
it can cause a low air pressure in the interior that can, in turn,
draw in unwanted sewer oder from the black water tank when your
traveling down the road. Positioning would also be critical to avoid
bringing in exhaust gases.

Pete Masterson
aeonix1@...
'95 Bluebird Wanderlodge WBDA 42'
El Sobrante, CA

John,

Welcome to the family. You're going to love your bird. They're a big learning
curve but worth every bit of it.

We were in New Mexico in late June/early July and experienced 100 degree temps
pretty much the entire time we were out there. ToWanda's air-conditioners
worked great! We actually had to turn her temperature settings UP as we were
starting to feel like we were in a refrigerator.

So have you given your bird a name yet?

Ken & Patti Marsh
Fulltiming as of March '07
ToWanda, 1989 WB40

John wrote:
Hello Everyone,
We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
you more experienced BB Owners.
Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!

We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
investigate that a little more when I get a chance.

I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
of the coach?

Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?

Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
adventures in the future.

Thanks,
John, Jennifer & James Cassel
98 LX






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

John, the Air Con in my 94 run full tilt to keep it cold when the
outside is 110 and in the sun. I guess you can do the math with the
amount of heat that is lost between the intake and outlet of each
unit. If the intake minus exhaust proves close for each unit the
ambient and sun effects may be causing the heat.

My dash air is noisy and I only turn it on when I need an excuse to
say "I cant hear you"

Glad you asked about the Closet. My closet gets way hot, I bet it
goes over 90 in there. If I vent it to the interior, the inside coach
would get hot. If I vent it outside, the contents may get musty on a
humid day and smelly when passing road odors. If you just put one
exterior vent you will be exchanging interior climate air for fresh
air and that would further effect the AC / heat output. I just done
spend much time in there anymore.

I see you got some tips, may I add. Notice how the brake pedal is
hinged and position your foot to get the most fulcrum advantage for
quicker braking. Carry extra fuel filters.
GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John"
wrote:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions
for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
> Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
> years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
> filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
> impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!
>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check
everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.
>
> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone
ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the
back
> of the coach?
>
> Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
> broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?
>
> Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
> Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
> adventures in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> John, Jennifer & James Cassel
> 98 LX
>

John,
Sounds like you got yourself a great coach. And welcome to the club.

We have a PT38, 1987, three roof AC units. I had the AC units cleaned
inside and on top, and it made a difference. In 100 degree pure sun
light, the two forward units will cool our coach to about 80 degrees,
3rd unit is in the bedroom and that area is not utilized during the
day...I nap on the couch.. The important thing is have clean filters,
clean condensers/evaporators, the right amount of freon, and blow out
all the dirt on the top. A condenser cleaning solvent is out there on
the market, sorry I don't remember what the service guy used. Cleaning
the condensers left an ugly residue that required washing off the coach
roof/sides.

Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38 8V92, Anaheim Hills, Calif.


Gregory OConnor wrote:

>John, the Air Con in my 94 run full tilt to keep it cold when the
>outside is 110 and in the sun. I guess you can do the math with the
>amount of heat that is lost between the intake and outlet of each
>unit. If the intake minus exhaust proves close for each unit the
>ambient and sun effects may be causing the heat.
>
>My dash air is noisy and I only turn it on when I need an excuse to
>say "I cant hear you"
>
>Glad you asked about the Closet. My closet gets way hot, I bet it
>goes over 90 in there. If I vent it to the interior, the inside coach
>would get hot. If I vent it outside, the contents may get musty on a
>humid day and smelly when passing road odors. If you just put one
>exterior vent you will be exchanging interior climate air for fresh
>air and that would further effect the AC / heat output. I just done
>spend much time in there anymore.
>
>I see you got some tips, may I add. Notice how the brake pedal is
>hinged and position your foot to get the most fulcrum advantage for
>quicker braking. Carry extra fuel filters.
>GregoryO'Connor
>94ptRomolandCa
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John"
>wrote:
>
>
>>Hello Everyone,
>>We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions
>>
>>
>for
>
>
>>you more experienced BB Owners.
>>Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
>>years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
>>filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
>>impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!
>>
>>We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
>>working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
>>on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check
>>
>>
>everything
>
>
>>out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
>>keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
>>there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
>>to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
>>investigate that a little more when I get a chance.
>>
>>I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
>>the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone
>>
>>
>ever
>
>
>>installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the
>>
>>
>back
>
>
>>of the coach?
>>
>>Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
>>broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?
>>
>>Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
>>Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
>>adventures in the future.
>>
>>Thanks,
>>John, Jennifer & James Cassel
>>98 LX
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Thanks for all the tips! Even though I've had several different RVs, I
still feel like there is quite a bit to learn about on the Bluebird.
We haven't come up with a name for it yet. I'm sure that will come
sooner or later. I will eventually have to get some pictures and post
as well.

Mr. Sprenger, I have used some of that coil cleaner before, but I
can't recall the name of it either. I'll have to go pick some up and
give all the condensers a cleaning.

Thanks again,
John


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John" wrote:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
> Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
> years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
> filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
> impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!
>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.
>
> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
> of the coach?
>
> Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
> broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?
>
> Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
> Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
> adventures in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> John, Jennifer & James Cassel
> 98 LX
>

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John" wrote:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Howdy and Welcome to the BB family. Congratulations on your coach!!
We have a 1993 Wanderlodge and have been parked in Fort Worth, TX
since August 4th, 2006. We had to run our 3 roof air conditioners to
keep our coach cool. When it was 100 plus degrees outside, the AC
could cool the coach to about 75 degrees. The hours between 3 - 7 PM
were the worst.
Thank goodness the weather has turned cooler!!

Happy Trails with your coach.
Regards,
Jack and Liz Pearce
Fulltiming in a 1993 Wanderlodge WB40

Our BB is parked in Mexico. I used my infrared thermometer on the
sides of the coach and was shocked. With an ambient temp. of 97 the
side wall that was facing the sun has a temp. of 135 to 157!! I bet the
roof is even hotter. No wonder the a/c's have to work so hard. I
checked the temps on our Bounder(fiberglass walls) at the same time.
Temps were 105 to 115. The steel sides on the BB make our units into a
solar oven!

Bruce 1988 FC 35

Hi John,

Although we do not currently own a Bird, I think 20
years of 3 previous Birds may allow us to welcome you
to the group.

> I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c
> compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used
> it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.

Our experience is it is extremely difficult to keep
dash airs operational (largely due to the long runs
between the compressor unit and the fan coil and the
difficult job to completely purge moisture from that
much coil). Others have disagreed, but I maintain
approximately 1/2 the coaches old enough to be out of
warranty possess non-operating units and it's of
questionable value to repair them for the relatively
short period they will operate between repairs. I've
had warranty repairs on new Birds where there have
been 3 and 4 compressors replaced during the warranty
period.

> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite
> a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust
> heat. Has anyone ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expel the
> heat from the back
> of the coach?

I've tried unsuccessfully, for the reasons other
have already stated, and finally settled for simply
opening all internal doors upon arrival at campsites
to cool down the rear areas while the A/C operates on
campground power.

However another important area to exhaust is above
the dash where VCR's, Sat recvrs, etc reside. There,
I've added a 110v master switch to shut off equipment
while riding (at the irritation of losing stored data
such as time) and added switchable, large-diameter,
computer fans to remove hot air after stopping and
before turning any equipment on. Otherwise, I was
replacing Sat receivers about every 9 months.

While speaking of the video equipment area, you
might also want to add a separate, dedicated 12V power
supply within that cabinet to operate your sat, if
your coach 12V is currently being used.

> Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance
> door is
> broken. Is that something I will need to get direct
> from BB?

If you want it to say BB and not be generic, you
will have to buy the complete unit including light
assembly - last time I checked (a couple of years ago)
BB wanted close to $100 for the unit. I found a
generic handle at a Flying J but had to "whittle" it
to the correct diameter to fit the existing fittings.
The durn things chip, crack and craze over time.

Enjoy,

John Suter
Birdless at the moment


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

The name is being painted on my bus today, Smoke N Mirrors. Second choice was
Justa Fantasy, just an idea that I did not use. Welcome.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40
Niceville, FL







----- Original Message -----
From: John
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2006 6:48 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: New BB Owner w/ a few questions....


Thanks for all the tips! Even though I've had several different RVs, I
still feel like there is quite a bit to learn about on the Bluebird.
We haven't come up with a name for it yet. I'm sure that will come
sooner or later. I will eventually have to get some pictures and post
as well.

Mr. Sprenger, I have used some of that coil cleaner before, but I
can't recall the name of it either. I'll have to go pick some up and
give all the condensers a cleaning.

Thanks again,
John

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "John" wrote:
>
> Hello Everyone,
> We are new owners of a 98 Wanderlodge LX, and have a few questions for
> you more experienced BB Owners.
> Before we bought it, the coach was in storage for the last couple
> years, so we replaced the batteries and changed all the fluids &
> filters. Everything seems to be working great for the most part. Its
> impressive how much quality is put into these coaches!
>
> We live in Texas, and I have a feeling our A/C systems might not be
> working correctly. I have a friend that can come over and put gauges
> on all the units to check them out. He is supposed to check everything
> out this week. I guess my question is: should the 3 13.5k btu A/Cs
> keep it plenty cool inside when its near 100 outside? I also think
> there might be a problem with the dash a/c compressor as there seems
> to be a little oily residue around it since we used it. I'll have to
> investigate that a little more when I get a chance.
>
> I've also noticed that after driving there is quite a bit of heat in
> the closet obviously due to the engine & exhaust heat. Has anyone ever
> installed a vent or exhaust fan the help expell the heat from the back
> of the coach?
>
> Oh!, and The acrylic grab handle by the entrance door is
> broken. Is that something I will need to get direct from BB?
>
> Thanks for any advice for BB newbie.
> Looking froward to hearing from you guys and sharing in some
> adventures in the future.
>
> Thanks,
> John, Jennifer & James Cassel
> 98 LX
>





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