Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

John, 7 years is too long for our tires. What coach do you have??????

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Mt




************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


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

I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on some
but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a refrig.
Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at about 7
years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and show no
weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old tires need
replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks again
guys. John

Bigdiscountrv.com will give you an idea on numerous items.
Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL
----- Original Message -----
From: bubblerboy64
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 7:00 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Repair cost


I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on some
but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a refrig.
Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at about 7
years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and show no
weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old tires need
replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks again
guys. John





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

You are on the right track to gather some info before negotiating
price.
These are my guesstimates:

Replace all 7 year old tires, or sooner if you do not know the
tire history ( they may have plugs, they may have hit many curbs)
Tires 400/500 each, refrig 1200/1500, roof A/C 550 for each unit,
Belts for FC 200/250 plus installation. batteries 600, lots of light
bulb, sockets,misc.stuff 1000, Radiator hoses valve adjustment,
everything is labor related, Replace all fluids & filters
$200/500 ??? One needs to think in minimum $1000 increments for
exhaust, brakes, trip to the Cat dealer, Heavy truck garage.
How much repair work will the owner perform??
5K before the first long extended travel trip, 10 to 15K over 2 to
3 years, Some problems will surface during the first 5K to 10K miles
of use. Then there are the creature comforts, Bigger TV's , carpet,
furniture, toilet etc.
Do not forget the fixed costs of ownership on any MoHome, insurance,
Tax, Plates, Storage , routine maintenance.
This is fun a hobby and a traveling adventure. Do not let costs
discourage a person, find a Bird inside your budget, and have fun,
just save some funds for repair and maintenance, All Ole Birds need
some work.
Just ask questions these forum members have the answers. Or drive
your Bird to one of the Forum members that repair Birds, These guys
know their Birds. Better Yet purchase a Bird from one of the forum
members that have already completed most of the repairs or upgraded,
there are several for sale at good prices.

Bill's Opinion, 88 FC Michigan



2
> I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on
some
> but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
> engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a refrig.
> Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at about
7
> years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and show
no
> weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old tires
need
> replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks
again
> guys. John
>

Replacement roof ACs can be purchased for $500-700 (each) depending
on model and size, installation (if you don't do it yourself) might
run $75-150 depending on who and where. I replaced two of my three.
Front one was damaged by a tree branch, and the rear unit was simply
flaky. Center unit was ok. Total bill for the two was about $1400
including installation.

Chassis air can be much more expensive (or less) depending on what's
required. I have my chassis AC 'serviced' when I replaced my radiator
core (since the AC and to come out anyway). It added about $300 to
the bill, but most of that was for replacement R134a as the system
was completely empty.

Especially if you're looking at a pusher model, you might need to
replace the radiator core, although a thorough cleaning of the
radiator may solve any heating problems. Core replacement (California
prices) ran close to $4000, but might be 20-25% less expensive where
labor rates are more reasonable.

You can get some cost estimates by visiting CampingWorld's web site
(this is not, necessarily, a suggestion to actually buy anything from
them). You should be able to match the model -- or size -- of your
components to those they list to get a rough idea of prices. Use it
as a baseline as the "price to beat" (often possible).

Yes, tires ought to be replaced after 7 years. While covering them
and other measures may reduce the chance of visible cracking, it does
not prevent degradation that occurs _inside_ the tire. If you want to
extend the useful life of the tires, you can unmount them and have
the interior inspected by a reliable tire dealer (who will want to
sell you new tires). One unrealized factor is that tires that are
driven regularly will hold up better than tires that simply sit.
Movement heats the tire and allows protective chemical components to
migrate through the rubber while non-movement allows the sun, ozone,
and weather to attack the surface of the tires without the benefit of
the refreshed protective components.

Doubt that you'll ever get an "all agree"...

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas



On May 11, 2007, at 7:00 AM, bubblerboy64 wrote:

> I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on some
> but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
> engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a refrig.
> Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at about 7
> years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and show no
> weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old tires
> need
> replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks again
> guys. John
>

Again very helpful information. I am trying to make connections on
one possible prospect in the Louisville area. Anyone know of at
expert(s) in that area. I am going into this is this order. First I
have to deside what type of vintage bird I want. Leaning toward the
old 31ft 77 to 80 but that is not set in stone. I am thinking that
way because of several reasons. My intended use, cost, simplicity of
design. I may change my position 180 degrees once I feel and touch.
So all options are open. I am as many have suggested going to invest
some money in travel. I will not make offers until I have
PROFESSIONAL evalutations done and I am remaining open minded
completely. Many of you folks have invested a lot of time and effort
on my behalf. Some feel that I am taking the wrong tack with the old
coaches and I certainly understand that. And I am not disagreeing
with anyone. With what I know how could I. I just have this idea
that I would like the older ones. I have to start some place so I am
going to look that direction and also hopefully also get my hands on
a couple more complete birds. If I don't go with the older FC I know
there are a couple REAL nice ones listed on the BILL BOARD. Gary
Millers is certainly one that I would consider and even Dan's 1986. I
can see the wisdom of these purchases. I just am thinking that if I
find a solid older bird for mid teens I can then afford to spend some
money on it. My point is I am at this point trying to find out what
I want. Realizing that regardless its going to take some significant
money to reach that end. At this point there is something appealing
about the old coaches. In a week or ten days I could be coming
entirely the other direction. I gotta do my home work. Again
thanks. JOHN
>
> You are on the right track to gather some info before negotiating
> price.
> These are my guesstimates:
>
> Replace all 7 year old tires, or sooner if you do not know the
> tire history ( they may have plugs, they may have hit many curbs)
> Tires 400/500 each, refrig 1200/1500, roof A/C 550 for each unit,
> Belts for FC 200/250 plus installation. batteries 600, lots of
light
> bulb, sockets,misc.stuff 1000, Radiator hoses valve adjustment,
> everything is labor related, Replace all fluids & filters
> $200/500 ??? One needs to think in minimum $1000 increments for
> exhaust, brakes, trip to the Cat dealer, Heavy truck garage.
> How much repair work will the owner perform??
> 5K before the first long extended travel trip, 10 to 15K over 2
to
> 3 years, Some problems will surface during the first 5K to 10K
miles
> of use. Then there are the creature comforts, Bigger TV's ,
carpet,
> furniture, toilet etc.
> Do not forget the fixed costs of ownership on any MoHome,
insurance,
> Tax, Plates, Storage , routine maintenance.
> This is fun a hobby and a traveling adventure. Do not let costs
> discourage a person, find a Bird inside your budget, and have fun,
> just save some funds for repair and maintenance, All Ole Birds
need
> some work.
> Just ask questions these forum members have the answers. Or drive
> your Bird to one of the Forum members that repair Birds, These guys
> know their Birds. Better Yet purchase a Bird from one of the forum
> members that have already completed most of the repairs or
upgraded,
> there are several for sale at good prices.
>
> Bill's Opinion, 88 FC Michigan
>
>
>
> 2
> > I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on
> some
> > but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
> > engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a
refrig.
> > Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at
about
> 7
> > years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and
show
> no
> > weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old
tires
> need
> > replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks
> again
> > guys. John
> >
>

John if batteries haven't been mentioned they are one thing often
'overlooked' by buyers and have often been neglected. They can be an
expensive item.

On 11/05/07, bubblerboy64 wrote:
>
> Again very helpful information. I am trying to make connections on
> one possible prospect in the Louisville area. Anyone know of at
> expert(s) in that area. I am going into this is this order. First I
> have to deside what type of vintage bird I want. Leaning toward the
> old 31ft 77 to 80 but that is not set in stone. I am thinking that
> way because of several reasons. My intended use, cost, simplicity of
> design. I may change my position 180 degrees once I feel and touch.
> So all options are open. I am as many have suggested going to invest
> some money in travel. I will not make offers until I have
> PROFESSIONAL evalutations done and I am remaining open minded
> completely. Many of you folks have invested a lot of time and effort
> on my behalf. Some feel that I am taking the wrong tack with the old
> coaches and I certainly understand that. And I am not disagreeing
> with anyone. With what I know how could I. I just have this idea
> that I would like the older ones. I have to start some place so I am
> going to look that direction and also hopefully also get my hands on
> a couple more complete birds. If I don't go with the older FC I know
> there are a couple REAL nice ones listed on the BILL BOARD. Gary
> Millers is certainly one that I would consider and even Dan's 1986. I
> can see the wisdom of these purchases. I just am thinking that if I
> find a solid older bird for mid teens I can then afford to spend some
> money on it. My point is I am at this point trying to find out what
> I want. Realizing that regardless its going to take some significant
> money to reach that end. At this point there is something appealing
> about the old coaches. In a week or ten days I could be coming
> entirely the other direction. I gotta do my home work. Again
> thanks. JOHN
> >
> > You are on the right track to gather some info before negotiating
> > price.
> > These are my guesstimates:
> >
> > Replace all 7 year old tires, or sooner if you do not know the
> > tire history ( they may have plugs, they may have hit many curbs)
> > Tires 400/500 each, refrig 1200/1500, roof A/C 550 for each unit,
> > Belts for FC 200/250 plus installation. batteries 600, lots of
> light
> > bulb, sockets,misc.stuff 1000, Radiator hoses valve adjustment,
> > everything is labor related, Replace all fluids & filters
> > $200/500 ??? One needs to think in minimum $1000 increments for
> > exhaust, brakes, trip to the Cat dealer, Heavy truck garage.
> > How much repair work will the owner perform??
> > 5K before the first long extended travel trip, 10 to 15K over 2
> to
> > 3 years, Some problems will surface during the first 5K to 10K
> miles
> > of use. Then there are the creature comforts, Bigger TV's ,
> carpet,
> > furniture, toilet etc.
> > Do not forget the fixed costs of ownership on any MoHome,
> insurance,
> > Tax, Plates, Storage , routine maintenance.
> > This is fun a hobby and a traveling adventure. Do not let costs
> > discourage a person, find a Bird inside your budget, and have fun,
> > just save some funds for repair and maintenance, All Ole Birds
> need
> > some work.
> > Just ask questions these forum members have the answers. Or drive
> > your Bird to one of the Forum members that repair Birds, These guys
> > know their Birds. Better Yet purchase a Bird from one of the forum
> > members that have already completed most of the repairs or
> upgraded,
> > there are several for sale at good prices.
> >
> > Bill's Opinion, 88 FC Michigan
> >
> >
> >
> > 2
> > > I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on
> > some
> > > but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
> > > engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a
> refrig.
> > > Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at
> about
> > 7
> > > years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and
> show
> > no
> > > weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old
> tires
> > need
> > > replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks
> > again
> > > guys. John
> > >
> >
>
>
>



--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


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

John, I live about 20 miles from downtown Louisville on I7-1 in LaGrange, Ky. I
have an 80fc with 84 motor and turbo. 31'. I also have a mechanic who works on
mine all the time and I believe he knows about all you would need to have a
vehicle checked out. Don't know what he would charge but can check if you want
and can give me some particulars. Maury 80fc 31'. Call if you wish at
502-222-1165.
----- Original Message -----
From: bubblerboy64
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 10:36 AM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Repair cost


Again very helpful information. I am trying to make connections on
one possible prospect in the Louisville area. Anyone know of at
expert(s) in that area. I am going into this is this order. First I
have to deside what type of vintage bird I want. Leaning toward the
old 31ft 77 to 80 but that is not set in stone. I am thinking that
way because of several reasons. My intended use, cost, simplicity of
design. I may change my position 180 degrees once I feel and touch.
So all options are open. I am as many have suggested going to invest
some money in travel. I will not make offers until I have
PROFESSIONAL evalutations done and I am remaining open minded
completely. Many of you folks have invested a lot of time and effort
on my behalf. Some feel that I am taking the wrong tack with the old
coaches and I certainly understand that. And I am not disagreeing
with anyone. With what I know how could I. I just have this idea
that I would like the older ones. I have to start some place so I am
going to look that direction and also hopefully also get my hands on
a couple more complete birds. If I don't go with the older FC I know
there are a couple REAL nice ones listed on the BILL BOARD. Gary
Millers is certainly one that I would consider and even Dan's 1986. I
can see the wisdom of these purchases. I just am thinking that if I
find a solid older bird for mid teens I can then afford to spend some
money on it. My point is I am at this point trying to find out what
I want. Realizing that regardless its going to take some significant
money to reach that end. At this point there is something appealing
about the old coaches. In a week or ten days I could be coming
entirely the other direction. I gotta do my home work. Again
thanks. JOHN
>
> You are on the right track to gather some info before negotiating
> price.
> These are my guesstimates:
>
> Replace all 7 year old tires, or sooner if you do not know the
> tire history ( they may have plugs, they may have hit many curbs)
> Tires 400/500 each, refrig 1200/1500, roof A/C 550 for each unit,
> Belts for FC 200/250 plus installation. batteries 600, lots of
light
> bulb, sockets,misc.stuff 1000, Radiator hoses valve adjustment,
> everything is labor related, Replace all fluids & filters
> $200/500 ??? One needs to think in minimum $1000 increments for
> exhaust, brakes, trip to the Cat dealer, Heavy truck garage.
> How much repair work will the owner perform??
> 5K before the first long extended travel trip, 10 to 15K over 2
to
> 3 years, Some problems will surface during the first 5K to 10K
miles
> of use. Then there are the creature comforts, Bigger TV's ,
carpet,
> furniture, toilet etc.
> Do not forget the fixed costs of ownership on any MoHome,
insurance,
> Tax, Plates, Storage , routine maintenance.
> This is fun a hobby and a traveling adventure. Do not let costs
> discourage a person, find a Bird inside your budget, and have fun,
> just save some funds for repair and maintenance, All Ole Birds
need
> some work.
> Just ask questions these forum members have the answers. Or drive
> your Bird to one of the Forum members that repair Birds, These guys
> know their Birds. Better Yet purchase a Bird from one of the forum
> members that have already completed most of the repairs or
upgraded,
> there are several for sale at good prices.
>
> Bill's Opinion, 88 FC Michigan
>
>
>
> 2
> > I need some estimates on common repairs. I have some idea's on
> some
> > but tell me what to expect. Tires $2000. Roof air $1500 I know
> > engines are BIG bucks $15000 and Trans $6000. How about a
refrig.
> > Brakes. I am of the opinion that tires should be replace at
about
> 7
> > years regardless. Found one guys says the tires are good and
show
> no
> > weather cracking (because he covers them) I think 7 year old
tires
> need
> > replace regardless and especially if sitting. All agree? Thanks
> again
> > guys. John
> >
>






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