Tools and Fixit Stuff
|
05-22-2007, 03:14
Post: #41
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Hi Bill,
Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wilhelmus Schreurs > > Ginger; > I purchased myself a BB last year, and like others have said, be prepared to spend additional monies to have it right. Yep. That point has come from several sources. > I bought mine from Randy Dupree, and some of the costly items that has to be replaced or repaired had already been done. Things such as: > Tires - cost $3000 > Fridge - used to new - $500 - 1800 > Inverter instead of rediline - $1500 - 2500 > Batteries - 4 each - $400 $400 EACH?!!!! > > During the past couple of months I have had to do such things as: > Rear furnace was blowing soot - required a few items $50 Sounds messy. > Repair leaks to the entry step - time required > Flourescent lighting - replaced some but now have to buy more parts figure $50 per lamp Do you mostly use 12V lamps? > Items done recently at a mechanic shop, I was helping him, hey My auto mechanic has a sign: RATES: $75.00 per hour $85.00 if you watch $95.00 if you help this was very helpful, some things I will be able to do myself next time, other things will take back for him to do: [snip items of repair] It would be nice to have a mentor. I will definitely shop for one. :-) > Also while under the coach, there were wires off from the fuel tank etc. We inspected it, checked it twice and made another list of things which has to be done. Now, "under the coach" is someplace to which I have no interest in going. It's dark, dangerous and dirty. > So, what am I trying to say, purchase the best that you can afford, but pay attention to the major items such as listed above. Find out what kind of maintenance has been done on the engine, regular oil changes is almost a must. I've almost decided that if the present owner doesn't have maintenance records then that's a deal-breaker. > This will also determine what kind of tool chest that you will require on the road. If you have to continue to fix it as you go, well, have a good tool chest ready. This would not be my preference. I don't mind stuff needing tinkering but I want a coach that's reliable that I'm not always gluing back together in order to get to my destination. For this I will make sure all recommended PM is done in a timly fashion. > Also, from experience, don't buy the cheapie tools, does not have to be the best either though, screwdriver tips break off, wrench corners will become round, knuckle busters, and you will curse yourself for buying them. > I like craftsman tools from Sears, fairly good tool, and exchange policy for broken tools is the best, take it in and they will replace, no questions asked, and without a receipt. Looks like Craftsman get good marks from a lot of folks. > One last question, where u from? Toronto, Ont. We're not exactly neighbours but we are compatriots. > > Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge" > Terrace, B.C. Canada "$quanderlodge" doesn't make me real comfortable about ongoing costs. ;-) By the way, I suspect that I will end up with an 84/85 FC35SB but why do they all have to be brown with orange carpet???? Ginger BB wannabee |
|||
05-22-2007, 03:24
Post: #42
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Wow, Pete, thank you for all this great info. My BlueBird file is
getting nice and fat. Onc thing that's emerging is that there are more electrical than mechanical (powertrain related) problems. This is encouraging as I feel much more comfortable dealing with electrical issues than mechanical. I may visit some yard/garage sales this summer and keep an eye out for good quality used tools. Thanks, again, Ginger BB wannabee |
|||
05-22-2007, 03:27
Post: #43
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Maybe even borrow from a neighbour. I'm always happy to loan.
Thanks, Rob. Ginger BB wannabee --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Rob Robinson" > > Ginger it sounds like you have most of the tools you need in a basic tool > kit. Curt's list will top you up. When you come across a project or > modification you feel capable of then by all means go out and rent or buy > the additional tools needed for a specific job. Enjoy your Bird > > On 20/05/07, runnerful > > > > I don't have much of a tool collestion: a hammer, screw driver, vice > > grips. If I need anything fancier, I want it to come with its own > > operator. > > > > I realise that as a BB owner, I should develop some "fixit" skills > > and an appropriate arsenal of tools. I also notice that some birds > > come with a HUGE tool chest in one of the roll out trays. > > > > 1. Is this tool chest a standard item? > > 2. Is it useful? > > 3. What is the "must have" list of tools for a low to average skill > > owner? > > 4. Are brand name tools like Dewalt worth their extra cost over > > store brand tools? > > 5. What are some of the relatively simple, common jobs I should be > > prepared to do? > > > > I appreciate your input, > > Ginger > > BB wannabee > > > > > > > > > > -- > Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson > 94 WLWB > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > |
|||
05-22-2007, 03:33
Post: #44
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, msecoolcal@... wrote:
> > Tools are like pants, > Some you like and some you don't. [snip] Hahahaha. Thanks for the wisdom and the laugh. I think my favourite tool is the heavy vice-grips. They can be used as a clamp, pliers, wrench, small hammer and in a pinch, the end of the handle can tighten a screw. Ginger BB wannabee |
|||
05-22-2007, 03:49
Post: #45
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Ginger:
The batteries range from $100.00 to $250.00 each, depending on the type. I think the Trojan batteries are probably one of the best buys for the money. The T105 costs about $100.00 12 Volt lamps - Yes, most of the lamps/lights are 12 volt. Some of these could be changed to 110 volt due to the advance of inverter circuitry, but I think I would like to leave things in the original condition. Under the coach - hmmm got to understand what is going on under the coach, very important. By the way, do you have a commercial driver's licence, or air endorsement? Is that necessary in Ontario?. $quanderlodge was the name given by the previous owners, we inherited it. We will be renaming it sometime next year. We intend to live full time and travel as much as we can. Hopefully our paths will cross one day. We will making changes and brightening up our coach, it will always be the Bluebird but have our own touches to it. Hope that you find one soon, so you can enjoy this summer. Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge" Terrace, B.C. Canada Hi Bill, Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. --- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, Wilhelmus Schreurs > > Ginger; > I purchased myself a BB last year, and like others have said, be prepared to spend additional monies to have it right. Yep. That point has come from several sources. > I bought mine from Randy Dupree, and some of the costly items that has to be replaced or repaired had already been done. Things such as: > Tires - cost $3000 > Fridge - used to new - $500 - 1800 > Inverter instead of rediline - $1500 - 2500 > Batteries - 4 each - $400 $400 EACH?!!!! > > During the past couple of months I have had to do such things as: > Rear furnace was blowing soot - required a few items $50 Sounds messy. > Repair leaks to the entry step - time required > Flourescent lighting - replaced some but now have to buy more parts figure $50 per lamp Do you mostly use 12V lamps? > Items done recently at a mechanic shop, I was helping him, hey My auto mechanic has a sign: RATES: $75.00 per hour $85.00 if you watch $95.00 if you help this was very helpful, some things I will be able to do myself next time, other things will take back for him to do: [snip items of repair] It would be nice to have a mentor. I will definitely shop for one. :-) > Also while under the coach, there were wires off from the fuel tank etc. We inspected it, checked it twice and made another list of things which has to be done. Now, "under the coach" is someplace to which I have no interest in going. It's dark, dangerous and dirty. > So, what am I trying to say, purchase the best that you can afford, but pay attention to the major items such as listed above. Find out what kind of maintenance has been done on the engine, regular oil changes is almost a must. I've almost decided that if the present owner doesn't have maintenance records then that's a deal-breaker. > This will also determine what kind of tool chest that you will require on the road. If you have to continue to fix it as you go, well, have a good tool chest ready. This would not be my preference. I don't mind stuff needing tinkering but I want a coach that's reliable that I'm not always gluing back together in order to get to my destination. For this I will make sure all recommended PM is done in a timly fashion. > Also, from experience, don't buy the cheapie tools, does not have to be the best either though, screwdriver tips break off, wrench corners will become round, knuckle busters, and you will curse yourself for buying them. > I like craftsman tools from Sears, fairly good tool, and exchange policy for broken tools is the best, take it in and they will replace, no questions asked, and without a receipt. Looks like Craftsman get good marks from a lot of folks. > One last question, where u from? Toronto, Ont. We're not exactly neighbours but we are compatriots. > > Bill 84 FC 35 SB "$quanderlodge" > Terrace, B.C. Canada "$quanderlodge" doesn't make me real comfortable about ongoing costs. ;-) By the way, I suspect that I will end up with an 84/85 FC35SB but why do they all have to be brown with orange carpet???? Ginger BB wannabee Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new Yahoo! Mail at http://mrd.mail.yahoo.com/try_beta?.intl=ca [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
05-22-2007, 06:10
Post: #46
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Mechanically, a Blue Bird is a bus ... built to commercial standards.
Heavy duty components intended to go a million miles or more. Of course, maintenance is required: oil changes, water, belts, filters, suspension components, and what not. But, for the most part, preventive maintenance is the primary concern. Only when preventive maintenance falls short do (most) mechanical issues arise. (Of course, a little bad luck might have a role as well -- and time, wear and tear will eventually require that some components be attended to. (Note, a fair number of Blue Birds have had engine rebuilds -- usually as a result of overheating damage -- that, which vigilance and good preventive maintenance could avoid. Also note, the DD 6v92 and 8v92 engines are _very_ sensitive to overheating caused problems. The Cat 3208 is, perhaps, a bit more forgiving. I have a DD Series 60 in my coach. I'm trying my best to not take any chances with it.) Electrical issues, however, tend to be a factor of time and exposure. Electrical components degrade as they repeatedly heat and cool through the cycles of use. Wires become corroded as exposure to the atmosphere causes it to degrade and the insulation to break down. Unintended and/or unexpected overloads, replacement of components that may draw more power than the original, etc. will also place demands on the electrical system. And, as many have noted, a coach can have some rather long runs of wire. While 120 VAC handles long wire runs fairly well, 12 VDC tends to much less efficient in the same circumstances. Earlier BBs sometimes have unfortunate arrangements where components are not in the optimum location-- leading to a 60' run (around corners, etc.) for a 12 V wire... a prescription for low voltage during sub-optimum conditions or corrosion, etc. Add to the mix the general complexity of the Wanderlodge with it's lengthy list of features and conveniences ... and you have a wiring wonderland -- in the sense of Alice in Wonderland... As I poke and prod my coach, I see little sign of any mechanical difficulties in prior years... but when I look at the wiring, I discover odd re-routings, blocked off circuits, and other evidence that knowledgeable and not-so-knowledgeable folks have been poking and troubleshooting and making work around solutions over the years. Sometimes, I contemplate the power center(s) and think, "Alas, it is a puzzlement..." Pete Masterson '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 aeonix1@... On the road at Lockhart Texas On May 22, 2007, at 10:24 AM, runnerful wrote: > Wow, Pete, thank you for all this great info. My BlueBird file is > getting nice and fat. > > Onc thing that's emerging is that there are more electrical than > mechanical (powertrain related) problems. This is encouraging as I > feel much more comfortable dealing with electrical issues than > mechanical. |
|||
05-22-2007, 06:20
Post: #47
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger batteries.
My coach has six model 4D house batteries. (The 4D size are really large, approx 9 x 17 x 10 inches, and about 150 lbs. each.) I recently replaced mine with a set of AGM made by Fullriver. Delivered, they cost about $340 each. There are many opinions about the size and kind of battery that's best suited for use as a house battery. Standard flooded batteries are the least expensive ... and using 6V "golf cart" batteries is a popular option. (Wire in series for 12 V.) These require checking water level periodically -- and the inconvenience of the way they are installed may hinder the process (automatic watering system is a wise investment for flooded cell batteries). Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries offer "zero maintenance" but require more careful charging -- a mis-set controller led to early failure of the previous set in my coach. You can listen to the debate(s) that arise on the list over batteries from time to time and make up your own mind. Pete Masterson aeonix1@... '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42' El Sobrante, CA On May 22, 2007, at 10:49 AM, Wilhelmus Schreurs wrote: > Ginger: > The batteries range from $100.00 to $250.00 each, depending on the > type. > I think the Trojan batteries are probably one of the best buys for > the money. > The T105 costs about $100.00 <snip> |
|||
05-22-2007, 07:16
Post: #48
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Hi Pete,
I doubt any BB I can afford would be described as "newer". concentrating on FC 84-86's (87-89's if I get lucky). My plan, at the moment, is to rely more on solar than generator power when boondocking. I'll probably start with 4 panels and 4-6 6V batteries (Trojan 105's) whatever will fit. I spent a lot of time on the Lazy Daze forum where solar is very popular and there is a wealth of info on solar, smart chargers, battery choices and care over there. If I feel really flush, I'll get gel cells. No maintenance and can even install them flipped on their ends or sides if necessary for installation. The genny will get used, but only when I need A/C or to top off the batteries. I may also look into installing an evaporative cooler for hot days in the southwest. I make jewellery and would like to take my BB to craft shows. Most of these situations mean parking in an arena parking lot or just a field. It would be nice not to bother my neighbours with a diesel generator running. Also, when parked in a beautiful primitive site, who needs all the chugging and fumes? Ginger BB wannabee --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > > I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger batteries. [snip] |
|||
05-22-2007, 09:16
Post: #49
|
|||
|
|||
Tools and Fixit Stuff
Ginger:
My genset is very quiet and the exhaust exits through the roof. Just in case you need it. I won't keep the neighbors awake. Leroy Eckert 1990 WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors" Niceville, FL l----- Original Message ----- From: runnerful To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 2:16 PM Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Tools and Fixit Stuff Hi Pete, I doubt any BB I can afford would be described as "newer". concentrating on FC 84-86's (87-89's if I get lucky). My plan, at the moment, is to rely more on solar than generator power when boondocking. I'll probably start with 4 panels and 4-6 6V batteries (Trojan 105's) whatever will fit. I spent a lot of time on the Lazy Daze forum where solar is very popular and there is a wealth of info on solar, smart chargers, battery choices and care over there. If I feel really flush, I'll get gel cells. No maintenance and can even install them flipped on their ends or sides if necessary for installation. The genny will get used, but only when I need A/C or to top off the batteries. I may also look into installing an evaporative cooler for hot days in the southwest. I make jewellery and would like to take my BB to craft shows. Most of these situations mean parking in an arena parking lot or just a field. It would be nice not to bother my neighbours with a diesel generator running. Also, when parked in a beautiful primitive site, who needs all the chugging and fumes? Ginger BB wannabee --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson > > I hasten to point out that newer coaches may have larger batteries. [snip] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
|||
« Next Oldest | Next Newest »
|
User(s) browsing this thread: 2 Guest(s)