Complete newbie seeking advice

[Leroy Eckert]

Ryan: My two cents. I'll make it short. Three years ago I was in your
position. For 6 months, I looked at BB's and others, cheap ones, expensive
ones, and new plastic ones. I finally paid more than planned for the one I
purchased. I have said it before, I'm happy that I did. I have had very few
problems. The %$# thing may blow up tomorrow but that is the way it goes with
a bus. We love it. You generally get what you pay for.

Leroy Eckert
1990WB40
Niceville, FL





----- Original Message -----
From: Ryan Wright
To: wanderlodgeforum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 3:53 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Complete newbie seeking advice


Hi Folks,

I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83 Wanderlodge
on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the list
of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've looked at
don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw generators; 3
A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking, heated
waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.

However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my wife
and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the bathroom
taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer to
spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right coach.

As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.

1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of buying an
early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected to, by
and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do a lot
of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with only
the occasional maintenance and repair item?

2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list of
features as indicated in that eBay auction?

3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at ~100k
miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?

4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be getting
rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real tired
after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my SUV
for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able to do
the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course, they
may just want to sell me a new rig.

Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
Bluebird owner one of these days.

-Ryan





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

[The Squires]

Also take a look at http://vintagebirds.com/
-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Gardner Yeaw
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:13 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Complete newbie seeking advice


Ryan,
All I can suggest is that you read the Wonderlodge forums, ask questions,
and look at the ‘for sale’ adds. There are many nice units available, and
many that need work. I just purchased a 1978 that is mechanically sound
but
needs some cosmetic work. Two days later a 1978 came up for sale that was
garage kept with a rebuilt engine for very little more than I paid. Keep
looking at the ‘for sale’ units and read all you can on the forum. I am
convinced that an older Wanderlodge is a real good coach, but be prepared
to
maintain it. The layout is very well planned, and there is a lot of useful
storage, The FC (front control) coaches are loud inside when running, but
you can hold a conversation. If you want quiet, you want a pusher.

Gardner
78FC33

-----Original Message-----
From: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of Gregory OConnor
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2006 9:18 PM
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Complete newbie seeking advice

Ryan, there is a site with good info on all the Wanderlodge models.

http://vintagebirds.com/ <http://vintagebirds.com/>

Oh,, and the separate bed issue is why so many wanderlodge owners are
happy. My issue is a totaly different kinda happy.

I think the engines get rebuilt at the hint of a problem because the
total coach value can absorb a reduild investment and many owners
need the secure feeling of 'Remanufactured' in place of 'repaired'.
Most of the need for repairs to the engines are due to heat and
probably never due to being worn out.

Go to a rally,

Gregory O'Connor
94ptRomolandCa
In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
, "Ryan Wright"

wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83
Wanderlodge
> on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the
list
> of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've looked
at
> don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw generators;
3
> A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking, heated
> waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.
>
> However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my wife
> and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the bathroom
> taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
> really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
> other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer to
> spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right coach.
>
> As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.
>
> 1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of buying
an
> early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
> systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
> coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected to,
by
> and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do a
lot
> of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with
only
> the occasional maintenance and repair item?
>
> 2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list of
> features as indicated in that eBay auction?
>
> 3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at ~100k
> miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?
>
> 4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be getting
> rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real tired
> after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my SUV
> for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able to
do
> the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
> same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course, they
> may just want to sell me a new rig.
>
> Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
> Bluebird owner one of these days.
>
> -Ryan
>

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






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

[Alex Smith]

Ryan,
As an adjunct to Kerry's response, I just put a fresh rebuilt in my 82FC at
230,000 + miles. This is prob more than twice the mileage of gas engine. While
it was not an easy decision, I now have a two year warranty and have much, much
more confidence that I will get back home without incident. And I still have not
spent as much as I would have on a new low end Class A.
Alex Smith
82FC35RB
Tallahassee, FL

PS I really enjoy driving it!

davidkerryedwards wrote:
I can answer part of your question. I went from a 71 Travco 220 to an
82 Bluebird FC this year. The Bird definitely has a more comfortable
ride than the Travco, but it's not like driving a car. 8hrs on the
road in the Bird is comparable to 12 hrs on the road in a car. (or
something like that).

'Diesels last forever' is a myth. The fact that they last longer than
gas engines means there is more of a possibility that problems that
might not become fatal, have opportunity to do so. The 3208's in the
early 80's models are pretty robust but are relatively small engines
for the load they are carrying. Perhaps it would be good to start a
database here on the number of miles people have gotten from their
3208's before rebuild. I'd be surprised if the average was near 200k
but I might be wrong. But I think even with this qualifier, you'd be
much better off with a 3208 than a 318, 413 or 440.

More systems, more maintenance.

Kerry
82 FC 35
Denver

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83 Wanderlodge
> on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the list
> of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've looked at
> don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw generators; 3
> A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking, heated
> waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.
>
> However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my wife
> and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the bathroom
> taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
> really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
> other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer to
> spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right coach.
>
> As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.
>
> 1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of buying an
> early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
> systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
> coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected to, by
> and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do a lot
> of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with only
> the occasional maintenance and repair item?
>
> 2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list of
> features as indicated in that eBay auction?
>
> 3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at ~100k
> miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?
>
> 4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be getting
> rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real tired
> after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my SUV
> for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able to do
> the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
> same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course, they
> may just want to sell me a new rig.
>
> Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
> Bluebird owner one of these days.
>
> -Ryan
>





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

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

[Ryan Wright]

Hi Bob, & everyone else,

Thank you all for your replies. I'll answer a couple more here as my
morning progresses, but I wanted to tackle Bob's reply first:

On 8/17/06, one_dusty_hoot wrote:
>
> Hello Ryan,
> Err...yeah!, hope I don't offend you here.

Nope - Virtually nothing you can say to me will offend me! I'm not a
person who takes offense easily.

> First, there is a rear bath FC (Front Coach)coach
> '70-80's models where you would not be claustrophobic,
> but it would have twin beds, sorry!
>
> Second, if $50K is going to be a stretch for you
> as you say, you are not going to find a PT (Pusher Tag)
> it in the '90's models.

Right - I know I can't afford a 90's model - I'm looking at early 80's
based on my budget. (Well, technically I could afford an early 90's,
but that's beside the point - what I'm willing to spend and what I can
afford are two different things. $30k-$50k is my budget for this one.)

However, I saw two PT 40s listed at vintagebirds.com for that looked
about right for me, which is why I "settled" into wanting that model:

http://www.vintagebirds.com/bill-bd.htm

Dave Hardy's 1984 & there's a 1983 right below it. These may no longer
be available for sale, and I'm not buying this moment anyway until I
do some more research, but they both look to have the bathroom closer
to the rear and neither have the twin beds. Unless I'm seeing
something wrong here? The model on eBay has the door in the middle and
the bathroom right in front of it, which kind of divides the coach in
two. Whereas, both of these PT 40s have the bathroom toward the rear,
past the kitchen, just in front of the rear bed, which I like very
much.

> The coach on Ebay seems to be an excellent entry
> level Blue Bird with repairs and current maintenace,
> however, if it's not what you want, it won't work
> ever.

Agreed wholeheartedly!

> My suggestion for you is to read the posts on this
> and other Wanderlodge Forums, keep an eye on the
> Vintagebirds.com, Birdconnection.com, and search
> the web using "Wanderlodge. Become as familiar as
> you possibly can with all the features, prices, etc.

Will do - I didn't know about the Birdconnection.com site, thank you
for that. I've been digging through the archives here as well.

> Lastly, unless you do your own maintenance, you need
> to be prepared with a "substantial" budget to cover
> things that just happen with any RV, Blue Bird not
> excluded.

Thankfully, I do perform my own maintenance to large extent. I have a
well equipped workshop and will not hesitate to shell out money when I
need a tool I don't have. I do >99% of the maintenance on my '81
DeLorean and have a solid automotive & mechanical background (backyard
mechanic, but I've been doing it for about a decade).

That said, I'm curious: How often do you folks need to fix something
greater than, say, ~$500, on your older coaches? Once a month? A few
times a year? Every week? Assuming I buy a coach in good shape, of
course, and not a basket case. I'm just trying to get a feel for the
maintenance costs.

> Welcome to this forum, hope I haven't shattered any
> of you enthusiasm for a Blue Bird.

Not yet.

Thank you for your time!

-Ryan

[Ryan Wright]

Kerry,

Thank you for your advice. It's wonderful to hear from an ex Travco
owner. Right now I'm in the position of either doing significant
restoration to my Travco or buying something newer. As you can see I'm
leaning heavily toward buying newer.

> I can answer part of your question. I went from a 71 Travco 220 to an
> 82 Bluebird FC this year. The Bird definitely has a more comfortable
> ride than the Travco, but it's not like driving a car. 8hrs on the
> road in the Bird is comparable to 12 hrs on the road in a car. (or
> something like that).

Ah, yes. I didn't figure it would drive like a car - and, really,
would you even want it to? I wouldn't.

How does driving the Bird compare to driving the Travco in terms of
general driver fatigue?

> 'Diesels last forever' is a myth. The fact that they last longer than
> gas engines means there is more of a possibility that problems that
> might not become fatal, have opportunity to do so. The 3208's in the
> early 80's models are pretty robust but are relatively small engines
> for the load they are carrying. Perhaps it would be good to start a
> database here on the number of miles people have gotten from their
> 3208's before rebuild. I'd be surprised if the average was near 200k
> but I might be wrong. But I think even with this qualifier, you'd be
> much better off with a 3208 than a 318, 413 or 440.
>
> More systems, more maintenance.

Thanks Kerry.

-Ryan

[mbulriss]

Ryan,

I took a quick look at your web site when you signed up, specifically
the hovercraft project..... You'll be fine working on your soon-to-be
Bird. ;^)

Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
wrote:
>
> Hi Bob, & everyone else,
>
> Thank you all for your replies. I'll answer a couple more here as my
> morning progresses, but I wanted to tackle Bob's reply first:
>
> On 8/17/06, one_dusty_hoot wrote:
> >
> > Hello Ryan,
> > Err...yeah!, hope I don't offend you here.
>
> Nope - Virtually nothing you can say to me will offend me! I'm not a
> person who takes offense easily.
>
> > First, there is a rear bath FC (Front Coach)coach
> > '70-80's models where you would not be claustrophobic,
> > but it would have twin beds, sorry!
> >
> > Second, if $50K is going to be a stretch for you
> > as you say, you are not going to find a PT (Pusher Tag)
> > it in the '90's models.
>
> Right - I know I can't afford a 90's model - I'm looking at early 80's
> based on my budget. (Well, technically I could afford an early 90's,
> but that's beside the point - what I'm willing to spend and what I can
> afford are two different things. $30k-$50k is my budget for this one.)
>
> However, I saw two PT 40s listed at vintagebirds.com for that looked
> about right for me, which is why I "settled" into wanting that model:
>
> http://www.vintagebirds.com/bill-bd.htm
>
> Dave Hardy's 1984 & there's a 1983 right below it. These may no longer
> be available for sale, and I'm not buying this moment anyway until I
> do some more research, but they both look to have the bathroom closer
> to the rear and neither have the twin beds. Unless I'm seeing
> something wrong here? The model on eBay has the door in the middle and
> the bathroom right in front of it, which kind of divides the coach in
> two. Whereas, both of these PT 40s have the bathroom toward the rear,
> past the kitchen, just in front of the rear bed, which I like very
> much.
>
> > The coach on Ebay seems to be an excellent entry
> > level Blue Bird with repairs and current maintenace,
> > however, if it's not what you want, it won't work
> > ever.
>
> Agreed wholeheartedly!
>
> > My suggestion for you is to read the posts on this
> > and other Wanderlodge Forums, keep an eye on the
> > Vintagebirds.com, Birdconnection.com, and search
> > the web using "Wanderlodge. Become as familiar as
> > you possibly can with all the features, prices, etc.
>
> Will do - I didn't know about the Birdconnection.com site, thank you
> for that. I've been digging through the archives here as well.
>
> > Lastly, unless you do your own maintenance, you need
> > to be prepared with a "substantial" budget to cover
> > things that just happen with any RV, Blue Bird not
> > excluded.
>
> Thankfully, I do perform my own maintenance to large extent. I have a
> well equipped workshop and will not hesitate to shell out money when I
> need a tool I don't have. I do >99% of the maintenance on my '81
> DeLorean and have a solid automotive & mechanical background (backyard
> mechanic, but I've been doing it for about a decade).
>
> That said, I'm curious: How often do you folks need to fix something
> greater than, say, ~$500, on your older coaches? Once a month? A few
> times a year? Every week? Assuming I buy a coach in good shape, of
> course, and not a basket case. I'm just trying to get a feel for the
> maintenance costs.
>
> > Welcome to this forum, hope I haven't shattered any
> > of you enthusiasm for a Blue Bird.
>
> Not yet.
>
> Thank you for your time!
>
> -Ryan
>

[Ryan Wright]

Leroy,

On 8/17/06, Leroy Eckert wrote:
> Ryan: My two cents. I'll make it short. Three years ago I was in your
position. For
> 6 months, I looked at BB's and others, cheap ones, expensive ones, and new
> plastic ones. I finally paid more than planned for the one I purchased. I
have said it
> before, I'm happy that I did. I have had very few problems. The %$# thing
may blow
> up tomorrow but that is the way it goes with a bus. We love it. You
generally get
> what you pay for.

Thank you for this input. I, too, have been looking at "new plastic
ones" (well, gently used plastic ones) and I don't like what I see. On
the surface, I'm finding they're beautiful, however they don't seem to
be built very well. These 20 year old Wanderlodges look to be in much
better condition than even a 5 year old plastic coach.

Everyone else whom I didn't address: Thank you all for your help and
advice. I have learned something new from each of you and I greatly
appreciate your taking the time to help me. I'll be digging in and
doing a lot more research, following your links, etc, for the next
several weeks to months. There is actually a rally coming up next
weekend not too far from me (Washington State) and I'm going to see if
I can make it, hopefully meet some of you in person and get a good up
close look at these machines. If I don't make it, well, I'll have to
catch the next one.

Thanks again,

-Ryan

[one_dusty_hoot]

HI Ryan,
Thought about this last night regarding your
coach requirements. My FC has a couch/sofa
that opens into a queen size. Maybe that would
work for you if you didn't want to go to the
back sleeping area?

Fuel-If you are going to drive it. Some FC's
with bragging rights tell of 10 mpg, some PT's
confess 4 mpg, at todays fuel cost that $.32
to $.81 a mile just for fuel tooling down the
road.

Tires: One a year, $550-600
Batteries: One a year, $150-170 ?haven't priced
You may never wear out a tire, and you may
never get as many charge cycles as the batteries
can deliver.

Oil changes/ filters, depending on use.
Motors: generally are killed before dying a
natural death.

Basically everything can be amortized for a life
time of depletion, and, depending on what you
want can vary considerably.

Based on what I know for one FC coach, +$4000 a
year, for a 3 year period, not counting cost of
fuel.

Bob Janes, '87FC35, Greenville, SC

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright"
wrote:
>
> Hi Bob, & everyone else,
>
> Thank you all for your replies. I'll answer a couple more here as my
> morning progresses, but I wanted to tackle Bob's reply first:
>
> On 8/17/06, one_dusty_hoot wrote:
> >
> > Hello Ryan,
> > Err...yeah!, hope I don't offend you here.
>
> Nope - Virtually nothing you can say to me will offend me! I'm not a
> person who takes offense easily.
>
> > First, there is a rear bath FC (Front Coach)coach
> > '70-80's models where you would not be claustrophobic,
> > but it would have twin beds, sorry!
> >
> > Second, if $50K is going to be a stretch for you
> > as you say, you are not going to find a PT (Pusher Tag)
> > it in the '90's models.
>
> Right - I know I can't afford a 90's model - I'm looking at early
80's
> based on my budget. (Well, technically I could afford an early 90's,
> but that's beside the point - what I'm willing to spend and what I
can
> afford are two different things. $30k-$50k is my budget for this
one.)
>
> However, I saw two PT 40s listed at vintagebirds.com for that looked
> about right for me, which is why I "settled" into wanting that
model:
>
> http://www.vintagebirds.com/bill-bd.htm
>
> Dave Hardy's 1984 & there's a 1983 right below it. These may no
longer
> be available for sale, and I'm not buying this moment anyway until I
> do some more research, but they both look to have the bathroom
closer
> to the rear and neither have the twin beds. Unless I'm seeing
> something wrong here? The model on eBay has the door in the middle
and
> the bathroom right in front of it, which kind of divides the coach
in
> two. Whereas, both of these PT 40s have the bathroom toward the
rear,
> past the kitchen, just in front of the rear bed, which I like very
> much.
>
> > The coach on Ebay seems to be an excellent entry
> > level Blue Bird with repairs and current maintenace,
> > however, if it's not what you want, it won't work
> > ever.
>
> Agreed wholeheartedly!
>
> > My suggestion for you is to read the posts on this
> > and other Wanderlodge Forums, keep an eye on the
> > Vintagebirds.com, Birdconnection.com, and search
> > the web using "Wanderlodge. Become as familiar as
> > you possibly can with all the features, prices, etc.
>
> Will do - I didn't know about the Birdconnection.com site, thank you
> for that. I've been digging through the archives here as well.
>
> > Lastly, unless you do your own maintenance, you need
> > to be prepared with a "substantial" budget to cover
> > things that just happen with any RV, Blue Bird not
> > excluded.
>
> Thankfully, I do perform my own maintenance to large extent. I have
a
> well equipped workshop and will not hesitate to shell out money
when I
> need a tool I don't have. I do >99% of the maintenance on my '81
> DeLorean and have a solid automotive & mechanical background
(backyard
> mechanic, but I've been doing it for about a decade).
>
> That said, I'm curious: How often do you folks need to fix something
> greater than, say, ~$500, on your older coaches? Once a month? A few
> times a year? Every week? Assuming I buy a coach in good shape, of
> course, and not a basket case. I'm just trying to get a feel for the
> maintenance costs.
>
> > Welcome to this forum, hope I haven't shattered any
> > of you enthusiasm for a Blue Bird.
>
> Not yet.
>
> Thank you for your time!
>
> -Ryan
>

[davidkerryedwards]

>
> How does driving the Bird compare to driving the Travco in terms of
> general driver fatigue?
>
>

I've had cervical spine surgery in the past. A day on the road in the
Travco would make my neck sore from the rough ride. My neck is not
sore in the Bird. So, overall body fatigue is less in the Bird.
However, the steering wheel is much heavier in the Bird than in the
Travco (due to the increased load on the front wheels??)so my arms and
shoulders get more tired driving the Bird.
I looked for a larger Travco for about a year. I wanted a diesel but
there are so few diesel Travco's the pickings are slim so I was also
looking at Foretravels. I travelled long distances to look at 4
different vehicles (2 Travco's, an FMC and a Barth) and they all had
serious problems, undisclosed by the sellers. I found my Bird locally
and it was in very good condition. I've been happy with my purchase.
The biggest compromise in purchasing it was that I was looking for a
turbo diesel. Mine has an aftermarket turbo added to a 3208NA. Not
an optimal arrangement but it's working.

Kerry
FC 35 Denver

[Eric Johnson]

Hello Ryan,
You're likely to get many different answers to your question on maintenance
costs because
of varying mechanical skills, some of us have more or less things done by
others,
condition and degree of use have big affects as well. With your shop
capabilities you can
save a lot of money.

Personally, we have logged a little over 40,000 miles on our coach since we
bought it in
2000. Our total operating costs per mile, including indoor storage, insurance,
fuel,
repairs, upgrades and PM are about $1.25 per mile. Repairs, upgrades and PM
alone have
run about $0.93/mile. Sounds like a lot but we have a better coach now than
when we
bought it. I do some of the work on my own but avoid major engine or
transmission work
due to lack of training, tools and facilities.

Major cost items over the past six years have been:
New Powertech diesel generator - $6,000
Cat 3208 Valve adjustment + new injectors - $2,800
New set of Michelin tires - $2,800
New cruise control system - $2,000
New front suspension air bags $1,000
New set of AGM batteries - $1,000
New A/C units - $700
New icemaker - $600
New spin-on air dryer system $400

In summary, BB coaches are a wonderful way to travel, but not a cheap way to
travel. I
hope the above is helpful. Certainly don't want to scare you, but look
carefully before you
buy. The more of your own work you can do the better off you'll be.

Regards, Eric
84FC35SBWL2

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Ryan Wright" wrote:
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I'm looking to buy a nice coach and stumbled across an '83 Wanderlodge
> on eBay (item #140017325224). I was incredibly impressed with the list
> of features and the huge capacities! The "modern" RVs we've looked at
> don't come close! I mean, 200+ gallon fuel tanks; 12+kw generators; 3
> A/C units and 50 amp electrical service; remote door locking, heated
> waste tanks, etc, etc. I am very, very impressed.
>
> However, I don't like the layout of this particular coach - my wife
> and I don't sleep in separate beds and I'm not fond of the bathroom
> taking up the center area (seems claustrophobic to me) - but this
> really got me looking at the Wanderlodge coaches. From looking at
> other ads, I think I want a PT 40. My budget is modest: I prefer to
> spend around $30k, though I can stretch to $50k for the right coach.
>
> As you can guess, I have a lot of questions.
>
> 1. Can someone orient me a bit? Tell me the ups and downs of buying an
> early eighties Wanderlodge. What should I expect? Do the various
> systems hold up? Seems like a lot of parts to go wrong; do these
> coaches tend to be money pits, or can the old parts be expected to, by
> and large, last for another 20 plus years? Should I expect to do a lot
> of work on an old coach like this, or can I simply enjoy it with only
> the occasional maintenance and repair item?
>
> 2. Do most of the models in this era have such an extensive list of
> features as indicated in that eBay auction?
>
> 3. I've noticed many of the ads are showing rebuilt engines at ~100k
> miles. What's with that? I thought these diesels ran "forever"?
>
> 4. How do these drive? I have a '66 Dodge Travco 27' I'll be getting
> rid of if I buy a newer coach. It's a great rig but I get real tired
> after traveling for a few hours, which isn't fun. I can drive my SUV
> for a dozen or more hours virtually non-stop; I ought to be able to do
> the same with an RV, right? Local RV dealers tell me I'll have the
> same problem with any coach made before about 1999. Of course, they
> may just want to sell me a new rig.
>
> Thank you all for your time. Perhaps I will become a proud new
> Bluebird owner one of these days.
>
> -Ryan
>