1983 Wanderlodge PT-35 - $19900 (Mims)

[Trawlercap]

The hits just keep on coming....:-)




http://orlando.craigslist.org/rvs/2183561046.html

[Trawlercap]

Now something struck me about this new craigslist listing of the 83'. It shows the difference between buying cheap, and buying value. I think we have discussed it somewhere else. Counting the costs.....

I would like to compare these two coaches. I do not know either one or their owners. I am a long distance shopper. I have to make good decisions before I travel across country for a potential coach. I have to glean info and process it, and info come from many sources. Just how these two coaches are listed tells me a lot.

Both coaches are similar age. My feeling is I would have to spend the difference in the asking price (and probably more) to get the 83' up to the standards of the 84'. Or could I get it back up to that condition? The 84' has all the marks of a coach that has been loved and maintained. It is proudly displayed, with a super good website, lots of information that is usefull, lists a ton of upgrades. The amount and quality of the photos tell me they are not trying to hide anything, they are trying to display it!

The 83' list only the standard equipment, no history of any upgrades, needs a paint job ($10 to $14K or more) a 7kw gen set ($? for upgrade?) I can suspect tires, batteries, on and on. Just to get it roadworthy.
Then you get to living onboard, all the lockers, the spaces, neglected upkeep will start to drive me nutz!
This is all speculation. What I am trying to illustrate is how two birds close in age might differ. And the initial impression is strong for me on both birds, one is good, one is work. These coaches are a lot of work no matter how good they are. I can on imagine how much toil a troubled coach is.

So if I take the 83 and dump $26K into it, will I have as nice of a rig as the 84'? Not counting the time (months/years?) I do not mean to denegrate the 83' in any way. But this is real world stuff for me as I plan to purchase a coach in the near future....:-)

The ad
1983 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT35 diesel pusher. 6-92 Detroit Diesel, automatic transmission, air ride suspension, dual rear wheel with a tag axle. 7KW diesel power tech generator. 300 gallon fuel tank, 80 gallon propane, 100 gallon fresh water, duel gray and black water tanks. Aluminum diamond plate roof. Two roof air and three central AC units. Has electric heat as well as three propane heaters. Rear regular size queen pillow top bed. Side bath with stand up shower. Numerous closets. Fold out sofa makes a bed. Two person dinette table in the front. Mechanically sound, needs paint but was a Texas coach so rust is not a problem. Possible partial trade for Ranger bass boat or ??



The ad
Low Time Engine! Detroit Diesel 6V92TAC 325 HP (Turbocharged, Supercharged & Aftercooled), Allison MT654-CR 5 Speed Automatic with Retarder, GVWR: 42,000 lbs. All Steel Construction - No Fiberglass, Air Cushion Suspension, 4 basement storage bays, 12.5 KW Kohler / Perkins Diesel Generator, 2.5 KW Xantrex Freedom 458 Inverter / Charger, 3 Dometic Roof Top Air Conditioners 1-15,000 BTU/H & 2-13,500 BTU/H, 3 Gas Furnaces 16,000 BTU each, 4 Built In Electric Wall Heaters 1,500 watts each, 5 ZipDee Awnings, HWH Hydraulic Leveling System, Air operated entry step, 2 way, 2 compartment Dometic Refrigerator, Instant Hot Water Tap in Galley, U-line Automatic Icemaker, New Kenmore Microwave / Pizza Oven Combination Electric Curtains, VuCube Portable Satellite Dish, Dish Network Satellite Receiver, TDP Amplified power operated TV Antenna, Wilson wireless dual-band cellular phone amplifier, 3 spare air bags for air suspension, 234,010 miles showing on odometer. Original engine was replaced with a Detroit Diesel factory remanufactured Silver Series 6V92TAC at around 153,000 miles due to a spun bearing, so only approx 81,000 miles on engine! 6 new batteries installed in December 2009. Complete set of manuals including a full set of electrical schematics (full size drawings) and service records since 2007. Coach is very clean, never been smoked in and has been meticulously maintained. For More information & 58 high resolution pics, go to http://ladybirdbus.com $47,500 Contact Page Britt by Email at KE4WKL@gmail.com or by phone at 850-528-6862.

[fishfarm]

Originally Posted by Trawlercap

Now something struck me about this new craigslist listing of the 83'. It shows the difference between buying cheap, and buying value.

Another comparison might be the 1985 PT36 that recently sold - very quickly - on Bird Connection for $29,500.

A partial ad quote:

92K coach miles. 6v92 Detroit 330 HP engine was professionally rebuilt at 59K miles...Generator brushes, injectors, and voltage regulator have been replaced...GENERAL: Up-dated equipment includes in-motion satellite, new Sony rear camera and monitor, new brake lines, new muffler and tail pipe, new china toilet, new batteries, new battery charger, new front roof air, LED rear lights (brake, turn, and tail), Hydraulic cooling fan and fluid were changed in 2008, all air bags were replaced, hot water heater replaced, gas/electric refrigerator has been rebuilt, and alternator has been replaced. "

http://www.birdconnection.com/showro...s.php?v_id=181

[Ernest Ekberg]

with the 83 you get a walk around queen, less closet storage and no gauges as the 84 has
with the 84, you have a 40 foot coach, side bed- you can't walk around it and all guages up front.
I have been in the 84

[rwoody]

yes the 83 is blue and i love blue

and its got a high$$ powertec genny which is a plus..you never use the 12.5 but maybe depends on where u are

but the 84 is a 40 ft which is more room for the buck to me@

[JD33]

Hey Jack, I think that you are correct in suggesting that one could be better off paying more for a Bird that has been looked after, upgraded and properly maintained.
I think that when all is said and done you may not save much money buying a "bargain" that needs a lot of work. Personally when I buy something I want to enjoy it now rather than a year from now.
There is an old saying that goes something like "the joy of low price is long forgotten when the disappointment of poor quality remains"
Although poor quality doesn't apply to BBWL's in general, you get the idea.

[Bill Pape]

Originally Posted by Trawlercap

The hits just keep on coming....:-)




http://orlando.craigslist.org/rvs/2183561046.html

There are several Bird owners near by, hiding out from this unfriendly Winter ,
If someone is serious about a long trip to kick tires, we may be able to help.

[BlueBird on the Horizon]

Jack,

I can understand the challenge. I just bought mine last week and I got it sight unseen but talked with the salesman and saw alot of pictures. I lucked out because of the repo but I am happy and I paid 25k and have put in already 2.5k in a week and will need new tires within a year. I am happy with my bird and with the help of all of these fine folks I am still surviving after a week. I think anyway you look at it I do believe the 10k will be spent on either bird in the first year of ownership, what a rule of thumb that seems to ring true.

[Ed Wimberley]

Jack

We've got one of each 35 and 40 both 6V92. Really like the cruise airs. The 35 one listed has 3 of each?? lots of loss of storage with cruise underneath coach,lots of noise with roof airs. It's a trade off,your choice.
Could be cruises went south and replaced with roof airs, just remove cruises build storage compartment etc etc $$$$$$.
The 35 has Powertech cool upgrade in my book, however is it enough for full use of all electric? Maybe it is?
Our 35 has cross queen the 40 has center queen no more crawling over, thats my choice.
Go for the 40 offer lower $$$$ it's the current market.Good luck

[fxdwg]

Come on, Jack!! Sell the Oregon house and buy the 03 Randy has listed!!