Bluebird Wanderlodge 1993 WLWB 40' Motor Coach

First, free advice for anyone looking to buy a motor home. Over the last forty years we have owned six RVs of which five were motor homes. Our approach is to do extensive research prior to purchase, and then start on the real learning curve after the purchase. Here are ten things that we have learned that may be helpful:

1. Like any major purchase, there are two great days in any motor home experience: The day you buy your motor home followed by the day you sell your motor home.

2. Access doors to cargo and engine: Avoid doors that require a lot of space to open. Good quality swing up doors are the best. Doors designed for commercial use such as Bluebird, Prevost, and MCI are far superior to the standard motor home stuff. The ultimate is a Van Hool with a swing type main door as well.

3. Cargo space: Most cargo bays on motor homes are quite small, hence jamming cramming and general disorganization is the result. Adequate cargo space is a real treat. What is the point of going on a long distance adventure if you can't take all your gear with you? Again the best space is on the H model Prevost, followed by MCI and Bluebird and then the XL Prevost. (By now you may detect my bias towards the commercial motor coaches)

4. Road side engine radiator: The first advantage is access to the engine. In this configuration you can see and access most of the engine. By comparison, motor homes that have rear radiators and engine access from the inside, under the bed, are much more difficult to inspect and repair. I have often wondered why so many manufacturers put large barn doors on the back end of diesel pushers just to look at a radiator!

5. Roof vented exhaust: Diesel exhaust is awful stuff. Even the cleanest burning engine still leaves some residue. On low mount exhaust units you can find this residue on anything that you have towed any distance.

6. Engines: Simple is better. For the longest time the two stroke Detroit Diesel dominated the commercial bus market, military, and marine applications. They have fewer parts than four stroke diesel engines, and do not have complicated, sensitive, expensive, fuel injector pumps. Their durability is legendary. In my experience, newer technology has not produced better diesel engines. The old Gardners, Burmiesters, and Wichmans burned cleaner and lasted longer than their modern replacements. There is no substitute for low revs and substantial blocks.

7. Lights: No matter how carefully you plan, and how diligently you manage your schedule, invariably you arrive at a poorly lit campsite on the darkest night of the year. Good landing lights, and a spot light are your best friends in these situations.

8. Generator: In most instances when you plan your trip to arrive at a powered camp site every night, the generator is useless weight to pack around. If you dry camp it becomes your life support system. As such it should have capacity to power everything you have, and do it in a manner that produces a minimum amount of noise and smell. Roof exhaust really helps.

9. Brakes: Why do most Motor Home manufacturers produce a cosmetic version of air brakes?

The most common form of this fraud is the air over hydraulic brake. You won't likely find this system in commercial truck or bus applications. Motor Homes loaded with fuel, water, people, and gear are heavy vehicles. My preference is to have a robust commercial air brake system. In most jurisdictions it is a one day course to add the air endorsement to your driver's license.

10. Structure: If one was to leave the road, or collide with any fixed or moving object, my preference would be a steel safety cage. FRP and press board are reduced to very small particles in the event of upset or collision.

Would you consider owning a Bluebird?

General overview: Bluebird builds buses. This motor coach is based on the Bluebird "All American" bus shell. What sets Bluebird apart from all other major bus manufacturers is that they did their own luxury motor coach completions at their Georgia manufacturing facility.

The shell construction is all steel. The power train and vehicle components are all commercial bus grade. It is designed and built to run a long long time. When it needs maintenance or repair work, access to components is well thought out.

From an owner's point of view, the Bluebird Coach is unique in that it has more range and dry camping endurance than any other production motor coach. Three hundred gallons of fuel, One hundred and thirty six gallons of fresh water, one hundred gallons of grey water storage, another hundred gallons of black water storage, and one hundred and forty eight pounds of propane. The 20 Kw Kubota generator can power all three air conditioning units at the same time. Cold weather comfort is maintained by two hydronic boilers, two built in electric heaters, and engine heat.

In campgrounds, all hook ups are on the road side of the coach, a 50 amp cord is deployed on a reel. Lower amperage combinations are available with converter cords. Water and sewer connections are quick and easy to set up.

The coach has a heavy duty four leg computerized leveling system along with a long stroke air dumping system for the main and tag axle suspensions.

In summary: Great tag axle air suspension ride. Comfort in any kind of environment for extended periods of time. Quick and easy set up for camping. Exceptional range and endurance.


The tour:

From front enterence

The driver's area is exceptional. The number of switches and gauges represent the vast number of systems and accessories installed. At night when the panels are illuminated, the atmosphere resembles the front end of a large aircraft.

A new flat screen television fits neatly into the front overhead cabinet space.

The galley area includes a two burner cooktop, new microwave / convection oven, two door electric fridge, and instant hot water. The table extends and retracts with the flip of a switch.

The washroom has a Microphor marine toilet, commonly found in cruise ships and luxury yachts. It uses two liters of water and a 65 psi air supply to complete a flush cycle. The air is supplied by a dedicated 12 volt compressor with pressure tank.

The shower has full stand up room for tall people. It is finished with Italian tile.

The laundry center is located on the curbside of the washroom. The washer / dryer combo is new.

The master bedroom has a full walk around queen sized bed. A full set of systems controls are within easy reach without having to get out of bed.

All surfaces are durable and easy to clean.

Dining table extended

The extra long couch easily converts to a double bed.

Over head controls and instruments are well laid out in a logical sequence.

Cup holders are hidden in drawers and compartments. The grey rectangle by the co pilot's seat is a retractable foot rest. The step well cover and front step are both air operated.

Roadside view

Curbside view

Storage bays are heated and huge. Doors open upwards with very little side clearance required. The electric outdoor grill can be seen in the third bay.

The roof is all steel with full length corrugated steel walkways along either side. The trailer pulling capacity is 10,000 lbs. All generator and engine exhaust is vented through the roof. The radiator air flow is directed to the roadside.

Access to the 500 hp Detroit 8V92 engine is accomplished through doors on the back and curbside of the coach. It has an oil reservoir system, and remote start capability in the engine compartment. The curbside also houses two hydronic boilers that provide coach heat and engine heat during cold weather.
A third electric air compressor can be used to charge the air system prior to start up.