Community Forums

Nhytefall · 04-11-2013, 05:45 PM

...when you seriously are questioning the wisdom of your actions?

I ask this mostly in jest - but partly because I am looking for a second, non-biased opinion.

My partner and I have been discussing upgrading our current 1971 PUP to a TT. The cost of that purchase made us start to consider additional options, namely, trading in the Pathfinder for a tow vehicle with greater capacity and sticking with a larger vintage TT.

THAT cost made me start looking at two of my childhood dream non-SceniCruiser MH's: The GMC 26' Class A and the Bluebird Wanderlodge. That's when I found her, a 1981 FC35 Wanderlodge in amazing condition for a more than reasonable price.

So, I did what any relatively sane person would do and asked my beloved: "What do you think of this?"

Her response: "I like that a lot, and that price is really nice." As in, I could swing it in cash-money affordable. As in... fly-in-and-drive-home-a-29-year-old-FC35-Wanderlodge-from-halfway-across-the-country affordable.

I think the presence of a supportive partner with a love of camping may be hazardous to my wallet. However, in all seriousness - I see a lot of talk about the "move up" process (ie, tent --> tent camper --> TT --> MH ---> etc), and while I recognize that it is nothing more than a path some folks go through to get where they are, the idea of being an owner of a childhood dream vehicle is very tempting.

So I ask, dear Community, talk some sense into this whippersnapper.

t55watson · 04-11-2013, 05:56 PM

Before you make the trip spend a few bucks and have the coach inspected. That is an old coach and can't be perfect. make sure you know what you are getting.

garmar33 · 04-11-2013, 06:13 PM

Hi, I'm new here but since I'm a psychologist I thought that my knowledge in that area may help. My advice is to proceed with caution, but DO proceed. If you don't, you'll always have that "what if..." or "I should have..." But, now that you have found this dream, do your homework and find out as best as you can whether the dream holds up to the light of day before you make any commitments. Not everyone has the honesty and integrity of a Vietnam Vet - just because they SAY it's in amazing condition, find the solid evidence that supports that info.

Another thing to consider is that a childhood dream vehicle may not be an adult's dream vehicle. Of course it's not necessary to follow some line from pup tent to huge-house-on-wheels! But do take time to consider the pros and cons of a TT versus a MH, in general. One biggie - how do you and your partner expect to use your rig - park and stay, or have a camping "home base" while you drive around?

Likely, you get the idea here. So, have your dream and be excited! Then take a breath and proceed with a level head to find that dream, whether it is this particular rig or a newly-formed dream for 2013.

Francesca · 04-11-2013, 06:15 PM

Bluebird heaven! Is it this one?

CampDaven · 04-11-2013, 06:16 PM

They are all forts!

My first fort was blankets over chairs.
Yada-yada-yada motorhome.
But still a fort!

Nhytefall · 04-11-2013, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t55watson

Before you make the trip spend a few bucks and have the coach inspected. That is an old coach and can't be perfect. make sure you know what you are getting.

That is a most excellent idea - thank you!

Nhytefall · 04-11-2013, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garmar33

Hi, I'm new here but since I'm a psychologist I thought that my knowledge in that area may help. My advice is to proceed with caution, but DO proceed. If you don't, you'll always have that "what if..." or "I should have..." But, now that you have found this dream, do your homework and find out as best as you can whether the dream holds up to the light of day before you make any commitments. Not everyone has the honesty and integrity of a Vietnam Vet - just because they SAY it's in amazing condition, find the solid evidence that supports that info.

Another thing to consider is that a childhood dream vehicle may not be an adult's dream vehicle. Of course it's not necessary to follow some line from pup tent to huge-house-on-wheels! But do take time to consider the pros and cons of a TT versus a MH, in general. One biggie - how do you and your partner expect to use your rig - park and stay, or have a camping "home base" while you drive around?

Likely, you get the idea here. So, have your dream and be excited! Then take a breath and proceed with a level head to find that dream, whether it is this particular rig or a newly-formed dream for 2013.

Heh - that is a very healthy viewpoint. We've both collectively taken a deep breath, had a quick conversation, and sent a message to the seller. We'll see what comes back, and go from there.

Even though we're currently in the Chicago 'burbs, work has been making noises about a potential transfer to AZ in the fourth quarter. As this is where we want to be anyway, the idea of having a vehicle we potentially *could* live in while hunting for a home is a factor in the decision process.

Normal usage of the vehicle would be primarily camping park and stay, with the occasional friends as guests.

It's a lot to think about, and a lot to properly and rationally plan out. Let's just hope my Excel skills hold up.

Nhytefall · 04-11-2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Francesca

Bluebird heaven! Is it this one?

That is a beauty, but that's not the one.

Here is a picture of the one we are considering:

RMChad · 04-11-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nhytefall

That is a beauty, but that's not the one.

Here is a picture of the one we are considering:

That is a beauty!

RVNeophytes2 · 04-11-2013, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nhytefall

That is a beauty, but that's not the one.

Here is a picture of the one we are considering...

It looks like it gets lots of TLC...

Have her inspected and then live the dream!

haulinhazmat · 04-11-2013, 09:18 PM

I"d jump on that like a duck on a june bug. BUT I bought my first house after driving by at 60 mph. Owned my last house for 5months before I looked inside. You will only regret not doing it.

KIX · 04-11-2013, 09:30 PM

If you are prepared to do your own maintenance then I encourage you to go for it. WE have a friend back home (we're in Moab now) that recently bought an '88 Wanderlodge and is restoring it himself. Great coaches.

flaggship1 · 04-11-2013, 09:31 PM

Garmar33 for a psychologist with a cat for an avatar you make good sense.

OP - looks can be deceiving so by all means get an good RV (house) inspector and mechanical check out. There is a lot of appeal to "classics", but most folks don't use their '57 Chevy as their daily driver. While this is different and completely livable as it rolled off the line - there have been a lot of improvements to come along since this was state of the art. You may find yourself doing upgrades and putting money into it after the fact. So keep future expenditures in mind. If it checks out, and it suits you and the wife - why not live the dream.

Did you by chance have a childhood dream of owning a wooden boat? I gave up my dream of a '57 Chris Craft when the RV bug bit in '91. I don't regret the tradeoff, had a bass boat and even stayed in a Holiday Inn.

Make yourself happy.

Padre · 04-11-2013, 09:33 PM

If you are not already familiar with it, there is a Wanderlodge Owners Group online (wanderlodgeownersgroup.com).
Great group of folks that will help you through the decision of buying the 'bird and then if you do, will be there to walk you through the "fun" of owning her.
I have an '82 FC and previously owned a '76 FC. They are built like tanks but, like any complicated item, they do take some getting used to.
If you have any questions on them, send me a message or sign up for the board.
Regards and good luck.
<Padre>
1982 FC35 "Shambhala"