🤔 WHY would anyone buy a 34 year old Wanderlodge Bus?? 💰

[@jonathongaber5707]

I love your bus and I'm glad you passed on the one in Michigan named Ole' Blue, because it's in my barn now. Safe travels!

[@Buoy4AK]

Awesome! Loved Ole’ Blue, were SO close to pulling the trigger on that (we’re just suckers for those darn round headlights 😎). Glad it worked out for you, that’s an awesome bus. Of course, we’re totally jealous you have a bus barn (working on that, but not many props). Thanks for watching & commenting!

[@OddsandSods26]

Kinda' the same for us. We owned a Barth and one year a neighbour showed up with a Bluebird. We had a few words and that was it. Then five years later, a second one appeared in his driveway. Now my wife and I got tours and the history of Bluebirds. Decided then and there to get one. A few months later, he tells me that he will sell his so I bought it. We haven't looked back. Top quality and comfort for a fraction of new. Can't be beat unless you spend a million.

[@Buoy4AK]

Completely agree with you!

[@CipoCat6]

I'm not sure how many times I've watched this video, only to now realize I considered a few of the same Wanderlodges as you. I really wanted to look at that one in MN (I'm also a MN native) but also couldn't get over the headlights and grill. So I am the new owner of the Mother Ship! Now that I think about it, I think this video helped cement that I would wait until the one I thought was perfect for me came around, which it did. The previous owners are great people and made the process enjoyable, especially since they took care of some issues I would have had if I'd gotten it when it was for sale down in Florida. What a great community!

[@Buoy4AK]

Wow, thank you for your comment. We consider this one of our “meh” videos (because we’re still trying to figure this out), so to hear that it might have done some actual good for someone makes it all worthwhile. Thanks again, & we hope you enjoy your bus as much as we love ours! Even 2 years later, I still can’t get past those square headlights & grill (ironically, one of my other passions of Jeeps never really forgave the square headlights on the YJ Wranglers either, even though just like the bus they’re superior mechanically).

[@ListerMotorsports]

you remind me of Casey Neistat , i lived on my 36 ft Uniflite Sportfish ( built like a tank too) in NY for 25 years, Im now a Blue Bird owner , 1990 SP 36 "The Great Escape " like ole blue in your vid.. i love my 3208T no probs except square headlights lol lol lol ...., full timing now until our land in NC is cleared... i bought mine over the phone 4 years ago, sight unseen and drove it from Arkansas to NC ... We Love this Bus !!

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks (now I have to look up Casey Niestat to see who he is 😎)

[@ListerMotorsports]

And this one is awesome too.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKXPd2BsidOAq9E

[@michaelburman4565]

Blessed , sometimes cursed, we own a Wanderlodge and a boat! Fun story!

[@Buoy4AK]

Ah, the boats…. Yep, glutton for punishment (& wouldn’t have it any other way 😎).

[@burningmanmike]

Thank you for your tips & insight. I JUST bought a 1977 Wanderlodge FC 33' and the first thing I will replace are the tires (DOT dates way out of date). DT 466 engine + Allison AT. Other than tires, it's road-ready. We're excited to take a few short trips to see how it dow.

[@Buoy4AK]

They’re awesome

[@paulsalerno2347]

Another great video and one liner “I’m sure they’re brighter” !

[@Buoy4AK]

I’m often going down that “less bright” road 😉 Thanks for watching & commenting Paul!

[@laceyreichwald4377]

When you say “in Florida”… that’s our bus! We bought the Mother Ship right before COVID so we must have been looking around the same time. We went Wanderlodge for a lot of the same reasons. But reason number one for me was NO SWOOSHES. I hate new camper paint jobs. Haha. And also love the round headlights.

[@Buoy4AK]

What?? That’s awesome! What a tight community the Wanderlodge group is. Mother Ship had a bit of notoriety that we found appealing as well when we looked at it. Agree with you 100% that NASCAR-style swoosh stickers on an RV looks ridiculous, but people are buying them as fast as they can staple these modern disposable rigs together so I guess it’s working 😎. Thanks for commenting!

[@marchalpeck470]

One thing about Wonder lodges is that they hold their value, plus great workmanship. I bet on your trip home you did not have any rattles. I have been tempted to sell my house and get one, somehow I know my wife would never go for it. Great looking bus

[@Buoy4AK]

Honestly, things do rattle a bit when you’re storming down frost heaved roads across the Yukon, but what doesn’t. While their original depreciation was enormous (from what they sold new), totally agree in the used market they certainly hold their value. It’s a tank, and almost a part of the Family at this point. Thanks for watching 😉

[@HootisGarage]

We are a family of 7 from Minnesota, have a place in Brule and spent a lot of time in Port Wing. Looking to part with the Class C and step up to Wanderlodge living.

[@Buoy4AK]

Ahoy Paul! You definitely won’t be disappointed upgrading from a Class C 😉

[@guyp383]

Thats pretty cool! Nice mobile lodge. You got me thinking.

[@Buoy4AK]

We absolutely love them. Thanks for watching & commenting 😎

[@craigmonteforte1478]

in response to your question about Airstreams being worth the money In my Opinion yes Why ? in comparing ithem to many of the other RV brands the Airstreams are built way better they very rarely have roof leaks and the resale values are way better than other Camping Trailers my a sister and Brother in law bought a new pull behind camper and that one eventually had the frame twist on it for no known reasons although i will say the Company did pay to have a local RV dealer basically pull the frame with chains and CumAlongs and Weld some additional Steel reinforcement onto the Frame and when the roof began leaking the Insurance Company totaled out the Camper because they claimed the value of the Camper was way under the costs of fixing the Camper and installing a new roof

[@Buoy4AK]

They are, and were a top contender on our list (those, Escape (Canada) & Avion were the top towables we were looking at). We recently visited Cache Camper’s RV repair garage,& that reaffirms our opinion that Airstream is definitely one of (if not the) top US builders currently (we saw a 2021 5th wheel toy hauler falling apart from Thin materials & shoddy construction). For our situation in Alaska, so far the Wanderlodge has been perfect. Thanks for commenting! 😎

[@jaywilliamson9860]

I had an '82 FC35 Wanderlodge with the side bath. Loved it and yes I also had the 12KW generator Perkins Diesel powering it. But had 3 basement a/c's, they would freeze you out of it down here in Florida in the summer. You forgot to mention the factory musical horns which were always a hit at the campgrounds and with kids in the neighborhood. I still kick myself in the rear every time I wish I still had it. They just don't build them like that anymore.

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks for commenting Jay! Easy to forget about the horns since that’s about the only thing that doesn’t work on ours (saving that little project for retirement 😎)

[@lancepace4126]

Where is the best place / FB page / website to find a good Wanderlodge?

[@Buoy4AK]

Randy is the go-to guy for all things Wanderlodge, www.buybyebluebird.com/ and Wanderlodge Owners Group (WOG). Good luck!

[@hughwolfe1176]

What an amazing location that harbor is for photography, I’d love to spend some time there… And the Wanderlodge looks really interesting as well.

[@Buoy4AK]

We couldn’t agree more (hence the “Buoy4AK” name for our love of this place). Really glad you enjoyed it & thank you for the feedback!

[@hughwolfe1176]

@@Buoy4AK my wife and I are attempting to figure out what we want to do when we grow up…Retired living in Southern Arizona, we’ve considered selling the house for a motorhome. We don’t have a good exit plan in place and can’t afford both do we’re procrastinating. Perhaps we’ll find an affordable motorhome which would solve the dilemma.

[@inspiredartphotos]

Thanks for the help. I joined the Bluebird group. My brother in loved going on those trips with that group. The coach has spent its whole life in Texas as far I know. I tried joining a few months ago with my Mac computer. Tonight no problem on an iPad. This Bluebird has been kept from sitting outside most of it’s life. Do you have covered storage? Thanks again!!

[@Buoy4AK]

We are still shopping for indoor storage for the bird, fingers crossed!

[@ericdee6802]

I forgot to mention, If you really want to drool, head over to Ginos Garage here on youtube, Gino has a friggen Gem on wheels, great place to burst into tears!👍😭

[@Buoy4AK]

We’ve been watching @ginosgarage for a while now! Jeff really knows what he’s doing (except we’re sure there’s no oil in that Detroit of his, because there’s no WAY it doesn’t leak 😜).

[@homeownerbuilderservicesll6777]

Love my 2003

[@Buoy4AK]

They are so much fun ❤️

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

Another great video. One of these days you need to man the camera and put Jen on video!

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks! We can coax her from time to time (although sometimes it takes a little 🍸 to be more convincing 😉)

[@bostonh2o]

great video, im looking at Wanderlodge's now.

[@Buoy4AK]

Glad you enjoyed it! We’re far from expert, but send us an email at [e-mail] if you think we might be able to answer any questions for ya (hopefully you’re already on the WOG & ByeByeBlueBird 😎). Happy hunting, there are still a few good busses out there.

[@inspiredartphotos]

My brother in law loved his Wonderbus. He just passed away. It has not been driven in three years. He said it had a top speed of about 60 miles per hour. It is a 86 with the 3208. How much does it cost to replace a 3208? I am thinking about taking it on. My sister is willing to give it to me. I am just planning on all the contingencies that could arise. I live in Missouri which is relatively flat. My brother in law was active in a Bluebird club in Texas. I can not get on their website. Do I need covered storage? Are there covers to protect busses.? I believe this one is 28 feet long. I have owned boats and an older motor home so am a little gun shy.

[@Buoy4AK]

Ahoy there! Loaded question. As to the engine, ours came from www.reviva.com/diesel-engines/caterpillar-3208-diesel-engine. I’d start a budget ~$15,000 for reman engine & all the hoses, mounts, belts, injection pump etc. Of course, projects lead to projects so there’s discussion on transmission refresh (engine out is the time), air compressor, radiator, alternator, steering box, ac (if it’s still there). THEN there’s the tires, which are likely not far from inspection life, & whatever unknowns await. I’d recommend asking to join the WOG at www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com/forums/index.php , research if it’s in your budget (& you have a space to do it) & if it’s what you want. In many ways, Wanderlodges are like airplanes & boats (I’ve had them all)- The initial acquisition purchase cost is only a down payment of what’s to come. It’s an awesome & somewhat exclusive community, but most certainly comes at a cost (which we continue to be happy to pay). Whatever you decide, good luck!

[@kennethtomaszewski3795]

Some of them boats are built for really rough waters

[@Buoy4AK]

I was stationed at the Coast Guard station next door to the campground for years. I can vouch first hand, a sturdy ship is a good idea there.

[@katherineoneal1968]

yada yada yada and on and on and on.........

[@Buoy4AK]

Yea, we’re working on that 😎

[@ericdee6802]

Why a Wanderlodge????, because they are built to order on an actual Bus Chassis in a Bus factory, thats why!!!🇺🇸✌

[@Buoy4AK]

You nailed it 😎

[@ericdee6802]

@@Buoy4AK Id givs both my arms for a Wanderlodge, Wait, i wont be able to steer it, okay just the left arm!!!🇺🇸🤣✌

[@Buoy4AK]

😂 Solid argument. If you keep your eye on the ball, save up a pile of cash (because financing just doesn’t work for the “right price, right now” negotiating business model), some mechanical know-how, & the willingness to take a one-way flight to destinations unknown, you’ll be able to make it happen Eric!

[@ericdee6802]

@@Buoy4AK Thanks for the Positive reinforcement. About two years ago, i had a PT 38' with the 8v92 in it. The owner had the Wanderlodge parked down in Oceanside,ca where it was sadly neglected (my observation) the body in various places around the fender wells, a few window bottom corners had bubbling paint (rust/corrosion) all 8 tires were weather checked, the paint overall was highly oxidized, and all the engine rubber was gone and a few batteries were toasted, the interior was fairly decent, the coach was a early 90's ??? (Iam drawing a blank on the year, anyways the guy wanted 25 grand but was negotiable. Just from the photos, i could tell that sadly the coach would have costed a fortune just to get it back up on the road, it was operable, engine and generator ran but, you know, that poor coach sat around by tge Ocean and was turning to dust, it truly was a shame to see someone neglect a Wanderlodge regardless of the model, they all are truley the King of factory coaches. Anywys, Thanks again for the replys , its always fun to talk shop with someone with the same interests, especially Wanderloges. Happy motoring my Friend!🇺🇸✌

[@ralphballtrip2214]

Sorry, I didn’t proofread Alaska almost got there

[@Buoy4AK]

It’s all about the effort

[@roberthillyard4234]

YOU TALK TOO MUCH SHOW USE THE BUS NOT TALK ABOUT IT OK

[@Buoy4AK]

Completely agree, looking forward to being back on the mainland & the bus in a few weeks (& once this COVID business is finally behind us, a few road trips across Alaska & Canada) 😎

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

They got a kitchen too. Wife braced her self and makes me lunch while we tool down the road. We got an 03LX so it’s more bling, but what a way to travel

[@Buoy4AK]

We love those LX’s (a whole different level of luxury), the old schoolbus setup (& the ground clearance/durability that comes with it) has been holding up unbelievably well to the punishment Yukon Territory & Alaska have dealt it thus far. If we ever move to a more civilized environment, we’d be looking long & hard for an LX upgrade 😎.

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

@@Buoy4AK You were telling me some video ago to bring the LX up. I know the big Wanderlodges do travel Alaska and maybe one day.

[@Buoy4AK]

@@christopherrasmussen8718 you can still explore 90% of what we can (& we are certainly still restricted sometimes too). You should just grab a Milepost & do it!!

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

It's everyone's favorite "Official" Skoolie.

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks! One thing is for sure, we don’t dare stop if we’re in a hurry (they attract a LOT of attention wherever they go)

[@ralphballtrip2214]

Thank you for the video I just found you from Kentucky. I almost got the Lasko in the Air Force got at white horse and that’s it. Went back to California got out of service.

[@Buoy4AK]

Ahoy Kentucky!

[@wouldliketosleep.2845]

If you were in a Canadian prison you would be hammering licences plates just like the American prisons. The majority of the Maple syrup comes from Quebec.

[@Buoy4AK]

Not gonna ask how you came upon that info (& hope we’ll just be taking your word for it when we take the bus back to The Yukon Territory next year 😜). Thanks for commenting!

[@jameshenrie]

Personally I would get a coach because you have a lot of storage in the bottom.

[@Buoy4AK]

That’s definitely fair, & makes a lot of sense (especially if you’re taking longer trips). Thanks for commenting 😉

[@Flyin_Brian]

Hey Larry & crew! Once again we enjoyed the latest video! How arriving at the Wanderlodge came to be is a great story! Thanks for the quick-witted humor contained in the videos. As always, looking forward to the next! All the best, Selena & FlyinBrian

[@Buoy4AK]

Ahoy again Brian! Thanks for commenting, it was fun giving you the “whole” answer 😎

[@justinlinnane8043]

might be a good idea to actually have a wanderlodge on hand to see ?? lol

[@Buoy4AK]

LoL! That’s in our other videos (including an interior tour, so feel free to look around 😉). Thanks for watching!

[@chrisfrancis8446]

I asked my father the same when he bought his. ha

[@Buoy4AK]

Fair enough 😎

[@travissmith7753]

Airstreams are now around 150,000$

[@inspiredartphotos]

Researching Allison MT643 transmissions. Looks like a used one is a grand and rebuilt around 3000. The Bluebird I am considering is probably 31 feet. Does yours have the 7.5 KW generator?

[@Buoy4AK]

If your 643 still works you may want to consider just getting it refreshed since you know it’s history? Our Bird has the big 4 cyl diesel 12KW generator (seems big enough to power a small village). When we were in super hot Midwest, it kept all 3 roof AC’s so it was like a meat locker in the bus, which was a lifesaver.

[@tomgates2865]

I have owned and lived 2 yrs in a F35 1983 wander lodge. the only reason I bought SP 36 was my kholer gen set was parts were scarce, I replaced the .the stator windengs, for about $2000 and having a gen set on the passenger side, and being 6 to 8 inch drop made it too easy to highcenter. dumbell me, I had the alternator rebuilt twice, not knowing the old timers said, get a new manufacture alternator. And it would function just fine for better than 3 yrs. I hated selling, cause, the former owner had installed a pre lube system that kept wear to a minumin, especially on start up I fell for the first WL I ever saw, and set my cap to own r a BB WL, some day. My FC was built like a bus! went every where,, and really home on wheels. In two yrs. I had no major breakdown., and damn near everthing worked the way it should. I had 3 TV sets, a back up camera.. Dvd, player and computer were also added. My only concern was it was early on, that internet could not be obtained........Satelite now is the answer. With the recr=tractable TV antenn, I was never so far out that I could not bring in TV service, On the road, I used rest stops for over night while traveling, kept the freezer fulll, baught from Omaha steaks shipped to the stop specified. And///// Schwans frozen food from trucks (usaly in mo ho parks) was fantastic. I really was a bagavon, no tourist here., I would stop and talk to locals in small towns, like Benson A;Z, or Bayou La battery, Allabama, Stayed in out of the big traffic areas, Found Panama City fl. Met locals, just by being curious to the areas folks lived in. Try Hatch New Mexico with its world famous green chill harvest. Had some no so good luck with the SP, but it is turning aroung. The SP's 300 HP., and 5 speed ZF trans were the answer to great running coach. dont want anything other than a tandum axel, and slides would be ok, but necessary. Take care Thom. G.

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks for commenting Thom!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

First coach I picked was a 1983 PT40. Round headlights. Had it picked out, checked out, money down and a plane ticket. Week before the flight, the wife sees a 2003 Wanderlodge LX , down the street at the local Florida super RV dealer. She goes and looks at it. I get a call. This is it! she says. So I go down and try to tell her no. I think you know how that works. So the guy with the PT40 was nice and gives me the deposit back. I paid for the high price airline tickets so that worked out. Then we had to figure out how we could buy an bus worth 4 times what we figured. Needless to say that worked out too. Meant to have it, I guess.

[@Buoy4AK]

Well, once you look past the square headlights you got one nice, luxurious rig there!

[@dieselwrench3621]

I’m wondering what the annual cost of owning a wanderlodge is? Could a guy on an average income afford the maintenance and tires and fuel cost?

[@Buoy4AK]

Not any worse than any other motorized rv I’d suppose. MPG is about 7.5, & we amortize about $4,000 for tires over a 7-year budget (due to their 7-year lifespan). Overall, to date it feels a lot less expensive than a modern rig (although that may be wishful thinking, & doesn’t take into accout doing most of the mechanical maintenance ourselves).

[@SolomonHomestead]

You have my attention. Can't wait to see the journey on this one.

[@Buoy4AK]

Look forward to posting the next chapter Saturday!

[@bryandailey4174]

Great video - the search has started for the ideal Wanderlodge! Help me find a unicorn!

[@Buoy4AK]

That’s awesome! It can be time consuming, but the hunt just adds to the sweetness of victory once you find the perfect bus. Goes without saying, but if we can be any help just say the word 😎

[@soillife1]

Fantastic value Great 👍 quality 👌

[@Buoy4AK]

We obviously agree, thanks for watching & commenting! 😎

[@ericpeterson3838]

Cool vid dude

[@Buoy4AK]

Thanks man 😎