Wanderlodge
Wanderlodge is a high end brand of Class A motorhome Recreational Vehicle that was built by Blue Bird Body Company now Blue Bird Corporation in Fort Valley, Georgia, from about 1963 until 2009. Production started with a 31 foot gas powered forward control (front engine) model and expanded to include larger diesel engine powered pusher (rear engine) models up to 43 feet in length. They remain highly prized by their owners[1] and have an extensive service network[2]. For many years the Wanderlodge was in a separate class of motorhomes along with other premium brands like Prevost and Newell. Pricing of these RVs, from the 1960s until now, has been comparable with pricing of a medium-sized house.
The original Forward Control models such as the one shown in the photo were built from 1963 through 1989 with a variety of engines including Ford gasoline and Caterpillar diesel. In 1982, "pusher" models with a rear-mounted Detroit Diesel engine were introduced. Lower-cost "Bluebird Motor Coach" versions were built from 1994 to 1997 using a Spartan motorhome chassis. Wider and more luxurious models were built through 2009 in decreasing numbers. In 2007 the Blue Bird Corporation sold the motorhome product line to Complete Coach Works which operated until 2009 but has not announced plans for further production of the Wanderlodge.
The Wanderlodge, an all metal coach orginally built on the Blue Bird bus chassis, was sold around the world to celebrities, dignitaries, and heads of state. Notable owners[3] include the former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, country music superstar Johnny Cash, and King Hussein of Jordan, among others. Features of the Wanderlodge that were unique when introduced included a built-in safe, redundant heating and hot water systems that used electricity, engine heat or diesel, and fuel tanks offering range in excess of 1,000 km.
A listing of model variations and construction details can be found at vintagebirds.com[4] among other enthusiast sites.
References
- ^ http://www.wanderlodgeownersgroup.com
- ^ http://www.blue-bird.com/general.aspx?id=934&quickid=68
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/21/business/on-the-road-in-a-350000-home.html?pagewanted=all
- ^ http://www.vintagebirds.com
Categories: Recreational Vehicles | Recreational Vehicle manufacturers
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