Build story
1977 Bluebird Wanderlodge
Looking to learn how the Edison retro-fit kit can be adapted to re-power this classic Bluebird Wanderlodge FC 31. These were factory built motorhomes from Bluebird utilizing riveted galvanized steel body panels - and are legendary for their tank like construction. There are documented accounts of these models surviving a rollover - and driving off under their own power with minimal damage.
This FC 31 model has a Cat 3208 NA which I would love to replace with a diesel electric hybrid - very much like Edison is proposing for their pickup retro-fit kit. That kit will likely need to be tweaked to handle the weight of the Wanderlodge (i.e., larger eAxle), but we hope to learn from Deboss as they take lead on the Edison Motors pickup retro-fit kit roll-out. There is a Wanderlodge owners enthusiast group waiting and watching.
Here's are the specs for the bus:
Length: 31 ft.
GVWR: 24,000 lbs (full fuel / water)
Construction: Rivets and steel
Engine: Caterpillar 3208 NA 210HP
Transmission: Allison 4-Speed
Generator : 6.5Kw Guardian (gas)
Suspension : Springs (no air bags)
Brakes : full air
Fuel : 150 gallons
Water : 64 gallons
Grey : 42 gallons
Waste : 60 gallons
LPG : 45 gallons
Original MSRP : $125,000
Current mileage 106,000
Floor plan : twin beds - rear bath
Looking to learn how the Edison retro-fit kit can be adapted to re-power this classic Bluebird Wanderlodge FC 31. These were factory built motorhomes from Bluebird utilizing riveted galvanized steel body panels - and are legendary for their tank like construction. There are documented accounts of these models surviving a rollover - and driving off under their own power with minimal damage.
This FC 31 model has a Cat 3208 NA which I would love to replace with a diesel electric hybrid - very much like Edison is proposing for their pickup retro-fit kit. That kit will likely need to be tweaked to handle the weight of the Wanderlodge (i.e., larger eAxle), but we hope to learn from Deboss as they take lead on the Edison Motors pickup retro-fit kit roll-out. There is a Wanderlodge owners enthusiast group waiting and watching.
Here's are the specs for the bus:
Length: 31 ft.
GVWR: 24,000 lbs (full fuel / water)
Construction: Rivets and steel
Engine: Caterpillar 3208 NA 210HP
Transmission: Allison 4-Speed
Generator : 6.5Kw Guardian (gas)
Suspension : Springs (no air bags)
Brakes : full air
Fuel : 150 gallons
Water : 64 gallons
Grey : 42 gallons
Waste : 60 gallons
LPG : 45 gallons
Original MSRP : $125,000
Current mileage 106,000
Floor plan : twin beds - rear bath