Wanderlodge – The Ultimate Guide

Have you recently discovered a Wanderlodge?

Are you curious to learn more about these wonderful bus like motorhomes?

Is your mind pulsating with feverish excitement for more, more, more?

I will start is with some history.

Then we’ll dive into the juicy details and identify the different models.

Finally, I’ll share links for further investigation.

Don’t worry, I’ll keep this guide simple.

Ready to dive in?

What is a Wanderlodge?

The Wanderlodge is a factory built recreational vehicle. The Wanderlodge interiors were custom designs. With over 200 options offered no two interiors are alike.

When were they built?

Built in 1963, the first prototype Wanderlodge became known as the Transit Home. Constructed in 1965 the early production versions retailed for $12,000. The last Wanderlodge built and sold in 2009 with a list price over $1,000,000.

Who built the Wanderlodge?

Between 1961 and 2006 the Blue Bird company constructed the Wanderlodge motorhome. Later renamed The Blue Bird Corporation. The same company that built the Blue Bird school buses. In 2007 Complete Coach Works purchased the Wanderlodge division.

Where were they built?

Fort Valley Georgia is the home of all Wanderlodge motorhomes. In 2009 the factory closed and the building has since been vacant.

How were the motorhomes built?

Early versions of the Wanderlodge were factory conversions. The narrow body versions began with the All American school bus chassis and shell. The All American shell is a steel ribbed structure covered with a steel skin. The bare shells fitted with the components found in motorhomes. The interiors designed, constructed and installed at the Fort Valley location in Georgia. In the late 1980’s the design changed to allow for widening the coach from 96″ to 102″. The new design, construction and completion began and finished at Fort Valley. All Wanderlodge design, construction and completion occurred at the Fort Valley Georgia facility.

How many Wanderlodge motorhomes are there?

In 1969 Blue Bird produced 12 units designated the “Blue Bird Inn”. The production numbers are unknown. Estimates put the total Wanderlodges built over 4000. Because the Wanderlodges were custom built. The VIN numbers are not consecutive. There is no way to determine the exact number of Wanderlodge motorhomes completed.

What models did Blue Bird build?

There were 3 generations of the Wanderlodge motorhomes constructed. The first generation based off the All American chassis 1963-1990. The second generation built from 1991 thru 1997. The third generation, based on Blue Birds intercity chassis built from 1998 to 2009.

First Generation Wanderlodge Models (1963-1990)

• Blue Bird Wanderlodge Prototype 1964-1965
• Blue Bird Transit Home (1963, 1965-1967)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge FC (1968-1989)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge XV (1979)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge PT (1982-1988)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge SP (1989-1992)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge WB (1988-1990)

Second Generation Wanderlodge Models (1991-1997)

• Blue Bird Wanderlodge SP (1991-1992)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge WB (1991-1997)
• Blue Bird/Spartan Motors BMC (1994-1997)

Third Generation Wanderlodge Models (1998-2009)

• Blue Bird Wanderlodge LX (1998-2003)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge LXi/M450LXi (1998-2009)
• Blue Bird Wanderlodge M380 (2003-2009)

What significant changes did the Wanderlodge experience?

• 1963 – Prototype constructed
• 1965 – First production year
• 1965-1973 – Only offered in 31 foot length
• 1964-1976 – Standard engine Ford 394 industrial gas motor
• 1969 – Rear engine model, total 9 units produced
• 1970-1973 – No changes
• 1974 – Second FC model added at 33 foot long
• 1975 – Third FC model added at 35 foot long
• 1976 – No changes
• 1977 – Caterpillar 3208NA diesel V8 introduced
• 1978 – No changes
• 1979 – Final year of gas engine
• 1980 – Air ride suspension became standard mid year
• 1981 – No changes
• 1982 – First year of new diesel pushers at 35 foot and 40 foot
• 1983 – Rear Bath option introduced in FC models. Caterpillar 3208T (turbo) became standard in FC models. Caterpillar 3208T at 225 horsepower, Caterpillar 3208T increased to 250HP mid year
• 1984 – PT 35 stretched to PT-36.  
• 1985 – No changes
• 1986 – Detroit Diesel 8V92 (8V) engine added to pusher models.  
• 1987 – FC floor plan redesign. Caterpillar 3208T horsepower upgraded 300 HP. Walk-thru bath floor plan offered in pusher models.
• 1988 – Introduced 102″ Wide Body (WB) in 38′ and 40′. Introduced Detroit 8V92TA 475 HP with DDEC in Pusher. 
• 1989 Introduced 36′ Single Axle Pusher (SP). End of Forward Control. Conversions by Royale available. 
• 1990 – No changes
• 1991 – Changed exteriors appearance of Wide Body & SP. 
• 1992 – End of SP model
• 1993 – No changes
• 1994 Introduced BMC (Bluebird Motor Coach). 
• 1995 Added 42′ Wanderlodge with 60 Series Detroit, 6 speed Allison and Aqua Hot heat. Redesigned BMC 37′. 
• 1996 Introduced the 40′ BMC with m11 Cummins 400 HP, 6 speed Allison, Tag Axle.   
• 1997 Lowered engine in Wanderlodge to allow for Walk-in closet.  Redesigned 42′ as 43′.  40′ became 41′ with 60 series, 6 speed and walk-in rear closet.   
• 1998 – Introduction of WB-41 LXi and WB-43 LXi w/500 HP Series 60 and resytled exteriors. Introduction of WB-40 LX w/450 HP M11 Cummins
• 1999-2000 – No changes
• 2001 thru 2003 – LX-M11 engine went from 450 H.P. to 500 H.P. New body style. Otherwise its the same as 98 – 2000. In 2001,some LX’s were non-slide some were single slides. 2002 and 2003 were all slides , either single or double. LXi After about the first 15 units built, the effort to lighten the units began. Front axle rating went from 14,400 to 15,500 and finally to 16,000 #’s Fuel capacity went down to 260 from 300 gal. The exterior roof skin changed to stretched aluminum. The bulk oil fill eliminated as well as tile floors. A handful of units received the cummins M11 500 H.P. engine.
• 2003 – M380 single rear axle model introduced.
• 2004 – Double slides offered. Introduction of independent front suspension with 54 degree turning angle. Integral stainless steel tubing with continuous aluminum extruded header construction introduced. 1 piece aluminum roof.
• 2005 thru 2009 –

Abbreviations

• FC = Forward Control (Forward mounted engine)
• FC31 = 31 foot Forward Control
• FC33 = 33 foot Forward Control
• FC35 = 35 foot Forward Control
• RB = Rear Bath
• SB = Side Bath
• NA = Naturally Aspirated (Non-turbo engine)
• T = Turbo charged
• PT = Pusher Tag
• PT35 = 35 foot Pusher Tag
• PT36 = 36 foot Pusher Tag
• PT38 = 38 foot Pusher Tag
• PT40 = 40 foot Pusher Tag
• DD = Detroit Diesel
• TA = Turbo charged Aftercooled
• 6V92 = Detroit Diesel V6 92 series
• 8V92 = Detroit Diesel V8 92 series
• DD60 = Detroit Diesel 60 series
• SP = Single axle Pusher
• WB = Wide Body
• SA = Side Aisle
• DA = Diagonal Aisle
• SD = Side Diagonal aisle
• WTOS = Walk-Thru Offset aisle
• WL = Wanderlodge
• BMC = Blue Bird Motor Coach
• LX =
• LXI =

Special Editions

• XV = 15th Anniversary Edition (build years 1978-1979)
• XXV = 25th Anniversary Edition (build years 1988-1989)
• ME = Millenial Edition

What model Wanderlodges were available by year?

Forward Control Models (1968-1989)

Pusher Tag Models (1982-1989)

SP Single axle Pusher Models (1989-1992)

Wide Body Models (1989-1997)

BMC Models (1994-1997)

M380 Models (2003-2009)

LX Models (1998-2003)

LXi Models (1998-2009)

Why did they stop building the Wanderlodge?

From the beginning of Blue Bird and Wanderlodge the business was family owned. In the 1990’s the family ownership ended. The new focus shifted to maximizing profits. In 2007 the Wanderlodge brand transferred to Complete Coach Works. The Great Recession took a heavy toll on RV manufacturing. 2009 marked the final year of the Wanderlodge production. After 46 years th Fort Valley facilities closed.

Want to learn more about the Wanderlodge?

Wikipedia

Vintage Birds

Wanderlodge Owners Group (WOG)

Is this the end?

While the Wanderlodge factory has closed its doors. And time marches on. The allure of these wonderful machines will continue. Current owners will retire from this form of travel. And new owners will take up the quest.
The birth of the Wanderlodge is history.
The legend of these wonderful RV’s is not forgotten.
And, with your help these marvelous machines will be traveling the roads for years to come. Is this your time to follow your curiosity, passion and dreams?