It doesn't matter what the RV, there are quality differences. Many are under the surface as with Barths, Newells, Prevosts, and Bluebirds. Here is a pic of a Wanderlodge that failed to negotiate a turn in the Bitteroot Mts. of Idaho. Apparently this corner is notorious for trapping RVers out sightseeing. The difference (according to the tow truck driver) is the "rest of the story".



As this Wanderlodge was part of a rally when it rolled, some quick thinking participants pulled the batteries and cleaned up the acid that spilled. It took two tow trucks to right it. Amazingly, there were only two cracked windows and some scratches as apparent damage. The tow truck drivers were flabbergasted as the many RVs that they've rescued in this area were picked up with a tow truck and a dumpster.

This all happened ten years ago, and the rig finished the rally (no doubt with an embarrassed owner). They fixed the windows, repainted the rig and it recently sold from those owners.

Quality is not skin deep.

The best part is that it shows how strong they make their school buses.

It's probably not a coincidence that Barth, Bluebird, Prevost and MCI all made vehicles for commercial applications that demanded high quality in design, workmanship and materials.

For a long time Wanderlodge (a Bluebird product) boasted never having a fatality in one of their motorhomes. This, ironically, ended when the 80+ year old FMCA Wanderlodge President put his new rig into the trees at an estimated 80+ miles per hour and despite surviving the initial impact, died from the injuries. He was on his way to the national rally. It is said he took down over 100 small trees before the 50,000 lb. 450LXi came to rest. I've seen pictures and would say a younger person may have survived it. A smarter driver would probably have avoided it. He is said to have boasted about his high speed runs. It led to a recall on the 450LXi that repositioned the generator (for front end weight reduction) and increased front tire pressure.

I once owned a 1976 21' Cortez motorhome, made by the Clark Equipment Co. of Kent Ohio - you'll remember this company as the one that made the Clark Forklift truck,

There was talk among Cortez owners of there never having been a recorded fatality in a Cortez motorhome, owing to its rollbar constructed steel superstructure frame, and body.

It was said that one Cortez went off the side of a cliff on the Big Sur coastal highway in Northern California and the occupants were able to walk away from it....but that may have been an urban legend.

So it is easy to believe a Bluebird Wanderlodge coache suffering minimal damage when rolled or in a collision, due to the robust construction employed in their manufacture.

rb

quote:

Originally posted by rb:

There was talk among Cortez owners of there never having been a recorded fatality in a Cortez motorhome, owing to its rollbar constructed steel superstructure frame, and body.

rb

I was half-owner of a Cortez, and loved its quality construction. I am sure it was way safer in a rollover than a stick and staple RV, but I think a head-on could have been fatal.

quote:

Originally posted by Moonbeam-Express:
It's probably not a coincidence that Barth, Bluebird, Prevost and MCI all made vehicles for commercial applications that demanded high quality in design, workmanship and materials.

For a long time Wanderlodge (a Bluebird product) boasted never having a fatality in one of their motorhomes. This, ironically, ended when the 80+ year old FMCA Wanderlodge President put his new rig into the trees at an estimated 80+ miles per hour and despite surviving the initial impact, died from the injuries. He was on his way to the national rally. It is said he took down over 100 small trees before the 50,000 lb. 450LXi came to rest. I've seen pictures and would say a younger person may have survived it. A smarter driver would probably have avoided it. He is said to have boasted about his high speed runs. It led to a recall on the 450LXi that repositioned the generator (for front end weight reduction) and increased front tire pressure.

The things you learn on the Barth Forum. Good article Corey!