If you’ve been RVing for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of Keep Your Daydream (KYD). They’re full of knowledge, tips, and recommendations to enjoy the RV lifestyle. But more than that, they encourage people to live their dreams and not put off making memories.
Last year, they made news when they stepped away from their Airstream Flying Cloud and purchased a vintage 1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge motorhome. Let’s learn more about why Marc and Tricia decided it was time to go back to the 80s!
Famous YouTubers Bought a Vintage Bluebird Wanderlodge Motorhome
Marc and Tricia are popular YouTube influencers in the RVing community. They’ve been traveling the country with their kids since 2016.
Now their oldest is in college, their middle child is going to college in the fall, and their youngest is starting college visits and still living at home. They’ve made countless memories as they left the “American Dream” behind and pursued the simple life and amazing experiences over stuff.
From 2021 to 2022, Marc and Tricia decided to take Route 66 from Chicago to California in a vintage 1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge motorhome. They had never taken a trip along this infamous road and wanted to do it in style.
In fact, the decor inside the Bluebird Wanderlodge was Route 66. It was the perfect choice for these travelers as they embarked on a new adventure on the historic route.
HOT TIP
If you’re planning to road trip along the historic highway, check out the 7 best motels on Route 66.
What Is a Bluebird Wanderlodge?
A Bluebird Wanderlodge is a motorhome built by the former Blue Bird Body Company, now called Blue Bird Corporation. No two Wanderlodges were manufactured the same, as they were all custom made to meet customer specifications.
Full-scale production began in 1965. After 44 years of production, the model line ended in 2009.
The Bluebird Wanderlodges were well crafted, high-quality motorhomes priced about the same as a medium-sized home. Owners loved them and kept them for decades. The school bus body was unlike the other motorhomes on the market, and today, RVers love the vintage look.
Why Did KYD Buy a Bluebird Wanderlodge?
KYD currently has an Airstream travel trailer but put it in storage to take this trip down Route 66. There’s something nostalgic about driving a vintage motorhome down one of the most historic roads in America. So when Marc and Tricia found “The Bird,” they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take her from Chicago to California.
The fabric of the captain’s chairs and dinette benches, the comforters on the two twin beds, and the window curtains were outfitted with Route 66 images. The whole vibe of the 1984 Bluebird Wanderlodge made their trip along Route 66 that much more enjoyable and memorable.
What Does KYD Normally Travel In?
As mentioned, KYD has an Airstream Flying Cloud travel trailer that they usually tow with a Ford F-250. Previously, they’ve owned a Northland travel trailer, a Grand Design Reflection travel trailer, and a Grand Design Momentum toy hauler.
They’ve rented other RVs and shared their experiences with motorized RVs during short travels as well. But this trip down Route 66 was meant for a Bluebird Wanderlodge motorhome.
Where Did They Find the Bluebird Wanderlodge?
KYD found the Bluebird Wanderlodge in Hilton Head, S.C., where former owners, Missy and Bunny, were selling their prized possession. After taking a trip to Alaska and renting an RV while there, they set out to find their own RV. Six years later, they bought “The Bird” and loved their time with this vintage motorhome.
What Upgrades Did KYD Do On the Bluebird Wanderlodge?
Because of the dated appliances, KYD installed a new Dometic 10 cu ft compressor refrigerator. It runs off 12V and not propane. Marc and Tricia decided to go propane-less because getting a new older propane tank was difficult.
They added a Roadmaster tow system in the rear to pull the Subaru and upgraded the old tires on the Wanderlodge to 225/11R Toyo semi-truck tires.
The biggest upgrade was solar. KYD installed four panels of 300W on the roof and four Battleborn GC3 batteries — with 270 amp-hours each for a total of 1080amp hours — under one of the twin beds in the rear of the coach. There are two 3000W inverters running in parallel.
Because KYD wanted to be able to boondock and travel down the road with two air conditioning units, they felt it necessary to install so much power. They don’t have a working generator.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Bluebird Wanderlodge?
Vintage RVs are fun and nostalgic. Marc and Tricia have loved traveling across America along Route 66 in “The Bird.” They’ve made so many friends on the road because they pull up in a 1984 vintage motorhome, and it easily sparks conversation.
However, it could be the most expensive RV you’ll ever own because of maintenance and repairs. They aren’t that expensive to buy upfront but consider the lifetime cost of the rig.
You also have to keep in mind how that vintage RV will perform on steep inclines or dirt roads. You may want to divert your route to avoid putting too much stress on an older RV or prepare for slower travel time.
Finding a dealership that works on vintage RVs is also challenging. Marc shared how he struggled to find places that had employees who knew how to work on the Bluebird Wanderlodge.
Does KYD Still Have the Bluebird Wanderlodge?
After the Route 66 trip was complete, Marc dropped off the Bluebird Wanderlodge in Elkhart, Ind., at the RV/MH Hall of Fame. It’s now on display for everyone to see.
In the RV Founders Hall, visitors can see trailers, photos, and memorabilia dating back to the 1920s. The museum showcases the chronological advancement of the RV industry over the last 100 years. If you love history and RVing, you’ll want to plan a trip here soon.
What do you think about KYD sending “The Bird” to the RV/MH Hall of Fame? Would you have given it up or kept it for yourself?
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