Bounder: 1999 Bounder 39' dp questions...

[Stump Jumper]

I am looking (long distance) at a 1999 Bounder 39' with the 275hp Cummins. Was wondering if it would have the Allison transmission or something else. Was also wondering if it has a Freightliner chassis with airbags or something else. I am having a little trouble finding much info on it online. Any help would be appreciated.

[NLOVNIT]

If you go to the Fleetwood Brochures Library thread, here in the Fleetwood Forum, & click on the link in the UPDATE 9/20/11 paragraph, you'll be taken to the page on FW's website where you can download the brochure. That archive link has many of the brochures &/or flyers of their discontinued coach lines.

Lori-

[michelb]

The Bounder Diesels do have an Allison transmission but before 01, it's probably not the one you are thinking of. I believe the 99 and 00 will have a 4 speed MT643 with 'T-handle' shifter (typically used in garbage trucks I think). Beginning in 01, they started using the MD3000 series (might be MD3060) 6 speed Allison with push button transmission.

Although it's only 4 speed, there really isn't much difference in mileage with the 6 speed but I believe the top speed isn't quite as high (not that that probably makes a difference to most mh owners). It does have an exhaust brake too. Supposedly, they are pretty much bullet proof.

It does have air suspension and air brakes too. It has all the features of most other DPs but not quite the finishing touches of some of the other ones (e.g. Discovery) (although it was available with a dishwasher that wasn't available in the Discovery and other more expensive models). I believe it also comes with an inverter standard (I believe it was optional in more expensive models) and may have a 7500W diesel generator although it might come with 6500W LP gen standard.

[michelb]

Just to add a bit of info to my previous post. One other significant difference between the 4 speed (MT643) transmission and the 6 speed (MD3000) is that supposedly there's a huge difference between the exhaust brake. With the 6 speed, the exhaust brake is very strong and really slows down the coach (you can pretty much drive without using the service brake). On the 4 speed, the exhaust brake is not nearly as strong and only operates in 3rd and 4th gear so will not work at low speeds. With the 4 speed, it's also supposedly not very strong and will not hold the speed on steep hills and you have to use the service brake as well.

[Stump Jumper]

Thanks for the info. Just bought the motorhome, so we'll see how everything works. Thanks again.

[michelb]

Congrats. I was recently looking at possibly buying a 2000 39Z myself (which is why I found out about the exhaust brake). Unfortunately, it looks like the one I was interested in is sold so I'll have to keep looking.

[Stump Jumper]

Thanks. Good luck with your search.

[SarahW]

Congrats on the new rig, Stump Jumper! Put up some pics when you get time!

[Poptop]

We've had our 39Z for two years and are real happy with it. They aren't for everyone as some people want 3 or 4 slides and the 39Z has but one. But our slide is approx 13 feet by 2 feet so it's decent in size. My opinion is Bounder has better quality than it is given credit for but thats my opinion and there are others who may not agree. OK.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by michelb Congrats. I was recently looking at possibly buying a 2000 39Z myself (which is why I found out about the exhaust brake). Unfortunately, it looks like the one I was interested in is sold so I'll have to keep looking.

Maybe Stump Jumper got it!!

Nope, his is a 1999.

[michelb]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Maybe Stump Jumper got it!! Nope, his is a 1999.

You joke but I'm always paranoid about things like this!

Last August, I found someone on another forum that also looking at and eventually bought a motor home I was looking at. It's funny because before it was sold, I had the impression that the seller was giving me a bit of the run around. I think the seller was using me to put pressure on the other buyer and keeping me as a backup (I was pickier than the other buyer in that I was insisting on having it inspected before buying while the other buyer just showed up with the cash so I guess it was easier dealing with the other guy. Although I was still surprised he stalled on selling to me (I kept trying to make plans to come and inspect and pick up and he kept buying busy with other things and postponing).