2008 Bounder 32VS WH/Allison with 19.5 wheels

[lrtrees]

I am going to look at a 2008 Bounder 32VS on the Workhorse chassis. Most of these and the Southwinds I have looked at run on 22.5" wheels, but I am going to look at one running 19.5" wheels. While these are generally cheaper to replace, the larger whells should handle imperfections in the road and may ride better to.

Several have mentioned the load carrying capacity, but the FW Bounder brochure shows only one set of numbers for this information and does not show differences for the two wheel sizes that I can see. I does not even show there is a diference as far as options for the two sizes.

I am wondering if I am missing something between the two sizes? Is there some consideration that I am missing?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Lon

[The General]

Hi Lon,

I believe the 32' Bounder models available in 2008 were the 32K and 32W and both were on a 208" wheelbase and had 19.5" wheels.
All other Bounder models in 2008 were built on longer chasis with 22.5" wheels. You are correct about the larger wheels riding better in every way. RV tires should be replaced every 6 years or so and most have plenty of tread left when replacement is due.
I think the 32vs is a Southwind model.


Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrtrees I am going to look at a 2008 Bounder 32VS on the Workhorse chassis. Most of these and the Southwinds I have looked at run on 22.5" wheels, but I am going to look at one running 19.5" wheels. While these are generally cheaper to replace, the larger whells should handle imperfections in the road and may ride better to. Several have mentioned the load carrying capacity, but the FW Bounder brochure shows only one set of numbers for this information and does not show differences for the two wheel sizes that I can see. I does not even show there is a diference as far as options for the two sizes. I am wondering if I am missing something between the two sizes? Is there some consideration that I am missing? Thanks for your thoughts, Lon

[Clifftall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The General Hi Lon, I believe the 32' Bounder models available in 2008 were the 32K and 32W and both were on a 208" wheelbase and had 19.5" wheels. All other Bounder models in 2008 were built on longer chasis with 22.5" wheels. You are correct about the larger wheels riding better in every way. RV tires should be replaced every 6 years or so and most have plenty of tread left when replacement is due. I think the 32vs is a Southwind model. Steve

You are correct General. I have the 08 brochure. The 32 K&W have a 208" wheel base and the 34-36 have 228". They don't mention wheel size though.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The General RV tires should be replaced every 6 years or so and most have plenty of tread left when replacement is due. Steve

Better go read the RV Tire guides that the bigger manufacturers put out. NONE of them recommend replacing the tires based only on age. Here's Michelins:

Quote:

Michelin Technical Bulletin May 15, 2006 Service Life for RV/Motorhome Tires The following recommendation applies to RV/Motorhome tires. Tires are composed of various types of material and rubber compounds, having performance properties essential to the proper functioning of the tire itself. These component properties evolve over time. For each tire, this evolution depends upon many factors such as weather, storage conditions, and conditions of use (load, speed, inflation pressure, maintenance, etc.) to which the tire is subjected throughout its life. This service-related evolution varies widely so that accurately predicting the serviceable life of any specific tire in advance is not possible. That is why, in addition to regular inspections and inflation pressure maintenance by consumers, it is recommended to have RV/Motorhome tires, including spare tires, inspected regularly by a qualified tire specialist, such as a tire dealer, who will assess the tire’s suitability for continued service. Tires that have been in use for 5 years or more should continue to be inspected by a specialist at least annually. Consumers are strongly encouraged to be aware not only of their tires’ visual condition and inflation pressure, but also of any change in dynamic performance such as increased air loss, noise or vibration, which could be an indication that the tires need to be removed from service to prevent tire failure. It is impossible to predict when tires should be replaced based on their calendar age alone. However, the older a tire the greater the chance that it will need to be replaced due to the service-related evolution or other conditions found upon inspection or detected during use. While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit. For tires that were on an original equipment vehicle (i.e., acquired by the consumer on a new vehicle), follow the vehicle manufacturer’s tire replacement recommendations, when specified (but not to exceed 10 years). The date when a tire was manufactured is located on the sidewall of each tire. Consumers should locate the Department of Transportation or DOT code on the tire that begins with DOT and ends with the week and year of manufacture. For example, a DOT code ending with “0304” indicates a tire made in the 3rd week (Jan) of 2004. (See back.)

[The General]

Thanks Mr_D,

I inspect my tires every outing and have my tires/brakes inspected once a year by professionals. Tires are like a tough chewing box of chocolates; you never know what's going to bite into them or your pocketbook.


Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Better go read the RV Tire guides that the bigger manufacturers put out. NONE of them recommend replacing the tires based only on age. Here's Michelins:

[lrtrees]

Steve, you are correct. It is a 32K. I get confused far to easy!

[The General]

You are going to love your spanking new, to you, 2008 Bounder 32K if you can work out a good deal!

Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrtrees Steve, you are correct. It is a 32K. I get confused far to easy!

[lrtrees]

Hi Steve,
Well I looked at the Bounder yesterday. What a nice coach and an even nicer owner. The coach is in top notch condition and seems to run like a champ. Hardly a mark on it.
Now the hard part. Coming up with a offer
I am thinking that the tire size is not a big deal and certainly not a deal breaker.

Thanks for your help,
Lon

[The General]

Hi Lon,

To get a handle on an offer, I would ask about the options ordered, mileage, engine, and any add ons. I'd also look for comparable pricing on the internet. I'd go to NADA's website and look at the lowest price given and offer less to get the ball rolling. I wouldn't worry about the tire size either. Let us know what transpires!

I'm getting excited for you,

Steve

Quote:

Originally Posted by lrtrees Hi Steve, Well I looked at the Bounder yesterday. What a nice coach and an even nicer owner. The coach is in top notch condition and seems to run like a champ. Hardly a mark on it. Now the hard part. Coming up with a offer I am thinking that the tire size is not a big deal and certainly not a deal breaker. Thanks for your help, Lon

[lrtrees]

Thanks Steve.

21,000 miles on the WH/Allison 6 speed chassis.

I am currently waiting for Fleetwood to send me the info on options.

NADA, bare bones, no options--low retail $64,340 and avg. retail $77,520.

As I said earlier, coach is CLEAN!! Both inside and out. Drives very nicely.

Lon