Community Forums

fischerbug · 09-15-2014, 02:29 PM

We saw lots of rv's this weekend, and are trying to narrow down our search. We could really use your opinions. We are a family of five, with kids ranging in age from 12 to 4. We are looking to purchase a Class A Gas Motorhome. Ideally we'd like a bunkhouse, bunk over, 1/2 bath, outdoor tv and some good kitchen & outside storage. So far we really like the Fleetwood Bounder Classic 36H and the Winnebago Vista 35B models.

The Bounder is less expensive, and I hear Fleetwood has a great reputation. This floor plan seems awesome except there isn't an upper bunk for our 12yr old. Although, I hear they have had problems in other rigs and am not sure if they are more trouble than they are worth? I'd love to hear what you like, dislike or would change about your rig.

For us it's not just about the money, but longevity, durability (with littles) and customer service. I'd say our price range is about $100,000 -120,000. Thank you in advance

brian-nicola · 09-15-2014, 03:07 PM

Can't speak to the bunk version, but we had a 35K and it was flawless and FW support was great. There are lots of happy Bounder owners out there.

EricBurns · 09-15-2014, 08:20 PM

We recently bought a 34B, having had a class C bunkhouse for the last year. We looked at the Vista/Sunstar 35B as well. For us the Fleetwood felt like it offered a little better value for the money. We've taken it on 2 trips in the last month and love it. The drop down bunk is cool, but each of the two Winnebagos we looked at, the drop down bunk had dropped off the track that supported it, leaving it swinging. Maybe an unfounded fear, but I found myself a little nervous about our daughter being up there and it easily coming detached. That said, both of the units we saw had the powered drop down bunk; maybe the manual option is actually more secure. Our 34B didn't come with the outside entertainment center (a $2k option), but there is a cable jack and power outlets in one of the basement storage areas under the awning, so we have a $160 LCD TV in there and made our own. Very impressed so far.

fischerbug · 09-15-2014, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricBurns

We recently bought a 34B, having had a class C bunkhouse for the last year. We looked at the Vista/Sunstar 35B as well. For us the Fleetwood felt like it offered a little better value for the money. We've taken it on 2 trips in the last month and love it. The drop down bunk is cool, but each of the two Winnebagos we looked at, the drop down bunk had dropped off the track that supported it, leaving it swinging. Maybe an unfounded fear, but I found myself a little nervous about our daughter being up there and it easily coming detached. That said, both of the units we saw had the powered drop down bunk; maybe the manual option is actually more secure. Our 34B didn't come with the outside entertainment center (a $2k option), but there is a cable jack and power outlets in one of the basement storage areas under the awning, so we have a $160 LCD TV in there and made our own. Very impressed so far.

Thank you so much. It's nice to hear you've had great luck. To be honest I was leaning toward the Bounder, as I felt you get a lot for the money. But I think hubby was leaning towards the ease of the upper bunk, and a bed for every child. But you bring up a great point. The upper bunk is motorized, which brings about concerns. To be quite honest I love the fact that there's a King bed in the bedroom as I think our 4yr old will find her way there every night, and the boys can have the bunks

EricBurns · 09-17-2014, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fischerbug

Thank you so much. It's nice to hear you've had great luck. To be honest I was leaning toward the Bounder, as I felt you get a lot for the money. But I think hubby was leaning towards the ease of the upper bunk, and a bed for every child. But you bring up a great point. The upper bunk is motorized, which brings about concerns. To be quite honest I love the fact that there's a King bed in the bedroom as I think our 4yr old will find her way there every night, and the boys can have the bunks

Yeah, the king bed (and the fact that the cabinets around the bed don't make you feel claustrophobic) were another big selling point. We have friends that just bought a very nice Tiffin 4 slide bunkhouse, but even they don't have a king bed. We've looked at seemingly very brand/model (I'm a little obsessive compulsive), and there are certainly models that we like more, but not for the same price.