"New" '07 Bounder 38N

[SSteve]

Help us Obi-wans, you're our only hope...

The schedule says we take delivery of our Bounder (˜07 38N) late next week. This will be our first diesel and we've been hard at it trying to learn as much as we can.

But, while we were thinking about how we were going to enjoy our new baby, we sort of missed the fact that it's really almost two (model years) old--hardly "new"� when speaking of motorhomes.

When we finally did think about that, a few things suddenly came to mind. We will be the first owners which means the coach has been sitting around for a year or so (in Tucson). Besides realizing we should diligently inspect for sun/UV issues, we figured we'd be sure the engine oil has been changed recently (or at least documented as having been changed), but, after that, we drew a blank.

What other items in a Cat diesel/Freightliner chassis require an annual service? We know most issues should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty for a year, but we just read a post about someone in a similar situation assuming the required service had been done by the dealer. It had not, but there was no proof either way. The not so happy owner was stuck with a hefty engine replacement bill.

We'd like to miss out on that adventure if we can.

We want to be as sure as we can that the dealer has taken care of as much as possible before we take delivery and anything you have to offer is most appreciated.

Thanks much
SSteve

P.S. We're posting this in both the Fleetwood and Freightliner sections hoping for maximum effect

[SSteve]

Help us Obi-wans, you're our only hope...

The schedule says we take delivery of our Bounder (˜07 38N) late next week. This will be our first diesel and we've been hard at it trying to learn as much as we can.

But, while we were thinking about how we were going to enjoy our new baby, we sort of missed the fact that it's really almost two (model years) old--hardly "new"� when speaking of motorhomes.

When we finally did think about that, a few things suddenly came to mind. We will be the first owners which means the coach has been sitting around for a year or so (in Tucson). Besides realizing we should diligently inspect for sun/UV issues, we figured we'd be sure the engine oil has been changed recently (or at least documented as having been changed), but, after that, we drew a blank.

What other items in a Cat diesel/Freightliner chassis require an annual service? We know most issues should be covered under the manufacturer's warranty for a year, but we just read a post about someone in a similar situation assuming the required service had been done by the dealer. It had not, but there was no proof either way. The not so happy owner was stuck with a hefty engine replacement bill.

We'd like to miss out on that adventure if we can.

We want to be as sure as we can that the dealer has taken care of as much as possible before we take delivery and anything you have to offer is most appreciated.

Thanks much
SSteve

P.S. We're posting this in both the Fleetwood and Freightliner sections hoping for maximum effect

[hondo122]

Welcome, I would have the oil in the genny changed also. Check the batteries and tire dates. Just give it a thorough PDI. Good luck!

[Cat]

Just make sure to take your time with the PDI. With the slides all the way out. Run out finger around the inner seal, where the slide meets the wall and make sure it is making contact all the way around the top. Make sure when the slide is all the way in that the outside seams are flush.I would check all the AC plugs for power. Also ours sat for awhile before we purchased it. I think the batteries went dead, and the Allison transmission lost its memory. What that means is it would up shift to soon and not downshift soon enough. It will relearn because it is an adaptive transmission but it takes awhile. There is away that the dealer can teach sooner.( they go into a certain mode in the trans do full throttle up shift then light throttle shifts). Ask lots of questions where the fuses are how do reprogram the keyless entry. If you have the Samsung Tvs and DVD player they can be a Pain to set up. Have the dealer show you. Took me three months to figure out why the rear speakers did not work ( they were turn off on one of the sub menus). One other thing our Bounder is slow to dump the air suspension, the front drops fast when you flip the lever but the rear suspension takes 5-9 mintues. Doesn't sound long but if you waiting for it to dump/lower so you can use your levelers its too long.So check it. And don't forget to enjoy it.

[SSteve]

Hondo and Cat,

Thanks much for the advice. You both offered things I hadn't considered

Thanks again,
SSteve

[JMJCSIM]

Ssteve,

I would make sure that all of the recalls/updates have been performed. We have a 2007 Expedition 38N, which is the same as the Bounder with different colors, and it was in the shop 3 times last year for updates on the Power Gear level jacks. Also, have them run the air conditioners before you show up to make sure that they will cool the coach sufficiently. We had issues with the duct work coming apart inside the ceiling. Last but not least, have a blast!

[SSteve]

JMJCSIM

Good Ideas!

Thanks
SSteve

[buck62]

Don't forget to change the filter in the Allison transmission at 5000 miles. Check your transmission serial number, after a certain serial number Allison did not require the 5000 mile filter change. My guess is that the dealer did not do the oil change or chassis lube, most dealer's sell as received even if it has been setting on the lot. Talk the dealer into paying for an oil change/lube at a Freightliner service center and they can also do a complete chassis inspection. All the RV dealer's I know also say that they do not do chassis work so you will need to pursue this. The 38N Bounder is a nice coach, I am sure you will enjoy it..Have Fun...Congradulations..