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LSC9901 · 01-14-2016, 06:58 AM

1997 Bounder M-36S (Ford) Standard Equipment, Prices & Specs - NADAguides

The above link shows the NADA pricing but I am not convinced that it is absolutely correct. NADA does not show this unit (1997 36S) as having a slide.

As far as it being Vintage .... that is yet another classification. My first RV was a vintage when we bought it. The only things I had to do to it was tires and a fuel pump. Tires to me are just regular maintenance. The fuel pump was the only real issue we had. Granted it wasn't the greatest unit but with a little work we had a fine home that we doubled our $$ on when we sold it. Point is that if the floor plan is what you like and it hasn't had the crap beat out of it, then the year isn't always an important issue. It certainly isn't to be ignored but if the important maintenance issues are all in order it is well worth a look see. They are super easy to walk away from since another one is just around the corner.

Good Luck

Brockx · 01-15-2016, 05:23 AM

There is a possibility the motorhome is a model year 1998 or 1999 built on a 1997 chassis. Ford transitioned from the 460 V8 chassis to the V10 chassis in 1998. There were no 1998 chassis and many 1998 and possibly early 1999's were built on 1997 chassis'. If the dealer is basing his info on the chassis VIN which is a 97 (which he posted) ........worth asking about.

kb2ztx · 01-16-2016, 04:43 PM

Our 1997 Bounder is a good base camper. We bought it with 100K on it and had to replace shocks, steering stabilizer and a full tune up. Only issue we have had was burning the plug wires up. I ordered ceramic boot plug wires this winter and am told this should fix the issue i have. Time will tell. We have a 30' and got about 8 MPG driving to Pocono's last year from CNY. That was surprising to me being the hills and mountains we were in. I only got 10 with my 2010 F350 SD Diesel towing our 28' 5th wheel so i was happy.

I would search around down south as ours does show the signs of age in regards to rusty parts here and there. Mostly stuff that was protected well. This was our first and so far we like it.

spider13 · 01-16-2016, 05:19 PM

I have a 97 36s,we love it .Watch tire date.There was an issue with fuel pump on that coach.Check for manifold leaks,(broken studs) pass. Side.Check fogged widows.sway bar bushings.Be prepared to work on it.The price is high,depending on mileage.It is probably as good or better than any at that age.mine runs strong pulling a Kia and dolly (4500 lbs) 7.5per gal back and forth to Georgia for last3 years .Good luck, Rich.

stepside454 · 01-17-2016, 11:32 AM

We have a 96 36 ft Bounder with slide out on a F53. We bought it late 2014 for 14k with 60 k miles . We like it a lot . I did have a fuel pump fail , cost me 600.00 to have replaced . I did have headers put on it , made a world of differance in the hills . We are really enjoying it so far.

Inthe70s · 01-18-2016, 08:41 AM

We have a '97 Aerbus made by Rexhall, 36' with slide, 60K miles. It is built on the same f53 Ford chassis with the 460 and tag axle. We love it. We have had to fuel pump replaced since that is a failure point for this year chassis. I am also having the Banks performance pack with headers installed as we speak. We had the broken manifold bolt issues so I decided to go with the headers to resolve that issue. Those 2 items are the only known problems that I am aware of for this year chassis. Otherwise, we really love our motorhome. Good luck!