Looking at 97 Bounder

[jenandjon]

We are looking at a 97 bounder. They are asking $18,999. Has the ford 460 big block. with my trade in I would have to come up with Im guessing 11-12 grand. They havent got back to me with a quote yet. If we went ahead on this I would have to sell my pickup. That's fine I would just go get a cheaper one. I wont need a big diesel truck anymore.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this motor home and drive train. We take a trip or two a year. 3,000 to 4,000 miles round trip.

Here is a link to the one we are looking at.
http://www.jerrystrailers.com/defaul...OwnedInventory

[Mr Plymouth]

Hi,My friend has a bounder and loves it but i suppose how it was taken care of means alot,i have a 460 in my Damon and like it,Before i bought it i checked with some of my Ford friends which are mechanics at Fords and are car guys ,They would have no problem buying a ford 460.Very good engine
Hope this helps

[98FPA]

jenandjon, from the pics shown in the link this appears to be a pretty nice MH. I think I'd check NADA pricing before making any decisions. $19,000 seems to me to be a bit high but?? I bought a 98 Pace Arrow 36' w/Ford v8 460 a couple of years ago for $15,000 with just over 25,000 miles on it. I do not have any slides which I really don't care for anyway, just another thing that can go wrong. Another good check is to see what they bring on eBay, MH's in this time frame are only bringing around $10,000-$12,000. You will want to check the service records, tire tread, etc. A set of 6 tires will cost you close to $2500.00 alone. All of the v-belts, radiator hoses, etc. were the original ones, this cost around $1000 to have this done. Hydraulics cylinders started leaking (yes after) I purchased it, had to have them re-sealed. Then the hydraulic hoses started leaking; these two repairs were around $550. Rear sway bar bushings were shot. I noticed on the link (unless I missed it) it didn't show the miles, the one tire did look pretty good but you will need to check the date code. Give a good old once over. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Brockx]

My first MH was a 1996 Pace Arrow Vision, 460 Ford, 33.5 foot. The Bounder, Pace Arrow, and Pace Arrow Vision all had a lot of commonality, just different trim levels. I had great luck with it, 68K on the speedo when I bought it, never had a significant issue on anything. Plenty of power, better MPG than my current unit.

I paid 10,000 for it in 2012, sold it for 15,000 late 2014.

[jenandjon]

Most mechanical things I can do myself. Especially on an older engine. What about milage? Around 8 mpg I suppose? Cruise set on 60 on a nice day.
I did my research on price and it does seem a tad high but we haven't even begun negotiations yet. I am a repete customer. I've bought 2 other units from this place and I deal straight with the owner himself. Hopefully that gets me a little leadway.

[LSC9901]

A lot of missing information in that ad. I looked in the NADA book and they don't show a 36S with a slide out. I'm not saying it doesn't exist but they do not list it. I have a 2001 that we paid $21K for a couple years ago. It has 2 slides. Mine had about 53K miles on it at the time of purchase.

By all means check the date codes on the tires. As you probably already know, tires can look great but they could age out. What does it have for maintenance records. Make sure you check out all the appliances in every way that they can work.

We love our bus. It is a few feet shorter than yours but is perfect for our overall needs. If there are things you are unsure of by all means get a mobile RV person to come and look at it for /with you. A couple hundred bucks might save you from a $18,000 (+/-) mistake.

By all means let us know how you make out.

[CJ7365]

Going through the NADA with a 14' slide, $16,000 average retail

[Inthe70s]

I am not a motorhome expert, however I do watch the market as a hobby and consider myself relatively knowledgeable about RV's. I think the asking price for that make and model is a tad high without knowing the mileage and mechanical condition. The pics do look nice. The slide does add quite a bit of dollars as motorhomes without a slide do drop in price quite a bit. Based on what I see in the market, I would think that a price in the $10k to $14K would be in line. Just my 2 cents. Good luck and keep us posted of how you proceed!

[Wbonsell]

The Bounder is a great solid motorhome. We have some friends with a 99 36S on a Ford chassis with a slide and it has served them well.

As with anything mechanical overall condition and proof of maintenance is probably more important than mileage. The house systems are more problematic than the drive train. Refer, generator, plumbing etc. Check date codes on tires for sure. And good luck.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by CJ7365

Going through the NADA with a 14' slide, $16,000 average retail

Can you post the NADA link ? I just couldn't find a '97 36S with a slide listed. No doubt it is just my searching abilities.

[Brockx]

Here is a link to the 1999 Bounder brochure and specs...note the 1999 had the "new" V10 not the 460 V8 other than that they should be very similar.
Your 36S is shown http://fleetwoodrv.com/frvlibrary/do...1999_bdr_b.pdf

[mike brez]

Delete

[jenandjon]

I might hold off a little bit until something better comes along. I will wait and see what he quotes me. Hope to hear back today. My wife has not even seen it yet. Thank you all for your input. I have not been on here much lately but I know I can always depend on this group to help!

[MO Fred]

In another year your 97 Bounder will be considered vintage. There are a lot of good people and great support on the IRV2 vintage forum.