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stepside454 · 10-01-2014, 05:30 PM

We have been dreaming of full timing for several years. We are working our way towards it. We very recently ( as in picking it up Friday ) purchased a newer ( to us) 1996 Fleetwood Bounder 36s on a ford chassis with a 460. The thing is in beautiful condition. It has a single slide, nice floor plan, tag axle etc.
We originally purchased it as an upgrade from our 85 Pace Arrow , for weekend camping. Now we are actually thinking this Bounder might be adequate for full timing . Ate we crazy ?

Brockx · 10-01-2014, 05:39 PM

It's big enough, if it is sound then why not. Probably won't hurt anything to try out full time, if you don't like FT, then your not out much.

stepside454 · 10-01-2014, 05:54 PM

I think my biggest concern mechanically would be, is that 460 going to be powerful enough in the mountains pulling our car. I imagine headers would help a bunch

Brockx · 10-02-2014, 06:30 AM

Headers would help based on comments others have made in the "Ford Chassis Forum". The 460 fuel injected engine is a strong engine, I'm pretty sure there are plenty of 460 Fords in various trucks and campers going through the Western grades. I avoided the Tennessee I24 Monteagle grade for three trips. This year I went that way and was amazed how well my old 460 ran the grade in both directions. Just dropped it manually out of overdrive and held it at 3000 rpm to the top, both directions.

Afubar · 10-02-2014, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepside454

I think my biggest concern mechanically would be, is that 460 going to be powerful enough in the mountains pulling our car. I imagine headers would help a bunch

I have the same engine in my 96 Newmar, does fine pulling my older heavy car on a tow dolly. One thing I would check is to see if the fuel pump has been changed. Just had mine go at 59000 miles. Since it's in the fuel tank, it's not fun to get charged. I also recommend the Bank's system.

Good luck.

okcnewbie · 10-02-2014, 06:38 AM

Go for it.......

#jealous

Dasmoeturhead · 10-03-2014, 05:38 PM

Dont put headers on it, unless you like not being able to hear anything in the cab except exhaust drone. That 460 cid has all the power you need. Invest in a cheap transmission cooler imstead, and enjoy the heck out of it.

Bullitt · 10-03-2014, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepside454

Are we crazy ?

No.

Forget about the headers though. I had them on my '66 Mustang, '69 Road Runner, and '68 Mustang. Can't see it on your MH though.
.
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beamisl · 10-03-2014, 07:27 PM

stepside454,

Not at all, enjoy yourself with it. If it is comfortable for you then it makes no difference it's age or size. Just has to work for you!

Dan McMartin · 10-04-2014, 12:44 PM

We are planning on full-timing as of now as well. We often look at the older MH's (10+ years old) as opposed to late model (5-10 years old). They are appealing on price, that's for sure. You can always upgrade later and when you pull up to a couple living in a small TT or a class B, you'll feel like you're living in a mansion!