Bounder: 2016 Bounder 36h first impressions

[hydrocarbon]

Hello all,

My wife and I have been looking for a bath and a half bunk model class A for a few months now. We live in a small town that is 4-5 hours away from any dealerships so this was our first chance to look at a Bounder.

We left for Salt lake on Friday night and awoke to about a half inch of snow outside our hotel room. So much for the test drive. We still went to the dealership and looked over the unit to see if it would be something we would be interested in.

When looking at the 36h floor plan online, I was concerned that there was not a good position to view the TV, and I confirmed this during my walk through. I figure this can be corrected by swapping the couch and table around, and installing a slide out and swivel mount for the tv. No problem


Next I checked the weight sticker. Factory weight is... 20,604lbs! The salesman said that is dry weight, no fluids. Is that correct? That leaves me with a ccc of 1,396lbd. So If I fill the fuel tank 500lbs, 1/3 tank of water plus water heater 350lbs, two adults 350lbs, two kids 100lbs, propane 80lbs...That's it I'm at the ccc limit?

I wish Fleetwood would have just gone to a 24/26k chassis for this floor plan.

If I install all the suspension upgrades, sumo springs, sway and track bars, and steering stabilizer, can I bring some clothes to wear and a pack of hotdogs to eat? Or do I need to install a turbocharger, Electromagnetic brakes, and a rear parachute? 😛

Other than those few issues we both loved everything about it!

So what's your folks options or thoughts on how I'm interpreting the weight limits? If I'm correct then I think it's safe to believe that many more couches like this one are going down the road overweight.

Thanks everyone for your time.

[We_B_Tripn]

I have been looking at this model for the same reasons and was / am concerned over the weight as well. I inquired with Fleetwood and here is the response to how OCCC is calculated from their engineers,

"Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you Mr. D. But I had to wait for the engineers to get me the exact meaning. Below is what I was told;

LP is part of the calculation. If there is water in the unit it is deducted.
OCCC is the weight of the coach plus full fuel and full LP minus the GVWR."

Based on that and from your numbers it would calculate as,

22000 GVW
-20604 UVW
--------------
1396 OCCC
- 450 in passengers (adults and children)
- 350 in fresh water
---------------
596 CCC

Anything installed aftermarket after delivery counts against the OCCC, so suspensions upgrades, etc. will all subtract from that value. I completely agree that this model needs to be on the 24K chassis at a minimum. After all what's the point of 8 seatbelts and sleeping for 9 - 10 if the vehicle can't even carry the load, let along the camping stuff that goes along as well.

Regards,

Bill

[hydrocarbon]

Thanks Bill.

I wonder if FW would consider upgrading the chassis in the upcoming model years? Maybe if enough of us complain?..

I think its more likely the 22K based chassis was a cost based decision (isn't everything?), and that to most RV owners weight limitations are an afterthought. I also think that many motorhomes on the road, especially gassers, are over weight.

Most people would assume if the coach was designed to carry 8 passengers, it would be able to carry them and their gear for a weekend boon docking camping trip... well surprise!

Does anyone think if RV manufacturers had a built in "weight limiter" that shut down the engine when the chassis was overloaded that the salesman could boast that as a safety feature? lol

[We_B_Tripn]

I asked Fleetwood if the would option the 24k chassis and was told no. Others have relayed a similar experience. I'm hoping the 2017 models will change in that respect. With kids and their friends I can see having more than four people and stuff. I may or may not boondock but certainly want the ability in my coach should I choose to. But being limited in weight would affect that ability and not sit well after such an investment.

[hydrocarbon]

Today I received a call from a Fleetwood dealer about an email I sent asking about a 24k chassis. I was told that for 2017 FW plans on using the 24k chassis for the 36H and possibly other Bounder floor plans!

If this is true than I will be placing my order for one next year!!

[We_B_Tripn]

Thanks for the info. I guess time will tell, but that certainly should help IMHO.

I do like everything else I have read and seen about the 36H and in particular the 30th Anniversary model. I wonder if those features will carry over for 2017?