Community Forums

pledbett · 02-15-2020, 08:05 PM

Looking into purchasing a 2018 Bounder 36H. What is an honest assessment of this coach. Just a little background, I am moving from a DP to reduce maintenance expenses.

computerguy · 02-17-2020, 04:46 PM

I did the same (from a 2005 Monaco Knight to a 2016 Bounder).
It is different. No air ride, no air brakes, way less carrying capacity, way less towing capacity, no Jake brake. You can do some things to make the ride a little better but will never be a DP air ride. Brakes? Well, drive slower and leave plenty of distance between you and the turds driving in front of you. Go slow down large grades. The tranny has a tow mode that tries to work the way a Jake brake does but does NOT replace one. Way less torque to try and slow you down.
I like my gasser because of the money savings. There are days I wish I had a DP but in the end I still enjoy my gasser more that I feared a HUGE DP repair bill.

AZ RV'r · 02-17-2020, 05:00 PM

Wow me too.... I went from a 2007 Monaco diesel to a 2016 Bounder purchased in 2015.

We ran 36,000 miles in that coach with VERY minimal repairs, and I traded it in on a Southwind 1 1/2 years ago.

**NLOVNIT** · 02-17-2020, 07:43 PM

Here's some reading material for you:

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/201...ce-276429.html

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/bou...ce-292388.html

Lori-

pledbett · 02-18-2020, 04:20 AM

Thank you to all who responded.

BOSTONBERNIE · 02-24-2020, 03:07 PM

Great add on for the v-10 engine that you are moving to is the 5 star chip.It roughly is around $500.00 dollars and worth every penny. Go to the web site for info that will explain what it does and how it will change your engine torgue. One of the best add ons I invested in. In addition a rear sway bar which keeps the tail from wagging the dog ! It wont make it a DP but is sure a great help and another worth while investment.

twinboat · 02-24-2020, 03:35 PM

Since Ford reprogrammed the V10 power range and added the 6 speed automatic transmission, in 2016, it took care of the major issues that the 5 Star Tune corrected.

Unless your struggling climbing hills, with your foot to the floor, the extra HP and Torque will not be realised.

The tune does make your gas pedal more responsive, but you can just push your foot down further and faster to get that.