Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 04-10-2018, 08:14 AM

Hi folks,

From what I have read on here is the 2009 company had better quality.

Any merit in this?

Thanks,

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-10-2018, 08:17 AM

I had an 08 35E that was almost flawless as far as Fleetwood’s part. The electric Power Gear jacks were somewhat troublesome until we figured out how to avoid some common issues with them.

Unicorn Driver · 04-10-2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I had an 08 35E that was almost flawless as far as Fleetwood’s part. The electric Power Gear jacks were somewhat troublesome until we figured out how to avoid some common issues with them.

Thats great to hear Cliff.

What model do you have?

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-10-2018, 11:30 AM

Bounder

Unicorn Driver · 04-10-2018, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Bounder

Thanks

**NLOVNIT** · 04-10-2018, 01:38 PM

Our Bounder has also been nearly flawless. Issues were always with 3rd party systems/appliances not with anything assembled at the factory.

I remember being part of a customer input discussion at one of the FMA rallies a year or 2 after they emerged from bankruptcy. The reps from FW acknowledged quality was not as good post-bankruptcy because they lost experienced personnel as well as machinery. But we were assured they were working hard to improve.

I feel pre-bankruptcy FW produced better quality units than post. Have they gotten back to the standards then? No, but they have gotten better. There are still a LOT of bugs us buyers have to work out that we shouldn't; either because it was shoved through production too fast for the factory to right it before it went out, or the dealer didn't give it a proper once over upon arrival before selling it off to a buyer. However, it's better enough that I have a FW model on my short list for my next purchase....just not a new one.

Lori-

BCRVer · 04-12-2018, 11:10 AM

I am currently looking at a 2008 model Bounder. When I started comparing it to the same model in 2009 and newer, I noticed the engine and transmission pairing was different and later it went to a gas model instead of the DP. This alone was enough to deter form the 2009 newer model Bounder 36D. Same fp and length/weight, now as a gasser.

paddler1954 · 04-13-2018, 05:46 AM

Bounders have historically always been a gas rig. Because Bounders had such a large following, Fleetwood introduced diesel Bounders as a way of getting some of that following to move up to DP coaches. The diesel Bounders were slightly de-contented Expeditions. After the bankruptcy, the Bounder moved back to a gas only coach, because REV acquired Holiday Rambler.

We did not purchase our previous 08 Expedition 36D new, so I don't know how many problems the original owner had to deal with. I'm sure they had some warranty issues. Our current coach has had very few quality issues. So in my opinion, Fleetwood (REV) is back to building quality coaches.

0nTheRoad · 04-14-2018, 07:05 AM

Note that the pre-2009 gassers were manufactured on two completely different chassis, Ford with the V10 engine/tranny and Workhorse with a GM 8.1L V8/Allison tranny.
Obviously there are fans of both...

0nTheRoad · 04-14-2018, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

I had an 08 35E that was almost flawless as far as Fleetwood’s part. The electric Power Gear jacks were somewhat troublesome until we figured out how to avoid some common issues with them.

Can you elaborate on the common issues with Power Gear jacks and how you avoid them?

youngeagle · 04-22-2018, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Hi folks,

From what I have read on here is the 2009 company had better quality.

Any merit in this?

Thanks,

I was always told in the diesel pusher world that the best coaches are from 2007 on back due to the economy taking such a hard hit. Also you don't have to worry about DPF systems and other troublesome exhaust gas systems. Just my .02 cents don't wish to down or insult those who had bigger wallets than me to buy newer nicer coaches. I have worked my way up from two 5thers and one older American Eagle. Happy to enjoy the hobby with everybody!

NC25T · 04-22-2018, 07:25 PM

I had a 08 bounder 38P, great coach on the workhorse chassis

Had leveler issues several times which FW fixed. Ended up replacing most of the system to get it worked out

I think some state 09 and older DP are superior due to less emission crap. Less to go wrong...

osull · 04-22-2018, 07:31 PM

I have an 08 Bounder 35E. Ford V10 5speed. Flawless workmanship. Runs great. Did 75 days across country and back Summer 17. Not one issue at all.

Vato · 04-24-2018, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0nTheRoad

Can you elaborate on the common issues with Power Gear jacks and how you avoid them?

I can chime in on what I believe is the Power Gear issues.. That is if you're referring to their electric jacks

I have a 08 Fleetwood Terra with Power Gear electric jacks

Mine malfunctioned within a couple of years

PG has a lever on the bottom of the motor to disengage for manual activation

Along with this lever is a thin strap spring that prevents the lever from being accidentally activated. To activate the lever to go to manual activation you must press the spring then move the lever

The metals used were dissimilar causing significant corrosion which caused the jack to malfunction setting off error codes on the control panel

I had to purchase 2 new solenoids from PG and was able to r&r the others

I removed the strap springs completely and lubricated the solenoids with waterproof grease and purchased the new and improved rubber boots from PG

Check this link:
https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/...428_REV_0B.pdf

I purchased a spare solenoid which I have not needed in 8 years

What ever I did has worked flawlessly .....

Ya I was a bit pissed I had to diagnose and repair to better than new, but I've gotten used to it being and RV owner