Community Forums

lincolnmath · 03-08-2019, 09:25 PM

Hi all a newbie here, been reading this forum for several wks before joining. Glad I found it seems like a very well informed, polite bunch of guys. Thankyou!

I currently have a 015 Lance 1181 on an older Dodge diesel 4x4, for off road boondocking. Well this is fine in decent NW weather when you can sit outside, but with our wet, cold long winters I'm been thinking about a Class A with more room.

Here in WA there doesn't seem to be much choice unless you want to spend 80k+ or so for a used decent coach. I see a beautiful 012 Bounder 36 for an asking 59k & a02 36 CC with 2 slides with twice the miles for 55K. I don't mind older rigs as I have a couple of classic cars so I'm drawn towards older rigs.

I recently read where one member had window rot in his late model Bounder & one member had delaminations on his CC. I realize they all have problems, but what would you experienced guys do? I'm not buying tomorrow but am pulling my hair out looking at all the used units out there, I like almost all of them! There's a beautiful Newmar in FL for 40K but that's to far. Anyway thanks for dealing with my long post. I might add that I know there's a big diff between the gas pot Bounder & the DP CC, (I could live with the screaming gas pot I think, have never driven a class A)

dsmoke · 03-09-2019, 04:41 AM

I don't have experience with either, but we have noticed many. many older Bounders in our travels. It almost became a game of "spot the Bounder" either on the road or at the campground. There are 10 more years of sun and elements on the 02. I would thoroughly inspect both and would want to know the history of the 02. Best of luck!

PbdBlue · 03-09-2019, 08:35 AM

To me it depends on how you intend to travel. If you like to boondock off the beaten path then the higher ground clearance & lower weight of the gasser would be an advantage. If you're going to be mainly cruising the highway then IMO a DP might be the better choice.

MSHappyCampers · 03-09-2019, 09:48 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I have no first-hand knowledge of either coach so can't comment on that. Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

FatChance · 03-09-2019, 10:01 AM

Don't be afraid of expanding your search area. I ended up finding our Newmar 1300 miles away. It is worth it to find the right coach instead of settling for less. Driving it home those 1300 miles was the best way to get to know our new home!