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C-SweetMemor · 01-16-2025, 07:20 PM

Hello! My wife and I are looking to buy an old gasser and stumbled across this 96 FW Bounder 35u. We love the floorplan though it is big it checks nearly every box for us and our two Littles. Gen has been replaced, tires in good condition and from what we could tell it's been meticulously maintained. Walls are in good condition but we noticed some bubbling at the bottom of the unit that is hard to the touch. Should we pass? Any insight is greatly appreciated

Arch Hoagland · 01-16-2025, 07:24 PM

How much?

C-SweetMemor · 01-16-2025, 07:25 PM

They are asking 12.5k

Country Road · 01-16-2025, 07:57 PM

A lot of folk on this forum have RV’s that may be a little older.

Here’s the difference. Either they’ve had them for years and know their RV in and out or were fortunate to find a gem.

In your case, you may be lucky or you may bomb out. Roll the dice. It may be your lucky day.

GypsyR · 01-16-2025, 08:16 PM

Not quite sure what to make of that. Have you crawled underneath? Somebody on here had a coach that had terrible rust rot problems but it looked fine standing next to it. Because all the parts being attacked by rust were up under the coach, no steel parts were visible on the outside. Like that (and my) coach.

dons2346 · 01-16-2025, 08:44 PM

A little old for me. The tag axle was added because the single axle couldn't handle the weight and the extended frame could be a problem. The welded portion would be a good place to start looking for frame rust. If it is local to you, due to the location, it could be a serious rust bucket.
At 12.5, it is seriously overpriced.

C-SweetMemor · 01-16-2025, 08:48 PM

Unfortunately we are states away, this one is located in AZ and has spent its life there or in southern california. Most MH I've seen in our area (northern il) are littered with issues.

SafariBen · 01-16-2025, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Country Road

A lot of folk on this forum have RV’s that may be a little older.

Here’s the difference. Either they’ve had them for years and know their RV in and out or were fortunate to find a gem.

In your case, you may be lucky or you may bomb out. Roll the dice. It may be your lucky day.

Exactly, and everybody brags about what a deal they got, and passed up better deals since, so don't want to see you pay more than the "best" deal they ever saw. $12k could be fine, or it could be way overpriced.

Those bubbles wouldn't bother me much, that part below the belt line is not the same as the upper walls that are more critical.

US1 · 01-16-2025, 11:23 PM

Looks like they put tape over both of the compartments on each side of the door and behind the front fender then painted the tape?

jaydee325 · 01-17-2025, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346

A little old for me. The tag axle was added because the single axle couldn't handle the weight and the extended frame could be a problem. The welded portion would be a good place to start looking for frame rust. If it is local to you, due to the location, it could be a serious rust bucket.
At 12.5, it is seriously overpriced.

I remember reading tests on these back in the day when Motorhome Magazine was the definitive source. The tech editors had nothing good to say about the aftermarket tag axles and recommended staying away from them.

The Bounders in particular were generally seriously over weight from the factory. Some models barely had enough weight carrying capacity to carry the occupants before exceeding GVWR.

I'd pass.

d23haynes57 · 01-17-2025, 05:47 AM

I wouldn't take that design coach even new. The chassis is not up o the task and those early coaches with the 16-inch wheels are a handful to drive and keep in tires. It will do about 5 to 6 miles to the gallon on a very good wind behind you downhill day. Try to at least go to a 1999 to get the later chassis. The bubbling on the bottom indicates water got back there and you will likely find the framing is rusting out.
My vote, Pass!

C-SweetMemor · 01-17-2025, 08:56 AM

The floorplan is truly what we like the most and the fact that there are no slides. Curious if there is any other models out there that are similar.

We have seen a Thor residency, fleetwood southwind with forward facing couch and a rexhall aerbus.

I am waiting for photos of underneath but from what I've seen and been told there isn't any rust near those areas that are bubbling.

jacwjames · 01-17-2025, 09:11 AM

This is a pretty old coach. Do a search for comparable prices to see if it is in line, but it will be hard to compare with that old of a coach.
Even if it is in good condition a lot of stuff can happen.

I try and take care of mine and after each trip the repair lists seem to get longer and longer.

So if you buy it I'd suggest having a reserve fund equal to what you pay for it.

Mark_K5LXP · 01-17-2025, 09:18 AM

I think the part being glossed over is it's pushing 30 years old. Everything plastic will be brittle, and every hose, seal, bushing and bumper is decomposed to the point of failure. For $12K one could consider this entertainment until such time there's a major issue. But at 29 years old it doesn't matter who owned it, how it was maintained and where it was kept, this thing will need a lot of intervention to keep it on the road with any degree of reliability. If as an owner you're "handy" and don't mind a perpetual project then this is for you. Just offering to look beyond the floor plan for a second and consider what is involved keeping a vintage vehicle on the road.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM