1997 Class A Bounder questions

[MrWizard]

researching 97 36ft Bounder Ford gasser

would like some info regarding the slide outs and the tag axles

only one slide , it contains dinette booth and sofa on drivers side

type of mechanism, problems etc..?

i know nothing about tag axles, except (2) more tires to buy, when the time comes

i figure the members with this one or its brother can fill me in

thanks

PS: please skip the I don't want slides or won't buy or all junk and trouble

i'm not looking for an RV with slide, it just happens that this one has one,,
and i want to know about it, before making any decisions

[MrWizard]

breakers above fridge


Click For Full-Size Image.

12v fuse should be , behind there on the right, see the sticker
i did not open that, i thought i saw them someplace else, but might have been the power control center for the slide and leveler hydraulics,

since i don't have the RV here YET, i cant just run out the door for another look, guess they are together, I'll have to open that to see if there converter is back there

Have to find the transfer switch, so i can install an inverter, might go whole house ?
All this is research and imagination until i pick it up and start arranging it to our use

[RLS7201]

MrWizard wrote:

No fuse panel next to the breakers, I think it's closer to the front, in an overhead cabinet
The breakers are above the fridge

That is a little unusual for Fleetwood. It was normally SOP for the circuit breakers, fuses and transfer switch to be a combined unit. With the combined unit, the fuses were behind a small metal cover, with thumb screw. Let us know where you find them, please.

Richard

[MrWizard]

Going to sell it, but sitting in it right now
Selling won't happen for a while

[mike_brez]

Did you sell your Safari? I think I read some threads awhile back and you did some engine work to it.

[MrWizard]

My Safari has a heck of a panic stop
And really easy to use steering, feels like a car. Instead of a truck

No fuse panel next to the breakers, I think it's closer to the front, in an overhead cabinet
The breakers are above the fridge
Thanks for the BCC info
I hope this one works well, seems like lots of people have trouble with them
I assume the newer ones are built differently than this 20 year old one

I downloaded the service bulletin and manual from 1996 for the EZ Glide slide

From the info i found, it appears this was an in house design by Fleetwood which was later sold to or handed off , to Kwickee step mfg
It's very solid looking, this one needs a good lube job and maybe adjustment
But i think i can handle that

[RLS7201]

I don't think the converter will be overhead. The location changed from model to model, in the same year. Hopefully some one with the same model and year will be able to help. I can explain how the converter is wired to the system. The converter output goes directly to the fuse panel, beside the breaker panel. Then the power goes (via 2 wires) to two 30 amp breakers in the BCC. Look in the fuse panel and you will see 3 wires in a lug. Big wire goes to the converter, 2 small wires to the BCC. Not the best 12 volt charging arrangement. You may want to wire it differently. I run a 2/0 from the converter/solar source directly to the house batteries. Fused on both ends of the wire. But that's just minor stuff.

On RVForum.net is a gentleman by the handle of Just Lou. He has the most intense knowledge of the RV Custom Products BCC of any one I know. Also has the wiring prints and trouble shooting guide.
Also goes by Old Bounder on IRV2.

Yes, the steering and braking have a heavy feel. Just have to apply a little more effort. During a panic stop, I did leave black marks on the pavement, so the brakes will work OK when maintained.

Richard

[MrWizard]

a little research, where is the power converter ?
behind the overhead breaker panel ?
or someplace else

need to start considering a combo inverter/charger replacement OR add on inverter
i put a deposit on it today

it drives good the engine sounds great
the steering and brakes have more resistance than the safari
not bad just different, have to get used too it is all, a little more effort to turn the wheel, a little more effort on the brake pedal
different power systems
no trouble driving street or freeway, wheel base is close enough, watch the mirror when turning corners, nothing new

[MrWizard]

spent 2 hours this morning going over it
i went thru the manuals and looked at the "EZ Glide" fleetwood slide mechanism
the front/right side is binding, i think the swing arms need to be lubed up
that setup really takes up almost all, the 'would be' storage space for that area, leaving one little compartment
about 1/2 of inside slide seal is loose,
i asked about leaks, he said it doesn't leak if the slide is in, but does if the slide is out
that is my only real gripe, everything else is minor, the inside is very clean
the exterior paint is fading, but so is anything that got take to the desert salton sea/ dunes for 'toy riding'
no body damage, roof has been recoated
it has the side by side freezer/fridge, 10 cuft I think
it has (8) good looking Michelin tires
engine runs great,


he is the second owner, has had it for 15yrs, bought it in 2002
smog and tags renewed in May

i'm leaning heavily toward getting it, but need to stop and think thru all the Ifs and Buts, the bedroom is exactly what ive been looking for, along with the kitchen layout, and the side entry door, loosing outside storage to the slide is bothering me
i'm running things thru my head, trying to figure if i can compensate with the additional inside storage space, under bed, under dinette, under sofa

Tommy and Richard and everybody, thank you

[tommy_g]

I agree with everyone so far. I added the banks last year and have not regretted it. The "do not go cheap on the tires" gets a huge AMEN from me! 93,000 miles so far. The slide is hydraulic operated swing arms moving polyethylene blocks in a metal channel. DW and I have decided that we will keep going as long as we or the Bounder can.

[RLS7201]

With the Banks Power Pack, the 460 could easily make the climb from Blythe to Q, never dropping below high gear (3rd). Now with the 528 I drive past the trucks in OD (4th). See big ol grin on my face. Boys never out grow their toys, they just get more expensive.

Richard

[MrWizard]

it has the Banks power system
something i did not think to mention, since i was asking other questions

thanks

PS:

no 'toad' just a 300# motorcycle

the worst hill climb, we have done the last couple of years is drive to 'Q'

I will add a couple of batteries and some solar
to the next RV,

[RLS7201]

17,000lb chassis + 3000lb for the tag. 4 wheel power disc brakes (hydro boost) + drum brakes on the tag, with separate master cylinder and power booster (vacuum i think). 245 HP @ 3600 rpm, 400 ft lbs torque @ 2000 RPM. That ol 460 will suffer at 20,000 lbs. Add a 3500 lb toad (max) and it will be a slow day. Average 6.5-7 MPG. Add a set of headers and the ol 460 will wake up a lot! No catalytic converter 94-97 F53 chassis. E4OD 4 speed OD transmission, is a soft shifter and will wear out the torque converter locking clutch. Add a banks trans commander for about $250.00 or I can show you how to build a voltage divider, to increase the line pressure, for $5.00. My E4OD was working great at 130,000 miles when I pulled it to beef it up for my 528 stroker engine.
Don't go cheap on those 16" tires. Ford installed Michelin XPS 235/85R16 all steel cord tires as OEM for a reason. Bridgestone also makes an all steel cord in that size. Duravis R250.
Make sure the front end has a touch of tow-in and a pan hard bar and it will drive well.
Rear sway bar bushings are prone to failure. $50.00 on ebay. (skuterdude)
Ford says you need to remove the disc brake calipers every 2 years and clean and lube the slide pins. I find it good maintenance.