A couple questions about my 1996 Bounder

[cm2785]

Hi guys! I just got my 1996 Bounder with 11k miles. It’s the Ford chassis. I noticed the fuel pump in the rear seems to be a little on the loud side. Granted the tank Only has a quarter of fuel in it at the moment but I didn’t know if that was normal or not. Also I noticed going up a street with a not very large incline but a bit of a dip in it at the intersection the receiver dragged a little bit. Keep in mind the fuel is at a quarter and the holding tanks are empty (not sure how much fresh water is in it as the lights aren’t working on the read out). The rig seems to be level, it’s not lower in the back or anything but I was thinking maybe I should put air bags on it? Do you guys think that’s a good idea and if so which are the best kit to buy?

Thanks for the help!

[tropical36]

cm2785 wrote:
Hi guys! I just got my 1996 Bounder with 11k miles. It’s the Ford chassis. I noticed the fuel pump in the rear seems to be a little on the loud side. Granted the tank Only has a quarter of fuel in it at the moment but I didn’t know if that was normal or not. Also I noticed going up a street with a not very large incline but a bit of a dip in it at the intersection the receiver dragged a little bit. Keep in mind the fuel is at a quarter and the holding tanks are empty (not sure how much fresh water is in it as the lights aren’t working on the read out). The rig seems to be level, it’s not lower in the back or anything but I was thinking maybe I should put air bags on it? Do you guys think that’s a good idea and if so which are the best kit to buy?

Thanks for the help!

I put one of these on our old National brand with a chevy chassis, as they always sit low to the ground. Worked well, but one still must be careful in certain situations....SKID WHEEL

[Blutoyz]

I already hit the bump stops on the back of mine first trip out on a heavy parking lot incline(I thought it was the hitch). I didn't even know it had those guards on the chassis but I am glad it did.

As for the pump, give is some fuel and a little time. 20 years old with 11K miles it may just need to stretch it's legs

[garyemunson]

I'd bought an old 93 Ford Bronco to beat around the desert with..when I got it, fuel pump noise was quite noticeable. Bought a new one but before I could get around to changing it, the noise kept lessening. 5 years later new pump is still sitting on my tool box... Ha!
Our previous RV would drag the receiver on a lot of uphill dips...I've noticed our new Winne doesn't do it..the old coach's frame was full height to the back where the Winne has a step up in the last 3 feet that places the receiver higher...but it does make a drop hitch necessary for some towing...

[gbopp]

Fill the tank and then check the sound level of the fuel pump.
And, note how much fuel it takes to top it off compared to the gas gauge.
Possibly your gas gauge is off? They're not real accurate but you need to know how close they are so you don't run it too low.

I fill our 96 Southwind, GM chassis, when it gets to 1/2 tank.
And, the fuel pump does sound a little louder when the tank is low.
I don't know if the sound echos off the partially empty tank or, it's just my imagination. 🙂

As for dragging the receiver, maybe it's just an unusual situation on that particular street? Did it drag anywhere else?
I have a long overhang and have never had a problem.

If possible, have someone stand along the street and video the Bounder going over that section of street. You will see what's happening.
I wouldn't do anything until I was sure the problem is with the RV and not the road surface.

Keep us updated and enjoy your travels.

[cm2785]

Thanks for the info I never run anything this low just was super late and tired when I pulled into town but the next start is going straight to the gas station.

[GPWayne]

Sound is normal. No sound is bad.
Best to run on the top half of your tank.
The generator fuel tap is about 1/3 to 1/4 of the tank. Not a good idea to run the generator out of fuel. (could be hard to prime etc.)
Also good to keep the fuel pump covered with fuel to keep it running cool.