First time buyer questions

[rivercity22]

We are looking for our first motorhome and have our eye on a 2003 Fleetwood Bounder diesel pusher. This is a beautiful coach and is in near mint condition, I can't find anything wrong with it.

My question is can somebody tell me something about this model, good bad what to look for or anything in particular about the Fleetwood Bounder.

This is the ad.....Model is 37U -- 37Ft long -- 25k miles with Air ride, Entire Coach waxed recently, 300 HP Cummins Diesel, 6 Speed Allision Automatice Transmission with Engine break feature,7.5 KVA Onan Diesel Generator, 2 Slide outs on same side - Living room and Bedroom with awnings, Up to 50 Amp Electrical hookup, Premium AM-FM Radio
Washer-Dryer Combo, 4 door Norcold Fridge - Gas & Electric with Ice maker, Air Brakes, 10 gallon Water heater -- Gas & Electric Front HD TV 26" Emerson with DVD player, DVD Player with Premium Sound System, Rear HD TV 24" Sansui, New Michelin Tires (6) in 2012, HID headlights -- Low and High Beam, Convection Microwave oven Engine batteries (2) are about 2 years old, 4 New house batteries last July 2012, Carpets and Cushions for Breakfast Nook just Steam Cleaned today, Driver and Passenger Premium Power Seats -- Passenger seat reclines, All 12v Bulbs inside coach are LED, Winegard Digital air Antenna, Electric Entry Steps, All large basements -- plenty of storage. All have lighting, Front end Bra, Back up Camera, Hydraulic leveling system, Air Horns, 2000 Watt Inverter Sofa with queen size bed, 2 Awnings - Door and patio, Dual windows, Gas Stove and Oven, Premium Recliner in living room, Shower with seat. Excellent Condition.

[RFCN2]

My closest RV buddy bought new in 2003 a 34' Bounder DP. He has about 90,000 miles on it now. They are good coaches. Just check out everything to see if it runs, take for a long test drive, and look up CCC's to make sure it has enough carrying capacity for you. My friend is loaded with money and could buy any coach he wanted. He is very happy with his Bounder.

[Gjac]

I was enamored with the Breeze when they first came out. Talked to a several owners one had the 28 ft the other a 32 ft. The two negatives that I heard was that it was under powered and too much weight in the back caused the front to be light which resulted in a wandering ride. I don't know if these issues were addressed by 2013.

[joandenton]

We are looking at a 2013 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 32BR 33.2, 3000 miles. $130,000.00. We have owned fifth wheel and trailers, first time motorhome. Any help will be appreciated

[rivercity22]

Valkyriebush wrote:
Bounders have been a Fleetwood mainstay, Very good value in a DP. If your near Port Townsend I'd be glad to give it a good look over for you. Just PM me.

Thanks for the offer but I'm in Central Illinois, wish I did live in the northwest, beautiful country up that way.

[Valkyriebush]

Bounders have been a Fleetwood mainstay, Very good value in a DP. If your near Port Townsend I'd be glad to give it a good look over for you. Just PM me.

[rr2254545]

Check the date codes on the tires -assume you know how to read them

[rivercity22]

crasster wrote:
If you decide to buy it, a nice inspection from a professional RV inspector is the way to go. That way you are certain to know what you are getting into.

Thats a great idea. Where would I find a good RV inspection service in Central Illinois area?

[rivercity22]

Thanks for the help.

[crasster]

If you decide to buy it, a nice inspection from a professional RV inspector is the way to go. That way you are certain to know what you are getting into.

[dkreuzen]

My last MH was a 2003 Bounder Diesel 34M. The description of yours is very similar but ours didn't have room for a washer/dryer. I put about 40,000 miles on it in 7 years towing 6000lb trailer. No serious problems.

[lanerd]

Nice entry level diesel pusher. New, probably about $150K...now about $50K.

I think what I would first look for is maintenance records including the generator or receipts of maintenance.

How many miles on the coach and how many hours on the Generator?

Look for any water stains on ceiling or soft flooring that would indicate a previous leak.

The ad makes it sound pretty good...if it's the size, year, floorplan, and price that you're looking for, I'd sure go take a look at it.

Hope this helps

Ron

[rivercity22]

Thanks Jim, this particular coach has 2 slideouts and does not have the pass through storage which really doesn't matter to me. What you you think this was new?

Decisions decisions....

[JimM68]

Fleetwood made some really good coaches back then, both gas and diesel.
Bounder came out as the entry level diesel pusher, everyman's DP. For what they were intended to be, they were very good.

I don't immediately see a mention of slideouts. More are better, always, and I'd expect a 2003 to have at least 1 front big slide and a second bedroom slide.

Another thing to watch for with fleetwoods, they were one of the last to adopt raised rail chassis and full passthrough storage. If the basement bays come out with the slide, it doesn't have full pass through's. Up to you how important this is.