peruky
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Re: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
Rick Jay wrote: In my opinion, neither of those would be good for full-timing. Cargo carrying capacity is way too low. Now, if they were on a 24,000 lb. chassis...maybe. But 22,000 lbs., no way. We don't full-time, but when researching our first (and current) RV over 10 years ago, I estimated we would need between 2,000-2,5000 lbs. of capacity for people, food, fuels, water, clothes, spare parts, etc. Our rig weighs in empty 18,800 lbs. Fully loaded for an extended trip, we are near 21,500. Our Honda Odyssey weighs in just about 4,450 lbs., so all connected and ready to go, we flirt with the 22,000 lb. GCWR. For shorter trips where we don't pack quite so heavy, we can be as much as 500 lbs. or so lighter. Anyway, full-timing for most people will require that they bring more stuff than we have. Our rig couldn't carry the weight and keep under the weight limits, and ours is 36' with 2 slides. These newer rigs are even taller than ours, so there's some extra weight there as well. While I think both of those floorplans are interesting, I couldn't buy either one as I know I'd be rolling down the road overloaded if we packed the way we wanted. I know Workhorse used to have a 24,000 lb. GVWR chassis. I thought Ford did too. In my opinion, both of those floorplans would be viable on a heavier chassis, but not on a 22,000 lb. chassis. ON EDIT: I just checked and Ford does make an F-53 with 24k and 26k GVWs. These motorhomes should be on one of those. Just my $0.02. Good Luck in your search, ~Rick Thank you Rick, I will start looking for the overall weight restrictions when looking at floor plans. I will try to see if there are any in my price range. Thanks once again.551Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
dahkota wrote: peruky wrote: Thanks Effy, I see the wheelbase and that's good news and we have 4,000 weight. Is that decent and acceptable for long term/full time rving? Where do you find 4000 weight? Where is that referenced? Do you mean the GCVW, which is 26K? That 4000 is for a towed... See how much I have to learn ... lol. I didn't know that was a for a tow, I thought it was for passengers, water, fuel, and supplies/storage weights. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate all this information and advice.551Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
dahkota wrote: Here is a review of a bounder 35K. It is a 2012, but they haven't changed much. The wet weight (no supplies or passengers, full water and gas) was 20,020 lbs. With a 22K chassis, there is 1980 lbs. for cargo and passengers. But, that is if your towed weighs less than 4000 lbs. If it weighs between 4K and 5K, anything over 4K reduces the CCC. This coach is 2 feet shorter than the Thor, with one less slide. We travel very light, even for fulltimers. Most full timers carry a lot more stuff. Many full timers go for a heavier capacity chassis when they get longer coaches. Tiffin and Newmar both make coaches with a 24K chassis, which will give you more wiggle room at that size. Thank you I'm going to go read the information right now. I love how you all share and give good info. and advice.552Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
The longer wheelbase will definitely help it ride nicer. Here's the specs page: Challenger specs Thanks Effy, I see the wheelbase and that's good news and we have 4,000 weight. Is that decent and acceptable for long term/full time rving?551Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
dahkota wrote: Wow. The 37kt has a wheelbase of 242" on a 22K chassis. Mine is 208" on a 22K chassis, about 4 feet shorter. I only mention this because, in our recent hunt for a fulltiming class A, we ran into quite a few larger gassers with really low (for us) cargo capacity. On our 34' bounder, we have 3600 lbs. I would imagine, being 4 feet longer, the 37KT would be about 1200-1600 lbs. less. If it isn't less, where did they save the weight? Something I would definitely take into consideration. One class A we found had a 1200 lb. cargo capacity. Thanks for bringing that up because we have not even considered that concern. I love how I can learn new things from others. You are truly a help so we can make a better decision.551Views0likes0CommentsRe: Bounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
teddyu wrote: Have a 371, predecessor of the 37KT. Nicest layout to be had. The convience of the 3 rooms makes it a fantastic RV for FT or occassional guests. Sometimes we don't deploy the front slides, especially in winter or short term stays. Many pass through basement compartments for added storage. Did a minor mod to the furnace for better heat control. This a good ticket for fulltiming in a gas unit. JM2ยข...but I'm biased Teddyu, does the doors rattle loudly while driving down the road? Do you have to open the bedroom slide to sleep? Because sometimes if we are on the road to a destination and I would prefer to just stop at a rest area so I can take a nap without opening the slide and then get back on the road again.93Views0likes0CommentsBounder 35K or Challenger 37KT? good and bad features?
Your input would be greatly appreciated. I want to go full time next year and I found two floorplans that I really really like. The Bounder 35K and The Challenger 37KT. One has a bath and a half but the other one has a dedicated living room where you can close the door for guests. Do you have one of these models? What is your best feature and worse? Full Timers do you see anything missing or something that will make it difficult for me? I asked the salespeople and both can be used with the slides in. I learned that from you all :) http://www.fleetwoodrv.com/bounder/floorplans/35k http://challengermotorhome.com/floorplans.php6KViews0likes16Comments
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