1997 Bounder Model?

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bmedeiros678

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Joined
May 23, 2018
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5
Hi All,
Was telling a customer that I was thinking about getting something to hang out in my woods. He told me he had a 1997 Bounder that he picked up as a trade for some construction work. One owner and has 35k miles. I haven't been inside yet but took some photos of the outside. Was around 35' long. Friend told me $5k and its mine. Any thoughts on what to look for or check out? http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0948_zps9qfkkxow.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0949_zpsnog9umnt.jpg[url=http://]]http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0949_zpsnog9umnt.jpg[url=http://]]]http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0949_zpsnog9umnt.jpg[url]]]]]http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0949_zpsnog9umnt.jpg[url]
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0950_zps4ckfg83m.jpg[/url]
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j25/cat_woman0417/IMG_0951_zpscv5acecd.jpg

VIN shows its a ford F-530 7.5L V8 gas.
 
It looks a lot like my 1998 Storm. I paid a lot more than that for mine and have put another $3000 in it over the last year. Sounds like a good deal but be sure to check for leaks really good. If the roofs never been worked on, it's really past its useful life. Good luck with it.
 
$5k is low enough that you can afford some substantial repairs, but everything on an RV is expensive unless you can DIY.

Odds are it needs tires - probably too old to be safe even if the tread looks good. Batteries too, both engine and house.  Check all appliances and systems for function and the interior ceiling and walls for signs of water leaks.    We have checklists in the RVforum Library that cover everything.
 
Agree with all the above. Also, walk around on the roof (be careful!!) and check for soft spots. On your hands and knees look at every caulk line, looking for cracks. If you find any, carefully recheck inside within 6-8 feet of that area. If you can get it plugged in, get the fridge running on electric. Set it for 5, put a thermometer in the the fridge and the freezer and let it run for 2-3 days without opening, then check temps (should be single digits in the freezer and mid 30s in the fridge). The fridge is one of the most expensive interior items to replace. While it?s plugged in make sure the battery panel says the batteries are good. As Gary said, they?re probably not but a good indication while it?s plugged in (or a few hours later) will at least tell you the battery charger is working.


Assuming the genset runs fire it up and check that the ACs work (using an instant read cooking thermometer you should see about a 20 degree difference between intake and output air temps). See if the dash heat and air work.


Lots of smaller things that might even be a few hundred bucks but those are most of the bigger items.
 
So this could add up quickly... Thanks for the info. Maybe I just need to buy my wife a tent.
 
bmedeiros678 said:
So this could add up quickly... Thanks for the info. Maybe I just need to buy my wife a tent.
Click to expand...


Yes it can. But if the big stuff is working and it?s not leaking and hasn?t, you should be in pretty good shape. As wijames and Gary both said, you should count on spending some money. Right off, batteries and tires. If your thought is that you?ll buy it and that will be it, in all likelihood you?ll be disappointed. But check it out, could be a fun rig for a reasonable price
 
And besides, with a tent you?ve got a lot of hidden expenses as well- tent stakes, rope, air mattresses, sleeping bags etc. It can really add up  ;)
 
Ha ha. Just got back from taking a look. Batteries were doa. Some stains on the cealing.  I will post photos tomorrow. Not sure this is something I want to tackle but you guys might be able to help me decide.  If you say the thing is junk or worth it I would be grateful.
 
An old RV can be a money pit or can be mostly require time and energy in addition to some money.  You haven't said whether you are capable of doing much yourself, mechanically and electrically.  If you will have to pay an RV dealer shop to diagnose and replace things, you should probably void any old RV. If you have DIY skills or are a quick leaner, it may not be bad.  However, a close inspection is needed to determine that, and newcomers to RVs rarely have the experience to judge.
 
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