chaajoad
Well-known member
Every weekend we get closer to our initial overnight use of our Bounder. Because of my rugged commute and intense Mon-Fri job, weekends are really the only time I have to get used to the rig, learn about the systems, etc.
This weekend I put water in it, ran the water pump - all seems well. I bought the waste water hoses and maybe next week I'll run the rig by a waste dump to see if there's anything in there. One of the tanks reads "full" but putting a stick down the toilet (sounds crude, doesn't it?" reveals nothing and there's no smells.
I got the oven burners fired up for the first time and the fridge seems to work fine, even though (as others here have stated) it will cool slowly - not like a fridge at home. I raised and lowered the antenna - although I have no clue how to receive anything on it. Don't forget - this is ALL new to me!
I did receive the Bounder Owner's manual from Fleetwood ($8) but it's pretty basic. Looks like there's ANOTHER manual or two I need for more specific stuff. Geesh.
On Sat. I took the chassis battery in. As I've stated here before, the new battery went dead after a few days - produced only that whirring dead battery sound. Turns out the battery was only slightly drained. They charged it back up and it works like a champ. I bought a new, computer-driven battery charger in case it's needed.
Here are some new questions if anyone can give me some advice.
Apparently, the rear chassis lights don't work. Headlights are fine, nothing on the rear. Are these controlled by a fuse under the dash? If so, that's a problem. The manual I have says there are fuses there but good luck getting under there to find them. The driver's seat won't move back and there's no door there. Ideas?
Also, there are a pair of rectangular white lights above the headlights - what are they? I couldn't find any way to turn them on. The amber coach lights on the top and side don't light up, either - I'm hoping these are all a common fuse that's blown.
The dash A/C doesn't do much. Is this A/C freon-based on a '99 Bounder? Can it easily be recharged? I used the generator as we drove today (Sun) and the roof-mounted A/C units work well.
Is there a pilot light for a water heater to get hot water?
I know I have a lot of questions and it's basic stuff, but I'm truly learning by doing. Any advice is appreciated.
Danny Wright
Poulsbo WA
1999 Bounder 34J
This weekend I put water in it, ran the water pump - all seems well. I bought the waste water hoses and maybe next week I'll run the rig by a waste dump to see if there's anything in there. One of the tanks reads "full" but putting a stick down the toilet (sounds crude, doesn't it?" reveals nothing and there's no smells.
I got the oven burners fired up for the first time and the fridge seems to work fine, even though (as others here have stated) it will cool slowly - not like a fridge at home. I raised and lowered the antenna - although I have no clue how to receive anything on it. Don't forget - this is ALL new to me!
I did receive the Bounder Owner's manual from Fleetwood ($8) but it's pretty basic. Looks like there's ANOTHER manual or two I need for more specific stuff. Geesh.
On Sat. I took the chassis battery in. As I've stated here before, the new battery went dead after a few days - produced only that whirring dead battery sound. Turns out the battery was only slightly drained. They charged it back up and it works like a champ. I bought a new, computer-driven battery charger in case it's needed.
Here are some new questions if anyone can give me some advice.
Apparently, the rear chassis lights don't work. Headlights are fine, nothing on the rear. Are these controlled by a fuse under the dash? If so, that's a problem. The manual I have says there are fuses there but good luck getting under there to find them. The driver's seat won't move back and there's no door there. Ideas?
Also, there are a pair of rectangular white lights above the headlights - what are they? I couldn't find any way to turn them on. The amber coach lights on the top and side don't light up, either - I'm hoping these are all a common fuse that's blown.
The dash A/C doesn't do much. Is this A/C freon-based on a '99 Bounder? Can it easily be recharged? I used the generator as we drove today (Sun) and the roof-mounted A/C units work well.
Is there a pilot light for a water heater to get hot water?
I know I have a lot of questions and it's basic stuff, but I'm truly learning by doing. Any advice is appreciated.
Danny Wright
Poulsbo WA
1999 Bounder 34J