The 1988 Fleetwood Bounder is a Class A motorhome featuring a durable fiberglass exterior, spacious interior living areas, complete kitchen and bathroom facilities, sleeping accommodations, and comprehensive electrical/plumbing systems. This manual covers operation, maintenance, safety procedures, and troubleshooting for all major systems including chassis, engine, generator, appliances, and living amenities.
Welcome to your 1988 Fleetwood Bounder motorhome. This vehicle combines automotive performance with home-like comfort. Key safety features include: LP gas detector, smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, and emergency exits.
| Safety Feature | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| LP Gas Detector | Floor level near kitchen | Detects propane leaks |
| Smoke Alarm | Ceiling near sleeping area | Smoke detection |
| Fire Extinguisher | Main entrance door | Class B:C fire suppression |
| Emergency Exit | Rear bedroom window | Emergency escape route |
| Carbon Monoxide Detector | Living area wall | CO level monitoring |
WARNING! Always perform safety checks before operation. Never operate LP appliances while driving.
Pre-trip inspection and driving procedures for optimal performance and safety.
CAUTION! This vehicle has a high center of gravity. Avoid sharp turns at high speeds.
Overview of interior systems and controls.
| System | Controls | Operation |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Suburban furnace thermostat | Set desired temperature, ensure propane valve open |
| Air Conditioning | Coleman roof AC control | Set mode and temperature, requires generator or shore power |
| Water Heater | Atwood control panel | Electric or propane operation, allow 20 minutes to heat |
| Refrigerator | Dometic control dial | Select electric, propane, or auto mode |
Dual electrical systems: 12V DC for vehicle operation and 120V AC for household appliances.
WARNING! Always use proper shore power cords and ensure polarity is correct.
Fresh water, gray water, and black water management.
Tip: Always drain tanks completely and rinse after each use.
Detailed operation of major appliances.
| Appliance | Startup Procedure | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Select power source, set temperature, allow 4-6 hours to cool | Clean burner tube annually, defrost regularly |
| Furnace | Set thermostat, ensure propane supply, listen for ignition | Clean air intake, check vents for obstruction |
| Water Heater | Turn on switch, select electric or propane, wait 20 minutes | Drain and flush annually, check anode rod |
| Range/Oven | Open propane valve, push and turn knob, light with match if needed | Clean surfaces, check for gas leaks |
Regular maintenance ensures longevity and reliability.
CAUTION! Follow all manufacturer maintenance intervals for warranty compliance.
Protect your Bounder from freezing temperatures.
WARNING! Failure to properly winterize can cause extensive water system damage.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator not cooling | Leveling, power source, dirty burner | Ensure unit level, check power source, clean burner assembly |
| No hot water | Propane supply, electric element, thermostat | Check propane valve, reset water heater, verify thermostat setting |
| Battery drain | Parasitic load, converter issue | Check for lights left on, test converter output, load test batteries |
| Water pump running continuously | Leak, stuck pressure switch | Check for leaks, tap pressure switch, replace if necessary |
| Furnace not igniting | Propane, battery, sail switch | Verify propane supply, check 12V power, ensure sail switch free |
Original warranty coverage and support information.
Original Warranty: 12 months on appliances and systems, pro-rated coverage on major components. Contact Fleetwood Enterprises for warranty claims.
Technical Support: Fleetwood Customer Service: 1-800-444-4905
Parts & Service: Authorized Fleetwood service centers nationwide. Consult dealer directory for locations.
Owner's Club: Fleetwood Bounder International Club for technical advice and community support.