For those looking for a gas-powered motorhome, Fleetwood introduced a new 2022 Bounder 35GL at the Florida RV SuperShow. The Bounder 35GL is built on the Ford Power Platform, which means motivation comes from the Ford “Godzilla” 7.3L gasoline V8.
In a press release from REV Group, the parent company of Fleetwood, several details were revealed. In the release it reads, “With its mid-coach entry, the 35GL is spacious, inviting, and features four distinct areas, making it feel like a traditional home.
“The main room at the front of the coach is perfect for lounging, dining, and entertaining. It has a custom-made, ultra-comfortable couch with an LED TV across from it that’s mounted at an appropriate height to deliver the best viewing experience possible. Opposite the sofa is the exclusive multi-purpose Adap-table® Dinette that serves as a convenient workstation or breakfast bar for two. By swinging the table out vertically, it easily hosts a dinner party for four.”
Flowing from the living area is an open-concept kitchen that boasts a French-door, stainless-steel Whirlpool residential refrigerator, three-burner cooktop, and fairly good counter space.
Across from the cooktop, the stainless-steel apron sink is set on an angle and surrounded by quartz countertops and a glass tile backsplash. A bank of hand-made, solid wood cabinetry above and below the large sink provides significant storage. Under-cabinet lighting delivers a soft ambient glow.
Split lavatory in the Bounder 35GL
Another desirable amenity that the 35GL delivers is a split lavatory. With easy living in mind, the bathroom area has privacy doors that close it off from the kitchen and bedroom. In addition, each space has its own sink and medicine cabinet, so travelers have extra space and toiletry storage. This is pretty cool.
The large master bedroom has a picture window and two side windows to make it feel more open. For nighttime relaxation, an LED TV is conveniently positioned across from the King Encore series articulating bed. In addition, the room has plenty of storage with two wardrobes, a six-drawer dresser, and overhead CPAP console.
The exterior features a series of pass-through luggage bay doors for convenient access and a significant amount of storage that’s not typically found on a Class A model.
Design options in the Bounder 35GL
The 35GL includes a choice of four exterior swishy swirl paint designs (Blue Merle, Cinnaberry, Freedom, and Frosted Merlot), three interior décor packages (Intrigue, Sycamore, and Quicksilver), and four hardwood options (English Chestnut, Heritage, Winter Fog, and Greystone).
“We’re extremely proud of this new design because it brings together form, function, and creativity in a luxury package that owners are sure to appreciate,” said Doug Miller, product manager for REV Recreation Group’s Class A products. “With Fleetwood RV, we focus on every detail, no matter how small, to deliver a truly amazing experience for our owners.”
In summary
The Bounder is one of Fleetwood’s most popular models and has the distinction of being one of the best-selling motorhomes ever. The new Bounder 35GL has a starting MSRP of $238,971.
Much of this information came from a press release from REV group. But some of the flowery language was removed and facts were added.
Not happy when RV companies don’t list cargo carrying capacity
Also, I’m never happy now when RV companies don’t list the cargo carrying capacity of their rigs. But, on the flip side, Fleetwood’s glass backsplash not only is behind the stove but also along the side. Many RV companies only cover one surface. This makes more sense.
I also dig the sink in both the shower side and toilet side of the bathroom that bisects this rig.
Lastly, I wonder if you can get to that bathroom with the slide room in? It doesn’t appear so from the overhead illustration—which is a bit concerning. Imagine having to go while you’re on the go?
Update from Fleetwood
Like many RV industry folks, the people at Fleetwood read these columns and answered some of the questions I had. They also included the video below.
The answers were, specifically, that the Bounder has a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds (though that doesn’t address cargo carrying capacity). They also said that the bathroom is fully accessible with the slide room in in travel mode.
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Tony comes to RVTravel having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. You can find his writing here and at StressLessCamping where he also has a podcast about the RV life with his wife.
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
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It has one major flaw. It says Fleetwood on the side. No thanks.
Not sure why, but lately, the floorplan image isn’t showing completely, appears cut off at both ends, with just the middle showing. Anyone else experiencing this?
Hi, Dennis. If you click on the floor plan image, it will bring up the whole RV, end to end. It’s just slightly truncated in the image in the series that you can click through. Sorry. Have a good night. 🙂 –Diane
This layout might not be optimal for some RVers, but Fleetwood is known for its record of reliability. The Godzilla V8 is already a legend in the truck and RV communities. The price is high, but that’s the msrp which is a comic book. Great water capacity which you should delay filling to the brim until you are close to your final destination. Didn’t see a fuel capacity. Hopefully, this is close to 100 gallons. Must look at website to check. Appears to be a competitive Class A gasser which, along with its other layouts, I will check since I’m in that market.
Their kidding, right? Almost a quarter million for a gas powered Fleetwood, way overpriced!
You could just get a travel trailer for $126K that I reviewed the other day…
Tony, I understand the Tiffin has the Godzilla engine, but with twin turbochargers. This is a nice Motorhome.
We just watched a video tour of this MH. You CAN get to all the stuff you need while the slides are in. Toilet, fridge, stove, everything. I REALLY LIKE THIS UNIT! I don’t like the rear fueling though. I can see that causing an issue in many places you fuel. I also don’t like that there is only one way in and out. I’ve never understood why most motorhomes don’t have a driver’s door – this one included. It makes no sense. But overall, I could easily get used to this MH. It checks a lot of my boxes. I wonder if you can get a ‘customary’ RV fridge, which is much more adaptable to boondocking. If you can, sign me up. Well, almost. I always said if I got a MH it would have to be a ‘pusher’. I’m not so sure anymore. This is the best MH you have reviewed yet, Tony!
No cargo carrying data once again. Just more bling. No bathroom access with slides in is a zero for me.
I think you must be able to reach the lavatory with the slide in because that’s where the door is and you would have to be able to get into the rig in order to drive it.
Excellent observation Barbara!
With a mid entry door you must be able to move around the MH. Otherwise how could you get to the drivers seat.
Yea, Tony, no bathroom access while on the road is a no-win design for the “seniors” for whom a two-person only motorhome seems to be designed. Or maybe its design is aimed at young couples with no kids who work remotely. That would explain the theater seats and swivel table–two friends can have dinner, they just can’t stay overnight. Hey, that’s actually a great plus for this design!
And it has a REAL king-size bed–72″ x 80″. Hallelujah!
Question: if fords 7.3L V8 is the Godzilla, then what was their 7.5L 460 cuin and GM’s 7.4L 454 cu in or bigger yet their 8.1L 496 cu in engines? Seems ford’s executives in marketing may all be millennials who didn’t study history.
Not necessarily. This engine replaces the DOHC V10 and is just a basic, simple (for nowadays) two valve per cylinder pushrod beast. But this also complies with all the new federal regs for emissions and all of that.
And, if we’re talking big engines how ’bout the Cadillac 501?
My biggest concern is the carpet on the slide, specially in the kitchen area, more specific, in front of the range and oven.
I agree! Ditch the carpet!!!! I sure wish the RV makers will read these comments.