How bad is it?

We're new to RVing and considering a Wildcat for our first. Very concerned reading all the posts from members experiencing slideout leaks and sidewall delamination on relatively new units. These seem like the kind of problems that would make ownership of a Wildcat far more trouble and expense than it's worth. Are these problems common to the brand, or Forest River products in general? Appreciate comments and recommendations.

CENFL, to the forum.

Our Wildcat was our first 5th wheel and we enjoyed it very much. Yes, we had the bedroom slide leak, and after fighting with it for 3 years, I finally figured out where the leak was and fixed it. I do believe that Forest River had since fixed the problem.

Delamination, well, remember, when you read about a handful of folks with this problem ,there are over 1000 members here, so yes, some folks have the problem, but not all. I think if you read other forums you will find the same issues there too.

The RV industry doesnt have really good quality control, I guess you could compare it to the auto industry back in the 60's or 70's. But, they are getting better.

If you really like the model you are looking at, and go over it with a fine tooth comb(which you should anyhow), go for it, you'll enjoy is.

you can also get a 1 year extended warranty for $200.00 or so, giving you 2 years of bumper to bumper coverage. The dealer doesnt tell you this, they want you to get the $1900.00, 7 year warranty instead.

Hope this helps....

First, to the forum. It's good that the members post the problems and solutions they have found. Unfortunately, those of us who have had absolutely "zero" problems don't post about it. You will find complaints about every make/model if you look around. I've read complaints about $200,000+ RVs, being referred to as "junk" and the owners regret at purchasing them.

As with any car company (GM, Ford, Chrystler, Toyota, etc) there are some that never have any problems and some that are lemons off the line. The same goes for RVs of all types.

One thing you will notice here, we all love our Cats. Also, from what I've read, Forest River has made good on many complaints.

Whatever you purchase I wish you the best.

BobnPi

Welcome to the form. If and when you decide, no matter what trailer you buy, check it out form head to toe. Turn it inside out. Within the first month operate everything. Drawers, shower, I mean everything. We were unfortunate to buy one with a lot of problems. It had to go back to the factory and then to Lippert. After that we paid to have one problem fixed, others we live with, and another we are getting ready to have the RV place fix at our expense. We did not have the knowledge at the time so we were not able to inspect it like we should. If I had checked it out with what I know now this one may have been replaced by the Manufacture. Now the big question is would I buy this model of Wildcat again? With all that being said I would still by the same model. Unfortunately they have discontinued the model due to lack of intelligence. The floor plan is the best I have seen. The only one I have seen that compares with it comes in a Bus. One suggestion I will make is if your trailer comes with the old shackles and springs, put wet bolts and shocks on immediately. Ours came with shocks and after listening to squawks for 3 years we installed wet bolts. I cannot describe the difference it makes. After that MOD as needed. Again welcome to the club.

Cenfl, welcome to the forum! Our wildcat 5er was the first one we purchased. We have had not one single problem with it. We bought it new in 2004. Going to replace the tires this season as they have "timed out" but that is routine stuff. Slider never leaked, nothing delaminated, decals still look good. My folks have a newer Jayco Designer Series. The slider was leaking, brakes were heating up, decals fading and peeling, dinet was loose. For the price, can't go wrong with "The Cat."

My story is very much like carrin' in the mall's. Would buy another Wildcat again without hesitation.

cenfl,

See my signature for the details. We've owned our 2006 Eastcoast 29RLBS for 5 seasons. For 3 of those we were "most-timers" working at a KOA campground in western NC. The Cat saw us through two hard winters in those mountains and came through like a champ. Of course we made many mods to the Cat to fully winterize it, but all in all our experience with this 5'er has been great. There were a few minor problems with it when we first bought it, but being a gearhead, I've been able to take care of them myself.

Find what you like, go through it with a fine toothed comb, get the dealer to fix anything you don't like. There are a few posts on here with the day of delivery inspection lists and I'd get familiar with them.

I think you'll like your Cat.

All products can have problems, even a can of beans can have dents. So just take your time with your purchase and use a good check list and you will fair no worse than the rest of us.
And of course to the forum from the U.K.

Earl

Thank you everyone for the sound advice and encouragement. We have downloaded the PDI list from here and will definitely use it. We're looking forward to our RV purchase and hope to see many of you on the road.

cenfl wrote:Thank you everyone for the sound advice and encouragement. We have downloaded the PDI list from here and will definitely use it. We're looking forward to our RV purchase and hope to see many of you on the road.

A boat or plane would be a better bet to see me
Sean

You may have given Forest River a new Idea Sean.