wildcat 34flr

I haven't been a member very long, but I have a question for anybody with an opinion. My wfe and I have a 2011 dutchman denali 265rl tt, and are thinking about trading it in on a used 2010 wildcat 34flr. It seems strange to be trading back one year, but we wanted a fifth wheel for a while. It wasn't supposed to happen for a couple of years, but the factory where I worked shut down so retirement came early, and we figured what the heck. I guess I just need confirmation that I am not completely crazy for trading back a year. We own a 2009 f250 5.4 liter crew cab 4wd with 3.73s. Any input would be helpful. I really enjoy this forum. Keep up the good work.

bailey1 wrote:I haven't been a member very long, ...

Not long, indeed. to the forum. I'm going to interpret your statement to mean you've been reading the forum for quite some time and feel like you've been a member for a while. Whatever your decision, please stick around, you most likely have a lot to contribute.

I'm not going to give an opinion. I'm sure you've read the good and the bad regarding Wildcats, and our opinions shouldn't matter. We like our Cat, have been fortunate with it for the most part. We DO have fears that some kind of problem will creep up, but I think that could happen with any kind of trailer made by any manufacturer. I read other forums now and then, and it seems like all of the brands out there have their problems.

Tater

We love our Wildcat also. I don't think you would do wrong going back a year for what you'll be getting.

Now, I will say that 5.4L, while a great engine (I had one for 5 years), will very likely struggle with that trailer. I'm sure you'll be pushing the weight limits, if not going over them. But beyond that, it is going to have a tough time, especially if hills and/or mountains are in your traveling future. You really need a diesel to pull that trailer. I don't know if you are in a position to do so, but the new 6.7L from Ford (it looks like you may be a Ford fan), is awesome. But whatever you get, it really needs to be a diesel.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

We have a 2012 34FLR and really like it. We find it to be a great empty-nester model. It is our second Wildcat with our first one being a 2004 29 BHBP. Our TV is a 2004 Chev. 6 liter gasser with 4:10 gears. It pulls this model without any problems. You'll find many people pushing for diesels on this forum, and while I can't deny their virtues, I couldn't justify their cost. I don't know much about your engine for tow ratings and pulling power but would be suspect of the gear ratio, engine combo pulling this trailer. I do wish I had the Allison transmission for hold-back and stopping power. I have never ran out of power but have had a couple of white-knuckle stops before.

to the forum.

I still have a pdf of the 2010 models. Here are some numbers for that model (in case you don't have them).
Dry Weight: 9095lbs
Cargo Capacity: 2666lbs
Hitch Weight: 1660lbs
Exterior Length: 34' 5"
Fresh Water Capacity: 58gal
Black Water Capacity: 50gal
Grey Water Capacity: 100gal

Welcome to the forum.

to the forum.

from Ft. Worth TX!

Thanks everybody for the input. We love the unit, but we just want to be safe for us and everybody we meet on the road. A new truck is not an option at this time. We are still trying to figure out our options. Thanks again. GREAT FORUM