We just completed our first trip with our new-to-us 2005 Wildcat 29BHBP (bunkhouse with rear storage trunk compartment). It's a nice clean unit that we bought from CW. There were a few minor issues that aren't worth mentioning because they're common to most all RV's IMO. Someone, either the previous owner or CW, had done some repair/replacement on multiple items prior to our purchase. We were a little miffed that the only electrical outlet in the kithcen is one that's mounted on the underside of a cabinet next to the main door.
There are several comments on here about leaking, and ours certainly has some signs of previous water damage on the interior. There are exactly 2 locations (1 near the rear of the slide and 1 on the front left corner at top of cap) that has water stains. Neither are soft and bulged. No matter what brand RV you buy, leaks are an inevitable part of life. By their very nature, they're going to work themselves into a leaking condition the more and more it gets pulled down the road, over the bumps, etc. The only difference is how long it goes before the leaks are addressed, and how much damage occurs in the meantime.
Our particular unit has 2 known problems regarding leaks and damage (as confirmed through research on the Wildcat forums). The rear wall on the storage trunk area is poorly designed. The latch is upside down and catches water in the handle (same as a door handle), which funnels it down into the wood backing. On ours, most of the rear wall needs to be replaced and is on the to-do list. Also, the wood above the pin box has a lot of water damage, as it is open and exposed on the edges. This may be a common issue on many 5er's, but certainly on this model. It's also on the to-do list, but it does not appear to be a difficult job.
Other folks have comments on the weak structural members of the frame around the pin box. I intend on investigating the condition of this when I have it apart, but the solution for this is also not cumbersome. Overall, the problems you should expect to find on these units would not deter a person like me if the price is right and the unit is in generally good shape.
One thing to always remember about a thread like this is that it's going to bring out more of the nasty than the good. It's just how the Internet is. Happy people don't always have much to say, but unhappy people are eager to talk about their problems. Not that their problems don't exist, but you'll just get more of e negative than the positive any day. Truth is that any RV requires maintenance. On larger units, more is required. You have to be diligent about the conditions of the roof and making sure that all seams on the body have good sealant.
