Been looking at new travel trailers and 5th wheels since we sold our old one a few weeks back. And the Puma 259RBSS peaked my interest. Its a bunkhouse stick and tin build priced at $22950 locally.I know its a low end entry build. But its in my price range for a new RV and we like the floor plan. Just curious if its one that we should stay away from.I have seen them at RVW for $20058 and on EBay of all places for $17999. Im in CA so that is a 27-35 hours drive for RVW and the Ebay seller. I dont think I will be buying from them because the cost of the 9-10 tanks of diesel I will burn, lodging, and time off work will eat into my savings.

I bought a new Puma in 2006. Other than a (Goodyear) tire blow-out on the first trip, it's been pretty trouble-free. I had a sink drain that leaked from being loose, so I tightened it. Too tight, apparently, because then it broke and I had to replace it. ($5) While we haven't used it much, the carpet looks like it was used in the checkout isle at Walmart for the past decade. Cheap carpet! It's been in a couple hail storms and has been dented pretty badly, but insurance has paid for that. Other than the cheap carpet, we're entirely satisfied with it.

wuhungsix wrote:Been looking at new travel trailers and 5th wheels since we sold our old one a few weeks back. And the Puma 259RBSS peaked my interest. Its a bunkhouse stick and tin build priced at $22950 locally.I know its a low end entry build. But its in my price range for a new RV and we like the floor plan. Just curious if its one that we should stay away from.I have seen them at RVW for $20058 and on EBay of all places for $17999. Im in CA so that is a 27-35 hours drive for RVW and the Ebay seller. I dont think I will be buying from them because the cost of the 9-10 tanks of diesel I will burn, lodging, and time off work will eat into my savings.You might check into the cost of a delivery to your door, or a meet part way. Just an option to think about...Lyle

I have basically the same thing in a travel trailer. I haven't had any trouble except the roof. The rubber roof just started letting water into the plywood, no holes it just soaked through.The warranty is no good, called Puma and they said call the maker of the rubber, called them, nothing, cost me $5400 to get it all replaced.This was 6 years into a 12 year warranty.Other than the roof I have had no problems.Would I buy Puma again, no. I would get an older aluminum frame if there is a certain amount to spend.

laknox wrote:wuhungsix wrote:Been looking at new travel trailers and 5th wheels since we sold our old one a few weeks back. And the Puma 259RBSS peaked my interest. Its a bunkhouse stick and tin build priced at $22950 locally.I know its a low end entry build. But its in my price range for a new RV and we like the floor plan. Just curious if its one that we should stay away from.I have seen them at RVW for $20058 and on EBay of all places for $17999. Im in CA so that is a 27-35 hours drive for RVW and the Ebay seller. I dont think I will be buying from them because the cost of the 9-10 tanks of diesel I will burn, lodging, and time off work will eat into my savings.You might check into the cost of a delivery to your door, or a meet part way. Just an option to think about...Lyleyea I looked into that. Its over $4000 shipped to my door from RVW and about $3100 from the Ebay dealer in IA

DannyA wrote:I have basically the same thing in a travel trailer. I haven't had any trouble except the roof. The rubber roof just started letting water into the plywood, no holes it just soaked through.The warranty is no good, called Puma and they said call the maker of the rubber, called them, nothing, cost me $5400 to get it all replaced.This was 6 years into a 12 year warranty.Other than the roof I have had no problems.Would I buy Puma again, no. I would get an older aluminum frame if there is a certain amount to spend.That sounds like a nightmare. If there are no tears or holes in the rubber roof seems like the leak may have come from a seam or other seal. Were you not able to determine the location of the leak? What did the maker of the rubber roof say? Also did you keep up with the seals and seams as far are regular recaulking when needed? I read here that it is suggested to check at least twice a year.Edit: also what year was your unit.

opinions: 2014 Palomino Puma 259RBSS | Good Sam Community

wuhungsix
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
DannyA wrote:
I have basically the same thing in a travel trailer. I haven't had any trouble except the roof. The rubber roof just started letting water into the plywood, no holes it just soaked through.
The warranty is no good, called Puma and they said call the maker of the rubber, called them, nothing, cost me $5400 to get it all replaced.
This was 6 years into a 12 year warranty.
Other than the roof I have had no problems.
Would I buy Puma again, no. I would get an older aluminum frame if there is a certain amount to spend.

That sounds like a nightmare. If there are no tears or holes in the rubber roof seems like the leak may have come from a seam or other seal. Were you not able to determine the location of the leak? What did the maker of the rubber roof say? Also did you keep up with the seals and seams as far are regular recaulking when needed? I read here that it is suggested to check at least twice a year.

Edit: also what year was your unit.
wuhungsix
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
laknox wrote:
wuhungsix wrote:
Been looking at new travel trailers and 5th wheels since we sold our old one a few weeks back. And the Puma 259RBSS peaked my interest. Its a bunkhouse stick and tin build priced at $22950 locally.

I know its a low end entry build. But its in my price range for a new RV and we like the floor plan. Just curious if its one that we should stay away from.

I have seen them at RVW for $20058 and on EBay of all places for $17999. Im in CA so that is a 27-35 hours drive for RVW and the Ebay seller. I dont think I will be buying from them because the cost of the 9-10 tanks of diesel I will burn, lodging, and time off work will eat into my savings.

You might check into the cost of a delivery to your door, or a meet part way. Just an option to think about...

Lyle

yea I looked into that. Its over $4000 shipped to my door from RVW and about $3100 from the Ebay dealer in IA
DannyA
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I have basically the same thing in a travel trailer. I haven't had any trouble except the roof. The rubber roof just started letting water into the plywood, no holes it just soaked through.
The warranty is no good, called Puma and they said call the maker of the rubber, called them, nothing, cost me $5400 to get it all replaced.
This was 6 years into a 12 year warranty.
Other than the roof I have had no problems.
Would I buy Puma again, no. I would get an older aluminum frame if there is a certain amount to spend.
laknox
Nomad
Oct 25, 2013
wuhungsix wrote:
Been looking at new travel trailers and 5th wheels since we sold our old one a few weeks back. And the Puma 259RBSS peaked my interest. Its a bunkhouse stick and tin build priced at $22950 locally.

I know its a low end entry build. But its in my price range for a new RV and we like the floor plan. Just curious if its one that we should stay away from.

I have seen them at RVW for $20058 and on EBay of all places for $17999. Im in CA so that is a 27-35 hours drive for RVW and the Ebay seller. I dont think I will be buying from them because the cost of the 9-10 tanks of diesel I will burn, lodging, and time off work will eat into my savings.

You might check into the cost of a delivery to your door, or a meet part way. Just an option to think about...

Lyle
newk
Explorer
Oct 25, 2013
I bought a new Puma in 2006. Other than a (Goodyear) tire blow-out on the first trip, it's been pretty trouble-free. I had a sink drain that leaked from being loose, so I tightened it. Too tight, apparently, because then it broke and I had to replace it. ($5) While we haven't used it much, the carpet looks like it was used in the checkout isle at Walmart for the past decade. Cheap carpet! It's been in a couple hail storms and has been dented pretty badly, but insurance has paid for that. Other than the cheap carpet, we're entirely satisfied with it.

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opinions: 2014 Palomino Puma 259RBSS

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