We just signed on the dotted line(s) for a nice used Forest River Wildcat Bunkhouse 5'er at Camping World. We waded through a lot of CW negativity from all over the place, and we believe we've struck an excellent deal on a unit that's in great condition. There are some deficiencies that they're addressing as we speak.We're picking it up next week after a thorough walk-through, in which they've promised to fix anything that's broken. Of course, I'm sure it'll be up to us to point out problem areas, so I've developed a quick list of things that need to be observed/checked. Feel free to add to the list or comment accordingly.(Before we go any further, yes, it needs new tires which we figured into the pricing and are dealing with separately. They're also replacing carpet, awning, and slide topper.)List as follows (in no particular order)****CHECK FOR WATER LEAKS ON ALL PLUMBING********Expose water pump and water tank area, watch for leaks****Entry door latchEntry door plastic piece for screen slider - brokenRefrigerator – “check” light was on at previous visit, check operation in gas and electricFront storage door – not latchingWater heater – gas and electricA/C FurnaceAll interior lightsAll exterior lightsAll driving lightsSealing around cornersSealing above front storage doorNew batteryBoth propane tanks filledStove – all burnersOven Bathroom fanSlider – In/out multiple timesLanding gear – up/down multiple timesCheck awningCheck slide topperWater pumpCeiling fanSmoke detectorGas detectorTire Air PressureTrailer BrakesBreakway on trailer brakesMicrowaveStove light and fanWindow latches and mechanismsMake sure key matches trailerOutside showerOperation of manual ventsCheck the plugs and GFCI’sOpen/close every drawer and cabinetVisually inspect springs/axlesCheck all hatch latches and hold-opens

Regardless of how good your list is, you will miss something. Just make sure the "something" is not a big item. Best of luck!

And that "promise to fix anything that's broken" was in the paper work that you signed?You make no mention of the roof and they are a major part of RV. Not only to keep water out but very expensive to replace.

path1 wrote:And that "promise to fix anything that's broken" was in the paper work that you signed?You make no mention of the roof and they are a major part of RV. Not only to keep water out but very expensive to replace.No the promise was not in any paperwork, but 3 separate folks "promised" this. I'll take you for your word until you give me a reason not to. As of this afternoon, they were already checking and fixing some nuisance items I had pointed out. I'm primarily interested in major items (AC, fridge, etc.). I don't expect that they're going to fix every little wear/tear item, but I'm not leaving until I'm satisfied. Regarding the roof, it is what it is. I've inspected it as much as possible without tearing panels down. I stood with my head at the top of the ladder and watched someone walk from one end to the other to see if it had any issues. No water damage on the walls, no soft spots on the floor, no rusty nail/tack heads, no moldy smell.

Just be sure no money changes hands until you are satisfied with the repairs. That way you have nothing to worry about.

I suggest you check the two online Wildcat forums for typical issues with the model Wildcat you are purchasing. I've been researching the Wildcat product line and one of the issues you definitely need to look for is cracks in the walls (exterior gelcoat), especially in and around all slides.Best of luck with your new purchase, I hope it exceeds all of your expectations!

Walk-Through Inspection on Purcahsed 5'er | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

midnightsadie
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2015
you my friend have way to much faith in sales people. they don,t remember a thing about fixing things, never ever take a sales person,s word,, THEY LIE,, if it ain,t in black and white it ain,t there, CW known for not fixing things.
USAFBILL
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
A pressure test would be a great investment even if you had to pay the $100.00 before final purchase.
Wally_Walleye
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
TV's and antenna or satilight dish
batteries under load
ice maker if you have one check for leaks in back of fridge
toilet seal be sure toilet holds water and doesn't leak out
dump handles be sure tanks are flushed
leaks around shower base
CO2 detector, propane detector and fire detectors.
Good luck and Happy Trails
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 26, 2015
As Judge Judy says......"IF it ain't in writing it doesn't exist"

Used unit....ANY promises/warranties etc. must be in writing to be enforceable.
Good luck with those 'verbal' commitments.
Might I suggest you withhold full payment (10%) until AFTER repairs are completed. Oh wait I forgot they HAVE your signature already. Oops too late. (Notice how they don't take YOUR word)

Check lists etc.
Forum FQA..check out item #2.........LINK
gsitexas
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
I suggest you check the two online Wildcat forums for typical issues with the model Wildcat you are purchasing. I've been researching the Wildcat product line and one of the issues you definitely need to look for is cracks in the walls (exterior gelcoat), especially in and around all slides.

Best of luck with your new purchase, I hope it exceeds all of your expectations!
peaches_cream
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
Just be sure no money changes hands until you are satisfied with the repairs. That way you have nothing to worry about.
majorgator
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
path1 wrote:
And that "promise to fix anything that's broken" was in the paper work that you signed?

You make no mention of the roof and they are a major part of RV. Not only to keep water out but very expensive to replace.

No the promise was not in any paperwork, but 3 separate folks "promised" this. I'll take you for your word until you give me a reason not to. As of this afternoon, they were already checking and fixing some nuisance items I had pointed out. I'm primarily interested in major items (AC, fridge, etc.). I don't expect that they're going to fix every little wear/tear item, but I'm not leaving until I'm satisfied. Regarding the roof, it is what it is. I've inspected it as much as possible without tearing panels down. I stood with my head at the top of the ladder and watched someone walk from one end to the other to see if it had any issues. No water damage on the walls, no soft spots on the floor, no rusty nail/tack heads, no moldy smell.
path1
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
And that "promise to fix anything that's broken" was in the paper work that you signed?

You make no mention of the roof and they are a major part of RV. Not only to keep water out but very expensive to replace.
mikeleblanc413
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015
Regardless of how good your list is, you will miss something. Just make sure the "something" is not a big item. Best of luck!

Forum Discussion

Walk-Through Inspection on Purcahsed 5'er

19 Replies

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Walking through campsites

Walk through questions

New RV delivery walk-through

PDI walk through tomorrow

Walk Through