Decisions...

[hart-attack]

ok, so we've looked at a few different used 5th wheel trailers and the wife is getting close and wants me to put an offer in on one of the following:

2008 Wildcat 312QBBS - everything is in great shape from what i can tell top to bottom with the exception of the tires. they are original and will need to be replaced before really using it. i think i would be able to get it home ~30 miles before getting them replaced.

2009 Keystone Cougar 316QBS - seems to be in a little bit worse shape as it's missing a bunch of the graphics, rear bed needs to purchased as does tires. it has a smaller master bed that we think we can improve to accommodate a larger mattress. it does have a nicer large couch and a 32 LCD tv. the one issue that does concern me is the rear portion of the roof seems to be separating from the walls, like the trim portion is pulling away. not sure if this makes any sense.

they are both listed on craigslist for about 18.5k. both can include a 5th wheel hitch but i'm thinking of purchasing a B&W Companion OEM 5th wheel for my 2013 Ram 3500 as it has the tow prep package.

so my real questions are:

1. is either brand/model "better" than another?
2. any idea of what would be a reasonable offer for these campers?
3. are there any known issues with making either of these campers fit the hitch once installed on my truck? i'm specifically referring to the clearance on the bed rails?
4. this is our first camper purchase so we're trying to make a decision that will work for us over the next few years until our daughter heads off to college and we move into the rear living setup!

thanks for all of the suggestions and support!

[Beartoo]

I have had a 09 "Wildcat" an enjoyed it. I know other people who have the "Cougars" an they also like there units. It sounds like the Cat has been taken care of and is clean. Which does the DW like the best? Happy wife happy life.

[hart-attack]

right, i just talked with a local service guy about the cost to fix the roof and the cost and potential issues are not worth the risk on the cougar. that's pretty much what i expected.

we're going to schedule another visit to the 2008 for a closer inspection of the roof and other mechanics. this camper does show very well and has been taken care of from my initial inspection. i'm not sure that i should walk on the roof though, i'm 6'5" ~240 lbs. the last thing i want to do is fall through the roof!

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I'd go with the Wildcat - having new (good) tires on ANY trailer will give you peace-of-mind.

I'd walk away from anything that looks like it might have structural problems; unless you are VERY handy and are getting a screaming bargain...

[twins89]

I would probably pass on both. I would keep looking. There are a lot of fifth wheels out there.

[azrving]

Did you inspect every inch of the roofs for soft spots and buckled wood under the membrane? Did you hear any cracking sounds while walking on the roof?

Check slide floors for soft spots too.

[brirene]

I would stay away from the second one, if only for the problem with the roof. Doesn't sound like it has been taken care of, so other problems may pop up. If the first indeed only needs tires, that's a relatively small, and expected, issue to deal with. That's the one I would be checking out further. Good luck!

[OpenRangePullen]

I would of stuck with the Keystone, but how you described it, its your call.
Good Luck.