opinions: 2014 Palomino Puma 259RBSS

[wuhungsix]

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.

[stsmark]

Thanks, looks nice I'll have to check it out.

[wuhungsix]

stsmark wrote:
So I recognize Wrights Beach and Doran Beach but where are you in the trees?
Mark

Calaveras Big Trees SP.

[stsmark]

So I recognize Wrights Beach and Doran Beach but where are you in the trees?
Mark

[Griswoldfam]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! We have two little ones and don't want to really spend an arm and a leg on it. So this is helpful!!

[wuhungsix]

Yes we purchased end of December 2013 and have gone on seven dry camp trips since then.
We like the extra space and the floor plan for our young family of four.

Our gripes about it is some low end materials like the carpet and some trim items. But to be honest we kind of knew that when we got into it. It is basically the cheapest NEW 5er we could afford. But we are still happy about the purchase and would do it again.

Here are some pics from out recent trips.

[Griswoldfam]

Did you purchase this 5th wheel? We are looking at the same one... just wondering how you like it...

[wuhungsix]

Thanks for the input. It seems that the puma is pretty much the only NEW fifth wheel in our price range. Initially we were just going to get a travel trailer in the 28' range however the overall length on them are 33-35'. Most of our favorite campgrounds top at 27' and a few top at 31' This is why we changed our mind. The puma 259 is the floor plan we are looking for in a TT but in the nice foot print of a 5th wheel. I know its not high end but it seems like it would be great for our young family (2 adults, 3yo, 9 mo). Plus I'm 6'5" and the added ceiling height is great.

[lenr]

We have a 2014 Puma 253FBS built last April. Few minor problems that were easier to fix than haul back to the dealer. For a stick and tin (actually wood and alum.) it seems to be just a little better built. We had to add a ridge to the side of the tub to keep shower water from getting over the side and accross the floor. Also the drawer construction in the closet area needed additional wood to keep them together. As imperfect as that sounds, it was no big deal for someone just a little handy. We would buy another if something happened to this one. Ask wanarv.com for an email price. They deliver, but personally, I would always inspect at the dealer before delivery.

[Impulse24]

I have a 2014 295BHSS Puma and my only problem is the bathroom is poorly designed, but overall I'd rate it 9.5 out of 10.

[DannyA]

From the inside it never leaked, no spots at all but the plywood was soaked and rotted.
Dicor (I think) was the brand of rubber.
Dealer said he has seen that type do that before. It was no certain spot just all over the top. I know it sounds impossible but its just like it soaked through all over the top. Just enough to keep it damp so it would rot.
Dicor says they are not responsible for any damage.
I never dreamed of have a rotten top.
Some might think I used some chemical on the top to cause it to deteriorate but that is not the case.

[wuhungsix]

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]

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]

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]

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