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

majorgator
Explorer
Jul 02, 2015
shadows4 wrote:
Congrats Magorgator on your new to you rig. I just ckecked the Your Rig sticky at the top of the topic page and did not see your rig. Where are the pics???? You can't just post on here about a new rig and not post a pic!!! It just ain't just right!!! LOL

Again Congrats and I hope you have many happy trips with your FW, John

Haha, I'll get a picture or 2 up shortly...maybe later tonight. I lost my some of my preference privileges (like signature line) a while back because something on there must have offended someone. Too many thin-skinned people in this world. I'll check out the "your rig" sticky and see what I can do.
shadows4
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2015
Congrats Magorgator on your new to you rig. I just ckecked the Your Rig sticky at the top of the topic page and did not see your rig. Where are the pics???? You can't just post on here about a new rig and not post a pic!!! It just ain't just right!!! LOL

Again Congrats and I hope you have many happy trips with your FW, John
jbpatton
Explorer
Jul 02, 2015
On the Facebook page RV 5th Wheels group page under the files section there are 2 in depth file of how to do your PDI I like the Pre Delivery Inspection (what to look for before you take it home)this one you will test everything on your rig and easy to read and mark up for problems areas
majorgator
Explorer
Jul 02, 2015
OP here...
I just wanted to take a moment and bring closure to this topic.
I picked up the 5er today and everything went well. With my list in hand (including the comments given here), I thoroughly went through the unit and performed an inspection alongside the CW employee. There were a few little bugs that needed to be worked out, and some minor cosmetic issues (such as the ignitor knob on the stove), but at the end of the day, everything was dealt with. I even ended up with a new freshwater hose and $50 gift card to CW.

All this being said, I did not come on here to gloat or offer the expected "told ya so". I would readily admit that we were blessed with a good unit and a good group of folks to work with. Had we of had a different salesperson, sales manager, service tech., etc. even in the same store, the results might have been totally different. The service manager was a little gruff and short, but everyone else was happy to do anything they could to help.
BubbaChris
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
I'd try all the bypass valves for the water heater (and the valve for the water pump to pull in antifreeze).

I'd also pull the bottom drawer from each cabinet and check under/behind. If you have an access panel for the area under the shower, check there too.

Good luck, and happy camping!
Allworth
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2015
Good Luck!
waltbennett
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
Like said before, but in another way - your signing is the biggest bargaining chip you've got to be certain everything gets fixed. Next biggest is not hooking up or driving off the lot until everything is fixed. My experience with sales people is that some do lie, but not all. The biggest problem I've run into is that almost all of them have no experience RVing or camping at all. They seldom know how everything is supposed to work or even what it's supposed to look like.
fitznj
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
You have not mentioned checking the underside - how is the chassis?
I've seen several trailers which look good until you crawl underneath - people who tow in the winter very rarely wash the underside and salt will
eat the chassis away. Look carefully at outriggers and make sure that none have any serious rust (light surface rust is okay)
Gerry
rhagfo
Explorer III
Jun 27, 2015
Sprink-Fitter wrote:
midnightsadie wrote:
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.

So all sales people lie? There is not an honest one around?

Well we did a PDI, that stands for Pre Delivery inspection, meaning inspection done befor signing on the dotted line. We even got them to allow us to connect the 5er to our TV to check for sag and nose high issues.
Sprink-Fitter
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
midnightsadie wrote:
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.

So all sales people lie? There is not an honest one around?