Well after squatting in my parents camper for the past 10 years me and the wife have decided it is time to purchase one of our own. We have found and laid a deposit on one that we like and I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with one of these. We have picked out a 2004 Forest River Wildcat 28bh. We love the floor plan with the bunk house in the back which will be perfect for three kids. The build quality seems to be good and I did a thorough inspection on the inside for any signs of leaks or sagging in the floors, walls, and roof. Does anybody have any experience with this brand and if so what are your thoughts. Thank you.

 

IMHO forest river products seem to vary over the years. If all looks good, it should be a fine unit.

 

if it has a rubber roof, go over all seams and penetrations with a real thorough inspection......they can leak and cause damage inside before you notice water dripping

 

When I was looking at a Wild Cat I got alot of GREAT info at this site

http://www.wildcatcamperforum.com/

 

We enjoy ours

Topaz Lake, on the way to the Reno Air Races!

2004 Model 24RBS

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I had a 98 FR wildwood that was so bad I won't even think about another FR again. It was things nobody can see. The bed and booth platforms caved in and I had to built sturdier ones. No vapor barrier under the alum. and we could literally feel wind blow thru it - couldn't heat or cool it if there was any wind. The front flexed so badly the staples in the inside paneling fell out on the floor and the alum siding was popping the heads off the crown staples and the wind was blowing it out. The axle spindles still had the rough sand cast surface where the seals ride and ate up seals in no time. I don't think they could possibly get any worse than the one I had. You need to look really deep and find out how it's built. I hope they got better by 04. Craig

 

I did. I am restoring an old slide in, having been camping since I was 10, and spend alot of time on RV.net so I know about the rubber roof issiues. I climbed on top and inspected the seams, roof vents, ac, antenna etc... checking for leaks and saw nothing. Everything looked good.

 

I hauled several of these and I will be honest. It was a roll of the dice if I had a good one in tow or not.
There was no middle when it came to quality and construction with FR products that I hauled.
One lost cupboards and they where all smashed inside after less then an hour on the road from the plant.
Others were very well put together.
I think that when a person is checking, like you are, its very wise to get all the knowledge you can and spend the extra time checking these rigs real close before a purchase happens.

I should also add that it was not just FR that had the extremes in quality...other brands under Thor did too. Strange how one unit would be well put together and the exact same model the next trip was a mess.

 

I have one. It is for sale now. Only because I want a 5th wheel.
I have had my share of problems, but not more than with any other rigs of this level.
The radios are a chronic problem, but I have had mine replaced by the company, and am satisfied.
Recently had drain valve problems, but 140 bucks, and someone else fixed it for me, instead of me doing it.
Get the larger hot water heater, and get one with Electric/propane.
I recently changed the original tires (what where those 4 ply?) for 14 ply trailer tires. Much better.
Check the forum mentioned above, and read EVERYTHING. YOu will see some recuring issues.
Write down Rod Batt's name and contact info when you run across it on that forum. He is the go-to guy, and can fix anything.
Good luck.

 

I think it's funny that I came across this thread, today. I am sitting at the RV dealership, getting my hitch installed right now. We just bought a 35' Sunny-brook fifth wheel. We are taking it to Alabama on Thursday.

 

I have a holiday rambler its been great never 1 issue with its quality ,its built real well ,but its heavy too.the only thing ever done was a Tstat replaced on the water heater. its rolled down many a bad road where we had to reinstall cabinets back on the walls of a couple of my friends rigs. and I think one of them might of been a forest river product,(Salem ) not sure ,but all the overheads were just screwed to the paneling

 

I have a 2011 Sierra 256RL 5th wheel and love it !!!! Very well built .



Bigdaddy51200

 

We have been living and traveling full time for over a year in our Forest River Cedar Creek without a problem.The older ones had issues but build quality has improved(mine is an 08).I know a guy with a $ 90,000 Mobile Suites that had the kitchen sink fall into the cupboards below so any one brand can have problems.

 

FR was using Lippert for their frames at that time from what I can tell that would be only word of caution. FR make my Carnial. Had to fix the front walls as the support broke from the frame. i was freaked at first but found I can fix most anything on it. Just takes time. Inscpect what you can from the out side and ask they the wheels be pulled so you look at the frames for cracks in the i beam and at the shackel points. Not sure if that is 5th wheel or not. if it is make sure it doesn't have any damager. Mine broke.

Mine has had alot of mile and was pulled with a class 8 truck. (big no no unless you have side pivot 5th wheel and air on bothing the pin box and the 5th wheel) Other than the walls it has held up great. They all are about the same. Good for about 10 year, Then things just start comming up so you either fix them or trade up. Mine was free so I will just keep fixing if I can and not sure I would ever buy new as they lose value fast. If you thinks it looks good and no fram crack get it and enjoy it. It is a lot of fun and out ways the hassel.

 

My dad has a 2000 FR Sierra BP toyhauler and I had a 2003 FR Sierra travel trailer. Haven't had any major problems with either one. A few small issues with vents and my converter is all. We've both been happy with them. I sold mine recently just because I wasn't using it near as much as I thought I would.