Advice needed please

[defboater]

This forum and its members have been invaluable, so thank you all so very much with calming fears, providing advice and wonderful guidance.

 

We are finally going to look at 2 fivers. A 2013 Wildcat (293rex) and a 2008 Cameo ( model F31KS3). A big difference and both appear to be in great shape.

 

We hope to be in FL at this time next year out of the cold and then travel for at least a couple of years.

 

Love the outside kitchen and bedroom configuration of the Wildcat. Inside kitchen is okay, not as great as the Cameo. This year does not seem to have problems other than fading cap paint. Wildcat is light weight at 12K and would tow easily.

 

Cameo is a great product, great kitchen and great storage. It is a 2008 and much heavier at about 14K GVWR.

 

We will ask to see all paperwork, receipts and maintenance records, but they both appear to have been very well maintained. The Wildcat does have a transferable warranty. The Cameo's mechanic is close by, available and highly regarded.

 

Should we worry about a potential trade-in with the Cameo year?

 

Should we just spend some time in both and see what feels right after asking and researching the obvious?

 

Any guidance, advice and recommendations would be so appreciated. This is hard!

 

 

[jonrjen]

Are you sure that the Wildcat warranty is transferable? Is this the warranty from Forest River or

another warranty provider?

 

Reason I ask is on my Wildcat is states that the warranty extends to the original owner and does not

transfer.

[whj469]

There is a big difference in the quality of a Wildcat and a Cameo. IMHO they are not in the same league.

Cameo is out of business but with a six year old unit that should not matter much. Good Luck

[defboater]

Are you sure that the Wildcat warranty is transferable? Is this the warranty from Forest River or

another warranty provider?

 

Reason I ask is on my Wildcat is states that the warranty extends to the original owner and does not

transfer.

 

 

Thanks for this - owner assures both inside and outside warranty is transferrable, but we'll verify this with the sales dept, I guess. You always have great advice, appreciate it!

[Yarome]

X2 on the warranty for the Wildcat. If they were smart, they took advantage of the 2nd year factory warranty for $150 from Forest River. However, being a Forest River owner I can attest that Forest River factory warranties are NOT transferable. If it is an extended warranty product from a third party, then they may be on the level.

[defboater]

Forest River does indeed, have a transferable EXTENDED warranty if it is paid for. We paid extra for it when we purchased our new travel trailer.

 

When we sold our 2013 MicroLite we transferred the extended warranty to the new owners. We had to go online, print out a form, fill it out, etc. and mailed it to the company. I believe the company was AGWR or something similar.

 

Thanks for your advice, suggestions and comments!

[Yarome]

Forest River does indeed, have a transferable EXTENDED warranty if it is paid for. We paid extra for it when we purchased our new travel trailer.

 

When we sold our 2013 MicroLite we transferred the extended warranty to the new owners. We had to go online, print out a form, fill it out, etc. and mailed it to the company. I believe the company was AGWR or something similar.

 

Thanks for your advice, suggestions and comments!

 

That would be a third party extended warranty offered by the Forest River dealer.. not the Forest River factory extended. Forest River works in cooperation with third party companies (you'll notice their factory website also has links to Geico insurance), but the initial year is "factory".. and little known is their second year offering for a paltry $150. Excellent deal, but not transferable.

 

I'm not saying they don't have a transferable warranty from a third party.. just that, prior to purchase, you want to be clear who the extended warranty is under.

[TXiceman]

Wildcat is like a Chevette and the the Cameo is like a Buick. If the Cameo is in good shape, I'd take it over the newer Wildcat in a heart beat.

 

Ken

[bigjim]

CHEVETTE!!!!Someone is showing their age. I like the explanation in comparison as it makes the point in an understandable way.

[jonrjen]

If your speaking of both the brands of the trailers being 6 year old units I would agree that the

Cameo would be the superior unit. However, with in that 6 year spread of time Forest River did make

great strides in improving the level of the Wildcat model line.

 

Before we purchased out 2013 Wildcat 355ls we looked at many much higher priced units which were said to be of a higher quality. What we found out was that the difference in the price was not worth the

perceived quality that came with the various brandings. What we did find out was that many of the highdollar units we looked at and considered had some very unhappy owners as per the internet research we

read.

 

Our last 5th wheel that we owned was one we custom ordered to our specs. A 1997 40rltso Travel Supreme which was perfect from day one. It meant our every need day in and day out. Just as our 2013 Wildcat has managed to do.

[defboater]

If your speaking of both the brands of the trailers being 6 year old units I would agree that the

Cameo would be the superior unit. However, with in that 6 year spread of time Forest River did make

great strides in improving the level of the Wildcat model line.

 

Before we purchased out 2013 Wildcat 355ls we looked at many much higher priced units which were said to be of a higher quality. What we found out was that the difference in the price was not worth the

perceived quality that came with the various brandings. What we did find out was that many of the highdollar units we looked at and considered had some very unhappy owners as per the internet research we

read.

 

Our last 5th wheel that we owned was one we custom ordered to our specs. A 1997 40rltso Travel Supreme which was perfect from day one. It meant our every need day in and day out. Just as our 2013 Wildcat has managed to do.

 

 

as usual, succinct, clear, honest comments; thank you again, jonrjen

[Dutch&Di]

I wouldn't worry about the Cameo as even though the company is out of business they are still in great demand. I can't speak for the 2008 year but we are still in our 1996 Carriage so you can see how well it has held up.. We did do a "redo" in 2010 to go to full body paint and freshen up the interior with new carpet, etc.

Both units are good and I like your idea of spending some time in both to see what suits you. Let us know what you decide. Hugs, Di

[TXiceman]

So the Cameo is 6 years old and the Wildcat is 2 years old. In 5 more years, the 11 year old cameo will probably be in better shape than the 7 year old Wildcat. The Cameo is better built for the long haul and will be a better unit down the road provided both units get the equal amount of care.

 

Ken

[gjhunter01]

We have owned and full timed in our Cameo 2008 34CK with 3 slide for 2 years now and have been very happy with it. As with any older fifth wheel, there will be maintenance that needs to be performed due to it's age. I have also done many upgrades to suit my needs that I would not attempt with a newer unit. The fact that Carriage is out of business means nothing as anything that breaks or wears out can be repaired or replaced somehow.

Greg

[defboater]

We are not concerned with the age or any potential maintenance issues with the Cameo - the current owners have a wonderful mechanic and we are fairly well maintenance ready. The Wildcat has the small outside refrig and important to us is the spacious night stands.

 

Also, thinking down the road a couple of years from now we would definitely consider a moving up in length to include a washer/dryer.

 

Adding this to the decision, anything else to consider?

 

As always, thank you for your comments!

[Dutch&Di]

Just curious as to why you don't just get a bit bigger unit now with a W/D in it? A lot of money lost in selling whichever one you buy then buying a now one in such a short time span. Hugs, Di

We are not concerned with the age or any potential maintenance issues with the Cameo - the current owners have a wonderful mechanic and we are fairly well maintenance ready. The Wildcat has the small outside refrig and important to us is the spacious night stands.

 

Also, thinking down the road a couple of years from now we would definitely consider a moving up in length to include a washer/dryer.

 

Adding this to the decision, anything else to consider?

 

As always, thank you for your comments!

[defboater]

Appreciate the common sense, Di. Frankly, not sure why, probably because this is our first FW and when we started deciding on a floor plan, we found it in the Wildcat and more research proved the Cameo and this is close to us with another great floor plan. We were wondering why go bigger to have that convenience.

 

I guess we are proving our inexperience!

 

Thanks for those suggestions!

[Dutch&Di]

I was just curious because a salesman told us {when we were looking way back in 1996} to get as big a unit as we felt comfortable with so we didn't start trading up every 2 years or so. It sounded good to us.

Also for me, there was no way I wanted to lug everything to laundromats and back. I have always done laundry when it suited me so having my stackable on board was perfect. I'm doing laundry now as I'm posting with you. Life is grand-wait did I say doing laundry was grand??? :wacko:

Whatever you decide I'm sure will be the best choice for you. Hugs, Di

[Big Greg]

When we ordered our 5W back in 2007 I didn't want the weight of a W/D and the wife didn't like the small size loads that could be done back then. Now we wish we had one of the newer stackable units. Going to the laundry mat is getting real old. Greg

[gjhunter01]

When we got our Cameo it came with a stackable W/D which I did not like due to the weight. Well the first time we used it, the camper got flooded which made a mess, so I removed the W/D and built shelves in its place. After a year of full timing we decided that doing laundry was a PITA, so we bought a combination W/D unit and have been happy with it since. Some remote campgrounds just don't have laundry facilities close by. As long as you have hook ups, the W/D can be added later.

 

Greg

[defboater]

thanks and appreciate all comments! We took a look at the Cameo and are in love but are still drawn to the outside refrig,

 

now I'm so torn

[NH2]

Do you have a W/D in your stick home? If so, you'd REALLY miss the convenience of having them in your home-on-wheels. Spending time tossing quarters in a machine is not cheap and a poor use of time; a point that has been debated over & over & over on this forum.
I'm not sure why the outside fridge is important to you but could the same be accomplished with a portable cooler?
Good luck with your search. Keep in mind that there's no such thing as a "Perfect" RV—always a compromise.

Mark

[TXiceman]

The outside kitchen is just another attention grabber in my attention. How much use will it actually get. I see no use for an outside kitchen for our use.

 

Ken

[defboater]

The Cameo has a W/D hookup in which the previous owner installed shelving, which most likely could be removed. Wow - this is such a hard decision.

 

Thank you all for your comments - onto decision making!

[sjh]

Choose the one which better suits your specific camping needs. My personal preference would be the Cameo...apple and oranges to a Wildcat.

 

Best Wishes!