Which 5th wheel should we purchase?

[our3boys]

Hi...I need some opinions here...I'm new to this forum and need some help. We're looking for our 1st 5th wheel and we have come across a dealership that has a 2005 Wildcat 31QBH and a 2006 Wildwood 296BHBS LA. We like both of them and they're in our price range but can't decide on which to get. We have 3 boys 4, 7, and 10. We were looking for something w/ 3 bunks but everything we have found is way out of our price range. Any suggestions? We prefer quality over anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated. We want to make a purchase in the next 2 days....thanks...

[Herk7769]

Having raised two boys, and thinking back to those ages, getting the one with the steel bar cages would be appropriate.

Which ever one you pick, have no regrets. "Buyer's Remorse" stinks.

While not familiar with the layouts. I would be looking for one that I can use the "facilities" and/or grab a soda and sandwich, all without opening any slides.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by herk7769

While not familiar with the layouts. I would be looking for one that I can use the "facilities" and/or grab a soda and sandwich, all without opening any slides.

That was important when we were shopping for a TT. If the slide was open in a trailer we were looking at, then I would ask the salesman to close the slide. You couldn't move around in a lot of models, the bathroom door wouldn't open fully, you couldn't get to the fridge, or certain cabinets. We ended up with a model that you can camp in even if the slide is closed.......but we do have limited access to 2 overhead cabinet doors.

[Herk7769]

Rockwood and Flagstaff have an identical layouts with a different model number 5th wheel.

The unit has opposing slides in the living dining area that make a HUGE space when open. When closed there is about 18 inches between the slides to get access to the dinette table and couch in a "pinch" (like no picnic table at the rest stop). Entertainment center NOT accessible.

Otherwise EVERYTHING important is accessible with all 3 slides closed.
Bathroom, kitchen - to include all cabinets, Fridge, master bedroom - although with the wardrobe closed it touches the bed. You can even watch TV in the bedroom.

Won't handle 3 kids with this layout, but we have had a couple and their teenage son stay with us and everyone seemed to have a good time. (we did kennel the dog for that one though!)

[LadyWindrider]

Get the one you and the wife, and the 4 year old will be happy in. Get the two older boys a tent, and they'll be happy too. At that age they won't be in the camper much unless it's raining. I grew up with a family of 6 children, a Cox Cadet, (small) foldout, a cover on a pickup, and a tent. Camped almost every week end and 4 weeks per summer in a primitive campground, no power, no water, no showers, no sewer, no tv, no DVD, no surround sound, Ipods, video games, etc. Our pool was a mountain stream with 44 degree water. that was also our shower and tub. The campground had 45 spaces and 3 flush toilets, so it was a hike to a bathroom. We had a blast, and spent a LOT of great family time together, not watching TV.

[2Susan]

When in their seat belts with the slides in can they see the tv? With the slides in can you still access the bathroom, fridge, sink?

Our two boys share the bottom bunk and I am using bed rails on both bunks. Having that extra side gives them more room. The other model we considered had a couch that made into a bunk. It was wider as a bunk and perhaps that would have been better?

[rvron]

Get real sized beds! I love our ultralite, but the "coffin bunks" are 26" wide with thin mattresses. My 3 teenagers now fight over the "kitchen table bed".

[commander ryker]

the wildcat is a better built unit, the wildwood la in 2006 was a glass over wood product, the wildcat is glass/aluminum and a definite step up, in both quality and brand recognition.