experienced RV tech/inspector wanted

[boatless]

We are considering a used fifth wheel in CT and are concerned about cracks with the gooseneck hitch. Would like to hire an experienced tech/inspector. Please email with suggestions/advice/contact info. Thank you!

[Flagstaffer06]

What make and model is it that you are looking at? Some models have common frame issues that should be noted and probably stay away from.

Otherwise, you might try searching on Craigslist or a similar website. I have seen RV repairmen or mobile rv technicians. Probably someone like that would be a person that would be interested in helping you out.

You also may get lucky with someone on the forum who is experienced in this area and can help out.

Last resort, go talk to a local dealer and see if they can recommend such a service. They may be reluctant to do so or not have the ability that's why I said as a last resort.

[GOTTOYS]

Could very well have problems. Very difficult to inspect without taking the front skin off as the frame on the front is enclosed. Can't imagine any seller would allow you to do that. I know I wouldn't if it was mine. Labor to do that could be in the thousands...Why not walk away and get one that hasn't had a gooseneck. There's a reason the frame factories will void the warranty if you use a gooseneck adapter.

[boatless]

Sorry I should have said straight out - this is a model 2013 Wildcat 293rex that the owner used a gooseneck but stated that the unit came with both and that he had the original kingpin also, which we would use.

If the wildcat can be used with either gooseneck or kingpin, why would the gooseneck void the warranty? I'm confused.

thank you wonderful website and members!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by boatless

Sorry I should have said straight out - this is a model 2013 Wildcat 293rex that the owner used a gooseneck but stated that the unit came with both and that he had the original kingpin also, which we would use.

If the wildcat can be used with either gooseneck or kingpin, why would the gooseneck void the warranty? I'm confused.

thank you wonderful website and members!

I've never heard of a fifth wheel coming with a gooseneck. Most of the time it's owners switching over because they want to reuse a hitch that they already have.

Looking on the Wildcat's page for Features/Options, there is no mention of goosenecks:
Wildcat Fifth Wheel Features / Options by Forest River

I know a lot of people pull a fifth wheel with a gooseneck adapter without issues, I'd be extremely wary of doing it myself or even buying one that was pulled that way.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

[GOTTOYS]

I have never seen a fifth wheel that came with a gooseneck hitch. I am sure it has an adapter. Contact Lippert the frame manufacturer and they will tell you the frame warranty will be void if used with one. Not that it will matter warranty wise as all the warranties it came with from the factory will not transfer anyway. If it's a 2013 why not shop for a new one/ If you get the normal 35% off the MSRP which is common with some negotiating, there can't be that much of a price difference..Then you will get all the warranties as well.

[jonrjen]

Good Morning boatless,
Sound like you tracked down the model you were looking for, that's the good news.


As for having the hitch area checked, that can be a very expensive cost to have done. I would save the money and follow my gut feelings.......


As for the owner saying it came with both hitches, maybe he meant that he purchased the gooseneck adapter from the dealer, had it installed when he took delivery.......if that was the case, then yes it came with both.....but not really as it may have been meant to sound.


Look at the whole trailer, judge the condition, how was it take care of, ask what warranty repairs have been made, then make a judgment call.


Or keep the search going for a new left over model and go new, this is the season for dealing on RVs.

[Rrickim63]

Follow your gut feeling..it doesn't sound good. Walk away and keep looking

[boatless]

As for having the hitch area checked, that can be a very expensive cost to have done. I would save the money and follow my gut feelings.......


As for the owner saying it came with both hitches, maybe he meant that he purchased the gooseneck adapter from the dealer, had it installed when he took delivery.......if that was the case, then yes it came with both.....but not really as it may have been meant to sound.


Appreciate your input - again, thank you. 'came with both...but not really as it may have been meant to sound' ... I'm confused what you mean by this? The owner said the orig hitch came with it and yes, he did buy the gooseneck at the dealer and they installed it.

He did say that it was used gently, 6-8 times last summer with his young family. It was a leftover model, the floor model at the dealers.

This is so hard for newbies and so many questions. Appreciate any advice, thank you!

[jonrjen]

I was trying to convey that it may have been purchased with both hitches, but that the gooseneck hitch was not an actual Wildcat option, but rather an aftermarket choice.


I would check the basics your self. Such as water system, A/C, heat, all the lighting, do the slides open and close as they should and do they seal properly both in and extended.


If there seems to be one complaint I hear more than others on the 2012-2013 model years it has to do with front cap fading. The grey gelcoat finish turning to a chalkish white finish on the upper front of the cap. If caught under warranty Wildcat will repaint the cap. If not caught under warranty it becomes an owner deal with it matter. Of course the unit you are looking at will not come with the manufactures warranties.


It's a tough decision whether purchasing new or used, and you may find yourself questioning your choice until all the bugs are taken care of. But once they are it is all worth it.

[trbomax]

If the trailer frame is built by Lippert,and if the hitch is a Reese Goosebox,it does not affect warranty,as Lippert approves the use of them. Any other goose neck "adapter" as people call them WILL void the warrenty. The Reese Goosebox replaces the entire pinbox and is not an "adapter".