new wildcat owner

jevanb · 12-31-2012, 11:39 AM

bought this around aug used it for 4 trips, we love the room compaired to the 34TT we just sold... it is a 344QB 4 slides and a huge room in the back for the kids and their friends.

monte0999 · 03-04-2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jevanb

bought this around aug used it for 4 trips, we love the room compaired to the 34TT we just sold... it is a 344QB 4 slides and a huge room in the back for the kids and their friends.

Hi Jevanb, we just ordered our 344 before Xmas.
Family and I are pumped. It's out first camper and the growing pains will probably be large.
Been reading your posts an they're very informative. I purchased the unit stateside, and bringing her back up to Eastern Canada. Luckily I have a dealer here who is willing to take care of her for me. I won't be able to go to the dealer in Michigan for the walk through, and am basically going at it blind.
I know, not the smartest thing to do.
Big question here is "any advice?"
Lol

jevanb · 03-04-2013, 10:03 AM

Congrats.... our issues are as follows. Master slide motors failed before we even brought home (on walk thru) , on demand heater failed on 3rd trip (replaced), black tank flush hooked to fresh tank (fixed), electric brakes way out of adjustment , front landing gear pops fuses all the time ( going to dealer soon) . Lots of other stuff, we do love the layout but for 41k it should not have any human assembled issues, I think the Quality dept was on vacation or They were all let go and never rehired during the downturn years ago.

monte0999 · 03-04-2013, 11:10 AM

Wow. Thanks. Ill be sure to check everything with a fine toothed comb. The unit I bought was their showroom model. Had tremendous foot traffic through it. (Hence the deal) The dealer here has been over the top helpful so far and will do the walk through with me when it arrives.
The dealer I purchased it from has been great too.
We'll see when it gets here if I have some big issues.
Your guys' posts and advice is and will be MOST valuable- I can't thank you enough.
Keep me updated and ill be sure to do the same.
Still snowing here so it's snowmobiling time until April.
Here's another question, I installed the slide awnings and satellite dome as well. Anything there that should raise my eyebrows?

jevanb · 03-04-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0999

Still snowing here so it's snowmobiling time until April.
Here's another question, I installed the slide awnings and satellite dome as well. Anything there that should raise my eyebrows?

I here ya on the snow, wanted to go out to the coach but it is in the low 20`s and snow everywhere but not enough for the 74 cheetah to run in, I did not install the slide awnings , dont think I need them as we are weekend campers and 2 weeks in the summer.. the wife does not like the island (too big) so I went and got a cabinet , put wheels and a top with leaf and will put this in place , I know she like it at the dealer and it was the make or brake for us buying, as we loved the coach and the island was not installed, after she found out it came with we bought (put down deposit on the spot)

monte0999 · 03-04-2013, 01:04 PM

My trailer is still at dealer in Michigan. Just emailed salesman and asked if he could use my trailer as a walk through demonstrator for 344 customers (I won't be able to fly down for a 2 hour walk through) - this way, perhaps some obvious issues might jump out and be easily taken care of. I told him specifically to look for some of your previous issues. I only paid for part of the trailer so far, so I am sure he'll be quite eager to be sure it's ready to go for me. They have been excellent to deal with so far, and have been very accommodating considering the distance between us.

I asked for the slide awnings simply because it will be set up in our yard full time (trailered on weekends). Anything to prevent leaks. Kids will use it as a cottage in our own yard.....we have 6 acres.

Completely understand about the island......my wife thought that was fantastic. Instead of a 5th slide on the kitchen that would give room for a fixed island, the 344 came up with a great idea. Hell, I'd put one of those in any trailer.

I'd say my F150 eco boost is going to have all she can handle.

monte0999 · 03-04-2013, 01:06 PM

74 cheetah. Beautiful.
I've had (or family has had) 21 cats since 78'
Have a 10' Turbo ext, 07 Jaguar, 04z570 and 07 z120 in garage now.

jevanb · 03-04-2013, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0999

74 cheetah. Beautiful.
I've had (or family has had) 21 cats since 78'
Have a 10' Turbo ext, 07 Jaguar, 04z570 and 07 z120 in garage now.

it has the rotary 295 is only 750 orig miles, pulls on first start. got for free and did not riun, I cleaned the carb and replaced the choke cable, thats it....

jevanb · 03-04-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0999

My trailer is still at dealer in Michigan.

I'd say my F150 eco boost is going to have all she can handle.

which dealer?? As for the truck you do not have enough (SORRY) as my 3/4 is at it`s limit (weight wise) I am sitting at 19.4k GCWR and the trailer is sitting at 12.7 ready to camp , you will see over 2k pin weight as the sticker is for no batterie, propane, add the hitch and everything you are looking around 2600 lbs sitting on the axle less the truck weight. I had to put airbags on my because it sits on the overloads and the ride gets harsh, of no bumps it is ok, my truck sits level. As soon as you get take to a CAT scale and get weights on each axle

monte0999 · 03-04-2013, 11:32 PM

All Seasons Rv in Muskegon

Yes I'm very aware that she 's too much.
Still trying to figure out a compromise with my Ford Dealer. Just got the truck a year ago and just want to make the proper decision.
250,350
Need 4 doors. Not a big diesel fan but if I must , I must.

Randy.Dreyer · 03-05-2013, 06:21 AM

F350 diesel!

jevanb · 03-05-2013, 10:51 AM

As for a 1ton that would be sweet , but I have lots of friends with Ford's and lots of problems. I am a GM guy always have I get the employee disc but my next truck will be a dodge, easy to replace high dollar parts down the road. But I love the look of a new black F350 drw 4 door long bed.. what is your capacities of the eco?? Can you put e rated tires on and be within ? You have enough HP....

monte0999 · 03-05-2013, 11:14 AM

Local Ford dealer is a great friend and has bent over backwards to keep me in fords the last few years (I was born a Dodge man)
The service and overall experience has been top notch. I've had 3 fords in a row and this e. boost is amazing. I get 900 km per tank (in town) it's faster than my sports car, and has a 11300lb towing cap.
Pin weight is my main concern. Buddy of mine used his to haul same size and weight trailer (Sidney 34bhs) and had no issues. And his f150 wasn't e. boost. The weight police aren't what they are down USA. BUT safety is a concern.
I was thinking of putting 10ply tires, springs and/or airbags to keep her level until I can find a proper 250/350 replacement.
She has max tow package.

jevanb · 03-05-2013, 11:25 AM

just looked at your location 1200 miles from My town, try to get new tires out of them, how much they charging you for delivery??? bet it is cold all the time up their...

monte0999 · 03-05-2013, 12:14 PM

Lol!

Dealer will take her to the border. No charge. I'm paying a local company here to go get it.
Probably 2500 to get her here + brokerage fees and odds and ends.

We're next door to Maine. So weather is what you'd see there.
Strong winters, Dec until late march, but fantastic summers and fall. Ocean here so camping is world class.

jevanb · 03-05-2013, 12:23 PM

i`ll do it for $$2500 lol

monte0999 · 03-05-2013, 12:38 PM

Lol

Strong winters dec. until late march.
Messy springs.
Fantastic Summers and fall.
Next to ocean so camping is world class.

Dealer is shipping to border no charge, I'm paying a local company here to go get it.
Probably close to 3G by the time it gets here.

monte0999 · 03-05-2013, 12:39 PM

Sorry, didn't think last post went through.

Actually ill consider all options.

jevanb · 03-05-2013, 01:44 PM

montee, when you get a television for the aft room measure with the slides closed.. we forget to and it has to be removed and put on master bed for traveling because the slides would of crushed if mounted on wall this is a 40in

monte0999 · 03-05-2013, 02:10 PM

Wow!

You see, that's why I LOVE this forum!
I'd have done exactly that.
Thanks so much. The wife and I were just discussing that very issue. Whether to put the big tv up where we're suppose to or on the wall that separates the outside kitchen.
That 40 incher looks perfect. Might just be worth it to stow it on the bed during travel.
Otherwise, 32 or 27 might be the answer.

I can't wait to get my hands on the trailer so I can see what works and what doesn't. All info you guys provide is incredibly helpful.
THANK YOU.

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