Wildcat 290rl fifth wheel

[Desertwanderer]

Anyone have this model? I've had my eye on it for a month now but due to me being on the west coast and this being a Midwest region model I can't walk through one before purchase.

My questions:

What are your overall impressions?
What size ibeam frame does this have?
Does this have the 10.7cu 12 volt refrigerator?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

[SeaDog]

In my opinion you would be making a serious error to purchase any rig without first doing a PDI or walk thru as you call it. The frig is 110V or propane in either mode it requires 12V power.

[NMWildcat]

Why don't you do a remote walk through? We've done several of those. Use FaceTime or Skype with the salesman and you can get them to show you whatever you want and answer questions.
We buy all RVs remotely, we just don't sign the final paperwork until we are there to pick up the unit. Haven't had any surprises or bad experiences yet.

[Desertwanderer]

NMWildcat, that is a good idea. Hadn't thought of that. Out of curiosity, how far have you traveled to purchase a unit? Some things that concern me would be driving all the way there & discovering some major issues with the unit or having the unit shipped to me then discovering major issues with the unit...

[NMWildcat]

Farthest away was our current RV, about 12 hours driving time. We turned it into a mini vacation, and if it hadn't worked out when we got there, we would of still had a great time. My Dad had one delivered to his house. The only bad thing about that is that if you change your mind, then it's a real hassle to not accept delivery or return it. So we will probably always go to pick it up.
We pick out a model we want, research what price range we will offer, then search the US for the best price.
As far as service after the sale, we never return to a dealer, any dealer, if we can help it. Always get pre-approval and use an independent service shop.
Good luck!

[acadianbob]

We have essentially the same trailer; a 29RLX; the 2016 version of the trailer. There are some differences of course. The 290RL has a rear outside kitchen and a king size bed.

This 5er is a nice unit for a couple. We do month-long trips in it very comfortably. Probably not a unit for full-timing.

It does everything we need a trailer to do. Nice seating, TV, kitchen. We did replace the mattress with a higher quality unit. We have no real complaints. Initially had a couple of the usual, initial warranty issues. The trailer has been fine since.

The refrigerator is a 11 cubic foot LG residential. That means no gas option for boondocking. We have installed two AGM deep cycle group 27 batteries for that; as well as a 130 watt portable solar. That and a little generator time in the morning and evening are enough. 95% of the time we are on hook-ups anyway. The truck charging keeps the fridge nice and cold; batteries topped off; while towing

We replaced the table and chairs with a booth setup. This allow us to transport our bicycles by putting bike mounts on the plywood (under the seats) and lowering the table. Works great.

We are 11.3 K loaded. Actual pin weight (loaded) is 1,830 pounds. We pull with an F250 6.2 gas and 4.30 gearset. Works great. Trailer is VERY stable when towing; nicely balanced. The mid-profile height (12.5 ft) is nice for clearance and better in the wind.

[acadianbob]

P.S. At the time we bought our trailer, you could order it with booth or gas/electric refridgerator.

[Desertwanderer]

Acanadianbob, thanks for the reply. You are correct about having essentially the same floorplan, however it appears the 29RLX has a step at the beginning of the bed & units I have walked through with that step cause me to hit my head on the ceiling while standing next to the bed.

Out of curiosity, what size I beam frame does your 29RLX have?

[acadianbob]

3 1/2" by 10"