2020 Puma

[Maggot]

Traded in my 13 yo Rockwood and ordered a 20 257RESS yesterday.

Really glad to be getting one of the last remaining stick and tin fifth wheels. I am real pleased(so far) with the dealer and factory working with me on a semi-custom built. Eliminating some items for my own choice and did not save me money but its things we don't want plus less holes in my rig. Things eliminated are: back up cam prep, outside speakers, outside tv thing, radio antenna off roof.

Every other package added including 2nd ac and fireplace. Only options not taken is outside kitchen and the mag wheels.

First thing I have planned is etrnabonding every roof seam the day I bring it home and probably lap seal the edges with Dicor. I may even do the windows and every other penetration of the rig with that tape?? As they say, there are only two kinds of campers-ones that are leaking and ones that are going to leak.


Now the hardest part, waiting on a VIN. Could be a 12 week lead time.

It is a little sad to see the stick and tin fifth wheels fading away.

Maggot

[Maggot]

Picked it up this week.


Factory did perfect. No back up cam prep, no outside speakers or tv stand, no raidio antenna. Just as I ordered.



No inspections gigs.



Pulled well home.



The craftsmanship on my rig is very good. No complaints.


Maggot
20 Puma257RESS
02 Chevy

[aceinspp]

Nice looking. Enjoy and Later RJD

[Lighting546]

I have the same year and model 5er and the only part of the skin I have found to be metal is the sheet of diamond tread aluminum on the front of the coach under the overhang, everything else appears to be fiberglass.

[tjwoody]

Originally Posted by Lighting546

I have the same year and model 5er and the only part of the skin I have found to be metal is the sheet of diamond tread aluminum on the front of the coach under the overhang, everything else appears to be fiberglass.

According to both the 2019 and 2020 brochures the exterior is .025 and .034 aluminum and there is diamond plate on the front.

If you were using a magnet to test it wouldn’t have stuck to the aluminum but would have stuck to the diamond plate.

[Iwannacamp]

The two I’ve had...the diamond plate is aluminum....in case that was a question.

[Sharonogoingsolo]

What is the "lap seal the edges with Dicor" and the "etrnabonding every roof seam" you refer to?
I am a newbie and am living and working in Kentucky in my new 257 RESS - it is very cold in the bedroom - I have put insulation around the bed, plastic over the windows and a "pillow" in the roof vent above the bed. It's still cold and only gotten into the upper 30's so far - are the procedures that you are planning to insulate or only to prevent leaks? I am looking for advice on improving the climate inside...

[rsdata]

What is the "lap seal the edges with Dicor" and the "etrnabonding every roof seam" you refer to?

Dicor and Eternabond are products used to maintain your roof from getting water leaks. Since your camper is new I would hope it is well sealed at this time. Water entry thru the roof is the biggest cause of problems for RV's. Your FR RV states that YOU are required to inspect and maintain the roof seals every 3 months. Certainly be proactive watching for water spotting or stains and water infiltration inside the RV. I did a write-up on Eternabond awhile back.
https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...nce-90060.html

As the weather gets colder you may find excess moisture in your RV starting to condense on windows, then cool outside walls which can become a problem. Go to HDepot or Lowes and buy a roll of Reflectix foil insulation. Cut to size and tape to inside of windows to prevent heat loss and condensation. Possible that a de-humidifier might be in your future.

[Sharonogoingsolo]

Thanks for the information - I am so happy that I posted and am getting assistance! It eases my mind some!