Need Pre-purchase Input On Puma

[Oppie]

I decided to join the forum for a reason. I am ready to plunk the cash on a new Palomino Puma 40 footer primarily because, after doing the research, I always come back to the washer/dryer feature on the trailer. The plan is to change locations every 6 months to a year (living in it permanently) doing volunteer work in my twilight years (don't drive due to medications, but go further on my electric bike than most electric cars; and can pay to have the trailer relocated).

At this point, I am looking for some expert wisdom from a forum of experienced users. My concern with the Puma are the warranty, insulation and potential of the build quality (i.e. future water leaks, electrical problems and whatever). I would appreciate any input out there. Thanks.

[adehaan86]

I have seen plently of Puma's around and never heard anything bad about them. I think they all have their (build issues). The way I see it is if they still sell some than chances are they are doing something right.

[Oppie]

Thanks for the response. Good point. I have also been looking at the alternatives, the Gulf Stream Trailmaster 401TB or 382 TBS for example. The manufacturer's rep and the dealers I have contacted don't seem very interested in business (starting with lack of responsiveness). Hate to think about what kind of responsiveness there would be after the purchase.

[adehaan86]

Personal I like to know more than the sales guy before even going on dealership lot. Also look at rv shows less one on one pressure and more to pick from.

[drfife]

Determine if living in the trailer full time will void your warranty. Many manufacturers include that clause in their warranty contract.

[Oppie]

All good information. Thanks. I do not want end up with a very expensive paperweight. Am going to get 3rd party extended warranty for that clause forbidding full-time live in. One concern is that being a full-time live in, I don't suppose dealers make house calls to handle warranty issues. So, how has someone out there handled that when they won't be anywhere near the dealer where they purchased the unit?

[Hamblen]

We bought a Cherokee grey wolf in 2011, and we got rid of it this spring already. We ended up purchasing a puma 31kbh. Awesome trailer. Kick my self for not looking into the fifth wheels more. Don't hesitate to go with a puma.

[Philip.Saran]

On the washer/dryer, check into some of the places you plan to live,
some parks do not allow use of on board washers because of their
ceptic systems. Just something else to check into.

[Oppie]

Now that is interesting. Thanks. Would never have thought about checking on the washer/dryer use - which would limit where I stayed rather than the use of the washer/dryer.

[Oppie]

Thanks on the Puma info. It is encouraging that I am looking in the right direction. And so far, the reliability of getting the information needed from sales people on the Puma has been the best of all the other brands.