Open House 2024: New Models From Forest River
Cardinal / Wildcat
For 2024, the Cardinal/Wildcat fifth wheel line is expanding with half-ton solutions. Sister products, the Cardinal RED and Wildcat ONE fifth wheels, launched in 2022 with four models and quickly gained in popularity, the company says. The new 2024 options focus on the growing half-ton market and offer versatility, nimble handling and easy towing.
Now the Cardinal RED and Wildcat ONE will be offered in an all-new, 36-foot-plus model. There is also expansion under the 30-foot towable category. “With 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks increasing in price with limited availability, more consumers with 1/2-ton trucks are looking for towable fifth wheel options,” the company says. “New Cardinal and Wildcat fifth wheels meet this demand, with versatile models built specifically to deliver nimble handling and easy towing.”
Salem Hemisphere / Wildwood Heritage Glen
The Salem Hemisphere and Wildwood Heritage Glen travel trailers (excluding fifth wheels) for 2024 will feature a one-piece fiberglass roof, which the company says is a “major innovation.” One of the first travel trailers on the market to include this full wraparound fiberglass roof, other updates include framed square windows from LCI with built-in shades and a reflective foil backing.
Wolf Pack
Featuring a new profile for travel trailers that offers more space in the bedroom and more head room, the 2024 Wolf Pack fifth wheels and travel trailers feature a 300-watt solar package, new wheel and tire package and a second air conditioner option for the travel trailers. Upgrades include increased wastewater tank capacities where applicable, linoleum flooring throughout (including the bedroom and slideouts), an Oxygenic shower head and a freestanding dinette on some models. 2024 models include new bedroom cabinet and wardrobe slide configurations, blackout shades for the bedrooms and theater seating standard in the 27PACK and 315PACK models. Wolf Pack models come with 50-amp service with the prep for a second AC unit, USB charging ports in the bed slide, a white ramp door patio kit and a larger kitchen countertop configuration in the 365PACK. A handy dry erase board is installed on the inside front baggage door.
Forester / Sunseeker
The PM Series is now available for both Forester and Sunseeker Class B Plus brands in 2024. Built on the Dodge Promaster Cutaway, a front-wheel drive chassis featuring a 3.6L V6, the PM Series are smaller units designed for adventure, the company says. The Class B Plus brands compete with other Class Cs and feature a fully enclosed dry bath, driver and passenger swivel seats, a backup/sideview camera with three-way monitor and a convection microwave. The Sunseeker 2380RP and Forester 2381RP PM Series are made with lightweight materials and feature a contemporary look with a partial paint and graphics package. The PM Series comes with a dual alternator with lithium interior power center, a power Euro life bed that maximizes interior storage and a Truma Combi heater/water heater and Winegard 360+ antenna with Gateway Wi-Fi.
Vibe Ultralite
The Vibe Ultralite for 2024 boasts panoramic windows, and oversized 12-volt residential-style refrigerator, a Tri-Fold sofa, 50-inch TVs and walk-in showers, not to mention 15,000-BTU air-conditioning. The fiberglass ultralight Vibe will include a new interior and exterior graphics design package, an on-demand tankless water heater, larger interior cabinets with soft close hidden hinges, solid surface countertops, an air-fryer/microwave combo and larger farmhouse-style sinks. The 2024 Vibe features carpet-free slide room floors; new faucets in the kitchen and bathroom; 68-inch-tall shower doors; a universal docking, convenience center; a no-leg swivel table/workstation; and larger, slam-latch baggage doors. Roman shades and new window treatments help round out the new look for 2024, as do additional comforts like a residential dinette chair design, new wicker storage baskets, wedge pillow in the bedroom and Fortress Home stain and water protection on furniture. New Z-Trim has been used at the ceiling and floor lines, which means no staples and no putty.
Palomino
With a focus on improving features, Palomino’s PUMA has consolidated its offerings for 2024 while also adapting to the ever-evolving trends in today’s market. According to the company, this includes:
- Moving several XLE Lites into the Ultra Lite Segment
- Shifting a number of XLE travel trailers and toy haulers to the PUMA segment
- Streamlining and simplifying package offerings to ensure effortless customization and ease of ordering
Also in store for 2024, PUMA has new offerings such as two 8-foot-wide single-axle XLEs – 18 RKX and 18 BHX. These models boast a variety of customizable options, ranging from Murphy beds to bunkbeds and slideouts to pantries, and the option for an outdoor kitchen.
The new PUMA TT (29 BHQB) combines a 60 x 80 queen bed, a full bath and half bath for guests, and is complemented by a double L bunk with a pull-out sofa below for additional sleeping and a workstation suite on the other end. The common room and kitchen is complete with a super slide that accommodates entertaining and dining.
Upgrades for PUMA include interior and exterior options for comfort, style and functionality:
- Option to add a third AC unit
- Scratch- and dent-resistant glass refrigerator (12 V, 11.5 cubic feet with dual-swing doors)
- Marine grade threaded PVC flooring in all slideouts
- Modern wood plank linoleum flooring
- New window treatments, bedspreads and shams in bedrooms
- Hard valances with a modern touch
- All new black bamboo fabric roller shades
- New accent wall board – a stylish bead board and pewter-based board with shaker-style design
- Certain models (39PQB, 39FKL, 38RLB and 31FKRK) have larger showers (32 inches x 40 inches) with a seat
- Retailored exterior color scheme that complements the new aluminum wheels
- Aluminum steps are standard on all entry doors, with the exception of
patio doors - Underbelly enclosure for all standard models (with the exception of the
Ultra Lite)
Prime Time Manufacturing
In 2024, Prime Time Manufacturing will offer design upgrades, functional improvements and a luxury bath-and-a-half front bunkroom layout in its fifth wheels.
The new Prime Time Avenger Fifth Wheel features a new crimson exterior color and smooth, thicker gauge metal on the front profile that enhances the look and improves durability. A larger door-side baggage door provides easier access to underbed storage, and the revamped exterior kitchen now features an exterior fridge, easy access spray port, and an LP-fed griddle housed in a steel case.
The Avenger bunk models now feature windows at each bunk for more natural light. Full-size Avengers come standard with a 15,000-BTU ducted AC and new magnet latches on all drawers and cabinet doors.
At the request of dealers and retail customers, all superslide Avengers (with the exception of LE models) will now feature a two-person reclining theater seat in place of the traditional jack-knife sofa.
On the exterior, the new graphics package features a signature crimson color palette and an updated Avenger logo. Replacing a traditional black diamond plate and skirt metal is a modern “Double Diamond” pattern that matches the new color scheme, the company says.
Following residential trends, the Avenger now has light, natural woodgrain upper cabinets and modern, dark blue base cabinets.
The Prime Time Sanibel Fifth Wheel has a fully re-imagined chic look and a luxury bath-and-a-half front bunkroom layout. This floorplan is designed for families and offers ample sleeping space for family and guests.
The Sanibel kitchen and cabinet upgrades deliver style and function with two-tone cabinetry, slate-colored cabinets and a real subway tile backsplash. An Amish-built, hardwood facia creates a modern and stylish ambiance, with updated mission-style hardwood cabinet doors and premium hidden hinges for a sleek, residential look.
Lighting upgrades include decorative lights with wicker hoods above the island and dinette. Dinette table upgrades include hidden storage under the dinette top and an integrated, extendable leaf for additional seating.
The furniture in the Sanibel includes an EZ Glide sofa that easily converts with one hand into additional sleeping space and exclusive Ashley seven-way electric recliners. The bedrooms have had a makeover with solid wood wardrobe doors and headboard, and an upgraded bedding package.
On the exterior, the Sanibel features a fully installed 190W solar panel and prep-work included for a second. An oversized, extendable entry grab handle allows for safe and reliable movement up and down the entry steps.
For the 2024 Prime Time Tracer and Tracer LE Fifth Wheels, a new external look complements upgraded features inside. On the exterior, a water spray port, hose and sprayer nozzle have been added to the Tracer models with an outdoor kitchen.
Inside, a two-tone finish delivers a fresh feel with light woodgrain on overhead cabinets and modern slate finish on the base cabinets. Linoleum flooring replaces carpet in standard slide floors, allowing easier cleanup and durability. Slab-style doors replace shaker-style cabinet doors and feature hidden hinges and magnetic door catches for secure closure.
The kitchens in Tracer (not Tracer LE) feature a new backsplash behind a solid surface countertop.
For 2024, the Prime Time Lacrosse Fifth Wheels have undergone an interior décor refresh with slate-colored, slab-style cabinets on both the lower and overhead cabinets. Magnetic door catches provide secure closure and hidden hinges provide a clean appearance. Linoleum flooring replaces carpet in standard slide floors allowing for easier cleanup and durability. The new fascia partially blends in with the sidewalls and the header gives a natural wood beam look.
And last but not least, the 2024 Prime Time Crusader Fifth Wheels will debut four new floorplans: three half-ton towable floorplans feature compact, functional living and one offers a luxury front living room. Also included is two-tone cabinetry with slate-colored base cabinets and cottage white upper cabinets. The upgraded mission-style hardwood cabinet doors feature upgraded hidden hinges and hardwood fascia adds elegance to the living area.
The Crusader’s kitchen features brand-new, solid surface countertops and custom backsplashes as well as an updated lighting package with a light bezel above the island and fresh island and dinette decorative feature lighting.
In addition, natural woodgrain ceiling panels provide a cozy feel, and the dining area improvements include custom “bucket” dinette chairs.
Furniture upgrades include new EZ Glide technology that makes it simple to convert the sofa into a bed. A new luxury bedding package includes a custom headboard, pillow package and residential designer comforters.
Shasta
Shasta Travel Trailers for 2024 will include a new product line – the i-5 Edition, featuring five floorplans ranging from 29 feet to 36 feet in length. More new features for Shasta Travel Trailers include a TST tire pressure monitoring system, 200W solar with 30-amp PWM solar charge controller, Bluetooth portable speaker and accent wall décor in the bedroom.
For 2024, Shasta Phoenix Fifth Wheels will feature new exterior graphics, an upgraded Suburban furnace for exterior serviceability, standard solar panel and charger and a Furrion Instant Hot Water Heater.
Viking
In addition to new exterior graphics, the Viking for 2024 features the Adventure Package option with solar panels, roof racks and off-road tires. An additional storage door, larger tables for seating up to six (on select models only), and a 12V refrigerator are also included.
The Viking Travel Trailer 3K Saga will include new graphics and exterior metal and interior cushions for 2024, as well as a change up in the floorplans for the 14SR and 15SR.
The Viking Travel Trailer 4K Series will also have new graphics and exterior metal, plus interior cushions, and all bunk models are now double/double with a standard outside kitchen or optional griddle. New floorplans include the 18DBUS, 18BH, 18FQ and 18RL.
The Viking Travel Trailer 5K Series and 6K Series both have new graphics and exterior metal and interior cushions as well, and in the 5K Series, the new 252DBUS and 251RBS floorplans.
Another new floorplan – the 12.0 TK Premier with bath package – is now available, and the new Viking Tear Drop 9.0 and 12.0 include a new roof rack design, decorative bed sheets, a rounded front profile and new exterior graphics.