The 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum stands as a significant model for those looking to enter the world of travel trailers, offering a blend of affordability and features that continues to attract buyers in 2025. It represents a gateway to freedom on the open road, especially for couples and young families eager to explore the diverse landscapes of the United Kingdom. This review from Rollocks aims to be your definitive guide, exploring every facet of this popular lightweight travel trailer. We will delve into what the exclusive Platinum Package truly offers, dissect its real-world performance on British roads, and provide an honest look at its long-term value, ensuring you can make an informed decision for your future family adventures.
What Owners Really Think After Years on the Road
Feedback from long-term owners of the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum paints a picture of a capable and well-loved, yet not flawless, travel trailer. Many users express immense satisfaction with the value proposition, frequently highlighting that for its price point, the number of features and the functional layouts are hard to beat. Families, in particular, praise the bunkhouse models like the 178BHSK for providing dedicated sleeping spaces for children without sacrificing the main living area. The lightweight nature is another consistent point of praise, allowing a wider range of vehicles, including some larger family SUVs common in the UK, to handle towing duties without strain. However, the narrative is not without its critiques. Some owners report minor fit and finish issues cropping up after a few seasons of use, such as interior trim pieces coming loose or drawer latches needing adjustment. These are often described as manageable DIY fixes rather than catastrophic failures, but they point towards a build quality that prioritizes cost-effectiveness. More significant concerns, though less common, revolve around water ingress, with some users advising new buyers to be diligent in checking and maintaining all exterior seals annually.
A Deep Dive into the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum
When you first encounter this travel trailer, its appeal is immediately understandable. It was designed to hit a sweet spot in the market, providing the amenities and space needed for memorable getaways without the intimidating size or price tag of larger rigs. Forest River aimed this model squarely at newcomers and those looking to downsize, and this philosophy is evident in every aspect of its design. The exterior styling, especially with the Platinum upgrades, gives it a more modern and upscale appearance than many of its direct competitors from the same model year. It feels approachable, a quality that can’t be overstated for someone making their first foray into the caravanning lifestyle. The design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about practicality. The placement of storage compartments, the accessibility of utility hookups, and the overall proportions are thoughtfully considered for ease of use at the campsite. At Rollocks, we believe a great adventure starts with great gear, and understanding the core design of your travel trailer is the first step.
The Platinum Package: What Does It Actually Include?
The “Platinum” designation is more than just a sticker; it represents a significant upgrade package that transforms the base Wildwood FSX from a standard entry-level trailer into something with a more premium feel. Visually, the most striking feature is the smooth, grey fibreglass exterior, a notable step up from the traditional corrugated aluminium siding. This not only enhances the look but also makes cleaning off road grime and black streaks considerably easier. Inside, the upgrades are just as impactful. You’ll typically find solid-surface countertops in the galley, which provide a durable and residential-quality workspace for meal prep. The appliance package is also enhanced, often featuring stainless steel finishes on the microwave and refrigerator front, lending a more modern and cohesive look to the interior. Another key component of the Platinum Package is the inclusion of an upgraded insulation package and enclosed underbelly, which extends the camping season into the cooler months—a huge plus for exploring the UK’s varied climates from the Scottish Highlands in autumn to the Cornish coast in early spring.
Exploring the Interior Design and Livability
Stepping inside the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum, you are greeted by an interior that prioritizes functionality and efficient use of space. The design language is bright and airy, with light-coloured cabinetry and fabrics that help make the compact footprint feel larger than it is. Large windows, a signature of the Wildwood line, play a crucial role in this, flooding the space with natural light and connecting you to the beautiful scenery outside your door. The layouts are cleverly designed to maximize living space during the day while providing comfortable sleeping arrangements at night. For instance, many models feature a dinette that is spacious enough for a family meal but also converts into an additional sleeping area. Storage solutions are integrated throughout, with overhead cabinets, under-bed storage, and surprisingly deep pantries in some floor plans. It’s this thoughtful approach that makes the trailer feel like a true home away from home, rather than just a temporary shelter.
“The real genius of the Wildwood FSX interior is its simplicity,” notes Arthur Davies, a seasoned caravan technician with over 20 years of experience in the UK leisure vehicle market. “They don’t overcomplicate things. The layouts are intuitive, storage is where you expect it to be, and everything is designed to be durable enough for a young family. It’s a fantastic starter platform.”
Key Specifications and Floor Plans
Understanding the numbers behind the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum is essential for any potential buyer. These specifications dictate everything from what you can tow it with to how comfortable you’ll be on a rainy day. Forest River offered a variety of floor plans under the FSX Platinum banner, each tailored to a different type of camper. This variety is one of the model’s greatest strengths, as it allows buyers to find a layout that perfectly matches their needs, whether they are a solo adventurer, a couple, or a family of five. Each plan plays with the same core components—a main bed, a galley, a dinette, and a bathroom—but arranges them in unique ways to optimize for different priorities, such as maximizing sleeping capacity or creating a more open-plan living area.
Let’s Talk Numbers: Weight, Length, and Capacity
One of the most appealing aspects of the FSX line is its lightweight construction. Most models have an Unloaded Vehicle Weight (UVW) that hovers between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds (approx. 1360 to 1815 kg). This puts them comfortably within the towing capacity of many mid-sized SUVs and larger estate cars found on UK roads, avoiding the need for a dedicated heavy-duty tow vehicle. The exterior lengths typically range from around 22 to 25 feet, a manageable size for navigating tighter country lanes and fitting into standard pitches at most UK campsites. The holding tank capacities are generally adequate for a weekend of off-grid camping, with fresh, grey, and black water tanks often holding around 30 gallons each. It’s important to always check the specific weight ratings of your tow vehicle and ensure your license permits you to tow the combined weight, but for many, the FSX Platinum hits a sweet spot of size and capability.
Popular Floor Plan Breakdown
While several layouts were available, a few consistently rise to the top in popularity. The 178BHSK is arguably the star of the lineup. It packs an incredible amount of utility into a compact frame, featuring a set of bunk beds at the rear, a convertible dinette, a queen bed at the front, and a highly functional outdoor kitchen (the “OK” in its name). This layout is a dream for families with young children, giving everyone their own space. Another popular choice is the 190RT, a toy hauler model. This versatile design includes a rear ramp door and a flexible garage space that can be used to transport bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear, and then converts into additional living or sleeping space once you’ve reached your destination. For couples, models without bunks offer a more spacious and open living area, focusing on a larger bathroom or a more comfortable seating arrangement. Each floor plan tells a different story about how you can use the trailer, making it crucial to envision your own travel style when choosing one.
Performance on the Road: Towing and Handling
Towing a travel trailer for the first time can be a daunting experience, but the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum is designed to make the process as stress-free as possible. Its single-axle design and relatively low centre of gravity contribute to stable and predictable handling on the motorway. When properly balanced with a weight-distribution hitch, it tracks straight and true behind the tow vehicle, with minimal sway from crosswinds or passing lorries. The aerodynamic front profile also helps to reduce drag, which can have a positive impact on fuel economy. Visibility is generally good, and its manageable length makes reversing into a campsite pitch a skill that can be mastered with a bit of practice. It’s a trailer that inspires confidence, allowing you to focus more on the journey and the destination rather than wrestling with the rig itself.
Is It Truly a Lightweight Contender?
In the world of travel trailers, “lightweight” is a relative term, but the Wildwood FSX Platinum genuinely earns the title. Forest River achieved this through smart construction techniques, such as using an aluminium frame and other weight-conscious materials, without making the trailer feel flimsy. This lightweight nature is its superpower, especially in the UK market. It means you don’t necessarily need a massive, fuel-guzzling truck to start your adventures. Many families can use the vehicle they already own, dramatically lowering the barrier to entry into the caravanning lifestyle. This accessibility is a core reason for the model’s enduring popularity. It democratises road-tripping, making it a feasible dream for a much broader audience.
Navigating UK Roads with an American Trailer
It’s important to address the elephant in the room: this is an American-designed trailer, and UK roads are famously narrower and more winding than their North American counterparts. The standard width of most US trailers is 8 feet, which is wider than many European caravans. While this extra width translates to a more spacious interior, it requires greater awareness from the driver. Navigating tight B-roads in areas like the Cotswolds or Devon demands careful planning and a slow, steady approach. However, it is far from impossible. Thousands of UK owners successfully use these trailers every year. The key is route planning—sticking to A-roads where possible and using apps or sat navs with caravan-specific settings. The trade-off for this extra vigilance is a level of interior space and a style of layout, like the popular bunkhouse models, that can be hard to find in locally produced equivalents.
The Good, The Bad, and The Reality: Common Issues and Reliability
No travel trailer is perfect, and it’s important to approach ownership of a 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum with realistic expectations. The primary “bad” that owners report centres on the occasional lapse in quality control from the factory. This can manifest as loose screws, poorly applied sealant, or cabinet doors that need realignment. These are often minor annoyances that are easily rectified. However, a more significant potential issue is water leaks. The seams, windows, and roof fixtures are all potential points of failure if the sealant is not inspected and maintained regularly. A small leak can lead to significant and costly damage to the trailer’s wooden substructure. Proactive maintenance is not just recommended; it’s essential. On the “good” side, the core components—the chassis, axles, and major appliances like the furnace, air conditioner, and refrigerator—are typically reliable brand-name units that perform well.
“With any trailer in this price range, the key is preventative maintenance,” advises Arthur Davies. “I tell my clients to spend an afternoon every six months checking every inch of exterior sealant. A £10 tube of sealant can save you from a £2,000 repair bill. The bones of the Wildwood FSX are solid; you just need to look after its skin.”
How Much is a 2020 Wildwood FSX Platinum Worth Today?
As we move further into 2025, the used market for the 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum has stabilised, making it an attractive proposition. Like all vehicles, it experienced initial depreciation, but the high demand for leisure vehicles has helped it retain value better than many might expect. The final price depends heavily on the specific floor plan, condition, and any aftermarket additions. A well-maintained 178BHSK Platinum model, given its high desirability among families, will command a premium over a less popular layout in similar condition. When evaluating one for purchase, look for signs of water damage (staining, soft spots in the floor), check the tyre date codes, and test every single appliance and system. A comprehensive service history is a huge bonus. Generally, you can expect to pay a price that reflects a significant saving over a brand new, comparable trailer, making it a financially savvy way to acquire a feature-packed and modern-looking rig for your family’s adventures.
The journey with a 2020 Forest River Wildwood FSX Platinum is one of incredible value and accessible adventure. It represents a fantastic entry point into the world of caravanning, offering popular layouts and desirable features in a lightweight, easy-to-tow package. While it may require a bit more hands-on maintenance to keep it in top condition compared to premium-priced models, the rewards are immense. For the family looking to create lasting memories exploring the stunning coastlines and national parks of the UK, this travel trailer remains one of the most compelling and sensible options on the used market today.
Comments
Eira Hughes
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
We bought our 2020 178BHSK Platinum two years ago and it’s been brilliant for our family of four. We’ve taken it all over Wales, from the Brecon Beacons to Anglesey. The outdoor kitchen is a game-changer for cooking bacon in the morning! We had a minor issue with a sticky drawer latch, but my husband fixed it in five minutes. For the price, we couldn’t be happier.
Alistair Campbell
★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
It’s a decent enough caravan for weekend trips. Towed it up to Loch Lomond from Glasgow last summer and it handled the A82 just fine. The main issue is the build quality feels a bit cheap in places. The interior trim around the slide-out needed re-gluing after our first season. It does the job, but I’d recommend anyone buying one to give it a thorough inspection.
Sophia Chen
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
As first-time caravan owners, the Wildwood FSX Platinum was the perfect choice. We have the 179DBK model. It’s so light and easy to manage. We spent a fortnight in Cornwall this past August and had no issues finding pitches. The interior feels so much bigger than it is, and the large windows are fantastic. We absolutely love it.
Mark Donaldson
★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars)
I’m a bit disappointed, to be honest. We found a small leak around the skylight after a heavy rainstorm in the Peak District in late 2023. It hadn’t caused major damage, thankfully, but it required a full reseal. The dealership wasn’t much help. I’d warn others to be very, very careful about checking all the seals before you buy.
Chloe Dubois
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
This is our second travel trailer, and we’re impressed with the layout. We chose a model without bunks for just the two of us, and the living space is excellent. We’ve added solar panels and can comfortably stay off-grid for 3-4 days. It’s a great little rig for exploring the quiet parts of the countryside. We spent a week in the Yorkshire Dales in May and it was perfect.
Ben Carter
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Fantastic trailer! The Platinum package is well worth it. The fibreglass exterior looks so much smarter and is a breeze to clean compared to our old caravan. We use ours for trips to motorsport events, and it’s the perfect basecamp. Everything has worked flawlessly since we bought it in early 2022.
Isabelle Knight
★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)
It’s fine. It gets us out of the house. The bed mattress was awful, we had to replace it almost immediately with a better one. Storage is decent, but some of the cabinet doors don’t line up perfectly. It’s a classic case of “you get what you pay for”.
David O’Connell
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
We’ve had our 2020 FSX for three seasons now, mostly for trips around the New Forest and down to Dorset. It’s been very reliable. The furnace keeps it toasty on chilly evenings, and the A/C was a lifesaver during that heatwave in July 2022. A solid, dependable, and affordable option for a young family.
Grace Williams
★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Love the interior design. It’s so much brighter and more modern than many other caravans we looked at. The only thing I wish is that the bathroom was a little bigger, but for a compact trailer, it’s a compromise I’m willing to make. It’s been a great vehicle for exploring National Trust sites.
Liam McGregor
★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
I have the 190RT toy hauler model to carry my mountain bikes, and it’s absolutely perfect. Towed it to Fort William for the UCI Mountain Bike World Series and it was the envy of the car park. The flexibility of having the garage space is incredible. Solidly built and has given me zero problems. Highly recommend.
