Review of the 2021 Forest River Cherokee Wolf Pack

Recreational vehicles are a conveyance, a home away from home, and a base for travel adventures. However, more and more of today’s RV owners characterize themselves as riders, so manufacturers have responded with some very interesting units. Known as “toy-haulers,” these travel trailers, fifth wheels and even motorhomes are composed of living quarters as well as a garage space. These units are feeding a demand as RV ownership increases – particularly among those buyers who use the RV as a means to an end. These new “active RV lifestyle” owners like to follow show and race circuits, sporting events (well, when we can back to it) and take their toys, such as ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, mountain bikes and cruising motorcycles, along for the ride. This aspect of toy-haulers is hot right now.

Typically, the rear wall of a toy-hauler folds down and doubles as a ramp to drive vehicles in and out of the trailer. Obvious advantages, such as security, convenience, and camping right on event sites, are making these units very popular. So, manufacturers continue to add these utility/travel trailer designs to their lineups. It’s only been about 15 years since the first toy-hauler debuted, but during that time, this niche market has spawned umpteen new versions of the original trailer. In addition to travel trailers, fifth wheel-style trailers also are increasing in popularity ‒ mirroring the growing sales of pickup trucks. Motorized toy-haulers are even available.

Today’s test unit is at the top end of this purpose-built market. The Cherokee Wolf Pack is a 40-foot-long fifth wheel that’s self-sustaining, carries 100 gallons of fresh water, an Onan generator, and its own on-board gas station. This is a serious get-out-of-Dodge trailer for you and seven of your friends (family) – and your toys, of course.

At just over 40 feet in length, this unit offers a drop-down solid rear ramp that opens up to a 12-foot garage space. The ramp itself (at 13 feet) can be used as a party patio when suspended in a level position and surrounded with a stowable fence. The garage space also has its own man door to what becomes a living/sleeping space when unloaded. A removable dinette table and convertible sofa give way to a powered drop-down bed at night. The garage also has a two-piece bathroom.

The size of the garage doesn’t detract from the separate living space, which can easily sleep six (with the overhead loft serving as a sleeping space), while still offering a completely private front bedroom space with full bath facilities.

The main living area has a full kitchen with a sink in the island, while the fridge and stove are in a slide-out. The main dinette is a surrounded with a U-shaped convertible couch. It sits across from the entertainment center, which includes a fireplace.

It’s worth mentioning here that with a gross weight of over 16,000 pounds, this fifth wheel needs a 1-ton (3500-series) pickup to haul it.

The following are standard features on the Wolf Pack 325:

• 50-Amp Service* (Fifth Wheels Only)
• Black Tank Flush-Out Connection
• Detachable Power Cord
• External High-Output LED Loading Light w/ Reverse Activation
• Large 10.8 Cu./Ft. 12V Refrigerator
• Large Roof-Ducted 15,000-BTU Air Conditioner
• Large 35,000-BTU Forced Air-Ducted Furnace
• Large Exterior Folding Grab Handle
• LED Interior/Exterior Lights
• Outside Shower With Hot and Cold Water
• Quick Connect Coil Spray Hose
• Quick Recovery Water Heater
• Real Wood Cabinet Doors and Drawers
• Seamless Countertop
• Sky Light Over Shower

In addition to the standard features, certain options on our tester included:

• 5,500-Watt Generator
• 12-Cubic Foot Gas/Electric RV Refrigerator
• Party Sofa With Recliners
• Black Euro Recliner Chair
• 2nd Black Euro Recliner
• Chair Ramp
• Door
• Patio
• Steps
• 100-Gallon Fresh Water Capacity
• 5,000-BTU Fireplace
• Aluminum Wheels
• Bathroom Fantastic Vent Fan
• Cold Weather, 12-Volt Holding Tank Heat Pads
• External 30-Gallon Fuel Station
• Forced Air-Heated Underbelly & Enclosed Holding Tanks
• Happijac Bed Lift System
• Industrial Rubber Garage Floor
• Ramp Door Patio Deck Railing System

SPECIFICATIONS for the Cherokee Wolf Pack 325:

• Hitch Weight: 2.270 lbs.
• GVWR: 1.6270 lbs.
• UVW: 11,766 lbs
• CCC: 4,504 lbs.
• Exterior Length: 40′ 5″
• Exterior Height: 13′ 5″
• Exterior Width: 102″
• Fresh Water: 100 gal
• Gray Water: 38 gal
• Black Water: 76 gal
• Awning Size: 12′ & 12′

This unit was made available to us for review by Campkin’s RV Centre of Ashburn, ON. The price on this unit, as equipped, is listed at $71,995.