Josh, we just came back from our first trip in this camper! It is really, really nice. We put a true queen mattress on the bed, and it does not seem to be a problem. The tankless water heater will take some getting used to. We have not found anything we dislike about it. Thanks for the review, you hit it dead on!
Thanks Nerd!! I prefer the dust catcher above the cabinets. Frankly, don't give me an option to overload especially up high. I can't be trusted. I really like the color-coded wires and the spare tire up in the front. Makes me remember to look at my spare before on the side of the road. And I love the Safety-rail for the entry door! And Thank you Keystone for the added inches on the camp kitchen slide to get the griddle away from the refrigerator door!!! And in the comparison to the Artic Wolf23MLE, I would choose this Cougar due to the bigger shower. Literally no doubt.
I have the 2023 23 mle. For us it is pretty much perfect, small footprint with huge amount of storage. As far as stuff bouncing around in kitchen, i store heavy stuff down low, and lighter stuff like bowls, paper plates, etc up top and havent had problem with them moving. I absolutely do not want a tv that lowers down, i like it where it is. Mine has the 400i solar package with inverter and it is da bomb. I can watch tv without being plugged into power, or make a cup of coffee, and before i had a plug in at the house, the solar kept battery charged, for like 5 months, even with the outside fridge being on. Being a short person, i dont like how high the griddle is, makes its hard to cook, so I'm going to remove that and just have the fridge in there, besides the griddle isnt the greatest because it has a single, not h-type burner which cooks unevenly. I am also waffling between do i like the wardrobe slide, or would i like a smaller shower and have the wardrobe in the wall backed up to the shower, so i could have a window where slide currently is. And probably one other thing i didnt like was seating. I replaced it with a more comfortable recpro recliner. Ive seen some in our facebook group complain about the tankless water heater, but i loooooove it.. there is definitely a learning curve with that, but i can take a shower and not have to constantly cut water off and on. In travel mode you can get to everything except stove. As far as the queen bed, I'm short so I'm good with the camp queen, especially if it keeps the footprint smaller. Loving ours so far!!!
We have the 2023 23MLE and love it. They did learn from their mistakes and corrected a couple things. Like the outdoor kitchen door, ours opens side ways. We like our storage under the coffee bar. I put a 5 gal water bottle there. I love the recessed medicine cabinet. Great video.
We love this model-it will be our next camper. We would like to see a true queen bed, an electric fireplace heater, cabinet door/drawer access for the right-hand dinette bench storage, and the cabinet raised to the roof to eliminate the dust collection. These would make it perfect for! 🤩 Thanks for making awesome videos, Josh!
It'd be nice if the recliners had small (sturdy) tables to swing up/in/over your lap, to eat off of, for snacks or a laptop. Even at home when I in my big recliner my laptop is on and next to me so even if watching TV I can go on the internet or work on something. I think I saw in a couple smaller trailers with no dinette some recliners that had side tables, and in the 23MLE it looks like they got the room on both sides of the theater seats. Also, don't know how easy it'd be to do, but it'd be cool if a bigger TV could slide down from inside the back of the cabinets above the dinette....for lower viewing from the recliners, watching the weather in the morning while having breakfast at the dinette or using it as a computer/iPad monitor if you working at the dinette. Would block light from that window too for better TV viewing. Just a suggestion. Thanks for the videos Josh, the 23MLE is my current fav!!!
Would be my perfect RV if had eating bar and chairs facing window and could be used as desk as well. Yes to dropdown for tv! Love short Queen for more walking room. 😊
Creating the eating bar with chairs is easily done. When I did it I just figured out where the wall studs were, and built it same as a stick built house. Just made sure to not make it heavier than than whatever I removed. I was able to tell where the studs wet by looking for the staples in the wall.
@@JoshtheRVNerd Well the wife is a fan of the rear living floorplans. The 29RLI or go bigger to the 316RLS. We are both fans of rear kitchens like the 29RKS. As you can tell we love the cougar brand.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I a have owned 2 Cougar fifth wheels and had very little issues with them, but I need to look at your Artic Fox review, I have heard good things about them, but I have not researched them yet.
Hello Josh, my wife and I purchased a 23MLE and we love it. We did purchase it with the sofa queen bed instead of the theater seats. We do wish we had purchased it with the theater seats only because the sofa couch is truly truly Uncomfortable.
would also like to see storage compartments open sideways so you do not have to stay hunched over to access the bays or open all the way with a magnet catch. great vid as usual.
Hi Josh, We actually first saw this trailer on one of your segments. We bought the 23 MLE new last July. We have 5,200 + miles on it, been in everything but snow. We've been on some poorly paved roads and downright bad gravel roads. The good: trailers very well, does well in strong winds, love the layout and HVAC, we have two ACs. The bad: Keystone needs to do a better job on inspection and build quality: microwave didn't work, shower leaked into bedroom, plastic fender skirts screws backed out, lost one of the skirts somewhere near Minnesota, the soffet that covers the large slide's mechanicals, fell down. Another thing is the manuals, there are none. You have to go online and hunt around for your specific model of the product that's in the trailer. Would I buy it again? Welllll, so far, yes. Most of the above were fixed under warranty. We've been in contact with Keystone over the fender skirts, there should be a recall. The Soffet will be attached with screws instead of staples, I'll probably take care of that. The unknown is if are any more unpleasant surprises that await us. With the mileage we have on the trailer we're cautiously optimistic.
You need 2 opening windows in the bedrooms and kitchen for boon docking in the heat That bedroom should also have an air conditioner as stock unless the RV sells for 15k or less as thats all its worth and stick the spare tire under the rig as you need that space in the front for a generator which is also missing
Generators in this size of fifth wheel are pretty uncommon from the factory but they do sometimes have space for one You usually need to get a larger size like a Montana-ish unit for those
@@stevecurry5785 In today's market things in this size range _typically_ don't have allowances for generators from the factory. Cougar, eagle, montana, avenue, reflection, etc Many are still gen capable, but the factory doesn't offer them. Regionally people camp differently. If you live in boondock country, then generator aftermarket upfits are likely more common
i really like having the dinette in this setup, since you can use it as a bed or table even in road mode! For families with just one kid, really can't think of a better layout for always stop ready! I could see myself easily using the shoe garage and flip flop shop! I agree swivel for TV is not really needed as much as drop down for better viewing from the couch.
This one gets a ton right, but I agree with your suggestion of a convertible breakfast bar instead of dinette/dining set--it is so rare that we actually eat at our table any more. I also always want a second heat source that does not rely on propane, so placing a fireplace in that bar, putting the tv on eihter a higher power drop down or hiding it in a televator would be my ideal. It could also allow a larger "picture" window on the camp side. You asked about the bed size, and here is my view. I sleep in a King at home, and it is honestly too big. Queens beds are small, but the walk around space they leave in an RV is great. I feel the best balance is the Oympic Queen. That extra 6 inches is the same step as going from Full to Queen (discounting length), and it could make such a difference. It would impact bed-side storage, but this unit has plenty of storage space in the slide.
Went and looked at this rig again, this time at a dealership, and we were able to close it up. We found we could open the pantry cabinet and get stuff in and out. Easier for the DW as she is smaller than I. Large people I doubt could squeeze between the slide out frame and cabinetry. But it is doable!
I would put another upper cabinet where the TV is and put it in a lift against the wall and mount the dining bar in front of the TV cabinet. Pop up the bar for extra counter space or to eat. Pop up the TV for perfect viewing from theatre seats, or to use as a big monitor in desk mode. The shallow toe kick under the coffee station would be ideal for slide out pet feeding station.
agree with the dinette removal and put a long narrow'ish bench type. i would also move the TV down to a tv lift station with the lift part being slightly more elevated from where you would eat to lesson chance of spilling down into the lift. I would add a window (that opens) to the hallway outside of bathroom. They might be able to even make the kitchen U shaped where dinette is and make a high top type of bar seating. oh and add a fire place in front of the tv lift like many do.
I personally prefer the kitchen nook….no chair dragging on a bare floor and lots of storage under the bench. We took ours out for a shakedown and had no kitchen disasters with thing bumping around! Short Queen ..no problem.added a topper trimmed of the end of the foam and added it to the back of the mattress space. Pop it in and out.
The concerns with bouncing kitchen stuff stems mostly from the fifth wheels of yesteryear that were sometimes quite large, not well balanced, and rarely had upgraded suspensions I don't think the bouncing concerns on a shorter rig like this with upgraded suspension are nearly as concerning. But If I ever said that to an interested client it sounds like "yeah sure you'd say that you're just a dealer." So.. I kind of need to wait for folks like yourself to point it out. So THANK YOU! :) ☺
Yeah!!!! way to go Josh ! you talked about shock damping suspension and bonus points for shock damping pin box keep up the good work and just maybe more people will start asking for it from the factory.... Probably not but one can hope 😊 , Thanks Nerd
Good Video. We have a Grand Design reflection 226Rk, Rk stands for rear kitchen. It is 27’11”. The micro wave going down the road has opened and the glass plate inside fell out and broke. Also the refigerator comes open at times. So they do get banged around when traveling. We got the sofa sleeper option so when traveling with grandkids we have sofa sleeper along with the fold down dinette for sleeping. All n all we love it, although the things I would change are single gray water dump, and a rack n pinion slide. We had trouble with the schwintek slide and paid to have a Vroom slide installed. Much happier with the Vroom. We carry a blackstone griddle, so I prefer the door towards the rear in lue of the outdoor kitchen. The space in front where the batteries are is essisental for storage,. The spare tire on your cougar takes up a ton of usable storage space. My two cents worth.
A really cool little 5th Wheel. Great living area and yeah, I would replace with a full queen. I would take the hide-a-bed not for the bed but for the sofa. For towing 3/4 ton, why fight a half ton, overkill for a tow vehicle is a good thing. I like that the interior is nice and bright overall, two thumbs up.
My biggest issue with slide access in road mode is not being able to load groceries into the fridge while curb parked at the grocery store, so being able to open a fridge without pushing a slide out is a handy thing to be able to do.
I saw on my phone that forest river is laying off 83 people. I know it's nothing to do with this video. I really like how you show the good the bad and the ugly. Denis from Santa Rosa CA
It's my favorite floorplan. I can't really knock it other than what's mentioned. Can diy on most things I'd change to make it my own. Lot of people think camping is a home on wheels with no sacrifice but they're in for a surprise. Part of the fun is adapting and the change you'll see in yourself. Wonderful experience. Come at it with this mindset and every trip will be wonderful 🍻
Yeah there's been a shift in the climate on that kind of thing. Lot of people see something like this as a temporary thing to get away from home. Others feel it should include all their home conveniences
I love this, as it is (except a pull out bed rather than a theatre seat.) I'm not bothered about a dinette, bar with stools is enough. I'm more about enough comfy seating for the amount of possible guests. Great amount of kitchen storage, but I'd definitely prefer the cabinets to reach the ceiling, it's just a dust trap above them otherwise. Nice size bedside space, and love having the table too there. A proper length bed makes more sense, rather than a shorter one. Good idea for the tv to drop down. I've seen some that are flat to the ceiling and they kinda flip down. Pretty good space when all closed up! Any update on Carlos?
True queen for sure! Lower the TV in the living room. Nice counter space in kitchen. Why don't manufacturers make pantry cabinet shelves adjustable? It would make the space so much more usable and customizable for the user. Oh and cabinets to the ceiling. Otherwise they are just dust collectors!
I love Cougars, we almost bought the Cougar Sport instead of the Ibex, we just didn't have a truck at the time so we couldn't take it home. The Cougar 32BHS has my attention currently.
True Queen, drop down tv, yes and yes! Are those some type of tie downs on the front? Would rather have a manual command center. Why can’t they cross plumb the grey tanks if they’re using the wire slide system for both slides now? Are they using the “Exacta- Slide”(hopefully) or the “Accu-Slide”(no thanks) System? All in all this is the 5th Wheel that checks almost all the boxes for us, especially the shoe cubby right inside the door🎉❤👍
The kitchen cabinet and pantry that back up too the bathroom wall and the space above it should be used for storage from the bathroom side. Box it in and put some cabinet doors in the bathroom.
Thanks Again Uncle Joshy!!! YES to the Bar style eating area and stools. FULL Queen bed would be better Drop down TV may be better too Very cool set up and functional Rig.
True queen is a must! I looked at the model at a local camping show. One major miss is the exposed mdf cross cuts on some of the face frames. The two vertical members for the TV frame and the vertical members on cabinets along side the bed. That would drive me absolutely nuts.
I really like the idea of the camp side bar. Also how about turn the bar into a Tele Vader and just put a nice size TV right there instead of having one swing down? Just a thought… I really do like this and I love the idea of the fireplace, this would be perfect for someone like me.
We agree that is a nearly perfect couple RV, so much so that we bought a 2024 Cougar 23MLE two weeks ago! Ours has the second AC since we live in the south and the summer season pretty much makes that a necessity. We upgraded from a small travel trailer, so the MLE seems like a mansion, and the amount of storage is simply amazing!
We have the 2023 and love it. We modified the bed platform and added a full queen. Yes Keystone, why are you putting an RV queen in a Cougar?! Add another foot to the front end to make space to get around the front of the bed. Like how the recessed the medicine cabinet. One of my gripes about or 2023 is you hit your head when washing your face. I would suggest a smaller cabinet on the side and a flat mirror. There is no issue with items in storage in the rear kitchen. This camper is too short to have that issue. There just isn't a lot of rocking front to back. In-Command system is a dream. We will not buy another camper without it. We are actually looking at the new Alpine 3011CK but not hot on a bed slide. Keystone.... make the bed slides wider to accommodate nightstands!! Two sewer connections not a big deal. Generally when we are at camp we do not even hook up the forward sewer. The kitchen connection is more important to us as that grey tank fills up much faster than the bathroom. This is the perfect couples camper, hands down! Wander Til Lost www.youtube.com/@wandertillost7818
Josh, I like the idea of an optional bar/chair configuration, but with the current window configuration I think the bar would be a little low. It would be below the kitchen counter height. And I think that they should include a full queen if there is room for it.
We love this 5th wheel. Love your reviews 😂. We do wish it had a small fireplace somewhere in the living area. It would be perfect for us first timers We started with a motor home then pull trailer and now we decided on a fifth wheel. A small one is great to start
True queen for sure. On the wardrobe, I'd like to see them shorten the doors so they can be opened with the slide in. That would give it a 'well' in the bottom to keep things corralled. If you were locked in your RV with the only way out the emergency exit, does that window separate from the RV, or does it swing fully open for exit?
Own a '21. Moved from SD to TX with no problems. No broken plates, cups, or anything and I'm a full-timer so I have tons of crap. When a manufacturer leaves space above cabinets, it typically turns into extra storage space for random things anyways. It would be nice of them to just use up all the space.
Cougar did a nice job with that floorplan. We have an Outdoors RV 21KVS (rear kitchen) that we've towed all over the country--from bumpy dirt roads to horribly rough freeways--since we bought it in 2019. Only twice we found a kitchen drawer had come open. But ORVs are built to handle the "abuse" of offroad/boondocking, so not surprising the rear kitchen jostles less than other brands.
Hi Johs, just to let you know that we odered a 2024 23 mle after seing your review, we fell i love with the layout and you convinced us even more on it, but !!! We are so mad and disappointed at Keystone, they removed the in command system and changed the ac to a Furrion ac with out letting us know!!! After reserching on cable slides i realized the cables were installed wrong, i know you have nothing to do with this but just wanted to let you know what they are doing
Hi Uncle Josh! This is EXACTLY the kind of camper we are looking for, so I thought I would drop my comments! *2024 COUGER 23MLE Fifth Wheel* *What I love:* - The Kitchen is awesome! Love that "L" shaped counter space. Great job! - Tires and suspension are excellent. - The ability to get tables and chairs (I believe) instead of the booth is wonderful. - A nice sized shower! - Very good camp side window coverage, considering the size of the trailer. - OUTSTANDING multi-season package! - The overall interior design is exceptional. - Leaving out the "tootsie toaster" was a good call on a trailer this small. *What They Can Do Better:* - I have to agree, a "breakfast bar" option would be AWESOME instead of the booth/dinette. - And I have to agree, extending the cabinets all the way up to the roof line makes sense. You can never have too much storage! - Ventless flooring would be nice. - No need to include a TV, I'd rather just supply my own, if I get one at all. *Deal Killers:* - A CAMP QUEEN BED???? Are you kidding me???? Sorry, that kills it for me. *Final Thoughts:* Here's a camper that does almost everything right, but the stupid idea of going with a CAMP QUEEN BED wipes out all the wonderful things they've done. Sadly, this one gets crossed off the list of campers to consider, just for that one cheap shot. *Conclusion:* NO DEAL. Thanks for another awesome trailer showing Uncle Josh! You are THE BEST!
Their product manager has a solution for that bed that will leave room to walk around. But it will require a nose nose cap so we will likely see it on the 2025 models
I was skeptical at first, but I do think this is almost perfect. I don’t like the lack of windows on the driver side in the bedroom, but I can do everything else this one offers. But did you misspeak when you said you can’t access the microwave in road mode? It appears to be accessible in the video.
We bought this camper a month and a half ago absolutely love the floor plan plan but we have had nothing but problems with the electrical can’t get several of the plug ins to work. It has been back at the dealership longer than we have had.
No cold sandwich for you, Josh! That microwave IS accessible in road mode. 😁 PS: love this little RV. I have a late model 1/2-ton with an excellent tow package and payload capacity and still, it's a definite NOPE. No 1/2s ton need to be pulling ANY 5th wheel..no matter how cute and teeny they are.
We own a 23MLE and prefer the short queen bed because it gives more space to walk at the end of the bed. My husband and I are both around 5’6”, so it’s big enough for us. I do miss not having a fireplace. We have the bench seats because our granddaughters usually travel with us and we need the bed. I’m not a fan of the factory table. The table top will come off if you lean on it too much. I replaced base with one that is freestanding and collapses. I prefer the space on the left of the “coffee bar” and put a 5 gallon water jug in it. As for the space above the cabinets, I wish that they went all the way to the ceiling, because we have a cat who jumps up on them. He found that there is a large hole above the microwave that he was able to enter during one of his top of cabinet adventures. It now has a pillow stuffed up there to keep him out.
Afternoon Unka Josh...you know who from you know where here...the idea of a side bar/desk function would be preferable to the dinette. You could also get a medium sized table with folding legs ( you know, the "nerd preferred " type) and then you could use it as a "DDDDDdddddinofa" or outside as either a prep station or a sit down "fancy eatin' space"...lol....oh, an BTW, you mentioned that the microwave WASN't usable in road-mode, but I went back and looked 3 times and I'd sweare on a stack of whole wheat pancakes that I can see easy access to it if you can jiggle bang electric slide your bod back into the kitchen it's across from the fridge in't it?...anyway, great content as usual, please accept my best wishes for your pup ( I just watched that video earlier) and I hope the little gaffur is doing ok....that's all from me, Doc, way up in the VERY snowy today Great White North of southern Ontario, Canada....peace out to the Nerd Herd !
You had me Josh until I saw the cable slide.... mhew. One man's opinion. Great layout though and decent hitch weight. I still think Cougar knocks it out of the park with the side bed stands. That's where my fan goes!! Tootles!
Really nice unit, and yes almost a perfect couples camper! Some observations. 1 -- A true queen bed would be so much better! 2 -- It baffles me why companies use a static center arm rest with their theatre seating when there are options out there to use instead 3 -- There is enough storage that a fireplace can fit on the pantry/storage wall ( at 7:55 in the video ) opportunity missed. 4 -- the carpet less slide flap looks horrible. If they get it to lay flat sure that's better than the marine woven material from a looks standpoint, otherwise I would rather have the marine woven material.
The bedroom needs to have a breeze through window on the drivers side to match the passenger side, then it would have been PERFECT!! I LOVE the corner seat shower/tub 😍 🤗 🤗 🤗 👏 👏 👏 🖒 🖒 ❤ ❤ ❤
@@KS-ce8vm dealers pick what they want But each dealer has product territory The local cougar dealer decided not to bring that model Would’ve been the first I brought personally
I like it, but I have a question that I think I already know the answer to, thereby making this question a suggestion to the manufacturer. Can you get a lighter color backsplash? While it looks nice, I would want one that surrounds the kitchen (of course I’d need to replace all of the splash on both sides to match). The current color would make the kitchen look too dark if you added backsplash, but a lighter color would make it look nicer, plus the option of buying more material to surround the kitchen in backsplash would be nice as well.
Great video! Great layout! Cabinets should always go to the ceiling or it’s wasted space. Owned a pop-up camper with a king size bed so there’s no excuse why manufacturers are using shorty beds in 5th wheels!
maybe like, an L counter so two stool to left as soon as you come in door and and enough space where on could be o a stool on the inside, opposite side of the counter, inside the kitchen space.
I love the cabins in the bedroom. I personally don't care that there's no window there because it's the neighbors side of the camper anyway and I'd never have the shades raised on that side. Windows need to be more on your own camp side of the RVs anyways. We would need a trifold sofa option in the living room. This is a great little 5th wheel
Cardinals version of this I LOVE in the living/kitchen area. 23RK I think it is. That being said, Id move things in like manner and make that window behind the dinette HUGE ... and throw in a window in the hallway. Be perfect then
Hey Josh! Cougar has the kitchen ok. At 16:25, you may have said the Microwave was not accessible in road-mode. Looks like they went out of their way to put MW over camp side counter, instead of over stove! Nice planning by Cougar.
@@JoshtheRVNerd My ‘’secret weapon’ for that is our 2200 watt portable power station. Deals handily (at a price …..) with AC power needs in transit. I was happy to see Cougar do the space planning well. Not all do. Thank you for the look at the 23MLE.
Hello Josh, I'm an avid watcher of your video's sir. My wife and I recently upgrade from a Jayco Jay Flight 265 RLSW to the 2024 Keystone Cougar 23MLE. There isn't anything we don't like about it as of yet. I did do a great deal of research however because of all the controversy and comments about the half ton trucks not being able to handle it or the half ton model rv's. I am hoping that between the Chevrolet Dealership and the Keystone dealership that they both gave me the proper information on my truck. After giving the Chevrolet dealership my VIN number, I informed them I wanted to know if my truck had the payload capacity to carry that 5th wheel, they informed it did. The Keystone dealership also took the time not just telling me straight up that it could, in order to make the sale, but she too my vin number and ran it for me returning the same information as did Chevrolet, that my truck could handle it. I do not drive recklessly, nor we overpack. We take only what we need to enjoy ourselves on any given trip. I will keep you updated on a trip or two of ours just to let you know how we experience the tow of the 5th wheel itself with our half ton. Thank you for all your videos. We will not stop watching just because we have upgraded LOL. Stay Safe Everyone!
We have a 30' travel trailer with a rear kitchen, and I haven't noticed any more bouncing than a middle kitchen model. I've seen no issues with our appliances working. I would like to see a bar with chairs rather than the table IF it has a hideabed for guest sleeping. One thing I dislike about virtually all RVs is that the theater seats are just too short for anyone over 6' tall. The leg piece cuts about 1/2 way up my calf. It's fine for my 5'6" wife. That high tv is a killer for me. We use our fireplace all the time, so it's good use of a little shallow drawer. We have 2 sewer outlets. It's a major drawback. I'm ok with a camp queen in a small camper. The extra room is nice for changing clothes and moving around. I'm 6'1", and the short queen works for me. We switched our full queen to a short queen so we didn't have to do a booth squeeze to walk by the bed. Get the spare tire out of the storage compartment and under the rear bumper. Cargo space is such a necessity, so taking up all that space is silly. Any sales guy who tells a customer they can tow this with an F150 should be fired!
Hey Josh. We really like this size and floorplan. We know that Cougar is one of your favorite lines and that you give our feedback directly to Keystone. Do you think that they could make something like this size with a patio on the side or back and maybe replace the dinette with a bar and stools? We are really considering a small, couples fifth wheel that is half ton towable. We have a 2022 Ram that can pull that with no problem. Let us know what you think. Thanks and have a great day. By the way, just entered for that free beef jerky. Looks good. God bless! Kirk and Christine
It's not impossible but I know they're not considering anything like that for now. I've seen other builders attempt side patios in smaller RVs like this and none were met with success so many of today's builders wont do it
What about a dining bar that has a televator? It'd need to be tiered so that spilled liquid couldn't mess up the TV. Provide a little more storage too. Just an idea. Probably help with road mode too.
Josh, we just came back from our first trip in this camper! It is really, really nice. We put a true queen mattress on the bed, and it does not seem to be a problem. The tankless water heater will take some getting used to. We have not found anything we dislike about it. Thanks for the review, you hit it dead on!
That is awesome! I am kinda jealous!
True queen!! And yes to the drop down tv,desk/ chair option with a fireplace
👍🏻
Thanks Nerd!! I prefer the dust catcher above the cabinets. Frankly, don't give me an option to overload especially up high. I can't be trusted. I really like the color-coded wires and the spare tire up in the front. Makes me remember to look at my spare before on the side of the road. And I love the Safety-rail for the entry door! And Thank you Keystone for the added inches on the camp kitchen slide to get the griddle away from the refrigerator door!!!
And in the comparison to the Artic Wolf23MLE, I would choose this Cougar due to the bigger shower. Literally no doubt.
Awesome TY!
I have the 2023 23 mle. For us it is pretty much perfect, small footprint with huge amount of storage. As far as stuff bouncing around in kitchen, i store heavy stuff down low, and lighter stuff like bowls, paper plates, etc up top and havent had problem with them moving. I absolutely do not want a tv that lowers down, i like it where it is. Mine has the 400i solar package with inverter and it is da bomb. I can watch tv without being plugged into power, or make a cup of coffee, and before i had a plug in at the house, the solar kept battery charged, for like 5 months, even with the outside fridge being on. Being a short person, i dont like how high the griddle is, makes its hard to cook, so I'm going to remove that and just have the fridge in there, besides the griddle isnt the greatest because it has a single, not h-type burner which cooks unevenly. I am also waffling between do i like the wardrobe slide, or would i like a smaller shower and have the wardrobe in the wall backed up to the shower, so i could have a window where slide currently is. And probably one other thing i didnt like was seating. I replaced it with a more comfortable recpro recliner. Ive seen some in our facebook group complain about the tankless water heater, but i loooooove it.. there is definitely a learning curve with that, but i can take a shower and not have to constantly cut water off and on. In travel mode you can get to everything except stove. As far as the queen bed, I'm short so I'm good with the camp queen, especially if it keeps the footprint smaller. Loving ours so far!!!
We have the 2023 23MLE and love it. They did learn from their mistakes and corrected a couple things. Like the outdoor kitchen door, ours opens side ways. We like our storage under the coffee bar. I put a 5 gal water bottle there. I love the recessed medicine cabinet.
Great video.
Thank you!
We love this model-it will be our next camper. We would like to see a true queen bed, an electric fireplace heater, cabinet door/drawer access for the right-hand dinette bench storage, and the cabinet raised to the roof to eliminate the dust collection. These would make it perfect for! 🤩 Thanks for making awesome videos, Josh!
It'd be nice if the recliners had small (sturdy) tables to swing up/in/over your lap, to eat off of, for snacks or a laptop. Even at home when I in my big recliner my laptop is on and next to me so even if watching TV I can go on the internet or work on something. I think I saw in a couple smaller trailers with no dinette some recliners that had side tables, and in the 23MLE it looks like they got the room on both sides of the theater seats. Also, don't know how easy it'd be to do, but it'd be cool if a bigger TV could slide down from inside the back of the cabinets above the dinette....for lower viewing from the recliners, watching the weather in the morning while having breakfast at the dinette or using it as a computer/iPad monitor if you working at the dinette. Would block light from that window too for better TV viewing. Just a suggestion. Thanks for the videos Josh, the 23MLE is my current fav!!!
Sofa-tables like that really are handy. MOST of the ones I see in the industry right are too flimsy for my comfort
23MLE is a monster. Last year it was among my favorite FWs. This year it still is but its sister the 260MLE caught my eye as well
Would be my perfect RV if had eating bar and chairs facing window and could be used as desk as well. Yes to dropdown for tv! Love short Queen for more walking room. 😊
Creating the eating bar with chairs is easily done. When I did it I just figured out where the wall studs were, and built it same as a stick built house. Just made sure to not make it heavier than than whatever I removed. I was able to tell where the studs wet by looking for the staples in the wall.
@@KodyK2024 Thats admirable but I'm 66 and not so talented. 😂
Staples. 😅
@@tbec3011 Thats an idea!!! 🤣😂🤣
Come on Josh!! We had our next camper picked out and here you go putting this beautiful cougar out! Thank you Josh!
lol it’s such good model
What were you thinking before?
@@JoshtheRVNerd Well the wife is a fan of the rear living floorplans. The 29RLI or go bigger to the 316RLS. We are both fans of rear kitchens like the 29RKS. As you can tell we love the cougar brand.
True queen, drop down TV, desk w/ bar stools. But all in all, nice fifth wheel. I have a F250 SD gas. This would be a perfect RV for that truck.
Sounds like a good pairing for sure
@@JoshtheRVNerd I a have owned 2 Cougar fifth wheels and had very little issues with them, but I need to look at your Artic Fox review, I have heard good things about them, but I have not researched them yet.
Hello Josh, my wife and I purchased a 23MLE and we love it. We did purchase it with the sofa queen bed instead of the theater seats. We do wish we had purchased it with the theater seats only because the sofa couch is truly truly Uncomfortable.
Thanks for sharing
The good news is that furniture isn’t bolted down. At some point
you could swap it around for something else
In our Montana, we dumped the theater seat for 2 small recliners… way better!
We picked ours up on Valentine’s Day…theatre seats are not so bad….i think we will keep them!
Nice I’m glad you like them
Second A/C is a must for us. Add that, and this is a strong contender for our next trailer.
The kitchen cabinets and pantry makes all the difference. Not to mention the counter space
would also like to see storage compartments open sideways so you do not have to stay hunched over to access the bays or open all the way with a magnet catch. great vid as usual.
Great idea!
Hi Josh, We actually first saw this trailer on one of your segments. We bought the 23 MLE new last July. We have 5,200 + miles on it, been in everything but snow. We've been on some poorly paved roads and downright bad gravel roads. The good: trailers very well, does well in strong winds, love the layout and HVAC, we have two ACs. The bad: Keystone needs to do a better job on inspection and build quality: microwave didn't work, shower leaked into bedroom, plastic fender skirts screws backed out, lost one of the skirts somewhere near Minnesota, the soffet that covers the large slide's mechanicals, fell down. Another thing is the manuals, there are none. You have to go online and hunt around for your specific model of the product that's in the trailer. Would I buy it again? Welllll, so far, yes. Most of the above were fixed under warranty. We've been in contact with Keystone over the fender skirts, there should be a recall. The Soffet will be attached with screws instead of staples, I'll probably take care of that. The unknown is if are any more unpleasant surprises that await us. With the mileage we have on the trailer we're cautiously optimistic.
Appreciate the insights and feedback!
I love the floor to ceiling pantry
You need 2 opening windows in the bedrooms and kitchen for boon docking in the heat That bedroom should also have an air conditioner as stock unless the RV sells for 15k or less as thats all its worth and stick the spare tire under the rig as you need that space in the front for a generator which is also missing
Generators in this size of fifth wheel are pretty uncommon from the factory but they do sometimes have space for one
You usually need to get a larger size like a Montana-ish unit for those
@@JoshtheRVNerd I see generators in 20 foot campers in the 70s
@@stevecurry5785 In today's market things in this size range _typically_ don't have allowances for generators from the factory. Cougar, eagle, montana, avenue, reflection, etc
Many are still gen capable, but the factory doesn't offer them. Regionally people camp differently. If you live in boondock country, then generator aftermarket upfits are likely more common
i really like having the dinette in this setup, since you can use it as a bed or table even in road mode! For families with just one kid, really can't think of a better layout for always stop ready! I could see myself easily using the shoe garage and flip flop shop! I agree swivel for TV is not really needed as much as drop down for better viewing from the couch.
Back window is one of the things checked off on the check list. Reduces claustrophobia and I get to see the lake when we are set up!
Cabinets to the ceiling
👍🏻
This one gets a ton right, but I agree with your suggestion of a convertible breakfast bar instead of dinette/dining set--it is so rare that we actually eat at our table any more. I also always want a second heat source that does not rely on propane, so placing a fireplace in that bar, putting the tv on eihter a higher power drop down or hiding it in a televator would be my ideal. It could also allow a larger "picture" window on the camp side.
You asked about the bed size, and here is my view. I sleep in a King at home, and it is honestly too big. Queens beds are small, but the walk around space they leave in an RV is great. I feel the best balance is the Oympic Queen. That extra 6 inches is the same step as going from Full to Queen (discounting length), and it could make such a difference. It would impact bed-side storage, but this unit has plenty of storage space in the slide.
Awesome Ty so much!!
Josh I love the kitchen. Beautiful layout of the RV.
Thanks so much!
Went and looked at this rig again, this time at a dealership, and we were able to close it up. We found we could open the pantry cabinet and get stuff in and out. Easier for the DW as she is smaller than I. Large people I doubt could squeeze between the slide out frame and cabinetry. But it is doable!
ooh that's good to know!
Love the camp side bar idea!!!!
Glad you like it!
I would put another upper cabinet where the TV is and put it in a lift against the wall and mount the dining bar in front of the TV cabinet. Pop up the bar for extra counter space or to eat. Pop up the TV for perfect viewing from theatre seats, or to use as a big monitor in desk mode. The shallow toe kick under the coffee station would be ideal for slide out pet feeding station.
agree with the dinette removal and put a long narrow'ish bench type. i would also move the TV down to a tv lift station with the lift part being slightly more elevated from where you would eat to lesson chance of spilling down into the lift. I would add a window (that opens) to the hallway outside of bathroom. They might be able to even make the kitchen U shaped where dinette is and make a high top type of bar seating. oh and add a fire place in front of the tv lift like many do.
Ty!
I personally prefer the kitchen nook….no chair dragging on a bare floor and lots of storage under the bench.
We took ours out for a shakedown and had no kitchen disasters with thing bumping around!
Short Queen ..no problem.added a topper trimmed of the end of the foam and added it to the back of the mattress space. Pop it in and out.
The concerns with bouncing kitchen stuff stems mostly from the fifth wheels of yesteryear that were sometimes quite large, not well balanced, and rarely had upgraded suspensions
I don't think the bouncing concerns on a shorter rig like this with upgraded suspension are nearly as concerning. But If I ever said that to an interested client it sounds like "yeah sure you'd say that you're just a dealer."
So.. I kind of need to wait for folks like yourself to point it out. So THANK YOU! :) ☺
Yeah!!!! way to go Josh ! you talked about shock damping suspension and bonus points for shock damping pin box keep up the good work and just maybe more people will start asking for it from the factory.... Probably not but one can hope 😊 , Thanks Nerd
And now standard ABS for safety too
This is a beauty.. love kitchens across the back
Me too!!
Great layout and perfect size, just wish it had a rack and pinion slide for the big slide. jmo
I get it. Ty
True queen and the bar option would be perfect for couples with the drop down tv.
Yesssss
Good Video. We have a Grand Design reflection 226Rk, Rk stands for rear kitchen. It is 27’11”. The micro wave going down the road has opened and the glass plate inside fell out and broke. Also the refigerator comes open at times. So they do get banged around when traveling. We got the sofa sleeper option so when traveling with grandkids we have sofa sleeper along with the fold down dinette for sleeping. All n all we love it, although the things I would change are single gray water dump, and a rack n pinion slide. We had trouble with the schwintek slide and paid to have a Vroom slide installed. Much happier with the Vroom. We carry a blackstone griddle, so I prefer the door towards the rear in lue of the outdoor kitchen. The space in front where the batteries are is essisental for storage,. The spare tire on your cougar takes up a ton of usable storage space. My two cents worth.
A really cool little 5th Wheel. Great living area and yeah, I would replace with a full queen. I would take the hide-a-bed not for the bed but for the sofa. For towing 3/4 ton, why fight a half ton, overkill for a tow vehicle is a good thing. I like that the interior is nice and bright overall, two thumbs up.
Yes to the TV dropping and please fireplace next to the pantry also hide a bed couch.I would buy this today
I absolutely love this! Road mode would be even better with a bar and stools instead of the bench dinette! Should be an option! Love the whole layout
That would be cool!
The one we looked at had table and chairs and the table could swivel around
My biggest issue with slide access in road mode is not being able to load groceries into the fridge while curb parked at the grocery store, so being able to open a fridge without pushing a slide out is a handy thing to be able to do.
That’s why I take the extra time to show them in that configuration!
actually you can open the fridge doors without putting the slide out. I just did it this afternoon
I saw on my phone that forest river is laying off 83 people. I know it's nothing to do with this video. I really like how you show the good the bad and the ugly. Denis from Santa Rosa CA
It's my favorite floorplan. I can't really knock it other than what's mentioned. Can diy on most things I'd change to make it my own.
Lot of people think camping is a home on wheels with no sacrifice but they're in for a surprise. Part of the fun is adapting and the change you'll see in yourself. Wonderful experience. Come at it with this mindset and every trip will be wonderful 🍻
Yeah there's been a shift in the climate on that kind of thing. Lot of people see something like this as a temporary thing to get away from home. Others feel it should include all their home conveniences
I love this, as it is (except a pull out bed rather than a theatre seat.)
I'm not bothered about a dinette, bar with stools is enough. I'm more about enough comfy seating for the amount of possible guests.
Great amount of kitchen storage, but I'd definitely prefer the cabinets to reach the ceiling, it's just a dust trap above them otherwise.
Nice size bedside space, and love having the table too there.
A proper length bed makes more sense, rather than a shorter one.
Good idea for the tv to drop down. I've seen some that are flat to the ceiling and they kinda flip down.
Pretty good space when all closed up!
Any update on Carlos?
Last night was the first time we both felt he was turning a corner for the better so hopefully that continues
@@JoshtheRVNerdfingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed!
True queen for sure! Lower the TV in the living room. Nice counter space in kitchen. Why don't manufacturers make pantry cabinet shelves adjustable? It would make the space so much more usable and customizable for the user. Oh and cabinets to the ceiling. Otherwise they are just dust collectors!
Terrific use of space in an under 30 foot RV. Only deal breaker is the short queen bed.
They’re working on ways to extend it but finding it may require a new nose cap design
I love Cougars, we almost bought the Cougar Sport instead of the Ibex, we just didn't have a truck at the time so we couldn't take it home. The Cougar 32BHS has my attention currently.
That’s a solid model that just keeps on keeping on
True Queen, drop down tv, yes and yes! Are those some type of tie downs on the front? Would rather have a manual command center. Why can’t they cross plumb the grey tanks if they’re using the wire slide system for both slides now? Are they using the “Exacta- Slide”(hopefully) or the “Accu-Slide”(no thanks) System? All in all this is the 5th Wheel that checks almost all the boxes for us, especially the shoe cubby right inside the door🎉❤👍
No tie downs up front but easily added
The kitchen cabinet and pantry that back up too the bathroom wall and the space above it should be used for storage from the bathroom side. Box it in and put some cabinet doors in the bathroom.
Thanks Again Uncle Joshy!!!
YES to the Bar style eating area and stools.
FULL Queen bed would be better
Drop down TV may be better too
Very cool set up and functional Rig.
😊
True queen is a must! I looked at the model at a local camping show. One major miss is the exposed mdf cross cuts on some of the face frames. The two vertical members for the TV frame and the vertical members on cabinets along side the bed. That would drive me absolutely nuts.
Ty
As always, we would love a king bed in this.
👍🏻
I don't know if I'm reading the brochure wrong but it says it comes with a platinum queen size mattress in the bedroom. IS THAT WRONG??
This industry takes liberties with what they call things
It’s a short queen.
If it’s a true 60x80 queen then they express that
I really like the idea of the camp side bar.
Also how about turn the bar into a Tele Vader and just put a nice size TV right there instead of having one swing down?
Just a thought… I really do like this and I love the idea of the fireplace, this would be perfect for someone like me.
Glad you like it. I’d love to see more dining bars implemented
We agree that is a nearly perfect couple RV, so much so that we bought a 2024 Cougar 23MLE two weeks ago! Ours has the second AC since we live in the south and the summer season pretty much makes that a necessity. We upgraded from a small travel trailer, so the MLE seems like a mansion, and the amount of storage is simply amazing!
Ooh good pick! If my videos were handy along the way then would you mind dropping me a quick review at g.page/r/CdPcitNVx2nDEAg/review by chance?
@@JoshtheRVNerd Review submitted as requested!
🎉#NerdHerd..... Loving the new layout.....
Very nice Cougar 23MLE👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😊😊
I love the model. It's about perfect for me
Queen size bed!
👍🏻
We have the 2023 and love it. We modified the bed platform and added a full queen. Yes Keystone, why are you putting an RV queen in a Cougar?! Add another foot to the front end to make space to get around the front of the bed.
Like how the recessed the medicine cabinet. One of my gripes about or 2023 is you hit your head when washing your face. I would suggest a smaller cabinet on the side and a flat mirror.
There is no issue with items in storage in the rear kitchen. This camper is too short to have that issue. There just isn't a lot of rocking front to back.
In-Command system is a dream. We will not buy another camper without it. We are actually looking at the new Alpine 3011CK but not hot on a bed slide. Keystone.... make the bed slides wider to accommodate nightstands!!
Two sewer connections not a big deal. Generally when we are at camp we do not even hook up the forward sewer. The kitchen connection is more important to us as that grey tank fills up much faster than the bathroom.
This is the perfect couples camper, hands down!
Wander Til Lost
www.youtube.com/@wandertillost7818
Josh, I like the idea of an optional bar/chair configuration, but with the current window configuration I think the bar would be a little low. It would be below the kitchen counter height. And I think that they should include a full queen if there is room for it.
TY Noel!
bar/desk with drop down tv or televator built into the bar
We love this 5th wheel. Love your reviews 😂. We do wish it had a small fireplace somewhere in the living area. It would be perfect for us first timers We started with a motor home then pull trailer and now we decided on a fifth wheel. A small one is great to start
Arctic Wolf's version actually did squeeze a fireplace in! th-cam.com/video/aSp9RD0Tmjw/w-d-xo.html
with an 8 foot bed short cab 3/4 ton, this would be a lovely towing setup
happy to see the kitchen NOT in the slid, tow acceeess is amazing, is it me? or the bathroom medicine cabinet door opens theworng way
In person j didn’t feel that way but that’s me
True queen for sure. On the wardrobe, I'd like to see them shorten the doors so they can be opened with the slide in. That would give it a 'well' in the bottom to keep things corralled. If you were locked in your RV with the only way out the emergency exit, does that window separate from the RV, or does it swing fully open for exit?
Emergency exit windows can flip open completely
I like it.. would have to really think about the 2 sewer outlets. I have a Toyota tacoma sooooo couldn't pull it anyway
Nice rig. I like everything with the exception of the RV queen.
Thanks! 👍
Own a '21. Moved from SD to TX with no problems. No broken plates, cups, or anything and I'm a full-timer so I have tons of crap. When a manufacturer leaves space above cabinets, it typically turns into extra storage space for random things anyways. It would be nice of them to just use up all the space.
Man that's awesome to hear thank you!
Wish there was an option to swap the north wall lower cabinets with an electric heater
Cougar did a nice job with that floorplan.
We have an Outdoors RV 21KVS (rear kitchen) that we've towed all over the country--from bumpy dirt roads to horribly rough freeways--since we bought it in 2019. Only twice we found a kitchen drawer had come open. But ORVs are built to handle the "abuse" of offroad/boondocking, so not surprising the rear kitchen jostles less than other brands.
ORV builds like few others
This is nice!!
Nice plan. Might just be our first 5th wheel someday.
Good choice!
Had to pause the video to say... 😂 "...'road violence'..." 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Johs, just to let you know that we odered a 2024 23 mle after seing your review, we fell i love with the layout and you convinced us even more on it, but !!! We are so mad and disappointed at Keystone, they removed the in command system and changed the ac to a Furrion ac with out letting us know!!! After reserching on cable slides i realized the cables were installed wrong, i know you have nothing to do with this but just wanted to let you know what they are doing
Ty Karl! Mind dropping me a quick review at g.page/r/CdPcitNVx2nDEAg/review for the helping hand?
So, the In Command system is not available anymore?
Hi Uncle Josh! This is EXACTLY the kind of camper we are looking for, so I thought I would drop my comments!
*2024 COUGER 23MLE Fifth Wheel*
*What I love:*
- The Kitchen is awesome! Love that "L" shaped counter space. Great job!
- Tires and suspension are excellent.
- The ability to get tables and chairs (I believe) instead of the booth is wonderful.
- A nice sized shower!
- Very good camp side window coverage, considering the size of the trailer.
- OUTSTANDING multi-season package!
- The overall interior design is exceptional.
- Leaving out the "tootsie toaster" was a good call on a trailer this small.
*What They Can Do Better:*
- I have to agree, a "breakfast bar" option would be AWESOME instead of the booth/dinette.
- And I have to agree, extending the cabinets all the way up to the roof line makes sense. You can never have too much storage!
- Ventless flooring would be nice.
- No need to include a TV, I'd rather just supply my own, if I get one at all.
*Deal Killers:*
- A CAMP QUEEN BED???? Are you kidding me???? Sorry, that kills it for me.
*Final Thoughts:*
Here's a camper that does almost everything right, but the stupid idea of going with a CAMP QUEEN BED wipes out all the wonderful things they've done. Sadly, this one gets crossed off the list of campers to consider, just for that one cheap shot.
*Conclusion:*
NO DEAL.
Thanks for another awesome trailer showing Uncle Josh! You are THE BEST!
Their product manager has a solution for that bed that will leave room to walk around. But it will require a nose nose cap so we will likely see it on the 2025 models
Love it only thing is sewer being dbl but all the + makes me potential say yes
I love the layout enough I could certainly deal with it!
I was skeptical at first, but I do think this is almost perfect. I don’t like the lack of windows on the driver side in the bedroom, but I can do everything else this one offers. But did you misspeak when you said you can’t access the microwave in road mode? It appears to be accessible in the video.
May have misspoken
Without an inverter it won’t be operational though at a travel stop
Great system
Ty
We bought this camper a month and a half ago absolutely love the floor plan plan but we have had nothing but problems with the electrical can’t get several of the plug ins to work. It has been back at the dealership longer than we have had.
Wow I haven’t seen that from these but I don’t doubt you. I hope you’re able to get the gremlins out
No cold sandwich for you, Josh! That microwave IS accessible in road mode. 😁 PS: love this little RV. I have a late model 1/2-ton with an excellent tow package and payload capacity and still, it's a definite NOPE. No 1/2s ton need to be pulling ANY 5th wheel..no matter how cute and teeny they are.
I tend to agree
We own a 23MLE and prefer the short queen bed because it gives more space to walk at the end of the bed. My husband and I are both around 5’6”, so it’s big enough for us. I do miss not having a fireplace. We have the bench seats because our granddaughters usually travel with us and we need the bed. I’m not a fan of the factory table. The table top will come off if you lean on it too much. I replaced base with one that is freestanding and collapses. I prefer the space on the left of the “coffee bar” and put a 5 gallon water jug in it. As for the space above the cabinets, I wish that they went all the way to the ceiling, because we have a cat who jumps up on them. He found that there is a large hole above the microwave that he was able to enter during one of his top of cabinet adventures. It now has a pillow stuffed up there to keep him out.
I’ve seen a photo of a new 23MLE with the freestanding table and, in my opinion, it’s almost like a free standing bar.
Love I put from deal owners. Ty
Collapsing table would be so cool
Afternoon Unka Josh...you know who from you know where here...the idea of a side bar/desk function would be preferable to the dinette. You could also get a medium sized table with folding legs ( you know, the "nerd preferred " type) and then you could use it as a "DDDDDdddddinofa" or outside as either a prep station or a sit down "fancy eatin' space"...lol....oh, an BTW, you mentioned that the microwave WASN't usable in road-mode, but I went back and looked 3 times and I'd sweare on a stack of whole wheat pancakes that I can see easy access to it if you can jiggle bang electric slide your bod back into the kitchen it's across from the fridge in't it?...anyway, great content as usual, please accept my best wishes for your pup ( I just watched that video earlier) and I hope the little gaffur is doing ok....that's all from me, Doc, way up in the VERY snowy today Great White North of southern Ontario, Canada....peace out to the Nerd Herd !
What I think I meant was it isn’t powered normally unless you get their 3k inverter 660w solar pkg
@@JoshtheRVNerd Thank you sir...that explains it to me perfectly...and make sense, no power, no worky...lol...stay warm and safe Josh...Doc out !
You had me Josh until I saw the cable slide.... mhew. One man's opinion. Great layout though and decent hitch weight. I still think Cougar knocks it out of the park with the side bed stands. That's where my fan goes!! Tootles!
👍🏻 ty
Really nice unit, and yes almost a perfect couples camper! Some observations. 1 -- A true queen bed would be so much better! 2 -- It baffles me why companies use a static center arm rest with their theatre seating when there are options out there to use instead 3 -- There is enough storage that a fireplace can fit on the pantry/storage wall ( at 7:55 in the video ) opportunity missed. 4 -- the carpet less slide flap looks horrible. If they get it to lay flat sure that's better than the marine woven material from a looks standpoint, otherwise I would rather have the marine woven material.
So.. I am sitting here agreeing with everything you’re saying. Spot on
Hi Josh! Just saw this unit today and we were wondering if we can add a fireplace into the lower cabinet next to the pantry?
Not from the factory. May be possible aftermarket
The bedroom needs to have a breeze through window on the drivers side to match the passenger side, then it would have been PERFECT!!
I LOVE the corner seat shower/tub 😍 🤗 🤗 🤗 👏 👏 👏 🖒 🖒 ❤ ❤ ❤
That's a great idea!
My absolute favorite! So disappointed this wasn't at the Novi show. I was really hoping to see it in person.
Tell Cougar to let Bish’s bring Cougar next time and we will definitely have one
The dealers don't pick what goes to the show? Hmm... I've learned something new today!
@@KS-ce8vm dealers pick what they want
But each dealer has product territory
The local cougar dealer decided not to bring that model
Would’ve been the first I brought personally
I agree!
I like it, but I have a question that I think I already know the answer to, thereby making this question a suggestion to the manufacturer. Can you get a lighter color backsplash? While it looks nice, I would want one that surrounds the kitchen (of course I’d need to replace all of the splash on both sides to match). The current color would make the kitchen look too dark if you added backsplash, but a lighter color would make it look nicer, plus the option of buying more material to surround the kitchen in backsplash would be nice as well.
Full queen!
👍🏻
Great video! Great layout! Cabinets should always go to the ceiling or it’s wasted space. Owned a pop-up camper with a king size bed so there’s no excuse why manufacturers are using shorty beds in 5th wheels!
I do personally prefer maximized cabinetry as well
Camp side bar/desk would be amazing. I think I would try to remove the dinette if possible.
For the TV it would be cool to hang a projector there.
maybe like, an L counter so two stool to left as soon as you come in door and and enough space where on could be o a stool on the inside, opposite side of the counter, inside the kitchen space.
I’d love a big bar there
Leave the theatre seats and replace dinette with tri-fold sofa? Great RV.
True Queen please.
Nice bedroom storage.
Great bath!
This might serve as a nice full time RV.
I love the cabins in the bedroom. I personally don't care that there's no window there because it's the neighbors side of the camper anyway and I'd never have the shades raised on that side.
Windows need to be more on your own camp side of the RVs anyways.
We would need a trifold sofa option in the living room.
This is a great little 5th wheel
Thank you! Glad you like it :)
Cardinals version of this I LOVE in the living/kitchen area. 23RK I think it is. That being said, Id move things in like manner and make that window behind the dinette HUGE ... and throw in a window in the hallway. Be perfect then
Hey Josh! Cougar has the kitchen ok. At 16:25, you may have said the Microwave was not accessible in road-mode. Looks like they went out of their way to put MW over camp side counter, instead of over stove! Nice planning by Cougar.
You're correct. It's accessible but isn't normally supplied with power
Their 660w solar package with 3k inverter would be the exception
@@JoshtheRVNerd My ‘’secret weapon’ for that is our 2200 watt portable power station. Deals handily (at a price …..) with AC power needs in transit. I was happy to see Cougar do the space planning well. Not all do. Thank you for the look at the 23MLE.
Is it possible to have the theater seats that turns into a bed? I've seen that before. I'd prefer this.
Probably not impossible but I’ve not seen rv builders make them
Hello Josh, I'm an avid watcher of your video's sir. My wife and I recently upgrade from a Jayco Jay Flight 265 RLSW to the 2024 Keystone Cougar 23MLE. There isn't anything we don't like about it as of yet. I did do a great deal of research however because of all the controversy and comments about the half ton trucks not being able to handle it or the half ton model rv's. I am hoping that between the Chevrolet Dealership and the Keystone dealership that they both gave me the proper information on my truck. After giving the Chevrolet dealership my VIN number, I informed them I wanted to know if my truck had the payload capacity to carry that 5th wheel, they informed it did. The Keystone dealership also took the time not just telling me straight up that it could, in order to make the sale, but she too my vin number and ran it for me returning the same information as did Chevrolet, that my truck could handle it. I do not drive recklessly, nor we overpack. We take only what we need to enjoy ourselves on any given trip. I will keep you updated on a trip or two of ours just to let you know how we experience the tow of the 5th wheel itself with our half ton. Thank you for all your videos. We will not stop watching just because we have upgraded LOL. Stay Safe Everyone!
Trust but verify is a really smart policy when it comes to towing safety
Hi Josh. I love this rv for a small rv is big inside.love the colors. What’s the m materials for the cadets. Love the video!!
Sorry.. materials for the cadets?
@@JoshtheRVNerd yes
If we replaced the camp queen with a regular queen mattress how much walking space would be at the foot of the bed?
Not much. They’re working on a new front end design to allow both space and a longer bed
We have a 30' travel trailer with a rear kitchen, and I haven't noticed any more bouncing than a middle kitchen model. I've seen no issues with our appliances working.
I would like to see a bar with chairs rather than the table IF it has a hideabed for guest sleeping.
One thing I dislike about virtually all RVs is that the theater seats are just too short for anyone over 6' tall. The leg piece cuts about 1/2 way up my calf. It's fine for my 5'6" wife.
That high tv is a killer for me.
We use our fireplace all the time, so it's good use of a little shallow drawer.
We have 2 sewer outlets. It's a major drawback.
I'm ok with a camp queen in a small camper. The extra room is nice for changing clothes and moving around. I'm 6'1", and the short queen works for me. We switched our full queen to a short queen so we didn't have to do a booth squeeze to walk by the bed.
Get the spare tire out of the storage compartment and under the rear bumper. Cargo space is such a necessity, so taking up all that space is silly.
Any sales guy who tells a customer they can tow this with an F150 should be fired!
I bet if we took a blind poll across the nation the significant majority of salespeople would say "oh yeah. half ton all day" on this
@@JoshtheRVNerd just heard one saying this very thing over the weekend UGH
I trust that’s what you meant… I keep paper plates in there.. so access to paper plates is still #snacktastic🤭
👍🏻 you got it
Like #888 ... the angels are watching 👼 lol
Hi Josh .. Going to watch now. I already like carpetless and booth OR dinette. ❤
I don't get the #888 reference - could you clue in the clueless here?
@@JoshtheRVNerd it's superstition, folklore I guess lol (🤷♀️) numbers in 3's mean angels are near. 🤭 Sorry Josh lol
@@PrettySweetPea ah cool. I'll have to look at that
Hey Josh. We really like this size and floorplan. We know that Cougar is one of your favorite lines and that you give our feedback directly to Keystone. Do you think that they could make something like this size with a patio on the side or back and maybe replace the dinette with a bar and stools? We are really considering a small, couples fifth wheel that is half ton towable. We have a 2022 Ram that can pull that with no problem. Let us know what you think. Thanks and have a great day. By the way, just entered for that free beef jerky. Looks good. God bless!
Kirk and Christine
It's not impossible but I know they're not considering anything like that for now. I've seen other builders attempt side patios in smaller RVs like this and none were met with success so many of today's builders wont do it
What about a dining bar that has a televator? It'd need to be tiered so that spilled liquid couldn't mess up the TV. Provide a little more storage too. Just an idea. Probably help with road mode too.
Cool idea!
True Queen bed!
Ty!