Ideal state/national park couples camper! Much bigger than this and you start shrinking where you can camp. Can’t be understated for those new to RVing.
Cougar hit a home run with this layout. Having said that I would definitely add the Goodyear package and please Keystone..add the full Queen bed and window shade!
The changes to the kitchen between the 2022 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29RLI versus the 2021 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 30RLS are subtle, but make it much more user friendly. They moved the refrigerator, and created equal countertop space on either side of the range cook top. We are in the process of choosing a couples 5th wheel RV, that will be used as a Snowbird retreat for several months in the winter, and as a "week here and week there" mobile cottage in the summer months. Our short list had been the Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 295RL, or the KZ Durango Half-Ton D256RKT. The 2022 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29RLI just got added to our list - thank you for your video. Your comments on half-ton towing are spot on. Far too many people do not "do the math", or get the vehicle Cat scaled, to confirm that it is indeed well within its specific performance envelope. As you stated - many half-ton trucks have the towing capacity for a lightweight 5th wheel RV - the issue is payload capacity. The only half-ton truck on the market in 2022 with sufficient payload capacity is the Ford F-150, and only if it is special ordered with the Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP). The HDPP is only available in a regular cab 8 foot bed configuration (3325 pound maximum payload), or a crew cab 6.5 foot bed configuration (2900 maximum payload). In our specific case, we are downsizing to a condo for our "golden" years - an F-150 will fit in the underground parking garage - an F-250 (or F-350) is 4 inches taller than the F-150 at the top of the cab - and will not fit in the parking garage. Our tow vehicle will be an HDPP F-150 regular cab 8 foot bed (3325 pound maximum payload).
You know me, I don’t like them over 30 feet long BUT I like this one a lot! Really like the layout, seems to be really people friendly! Would like a booth dinette vs table & chairs. Really like the stands beside the couch. Would like to see cup holders on both sides of the reclining chairs. Really like the adjustable shelving, gives you the ability to set it up for how you camp instead of having it standard shelves and hoping everything fits! I agree about the door shade it’s silly not to include it! (Although they need to figure out a better easier way to open and close it if you know what I mean! Not crazy about the faucet placement in the bathroom. I have that same wardrobe in my 25RES. Here’s something you could tell keystone to do, have 12VDC available at all of the roof vents. I have those or very similar lights in the bedroom and they work well even for reading. Your right about the half ton designation, my half ton truck has the HD tow package and the 25RES Cougar is the biggest one I would tow, any bigger I’m going to 3/4 ton. Not that mine strains at all it tows fantastic but over 30 ft go bigger on you tow vehicle. My opinion is go with the Goodyears! Told my dealer I wouldn’t buy unless he put the Goodyears on it. Another thing is it should come with the greaseable bolts along with that great suspension! Definitely needs an outside grill and small refrigerator. Wouldn’t it be great if they could put the Cougar 316RLS bathroom in this one. Sorry for the long answer!
My husband and I soooo wanted to purchase this RV, mainly based on this video. When we went to check one out in person at a major RV dealer in the L.A. area, we noticed that the 2022 29RLI we looked at was poorly assembled: drawers in the bedroom were not aligned or assembled correctly and would not close all the way, staples were coming through the top of the bedroom headboard, the roof was bubbling up all over, the outside trim was detaching, the shower walls were peeling away from the walls, and so on. With such visible quality issues, we were terrified of what could be wrong in the areas that we couldn’t see. Disappointed, we commented to the salesperson that we were surprised that this rig even passed company inspection and should be returned to the manufacturer. After wandering around the RV show lot, we fell in love with a similarly priced and similar floor plan, Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. The rig came with the second AC unit AND the Goodyear tires. Beautiful quality throughout. Sold!
This one they knocked it out of the park. Personally I think that all TT’s, fifth wheels should have TPMS & Goodyear Endurance G rated tires standard from the factory. The people who complain about the extra money, will pay a lot more in replacement parts & a new tire(s), than $1,500. 00 up front. On the topic of towing a fifth wheel or a long TT with a half ton truck. If someone orders a half ton truck with a beefer tow package, they’ve already spent the $$ for a three quarter ton truck. I’ve seen many one ton CC duallys pulling 30’ TT. 👍👍👍👍keep’m coming
Cost wise, a Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP) equipped F150 is actually quite a bargain. The HDPP package is only available on XL or XLT trims - as it is intended to be a working truck - which helps keep the overall cost down. For us (as with many people) the tow vehicle is not about the cost. It is about the overall functionality. I would love to have a dual rear wheel F350 - but my wife would not. Nor would it fit in the underground parking of our condo. Also, if you tow about 10% of the time (38 days per year), but use it as a daily driver 90% of the time - then a special order HDPP F150 could make a lot of sense. Depending on which configuration you order, an HDPP F150 could have a higher payload capacity than many F250s.
I would like the upgraded tires/TPMS, I own 2009 Cougar 27RKS currently which is slightly smaller 2 feet or so and blew a tire on a mountain pass. I changed all 5 to Goodyear's. Not going back to lesser tires ever!
One of the best floorplans going. I usually also favor a bed slide....but this one works👍. Nice when manufacturers listen to the customer and the ones selling their product.
I spent over $400 on an aftermarket TPMS so now we’re down to a little over $1K on upgrade to Goodyear tires. One tire failure costs me time & trouble and probably a couple hundred in misc expenses, so now we’re down to $200 per tire for Goodyears over imports. Heck yes, put it on there.
Josh, thank you for pointing out the safety issues with hauling with not enough truck. The tongue weight (pin / hitch weight) is 1545 pounds, dry, which nearly take it out of 3/4 ton territory. I could not legally tow that with my diesel F-250 (SRW), unless it was completely empty and I had a half a tank of fuel; you put *anything* in that trailer, and it would not be legal for towing on a 3/4 ton truck. I can't imagine that there is a (legal) half-ton that can haul that thing. There may be modified trucks that can do it (no, not with airbags; leafsprings & brakes, at the least), but unless it was done by a coach builder, it isn't legal to haul. This was the same issue we ran into with out F-150 and our Mini-Lite 2509; it was legal to take home, but once we put water in it, we exceeded the rear axle weight. The weight distribution hitch helped, but then we: - replaced the mattress - put in dishes - put in food - put in CPAPs, bedding, pillows, etc. - put equipment in the front pass-through storage - 60 lbs of propane - 2 lead-acid deep-cycle batteries - etc. and there was no way to make it legal short of never towing with water in the tank and loading our heaviest items in front of the fridge both to keep them from adding to the forward weight and to try to counter-balance some of the weight that remained, which was a huge pain and caused the trailer to not be usable without unloading. As a result, we spent a lot more on another truck - the F-250 - so that we could tow legally and with confidence. It was our mistake; when purchasing, we only considered towing capacity, not understanding at the time that there was a second, very important number - the hauling capacity. There are A LOT of campers out there towing too much trailer with not enough truck; most of the time, it is fine. Right up until it isn't. And insurance won't pay if they can prove you were over weight when an accident occurs, any sort of accident.
Good job checking the payload of your F250 diesel - as these models tend have a lower payload capacity - due to both the diesel drivetrain and the many options that generally get selected. From experience, your payload is likely less than 2700 pounds. A Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP) F150 has a maximum payload between 2900 and 3325 pounds, depending on configuration. The HDPP option includes a thicker frame, more gussets, higher load rated suspension, larger rear axles and gears, higher load rated rims, higher load rated tires, and more. A special ordered F150 with the HDPP option, in the regular cab 8 foot bed configuration (over 3000 pounds of payload) can safely, legally, and easily tow the Cougar 29RLI. Safely towing, or carrying cargo, applies to all trucks - many 3/4 ton models could not tow this RV - as you correctly describe.
@@scottymacsporran2446 thanks for the heads up, I've not heard of HDPP; an F-150 with that - package seems inadequate - but wow, I don't know how they get away with calling that a half ton pickup. That would do the trick; though I guess the difference is that the engine isn't upgraded? And yeah, the diesel engine reduces the payload capacity, as does the Lariat package. I can (rated to) pull 10 tons, but despite having the bed mounts for a 5th wheel hitch, my truck cannot safely or legally tow nearly any 5th wheel trailer. Point is, understood what the capacity numbers are and mean, and that the tongue / pin weight for a trailer is the weight as you drive it off the lot (maybe not even that, with propane and batteries), not the weight you'll be towing and hauling after you've got it set up to camp, and that needs to be taken into account.
@@VernonJettlund ... Yes sir - my intent is to share information that may be helpful to a limited number of people like my wife and I. My personal preference for a tow vehicle would be a dual rear wheel F350. However, my wife would never agree to it, nor would it fit in the underground parking garage. There is just the 2 of us - so a regular cab 8 foot bed HDPP F150 configuration meets both our parking and towing needs. I use a spreadsheet of calculate every little thing. The weight of the under bed 5th wheel mount, the in box 5th wheel hitch, and both of us in the truck. Adding the advertised 1545 pin weight of the Cougar 29RLI, leaves us with around 950 pounds of remaining payload capacity. This amount of margin is necessary in my opinion, as the actual pin weight of a 5th wheel RV can vary significantly from advertised figures. I am not advocating that people choose an HDPP F150 over an F350 - quite the contrary in fact. However, the HDPP F150 is a viable option for people in our specific situation.
That is a fantastic fifth wheel! I’d pay for the upgraded wheels. I wish people understood the importance of the safety that the best tires, suspension and brakes add to your RV. It is the last place to cut corners. It is the most important safety feature of every RV. I’d also get disc brakes, and will never have an RV without them, after having them installed on my 5er. Love the 12v refrigerator (I have one of those as well) and so glad they made that modification! A fantastic review
Would love to see more desk space for remote workers. The TV/Fireplace area could have convertible potential and this layout would be great if the room had a driver side window with a vanity to double as a work space.
Put pull out drawers (3) with under drawer slides in the bottom of the pantry and more shelfs above. Make the top useless drawer in the island a tilt out
Just stopped at a dealer on our way home from up north just to see this exact model. All those windows on the camp side have me sold. The only thing is no front windshield to help make the room feel bigger but that is definitely not a deal breaker on this.
I like the floor plan, I definitely like the update on the fridge location for road mode. The only thing I can think of is it would be great if they had something like Azdel under the fiber glass in the exterior walls. The tires and the tps system are not a deal breaker for me and the wife. We like the booth over a table and the no nee knocker table is very nice touch.
My new 2022 cougar 290 rls came with the good years and 400 w solar package with a 200w ground panel for 600w total. Love it! Tow it with a 2020 f250 with a 7.3 gas. Great combo.
Some nice upgrades applied there. The ground panel you mentioned would've been aftermarket but together makes a NICE combo for powering up the RV! What fridge did you go with btw?
One of my favorite less than 35ft 5W but a few changes or at least available options would make it my #1. Upgraded stove and refrigerator to more residential style, narrower sofa tables in order to accommodate a larger couch as in the East to West 285RL, get rid of floor vents, add TPMS/Goodyear package and bedroom front window. Your videos are awesome 👍👍👍👍
Thus is a very nice fifth wheel Cougar. It has lots of storage which I love. Love the bathroom and the shower. Love the island. Thank you Josh for showing this Rv.
I’m fine with floor vents as long as they aren’t in the way. I don’t like stepping on them, I don’t like having to fit area rugs around them, I hate the dirt they collect. I’m on team “The More Solar the Better”. Any time I can conserve energy, not pay for more propane than I need, etc. I’m a happy camper. Literally. I’m with you on the door shade. I would arrive to pick it up with a roll of faux stained glass film to put on the window before I brought it home. Nobody needs to see into my rv uninvited. I like to enjoy my coffee and toast in my muumuu and nobody needs to see that. I LOVE the bedroom. I love the shelves next to it. I love the closet. I would 100% pay $1500 for the better tires and TPMS. I’m fully comfortable spending good money on things that can keep me and my family alive. Do I need upgraded drawer pulls? No. Do I need to know that me, my husband and my kids are going to arrive at our destination in one piece? Absolutely. We plan on full timing when we retire. I don’t know if we could make this work for that, but this is legit the smallest rv I’ve ever seen that ticks dang near every box. (Really just the storage for clothes and the accoutrements you need for living in something with another person is all that’s missing for me.) I really really like this unit though. I think it would be a fantastic way for a couple or a family with 1-2 smaller kids to get into rving!
Man, I love this one. Just a classic. Table and chairs for me. I would make that my workstation. Probably just store the chairs and use my desk chair there. Might even remove the table and stick my own little desk in that space. 400 solar and factory inverter and 2'nd air for sure. No carpet anywhere ever for me, but the carpet in the bedroom in this one is not a deal breaker or anything. I like the closet build on this one. Appreciate the towing talk. My late model tow package 1/2 ton would give me a total of 1 lb. to load my truck and camper with after accounting for the hitch weight. SNOW I got chilly just watching this! It's mid Dec. and I still have leafs to rake down in here in TX. Stay warm. Thanks Nerd!
I really like the accent wall behind the bed but true queen would make more sense. Potty is nice. Kitchen is great but I agree a shelf or even inside pull out deep drawers under one side. Although maybe people want a spot for a larger trash can and also a recycle bin. I probably would.
😆😆😆 lamp Oh, this is a beautiful rig. Thank you for the tour and making us so many great videos! I'm glad they are listening to you, next year every model should have a factory installed shade in the door 😆
Outstanding!! Thanks Josh, we appreciate you sharing these, and the changes to this Cougar! We’re planning to buy in the next few months, in time for Spring 2022.The Cougar is on our short list!! Blessings from fans in Florida 👍🇺🇸
Thank you Josh!! We bought one in June and have been struggling with getting in the shower by sliding in the opening closest to the vanity. We couldn’t get the door to open from the left and dealership said, “It doesn’t open that way.” After watching your walk through, we picked up your comment about “not sliding” and investigated, again. We can now get into our shower!! You’ve saved us :) and might be more probed to shower now.
Thanks for providing these videos! We recently put our deposit down on a Cougar 29RLI at Bishs in Meridian! Saw your other video about Bishs acquiring your company.. Good luck with everything and thanks for this video which helped us in purchasing our 5th Wheeler!
Good job to viewers like you for making it known what you'd like to see! I love how Cougar has really begun to evolve based on the market's voice rather than simply what THEY feel is "neat"
I had just watched your first video on this RV last week. I do like this set up better for sure. I was lucky enough to catch one of the transporters in a truck stop and I have to say, man that thing looks great in person. He didn't have the keys so I could tour inside but the overall size is exactly what I'm looking for and thanks to your video I know the layout and could get a feel for the actual size of the rooms. I think this one is a winner
Love the bedroom, even with the camp queen. Love the decor and storage space. I’m not a fan of booths so the table and chairs are great. I’d like to see the pantry door window replaced with either a chalkboard or dry erase board. I don’t need to see what is in my pantry. Overall, great trailer for someone that plans on camping for two or more weeks in a row.
We've been watching your videos for a while now and this is one of our favorite 5th wheels so far. In our case we would choose the booth dinette and the Goodyear tire package. We would also likely get a simple love seat instead of the theatre seating, and keep the sleeper sofa in the back.
I would love the option to swap the theater seats with the sofa, and swap the sofa for a desk. Please please add full size desk options across the board, in the new world it's not just retirees and weekend warriors that want RVs but working (from home on the road) class people too!
😍🥰😍 almost perfect layout for me 💕 (95%) I would go with the Goodyear package (the addition of the tire pressure monitoring makes it worth the $$) As for the remain 5%, it's not something others may want/need. I need cat space - a dedicated area for my fur baby(s) and washer dryer connections. I'm a full timer (well, I will be lol)
Ohhhoho…. I’m drooling! 🤤 I love the Keystone Cougars! This is a great model! Great travel access, I really like their changes based off customer feedback from YOUR videos. Now I just need to win the lottery….. 🤔😂😂👍🏻👍🏻
I would spend the extra for the Goodyear tires. Would be interested in a video on the various Solar packages, that would include cost and descriptions of storage options, etc.
The new change with the refrigerator does make a huge difference. But I would prefer the pantry to be on the right side of the refrigerator giving us more room on both sides of the Range/oven. I know storage is at a minimum but workspace next to the oven would be awesome.
* I prefer a dinette for the storage and extra sleeping. * I also prefer the area open under the sink because I can be more creative with what I fit under there such as a hand vac or a larger grocery item etc. If shelving were needed I would just put my items in a bin that would in itself become the shelf. 💡 *For under the bathroom sink you can hack a couple of little hooks or loops to hold a plastic trash bag free-standing to drop any bathroom trash in. No one sees it so why crowd a plastic bathroom trash container in it? 💁
I really like this one. I actually have a spread sheet to compare 15 different 30 to 33 foot trailers and 5 wheels and I will move this one in 3rd place. What is important to us, besides the travel access is having enough plugs in the kitchen. They should put a pre-wired plug on each end of a work surface. Always. The counter next to the steps is perfect for a keurig, except no one likes cords running over counters.
Awesome, I've been complaining about this forever. Finally settled for a Jayco that had all the other features I liked but really hate having to crack the passenger side slide to get to my refrigerator in transit.
This unit crushed it. The bath and shower are perfect for us of that age where you may need to sit down. Leave the space under the sink in the bath alone. Now the space under the sink in the kitchen I agree needs a shelf on one side. I would also add the additional solar, where I would use this does not have power unless you bring it with you. The TV is at the correct hight, I do not want one that is mounted high as many of them are. Storage behind the TV is great, looks like you could place a CD player for those days when you may be stuck inside. The only other thing I would consider is the addition of a generator. One just enough to take care of the air and frige and let the solar take care of the lights and things like a CPAP machine by the bed. I also like the kitchen table, I like that the table has no legs sticking out in the way or knee knockers as you call them. I also like the chairs rather than a fixed bench. Excellent build.
This is a fantastic layout! I had the Cougar 30RLS and loved it. I now have the 316RLS and it the best layout ever for the price and tow ability. They should just add the Goodyear tires!!!
They knocked it out of the park. We have the 27RES now and I'm sooooo getting this one. Went straight to your website to see if you had one. I think the goodyear pkg and tps should be an option, some ppl don't care about that. WE would want it, took our china bombs off after 400 miles. I wouldn't want a dinette, this one is perfect for us. We ould also need the 2nd air unit, we get hot. The RES has been awesome but the air is loud, so I'm happy they've done some upgrades to help with that. Great job and usual!
Love the improvements! Get rid of the floor vents, add Goodyear tires, modular panel underbelly, and protection for the sewer lines behind the tires, and you're there!
I like the fridge change and a lot of other things about this model. But the my wife has forebode me from ever getting another camper that has as she terms "the toe stubbing rail" on the kitchen slide and I will never have another camper with cable slides on the main deck. Still enjoyed the video and still love what keystone is doing with the solar.
I agree with the shade for the RV door. I would also add that they need the side encasements around the bedroom window like they have in the living room area.....I don't like the gap at the sides of the shade when it's down.
I have been " lusting " after this 5th wheel since it showed up on your website. It's just a little over my current truck's ability and now is not the time to buy a bigger badder truck. Of course I'm eyeballing the 24RDS 5th wheel and the 25RDS TT too ...but those opposing slides.... Your videos have made me a future Cougar owner.
This is everything that could ever be wanted In a smaller but full rear living Floorplan everything works better good job cougar, personally we traveled 11 thousand miles with the cheaper tire and no tpms with no problems so for me I'd save the 1500 for 3 years down the road when I would then change to Goodyear like we did👍👍
I really like the larger end tables to the couch. I'd like the booth if it was u shaped. And I wan't it to fit four full grown adults. Teds if you got 'em. I absolutely agree with Josh about under the sink. Put a shelf on one side for cleaning supplies and garbage bags and stuff like that. Love the bedroom storage, the large nightstand area for a cpap and phones. Love the basement! Go for the Goodyears, they are important, I'd feel safer, I'd feel the tire would preform better, the peace of mind would be worth the extra money.
We LOVE this 5th wheel! You have been our go-to guy as we have been educating ourselves about RVs. No one else compares! We love how you poi t out both good AND not so good features! We live in Oregon but are seriously considering ordering from you and then traveling to Michigan to pick it up when we're ready!
I agree Goodyear tires because tires are so important! Keystone needs to upgrade their fenders the ones they have rip off every rv we have owned please change them!
Josh, I could do without the TPMS, but yes - I would upgrade the tires. I know how to work a pressure gauge. A simple 12v pump would be a great additional option.
I keep a portable battery box / air pump with me. I've never needed it myself but on almost any trip I've used it to help a friend, family member, or camping neighbor
As you mentioned, most people are using their RV'S during the hot summer months. With that in mind I would strongly suggest buyers to upgrade to the Goodyear package if it's in their budget. I drive a truck over the road and that allows me opportunities to talk to some of the guys that haul these from the factory. there has been a few that I have talked to that has said they have blown tires out before getting them to the dealer on some models, and I couldn't tell you how many times I've seen an RV on the shoulder with a flat. I helped a couple change a tire in a truck stop once and it took out the plastic trim around the wheel well and it was only there third trip with it.
Love this... let customers decide on expanded packages (but upgrade a few to mid-range solar installs) Like the 12v fridge for many reasons. And the camp queen allows persons like my amputee wife to more easily get around the bed. Let buyers decide on that change as well. Oh, and enjoy your videos very much! Great work!!! 👍
Very nice unit and I really like the layout. Especially appreciate the bedroom closet slide with the drawers. I’d like to see the night stands be a bit longer and have drawers Vice a cabinet door though. Ok let’s talk about the options. This is yet another example of Keystone ripping off their customers with their option pricing. I’ve talked before about how the solar packages are a 20-30% premium over what it would cost to buy the components at full retail and pay to have them installed. The Goodyear package is another great (or really terrible) example of that. Goodyear endurance 225/75/15 tires at discount tire are $145 ea. Let’s be generous and assume you actually get 5 of these bad boys with the package that’s $725 in tires at full retail price. TST 4 sensor TPMS is $368. That’s a grand total of $1093 in parts at full retail that they are selling you for $1500. Not to mention that they have the saving on the 5 junk tires that they are now not installing which let’s be generous and guess $75 a tire which is cheaper than I can find ANY tire of that size for. That’s $375 they would otherwise have spent which means that if they priced this package just to cover the parts cost at full retail it should be no more than $718. Which means that Keystone is adding by the most generous calculations $718 of parts and charging you $1500. Is anyone not offended by that kind of pricing structure? It’s a markup in excess of 100%. It speaks to how Keystone does business and it doesn’t speak well. So no I would not order this unit with the Goodyear package. I’d take it as is and spend less money to have the exact same parts fitted myself.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I know it’s harsh but the math is what it is. We’re I a selling dealer I’d be having some very serious conversations with Keystone regarding their option pricing. Here is the good news for Bish. Their pricing creates an opportunity to sell a customer the same upgrade but at a much more reasonable price. Bish derives the profit from making the sales and the customer gets a fair deal. We’re I Bish I’d be looking to do the same thing with the solar packages. Offer the customer the Bish 400b or 600b which has all the same hardware the factory installs but at a hefty discount to what the factory charges. If the expertise doesn’t exist in house partner with someone who does have the expertise and can then do the install either pre or post sale but with the pricing and cost wrapped up into the sale price.
Oh you have a great rig for sure. The only significant changeup here is just that fridge placement. Once you're opened up they're functionally equivalent
That's awesome! I hope you find the right one for you and your family :) I would love it if you were able to drop my name in a quick review at bit.ly/3sQtSlV in return for the helpful efforts!
This is a fantastic layout. We prefer the dinette! Some other things: Put the shade in the door already! Residential queen in the bedroom is a must. $1500 is a lot for Goodyear tires, but having them installed from the factory with a built-in TPMS... it is worth considering.
Yeah for tires alone it's a bit much. Including a TPMS and factory backing it changes the balance. I'm still a bit up in the air. I think it depends on if someone is serious towing vs. casual towing
Love this camper. The kitchen is gorgeous and the stove centered is perfect. The bedroom is outstanding but I would agree that a full queen bed would be best. I would stick with the booth dinette for more sleeping options as we have 3 adult children. Now I have to get a new truck to pull this!!
I love the accessibility of the fridge, pivoting TV, and I have always loved this floor plan! We would definitely choose the booth dinette for the additional sleeping capability. I just wish there was a King bed option. Give me narrower identical night stands on both sides (with the lamps, USB and plug outlets) and please make room for a King bed option!
So cool that they listen to comments and suggestions! I think I might prefer the booth dinette, since it's a no knee knocker anyway. Definitely agree that there should be a shelf under the sink! I'm with you on the whole half ton towable thing. I don't mind the use of the nomenclature, but I wish it was a bit more realistically applied to, as you said, 99% of half tons instead of that high payload unicorn that has to be special ordered. Regarding the tires, I'd like to see TPMS become standard on everything, even the most basic pop up. I think proper monitoring of the condition of your tires is more important than the brand name on those tires, and since we all know not every owner is going to manually check their tire condition and pressure every single trip, a TPMS is at least going to light up a warning to make them say "Well gosh Martha, that tire light is on, maybe we should pull over and take a look?" Bottom line, I'd keep the cheaper tires but option it with TPMS.
I'm one of those people that's had the TPMS on their vehicle likely save them from a blowout on the highway so I'm a big fan as well. If you've ever had one, then you know how nice they are. If you haven't, then you just don't have a frame of reference I think
@@JoshtheRVNerd same! I used to work in an industrial neighborhood and I would catch so many nails with my tires! TPMS was a game changer as it allowed me to see a pressure drop and deal with it before the tire was irreparably damaged. I think all cars require it now, here's hoping the RV industry follows!
@@hallraker79 yeah there's a highway here that has constant crashes and whatnot. The road itself it just a debris field. I had a bad stretch of flat tires on it for a while and learned to appreciate my TPMS
They missed the boat on the back wall sofa needs to be Wall to wall. I am 6'5" I like to stretch out no way on this sofa. I like the double fridge but I could deal with this one. Over all nice but down here in Florida going to need to add the second a/c nothing unusual. Big thumbs up 👍 uncle Josh
I do like those big sofas but I also really enjoy side stands for a place to set a drink or put down my phone without losing it in the cracks of the couch. Feels like they're darned if they do and darned if they don't
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Goodyear tires should just come stock! Especially for what these cost now a days.
Grand Design, Rockwood and Jayco are including Goodyears on their unit's now! Keystone still has some catching up to do IMO!
The first thing I would do is upgrade the tires and add TPMS. Then purchase a decent mattress.
Ideal state/national park couples camper! Much bigger than this and you start shrinking where you can camp. Can’t be understated for those new to RVing.
Cougar hit a home run with this layout. Having said that I would definitely add the Goodyear package and please Keystone..add the full Queen bed and window shade!
Those tires are the only thing between your portable home and the asphalt, definitely not the place to cut corners and save a few bucks!
The changes to the kitchen between the 2022 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29RLI versus the 2021 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 30RLS are subtle, but make it much more user friendly. They moved the refrigerator, and created equal countertop space on either side of the range cook top.
We are in the process of choosing a couples 5th wheel RV, that will be used as a Snowbird retreat for several months in the winter, and as a "week here and week there" mobile cottage in the summer months.
Our short list had been the Grand Design Reflection 150 Series 295RL, or the KZ Durango Half-Ton D256RKT.
The 2022 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 29RLI just got added to our list - thank you for your video.
Your comments on half-ton towing are spot on. Far too many people do not "do the math", or get the vehicle Cat scaled, to confirm that it is indeed well within its specific performance envelope.
As you stated - many half-ton trucks have the towing capacity for a lightweight 5th wheel RV - the issue is payload capacity.
The only half-ton truck on the market in 2022 with sufficient payload capacity is the Ford F-150, and only if it is special ordered with the Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP).
The HDPP is only available in a regular cab 8 foot bed configuration (3325 pound maximum payload), or a crew cab 6.5 foot bed configuration (2900 maximum payload).
In our specific case, we are downsizing to a condo for our "golden" years - an F-150 will fit in the underground parking garage - an F-250 (or F-350) is 4 inches taller than the F-150 at the top of the cab - and will not fit in the parking garage.
Our tow vehicle will be an HDPP F-150 regular cab 8 foot bed (3325 pound maximum payload).
That will be one of those "Exception to the rule" kind of trucks but you won't regret having it! :)
That is a DEAL to a lot of people. Access to the refrigerator, in the bathroom and the bedroom is a must in my check list. A Dealbreaker.
You know me, I don’t like them over 30 feet long BUT I like this one a lot! Really like the layout, seems to be really people friendly! Would like a booth dinette vs table & chairs. Really like the stands beside the couch. Would like to see cup holders on both sides of the reclining chairs. Really like the adjustable shelving, gives you the ability to set it up for how you camp instead of having it standard shelves and hoping everything fits! I agree about the door shade it’s silly not to include it! (Although they need to figure out a better easier way to open and close it if you know what I mean! Not crazy about the faucet placement in the bathroom. I have that same wardrobe in my 25RES. Here’s something you could tell keystone to do, have 12VDC available at all of the roof vents. I have those or very similar lights in the bedroom and they work well even for reading. Your right about the half ton designation, my half ton truck has the HD tow package and the 25RES Cougar is the biggest one I would tow, any bigger I’m going to 3/4 ton. Not that mine strains at all it tows fantastic but over 30 ft go bigger on you tow vehicle. My opinion is go with the Goodyears! Told my dealer I wouldn’t buy unless he put the Goodyears on it. Another thing is it should come with the greaseable bolts along with that great suspension! Definitely needs an outside grill and small refrigerator. Wouldn’t it be great if they could put the Cougar 316RLS bathroom in this one. Sorry for the long answer!
No apologies needed! Read every bit and I appreciate it! Agree on the 12v to ceiling vents. Would allow for some nice fan upgrades so much more easily
My husband and I soooo wanted to purchase this RV, mainly based on this video. When we went to check one out in person at a major RV dealer in the L.A. area, we noticed that the 2022 29RLI we looked at was poorly assembled: drawers in the bedroom were not aligned or assembled correctly and would not close all the way, staples were coming through the top of the bedroom headboard, the roof was bubbling up all over, the outside trim was detaching, the shower walls were peeling away from the walls, and so on. With such visible quality issues, we were terrified of what could be wrong in the areas that we couldn’t see. Disappointed, we commented to the salesperson that we were surprised that this rig even passed company inspection and should be returned to the manufacturer. After wandering around the RV show lot, we fell in love with a similarly priced and similar floor plan, Grand Design Reflection 303RLS. The rig came with the second AC unit AND the Goodyear tires. Beautiful quality throughout. Sold!
That 303 reflection is a good one for sure. Great pick. Glad you found one that works for you!!
This one they knocked it out of the park. Personally I think that all TT’s, fifth wheels should have TPMS & Goodyear Endurance G rated tires standard from the factory. The people who complain about the extra money, will pay a lot more in replacement parts & a new tire(s), than $1,500. 00 up front. On the topic of towing a fifth wheel or a long TT with a half ton truck. If someone orders a half ton truck with a beefer tow package, they’ve already spent the $$ for a three quarter ton truck. I’ve seen many one ton CC duallys pulling 30’ TT. 👍👍👍👍keep’m coming
Cost wise, a Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP) equipped F150 is actually quite a bargain. The HDPP package is only available on XL or XLT trims - as it is intended to be a working truck - which helps keep the overall cost down.
For us (as with many people) the tow vehicle is not about the cost. It is about the overall functionality. I would love to have a dual rear wheel F350 - but my wife would not. Nor would it fit in the underground parking of our condo. Also, if you tow about 10% of the time (38 days per year), but use it as a daily driver 90% of the time - then a special order HDPP F150 could make a lot of sense.
Depending on which configuration you order, an HDPP F150 could have a higher payload capacity than many F250s.
I would like the upgraded tires/TPMS, I own 2009 Cougar 27RKS currently which is slightly smaller 2 feet or so and blew a tire on a mountain pass. I changed all 5 to Goodyear's. Not going back to lesser tires ever!
One of the best floorplans going. I usually also favor a bed slide....but this one works👍. Nice when manufacturers listen to the customer and the ones selling their product.
The Goodyear tire package is a must have. Too many off brand tire blowouts. Not worth the risk.
Wow, for the size that is a nice 5th wheel. I love the layout. The camp queen does give you plenty of room to walk along the bottom of the bed.
I spent over $400 on an aftermarket TPMS so now we’re down to a little over $1K on upgrade to Goodyear tires. One tire failure costs me time & trouble and probably a couple hundred in misc expenses, so now we’re down to $200 per tire for Goodyears over imports.
Heck yes, put it on there.
Bedhead backboard looks FANTASTIC
Woo!!
Josh, thank you for pointing out the safety issues with hauling with not enough truck. The tongue weight (pin / hitch weight) is 1545 pounds, dry, which nearly take it out of 3/4 ton territory.
I could not legally tow that with my diesel F-250 (SRW), unless it was completely empty and I had a half a tank of fuel; you put *anything* in that trailer, and it would not be legal for towing on a 3/4 ton truck. I can't imagine that there is a (legal) half-ton that can haul that thing. There may be modified trucks that can do it (no, not with airbags; leafsprings & brakes, at the least), but unless it was done by a coach builder, it isn't legal to haul.
This was the same issue we ran into with out F-150 and our Mini-Lite 2509; it was legal to take home, but once we put water in it, we exceeded the rear axle weight. The weight distribution hitch helped, but then we:
- replaced the mattress
- put in dishes
- put in food
- put in CPAPs, bedding, pillows, etc.
- put equipment in the front pass-through storage
- 60 lbs of propane
- 2 lead-acid deep-cycle batteries
- etc.
and there was no way to make it legal short of never towing with water in the tank and loading our heaviest items in front of the fridge both to keep them from adding to the forward weight and to try to counter-balance some of the weight that remained, which was a huge pain and caused the trailer to not be usable without unloading. As a result, we spent a lot more on another truck - the F-250 - so that we could tow legally and with confidence.
It was our mistake; when purchasing, we only considered towing capacity, not understanding at the time that there was a second, very important number - the hauling capacity.
There are A LOT of campers out there towing too much trailer with not enough truck; most of the time, it is fine. Right up until it isn't. And insurance won't pay if they can prove you were over weight when an accident occurs, any sort of accident.
Good job checking the payload of your F250 diesel - as these models tend have a lower payload capacity - due to both the diesel drivetrain and the many options that generally get selected. From experience, your payload is likely less than 2700 pounds.
A Heavy Duty Payload Package (HDPP) F150 has a maximum payload between 2900 and 3325 pounds, depending on configuration.
The HDPP option includes a thicker frame, more gussets, higher load rated suspension, larger rear axles and gears, higher load rated rims, higher load rated tires, and more.
A special ordered F150 with the HDPP option, in the regular cab 8 foot bed configuration (over 3000 pounds of payload) can safely, legally, and easily tow the Cougar 29RLI.
Safely towing, or carrying cargo, applies to all trucks - many 3/4 ton models could not tow this RV - as you correctly describe.
@@scottymacsporran2446 thanks for the heads up, I've not heard of HDPP; an F-150 with that - package seems inadequate - but wow, I don't know how they get away with calling that a half ton pickup. That would do the trick; though I guess the difference is that the engine isn't upgraded?
And yeah, the diesel engine reduces the payload capacity, as does the Lariat package. I can (rated to) pull 10 tons, but despite having the bed mounts for a 5th wheel hitch, my truck cannot safely or legally tow nearly any 5th wheel trailer.
Point is, understood what the capacity numbers are and mean, and that the tongue / pin weight for a trailer is the weight as you drive it off the lot (maybe not even that, with propane and batteries), not the weight you'll be towing and hauling after you've got it set up to camp, and that needs to be taken into account.
@@VernonJettlund ... Yes sir - my intent is to share information that may be helpful to a limited number of people like my wife and I.
My personal preference for a tow vehicle would be a dual rear wheel F350. However, my wife would never agree to it, nor would it fit in the underground parking garage.
There is just the 2 of us - so a regular cab 8 foot bed HDPP F150 configuration meets both our parking and towing needs.
I use a spreadsheet of calculate every little thing. The weight of the under bed 5th wheel mount, the in box 5th wheel hitch, and both of us in the truck.
Adding the advertised 1545 pin weight of the Cougar 29RLI, leaves us with around 950 pounds of remaining payload capacity. This amount of margin is necessary in my opinion, as the actual pin weight of a 5th wheel RV can vary significantly from advertised figures.
I am not advocating that people choose an HDPP F150 over an F350 - quite the contrary in fact.
However, the HDPP F150 is a viable option for people in our specific situation.
Thank you for this video of the new improved design 2022 cougar 29rli
Thank YOU for watching 😊
That is a fantastic fifth wheel! I’d pay for the upgraded wheels. I wish people understood the importance of the safety that the best tires, suspension and brakes add to your RV. It is the last place to cut corners. It is the most important safety feature of every RV. I’d also get disc brakes, and will never have an RV without them, after having them installed on my 5er. Love the 12v refrigerator (I have one of those as well) and so glad they made that modification! A fantastic review
Ty Terry!! Appreciate the feedback.
Would love to see more desk space for remote workers. The TV/Fireplace area could have convertible potential and this layout would be great if the room had a driver side window with a vanity to double as a work space.
Put pull out drawers (3) with under drawer slides in the bottom of the pantry and more shelfs above. Make the top useless drawer in the island a tilt out
Just stopped at a dealer on our way home from up north just to see this exact model. All those windows on the camp side have me sold. The only thing is no front windshield to help make the room feel bigger but that is definitely not a deal breaker on this.
I have a good option for you then!
m.th-cam.com/video/DwXPqPGA2ZM/w-d-xo.html
I like the floor plan, I definitely like the update on the fridge location for road mode. The only thing I can think of is it would be great if they had something like Azdel under the fiber glass in the exterior walls. The tires and the tps system are not a deal breaker for me and the wife. We like the booth over a table and the no nee knocker table is very nice touch.
My new 2022 cougar 290 rls came with the good years and 400 w solar package with a 200w ground panel for 600w total. Love it! Tow it with a 2020 f250 with a 7.3 gas. Great combo.
Some nice upgrades applied there. The ground panel you mentioned would've been aftermarket but together makes a NICE combo for powering up the RV!
What fridge did you go with btw?
One of my favorite less than 35ft 5W but a few changes or at least available options would make it my #1. Upgraded stove and refrigerator to more residential style, narrower sofa tables in order to accommodate a larger couch as in the East to West 285RL, get rid of floor vents, add TPMS/Goodyear package and bedroom front window. Your videos are awesome 👍👍👍👍
Thus is a very nice fifth wheel Cougar. It has lots of storage which I love. Love the bathroom and the shower. Love the island. Thank you Josh for showing this Rv.
Glad you like it!
I love, love the night stands. I toss around and I always hit my wrist or my elbow on the cabinets. This is an awesome rig!!!
I would change those pendant light covers to the metal farm style, and cover the command center with a cabinet door.
I’m fine with floor vents as long as they aren’t in the way. I don’t like stepping on them, I don’t like having to fit area rugs around them, I hate the dirt they collect.
I’m on team “The More Solar the Better”. Any time I can conserve energy, not pay for more propane than I need, etc. I’m a happy camper. Literally.
I’m with you on the door shade. I would arrive to pick it up with a roll of faux stained glass film to put on the window before I brought it home. Nobody needs to see into my rv uninvited. I like to enjoy my coffee and toast in my muumuu and nobody needs to see that.
I LOVE the bedroom. I love the shelves next to it. I love the closet.
I would 100% pay $1500 for the better tires and TPMS. I’m fully comfortable spending good money on things that can keep me and my family alive. Do I need upgraded drawer pulls? No. Do I need to know that me, my husband and my kids are going to arrive at our destination in one piece? Absolutely.
We plan on full timing when we retire. I don’t know if we could make this work for that, but this is legit the smallest rv I’ve ever seen that ticks dang near every box. (Really just the storage for clothes and the accoutrements you need for living in something with another person is all that’s missing for me.) I really really like this unit though. I think it would be a fantastic way for a couple or a family with 1-2 smaller kids to get into rving!
TY for that TPMS/GYE feedback. Still trying to figure out what the right answer there is. Seeing a pretty 50/50 split right now
Man, I love this one. Just a classic. Table and chairs for me. I would make that my workstation. Probably just store the chairs and use my desk chair there. Might even remove the table and stick my own little desk in that space. 400 solar and factory inverter and 2'nd air for sure. No carpet anywhere ever for me, but the carpet in the bedroom in this one is not a deal breaker or anything. I like the closet build on this one. Appreciate the towing talk. My late model tow package 1/2 ton would give me a total of 1 lb. to load my truck and camper with after accounting for the hitch weight. SNOW I got chilly just watching this! It's mid Dec. and I still have leafs to rake down in here in TX. Stay warm. Thanks Nerd!
I have updated footage for 2023 coming!!
I really like the accent wall behind the bed but true queen would make more sense. Potty is nice. Kitchen is great but I agree a shelf or even inside pull out deep drawers under one side. Although maybe people want a spot for a larger trash can and also a recycle bin. I probably would.
😆😆😆 lamp
Oh, this is a beautiful rig. Thank you for the tour and making us so many great videos! I'm glad they are listening to you, next year every model should have a factory installed shade in the door 😆
What? ...OH! lol --> I forgot I did that
6:41 🙋🏽♂️ I prefer the booth dinette for the storage, even the free standing table & chairs opens up the space more & looks nicer IMO
Table is really the same now. Actually just a seat swap
Outstanding!! Thanks Josh, we appreciate you sharing these, and the changes to this Cougar! We’re planning to buy in the next few months, in time for Spring 2022.The Cougar is on our short list!! Blessings from fans in Florida 👍🇺🇸
This was one of those “small but HUGE” changes
Thank you Josh!! We bought one in June and have been struggling with getting in the shower by sliding in the opening closest to the vanity. We couldn’t get the door to open from the left and dealership said, “It doesn’t open that way.” After watching your walk through, we picked up your comment about “not sliding” and investigated, again. We can now get into our shower!! You’ve saved us :) and might be more probed to shower now.
Glad to be of service!!
Thanks for providing these videos! We recently put our deposit down on a Cougar 29RLI at Bishs in Meridian! Saw your other video about Bishs acquiring your company.. Good luck with everything and thanks for this video which helped us in purchasing our 5th Wheeler!
Hope the experience goes well. I liked their facility during my visit!!
This is very livable. Like it a lot great size. It has what everyone might need. Yeah!!!
It hits a LOT of sweet spots. TY Jacqueine!
I absolutely LOVE this RV! It has everything I want, and nothing I dont. Great job Cougar!
Good job to viewers like you for making it known what you'd like to see! I love how Cougar has really begun to evolve based on the market's voice rather than simply what THEY feel is "neat"
I do agree on the door window shade! So simple & reasonable cost. Fix it Keystone, please. 😁
I actually heard they're going to be adopting it soon! Cougar is really dialed into to listening for what customers really want right now
I had just watched your first video on this RV last week. I do like this set up better for sure. I was lucky enough to catch one of the transporters in a truck stop and I have to say, man that thing looks great in person. He didn't have the keys so I could tour inside but the overall size is exactly what I'm looking for and thanks to your video I know the layout and could get a feel for the actual size of the rooms. I think this one is a winner
Did you get to see the new exterior package on these? They look INCREDIBLE
@@JoshtheRVNerd only on your updated video and I agree it does make better since
Love the bedroom, even with the camp queen. Love the decor and storage space. I’m not a fan of booths so the table and chairs are great. I’d like to see the pantry door window replaced with either a chalkboard or dry erase board. I don’t need to see what is in my pantry. Overall, great trailer for someone that plans on camping for two or more weeks in a row.
...interesting idea on that pantry! Thx Patti :)
Yes to Good year tires and TPMS. Our Jayco came with the Goodyears, and we added the TPMS. Both are necessary, IMHO.
We've been watching your videos for a while now and this is one of our favorite 5th wheels so far. In our case we would choose the booth dinette and the Goodyear tire package. We would also likely get a simple love seat instead of the theatre seating, and keep the sleeper sofa in the back.
Wow LOT more booth dinette seekers than I would've predicted! TY for letting me know
I would love the option to swap the theater seats with the sofa, and swap the sofa for a desk. Please please add full size desk options across the board, in the new world it's not just retirees and weekend warriors that want RVs but working (from home on the road) class people too!
Desk options are definitely something this industry is painfully lacking in. Right now it really seems to be up to owners to make the switch
Keystone, PLEASE PLEASE PRETTY PLEASE 🙏 update the dreaded 😭 cable slide system to rack & pinion. Make this RV perfect
😍🥰😍 almost perfect layout for me 💕 (95%)
I would go with the Goodyear package (the addition of the tire pressure monitoring makes it worth the $$)
As for the remain 5%, it's not something others may want/need.
I need cat space - a dedicated area for my fur baby(s) and washer dryer connections. I'm a full timer (well, I will be lol)
I need a king bed and washer dry. Not combo unit.
As soon as you said Baptist medicine cabinet I was sold!! Gotta have space for my medicinal Bourbon!
Emotional support bottle lol
Bow chicka wow wow
This is a beautiful camper. Just saw one at an rv show and loved it. My favorite layout so far.
This is perfect for me for full-time RVing. Went to look at one and loved it, made a order for one and it will be arriving before June.
I hope it works out for you!
Ohhhoho…. I’m drooling! 🤤 I love the Keystone Cougars! This is a great model! Great travel access, I really like their changes based off customer feedback from YOUR videos. Now I just need to win the lottery….. 🤔😂😂👍🏻👍🏻
Start playin' them scratchers! lol :)
I would spend the extra for the Goodyear tires. Would be interested in a video on the various Solar packages, that would include cost and descriptions of storage options, etc.
Keystone Solar Flex Overview: bit.ly/3k2NaRg
The new change with the refrigerator does make a huge difference. But I would prefer the pantry to be on the right side of the refrigerator giving us more room on both sides of the Range/oven. I know storage is at a minimum but workspace next to the oven would be awesome.
Hmmm TY Chris. Appreciate the perspective
Goodyear and TPMS package....yes! Smaller version of our 333MKS. I like this shorter version.
Basically! Yep! :)
I wish we were closer. We live in Mansfield Texas outside of DFW. Thanks for all the reviews.
Hahahahahahaha I know my grandmother’s maiden name, today! Might forget tomorrow? Lol 😂
Those adjustable shelves! Yes, in every RV please.
Agree! I love flex-storage
* I prefer a dinette for the storage and extra sleeping.
* I also prefer the area open under the sink because I can be more creative with what I fit under there such as a hand vac or a larger grocery item etc. If shelving were needed I would just put my items in a bin that would in itself become the shelf. 💡
*For under the bathroom sink you can hack a couple of little hooks or loops to hold a plastic trash bag free-standing to drop any bathroom trash in. No one sees it so why crowd a plastic bathroom trash container in it? 💁
Hand vac under sink is actually thinking from the year 3021. Brilliant
Amazing what we've done as a community here!
I really like this one. I actually have a spread sheet to compare 15 different 30 to 33 foot trailers and 5 wheels and I will move this one in 3rd place. What is important to us, besides the travel access is having enough plugs in the kitchen. They should put a pre-wired plug on each end of a work surface. Always. The counter next to the steps is perfect for a keurig, except no one likes cords running over counters.
That's fair. Those are the "little things" that end up being daily annoyances
Awesome, I've been complaining about this forever. Finally settled for a Jayco that had all the other features I liked but really hate having to crack the passenger side slide to get to my refrigerator in transit.
I like the new updated kitchen feature from the 290RLS. Better for full time.
Agreed
I like this trailer! I wouldn't change anything! The bedroom is perfect!
TY Terry! I thought they did a great job as well!
This unit crushed it. The bath and shower are perfect for us of that age where you may need to sit down. Leave the space under the sink in the bath alone. Now the space under the sink in the kitchen I agree needs a shelf on one side. I would also add the additional solar, where I would use this does not have power unless you bring it with you. The TV is at the correct hight, I do not want one that is mounted high as many of them are. Storage behind the TV is great, looks like you could place a CD player for those days when you may be stuck inside. The only other thing I would consider is the addition of a generator. One just enough to take care of the air and frige and let the solar take care of the lights and things like a CPAP machine by the bed. I also like the kitchen table, I like that the table has no legs sticking out in the way or knee knockers as you call them. I also like the chairs rather than a fixed bench. Excellent build.
Ty!!
This is a fantastic layout! I had the Cougar 30RLS and loved it. I now have the 316RLS and it the best layout ever for the price and tow ability. They should just add the Goodyear tires!!!
Glad you like it! I see more return customers in Cougars vs. almost any other brand
Absolutely Goodyear
They knocked it out of the park. We have the 27RES now and I'm sooooo getting this one. Went straight to your website to see if you had one. I think the goodyear pkg and tps should be an option, some ppl don't care about that. WE would want it, took our china bombs off after 400 miles. I wouldn't want a dinette, this one is perfect for us. We ould also need the 2nd air unit, we get hot. The RES has been awesome but the air is loud, so I'm happy they've done some upgrades to help with that. Great job and usual!
Add 27 RES layout. I don’t think anyone else and travel trailers is making it
Not much to be disappointed about in this one.
Good year tires go on our Rig in the Spring for now it's in storage. Give me a 3/4 Ton and I'll be there to pick it up.
You had me until "give me" a 3/4 ton lol :)
Love the improvements! Get rid of the floor vents, add Goodyear tires, modular panel underbelly, and protection for the sewer lines behind the tires, and you're there!
Good stuff nice interior also nice to have counter on both sides of the stove
Yes, and I like the outlets up and out of the way too. (happy to not see power towers)
I like the fridge change and a lot of other things about this model. But the my wife has forebode me from ever getting another camper that has as she terms "the toe stubbing rail" on the kitchen slide and I will never have another camper with cable slides on the main deck. Still enjoyed the video and still love what keystone is doing with the solar.
Kitchen slides are almost never floor flush unfortunately. Last time I saw one that was it set the kitchen further back in the slide
I prefer the booth for added sleeping.
Nice and beautiful rig. If I was traveling all the states then I want Goodyear tires. Thanks for sharing Josh👍👍
Fair! High Travel vs. Casual Travel is a great divider line
I agree with the shade for the RV door. I would also add that they need the side encasements around the bedroom window like they have in the living room area.....I don't like the gap at the sides of the shade when it's down.
Actually see here bit.ly/36Uc820
Cougar FINALLY Adopted the door shades! So they ARE Listening! :)
I do love me some cougars. The trailers pretty nice too I guess. Not sure how the Keystone people will take that but we will find out.
I have been " lusting " after this 5th wheel since it showed up on your website. It's just a little over my current truck's ability and now is not the time to buy a bigger badder truck. Of course I'm eyeballing the 24RDS 5th wheel and the 25RDS TT too ...but those opposing slides.... Your videos have made me a future Cougar owner.
:) can’t blame you!!
This is everything that could ever be wanted In a smaller but full rear living Floorplan everything works better good job cougar, personally we traveled 11 thousand miles with the cheaper tire and no tpms with no problems so for me I'd save the 1500 for 3 years down the road when I would then change to Goodyear like we did👍👍
Yeah they really nailed this one. Being consumer drive. Is a good look on them
Yes! Goodyear’s should be standard, along with a second a/c!
I really like the larger end tables to the couch. I'd like the booth if it was u shaped. And I wan't it to fit four full grown adults. Teds if you got 'em. I absolutely agree with Josh about under the sink. Put a shelf on one side for cleaning supplies and garbage bags and stuff like that. Love the bedroom storage, the large nightstand area for a cpap and phones. Love the basement! Go for the Goodyears, they are important, I'd feel safer, I'd feel the tire would preform better, the peace of mind would be worth the extra money.
TY Shara! Always appreciate hearing from you. You share your real thoughts w/both the ups and the downs!
We LOVE this 5th wheel! You have been our go-to guy as we have been educating ourselves about RVs. No one else compares! We love how you poi t out both good AND not so good features! We live in Oregon but are seriously considering ordering from you and then traveling to Michigan to pick it up when we're ready!
We have a store in Oregon btw - that might save you Abby ch of driving lol
I agree Goodyear tires because tires are so important! Keystone needs to upgrade their fenders the ones they have rip off every rv we have owned please change them!
Really? I've certainly heard of that happening now and again but sounds like you've had a chronic recurring issue..
Command hook on the inside of the sink cabinet to hold a trash bag! Dump it every day, works fine.
You know.. sometimes it doesn't have to be fancy to work!
LOVE the fridge access while traveling, Table chairs no question, and I would pay for the GOODYEAR tires.
Ty Karen!! This kind of stuff is really REALLY helpful
Josh, I could do without the TPMS, but yes - I would upgrade the tires. I know how to work a pressure gauge. A simple 12v pump would be a great additional option.
I keep a portable battery box / air pump with me. I've never needed it myself but on almost any trip I've used it to help a friend, family member, or camping neighbor
As you mentioned, most people are using their RV'S during the hot summer months. With that in mind I would strongly suggest buyers to upgrade to the Goodyear package if it's in their budget. I drive a truck over the road and that allows me opportunities to talk to some of the guys that haul these from the factory. there has been a few that I have talked to that has said they have blown tires out before getting them to the dealer on some models, and I couldn't tell you how many times I've seen an RV on the shoulder with a flat. I helped a couple change a tire in a truck stop once and it took out the plastic trim around the wheel well and it was only there third trip with it.
Goodyears actually became standard for the 2023's which is great!!
Love this... let customers decide on expanded packages (but upgrade a few to mid-range solar installs) Like the 12v fridge for many reasons. And the camp queen allows persons like my amputee wife to more easily get around the bed. Let buyers decide on that change as well. Oh, and enjoy your videos very much! Great work!!! 👍
TY Drew. I know that when I'm buying stuff I like to have options. And when this much money is on the line that ability feels even more important
Very nice lookin Travel Trailer 👍👍👍👍👍
Nick you're just awesome man. TY
Very nice unit and I really like the layout. Especially appreciate the bedroom closet slide with the drawers. I’d like to see the night stands be a bit longer and have drawers Vice a cabinet door though.
Ok let’s talk about the options. This is yet another example of Keystone ripping off their customers with their option pricing. I’ve talked before about how the solar packages are a 20-30% premium over what it would cost to buy the components at full retail and pay to have them installed. The Goodyear package is another great (or really terrible) example of that.
Goodyear endurance 225/75/15 tires at discount tire are $145 ea. Let’s be generous and assume you actually get 5 of these bad boys with the package that’s $725 in tires at full retail price. TST 4 sensor TPMS is $368. That’s a grand total of $1093 in parts at full retail that they are selling you for $1500. Not to mention that they have the saving on the 5 junk tires that they are now not installing which let’s be generous and guess $75 a tire which is cheaper than I can find ANY tire of that size for. That’s $375 they would otherwise have spent which means that if they priced this package just to cover the parts cost at full retail it should be no more than $718. Which means that Keystone is adding by the most generous calculations
$718 of parts and charging you $1500.
Is anyone not offended by that kind of pricing structure? It’s a markup in excess of 100%. It speaks to how Keystone does business and it doesn’t speak well.
So no I would not order this unit with the Goodyear package. I’d take it as is and spend less money to have the exact same parts fitted myself.
Appreciate the input. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out over the next season or two
@@JoshtheRVNerd I know it’s harsh but the math is what it is. We’re I a selling dealer I’d be having some very serious conversations with Keystone regarding their option pricing.
Here is the good news for Bish. Their pricing creates an opportunity to sell a customer the same upgrade but at a much more reasonable price. Bish derives the profit from making the sales and the customer gets a fair deal. We’re I Bish I’d be looking to do the same thing with the solar packages. Offer the customer the Bish 400b or 600b which has all the same hardware the factory installs but at a hefty discount to what the factory charges. If the expertise doesn’t exist in house partner with someone who does have the expertise and can then do the install either pre or post sale but with the pricing and cost wrapped up into the sale price.
We own a 30RLS which we love. I can see a few small improvements on this one. No complaints with ours.
Oh you have a great rig for sure. The only significant changeup here is just that fridge placement. Once you're opened up they're functionally equivalent
Looking to buy this 5th wheel this weekend! Your videos have helped the choosing process so well!!
That's awesome! I hope you find the right one for you and your family :)
I would love it if you were able to drop my name in a quick review at bit.ly/3sQtSlV in return for the helpful efforts!
I love watching your videos.I always look forward to seeing your videos.
Glad you like them!
I like this floor plan and the lite interior
I do as well. Balances warm and light nicely
This is a fantastic layout. We prefer the dinette! Some other things: Put the shade in the door already! Residential queen in the bedroom is a must.
$1500 is a lot for Goodyear tires, but having them installed from the factory with a built-in TPMS... it is worth considering.
Yeah for tires alone it's a bit much. Including a TPMS and factory backing it changes the balance. I'm still a bit up in the air. I think it depends on if someone is serious towing vs. casual towing
Love this camper. The kitchen is gorgeous and the stove centered is perfect. The bedroom is outstanding but I would agree that a full queen bed would be best. I would stick with the booth dinette for more sleeping options as we have 3 adult children. Now I have to get a new truck to pull this!!
Wow LOT of booth requests. Thank you!!
I love the accessibility of the fridge, pivoting TV, and I have always loved this floor plan! We would definitely choose the booth dinette for the additional sleeping capability.
I just wish there was a King bed option. Give me narrower identical night stands on both sides (with the lamps, USB and plug outlets) and please make room for a King bed option!
I would be happy just getting a true queen 😂
So cool that they listen to comments and suggestions!
I think I might prefer the booth dinette, since it's a no knee knocker anyway.
Definitely agree that there should be a shelf under the sink!
I'm with you on the whole half ton towable thing. I don't mind the use of the nomenclature, but I wish it was a bit more realistically applied to, as you said, 99% of half tons instead of that high payload unicorn that has to be special ordered.
Regarding the tires, I'd like to see TPMS become standard on everything, even the most basic pop up. I think proper monitoring of the condition of your tires is more important than the brand name on those tires, and since we all know not every owner is going to manually check their tire condition and pressure every single trip, a TPMS is at least going to light up a warning to make them say "Well gosh Martha, that tire light is on, maybe we should pull over and take a look?" Bottom line, I'd keep the cheaper tires but option it with TPMS.
I'm one of those people that's had the TPMS on their vehicle likely save them from a blowout on the highway so I'm a big fan as well.
If you've ever had one, then you know how nice they are. If you haven't, then you just don't have a frame of reference I think
@@JoshtheRVNerd same! I used to work in an industrial neighborhood and I would catch so many nails with my tires! TPMS was a game changer as it allowed me to see a pressure drop and deal with it before the tire was irreparably damaged.
I think all cars require it now, here's hoping the RV industry follows!
@@hallraker79 yeah there's a highway here that has constant crashes and whatnot. The road itself it just a debris field. I had a bad stretch of flat tires on it for a while and learned to appreciate my TPMS
Definitely a yes for Goodyears and TPMS.
Ty
I think either a single or double basin sink should be an option in all trailers.
Man I *love* this idea
I understand how from a production standpoint that idea is problematic
But I *love* that idea
It is now on my list with the road mode.
Game Changer!
They missed the boat on the back wall sofa needs to be Wall to wall. I am 6'5" I like to stretch out no way on this sofa. I like the double fridge but I could deal with this one. Over all nice but down here in Florida going to need to add the second a/c nothing unusual. Big thumbs up 👍 uncle Josh
I do like those big sofas but I also really enjoy side stands for a place to set a drink or put down my phone without losing it in the cracks of the couch. Feels like they're darned if they do and darned if they don't