Cougar Travel Trailers: Quality Camping Experience?

Cougar travel trailers are manufactured by Keystone RV, which claims to be the #1 manufacturer of towable RVs in North America. Cougar trailers are marketed as premium, luxury, and high-quality. However, reviews are mixed, with some customers reporting issues with construction quality, water leaks, and warranty coverage. Overall, the brand appears to have a loyal customer base, with some positive reviews highlighting the trailers' layout, features, and functionality.

Pros of Cougar travel trailers

Cougar travel trailers are a premium product from Keystone RV, a company that has been in the business since 1996. Cougar travel trailers are designed for maximum camping flexibility and are packed with features. Here are some pros of choosing a Cougar travel trailer:

Quality and Innovation

Cougar travel trailers are built with quality and innovation in mind. The HyperDeck flooring, for example, is stronger, lighter, and more resilient than traditional wood laminated flooring. The Tru-Fit slide construction minimises functional motor structural stress and resists leaking. The Blade Pure airflow system takes camping comfort to the next level, and the Climate Guard Protection Package helps regulate the temperature.

Towability and Maneuverability

Cougar travel trailers are towable by most half-ton trucks, and their maneuverability is a plus. At 23' 8" to 37' 5" in length, they can squeeze into tight campsites and navigate curvy roads. They tow smoothly and handle heavy winds well.

Layout and Design

The Cougar's layout and design are well-suited for couples and families. The living areas are open and spacious, and the bunk space is perfect for kids. The Driftwood decor brightens up the interior with light stone gray upholstery and window valances. The kitchen has plenty of counter space, and the panoramic windows allow you to enjoy the view while cooking. The bathroom has a unique layout, with the toilet in a separate room, giving you extra space.

Storage and Functionality

Cougar travel trailers offer ample storage space, with deep pantry shelves, spacious kitchen cupboards, and large drawers. The pass-through storage and slam-latch baggage doors provide even more storage capacity. The electrical and USB outlets are well-placed, and the theatre seating with heat, massage, and accent lighting adds comfort.

Cons of Cougar travel trailers

While Cougar travel trailers are a popular choice for many, there are some drawbacks to consider. Here are some of the cons of Cougar travel trailers to help you make an informed decision:

Construction Quality and Warranty Issues

One of the most commonly cited issues with Cougar travel trailers is the construction quality. Some owners have reported problems with leaking, delamination, and bubbling in the roof, as well as issues with the water pump and on-demand heater. These problems can be significant and may require costly repairs. In some cases, owners have had difficulty getting Keystone, the manufacturer of Cougar trailers, to honour warranty claims, with reports of resistance to paying for warrantied items and denial of coverage.

Poor Cabinet and Bedroom Design

The cabinet construction in Cougar trailers has been described as subpar, with some owners having to replace several trim pieces. In addition, the bedroom area in certain models has been criticised for being too tight and cramped. The mattress quality has also been called into question, with some owners finding it necessary to replace the mattress immediately after purchase.

Inadequate Customer Support

Several reviews mention issues with customer support and warranty service. Some owners have expressed disappointment with Keystone's resistance to honouring warranties, particularly for items that should be covered. There are also reports of communication issues and a lack of assistance in resolving problems, with some owners being left to pay for repairs themselves despite providing ample documentation.

Limited Storage and Accessibility Issues

While Cougar trailers boast ample storage, the design of the storage spaces has been criticised for being impractical. For example, the bathroom cabinets are described as being too deep, resulting in wasted space unless pull-out shelves are added. Additionally, the placement of the cabinets above the toilet makes it difficult to access stored items. Similarly, the switch for the bathroom ventilation fan is placed too high for individuals of average height to reach without assistance.

Repairs and replacements

One of the most commonly mentioned issues is the need to replace trim pieces. This is a relatively minor repair, but it can be time-consuming and frustrating for owners, especially when it occurs after the first trip. Another issue that has been noted by several owners is problems with sealing, particularly around the shower and front window areas. These sealing issues can lead to leaks, which can cause damage to the trailer and its contents. In addition, some owners have reported problems with the construction of cabinets, as well as the placement of the water heater, which can result in longer wait times for hot water.

While these issues may not be deal-breakers for everyone, it's important to be aware of them when considering the purchase of a Cougar trailer. It's also worth noting that some owners have reported difficulties in getting Keystone, the manufacturer of Cougar trailers, to honour warranty claims. However, there are also reports of successful warranty claims and repairs, and it's always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of any warranty before making a purchase.

For those who are handy, some of the more common repairs and replacements may be manageable on your own. Trekwood RV Parts & Supply, for example, offers a range of Keystone replacement parts, including those for doors, faucets, lights, showers, and vents. However, for more complex issues or those outside of your comfort zone, it's important to consult a professional to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and safely.

Cougar travel trailer reviews

Cougar travel trailers are manufactured by Keystone RV, which has been at the forefront of RV innovations for over 25 years. The Keystone Cougar is one of North America's best-selling towable trailers. Cougar travel trailers are designed for maximum camping flexibility and are towable by most of today's half-ton trucks. They offer premium features such as full auto-levelling, boondocking-friendly SolarFlex™ packages, and larger tank capacities. The trailers have a weight range of 4,710 lb to 8,775 lb, a length of 23' 8" to 37' 5", and a height of 10' 8" to 11' 5". They can sleep between 4 and 12 people.

Reviews for the Cougar travel trailers are mixed. On RV Insider, the 2023 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 22MLS has an average rating of 3.3-3.6 out of 5 stars from 122-194 reviews. Many reviewers praise the layout and size of the unit, especially for couples. The trailer's towability, kitchen space, storage, and panoramic windows also receive positive comments. However, several reviews mention issues with construction quality, including leaking showers, delaminating roofs, and problems with the water heater and refrigerator. Some reviewers also express frustration with Keystone's warranty coverage and resistance to paying for warrantied items.

Overall, while some owners have experienced issues with their Cougar travel trailers, others have enjoyed their experiences and found the trailers to be comfortable and well-designed.

Cougar travel trailer features

Cougar travel trailers are designed for maximum camping flexibility. They are towable by most of today's half-ton trucks. Cougar Half-ton travel trailers offer the brand's premium features including full auto-leveling, the brand's boondocking-friendly SolarFlex™ packages, and larger tank capacities.

Cougar Sport travel trailers, manufactured for west coast distribution, offer a streamlined appearance, lighter weights, and price points that make it easy to get into Cougar's legendary style and quality. The weight of these trailers ranges from 4,710 lb to 8,775 lb, with a length of 23' 8" to 37' 5" and a height of 10' 8" to 11' 5". They can sleep 4 to 12 people.

The Driftwood decor brightens up the classic Cougar interior style with light stone gray upholstered seating and window valances.

Cougar travel trailers feature ground-breaking components and technologies from the Keystone Innovation Lab. Here are some of the features:

• Blade Pure™ Airflow System: A high-performance airflow system that combines new-age efficiency and residential comfort.
• HYPERDECK™ RV FLOOR: Stronger, lighter, and more resilient than traditional wood laminated flooring.
• Tru-Fit™ Slide Construction: A more durable slide room design that minimizes functional motor structural stress and resists leaking.
• 12V Distribution Center: Organizes and streamlines 12V wiring connections with a disconnect option to prevent unwanted battery draw.
• Climate Guard Protection Package: Features such as heat-deflecting white sidewalls, a membrane and A/C, and insulated slide floors help maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Ground Control 3.0 Auto-Level System: This system automatically levels the trailer, making set-up easier.
• Oversized In-Command Global Connect System: Allows for convenient control and monitoring of various trailer functions.

Cougar travel trailers also offer a range of appliances and utilities to enhance your camping experience, including LED HDTV, Bluetooth players, microwave ovens, ranges, tankless on-demand water heaters, and more.

Frequently asked questions