2023 Keystone Cougar 23MLE | New BEST IN CLASS Shortest Fifth Wheel RV Made?!

[@mylesrv]

Interested in this RV? I am in a sales position and would love to personally help you make this RV yours! Click this link, go to my RV Inquiry Form, and select the Mesquite location to send me your contact info and I will get in contact with you asap! linktr.ee/mylesrvs

[@corinnemacpartland5168]

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[@donnahillberry]

Is this available

[@sira451]

This has more built in storage space than most tiny houses I've seen! The only thing missing is a washer/dryer. Great floor plan. If I was younger and could manage the mechanicals alone, I'd get rid of my house, buy this, and travel!

[@junejohnson1443]

I love this floor plan. We looked at 2022 Cougars that didn’t have a pantry. I’m so glad that they added one. Currently, we tow a 34’ fifth wheel and I would like to downsize.

[@louisboliou7432]

Pin weight? Regardless of tow weight, pin weight is crucial and needs to be included up-front. My 1/2 ton has a total cargo weight limit of 1801 pounds, and tow capacity of 9100 pounds, so pin weight is critical.

[@JamesMcGillis]

Access to the fridge, bathroom, and closet drawers are all available in travel mode. The entertainment center is Bluetooth capable, plus CD/DVD. There is open shoe storage beneath the dinette at the entrance. The bathroom faucet is offset for face washing. The rear kitchen overhead cabinets are accessible to shorter people. The stove burner-knobs glow red when in operation and turn blue when off. That is a great safety feature.

[@ShinobiLivesMatter]

That's really an impressive unit for the size. In the future, Myles, kindly find the smallest unit that would have W/D prep.

[@mylesrv]

The shortest one I know of is a Cougar 290RLS.

[@Hunterhayes24]

Salem hemisphere 286rl

[@gregjames5070]

Jayco 24re has w/d prep

[@docsworld1369]

My wife and I really like this layout. We have a bumper hitch TT now and have talked about a fifth wheel for more stability while traveling. We just never see a layout that we like as well as our current TT. Great job showing all the features. We are big into boon docking so we wouldn’t want anything bigger and miss out on hard to reach locations.

[@shanebrown2963]

Good review! The wife and I like it. The only change I would do is take out the din-net and put like a bar top facing out the window with a couple of stools to sit on. I don’t like how the bench comes out into the kitchen area in such a small space. Plus it would open that area up even more. This will definitely be on our list when we buy this next summer

[@DOLfirst]

Personally, I like the table...allows for more kitchen prep space or laptop area and doubles as a bed. There is also storage beneath the seats. Also, bar stools aren't comfortable. But that's just my two cents.

[@jimmysapien9961]

@@DOLfirst Z I agree

[@muggywebster1117]

I don't know why manufacturers keep making the stupid banquets most people I've talk to which is probably a thousand as I've been full-time for over a decade and travel around alot. They are such a useless waste of space. SMH

[@anthonyaubuchon765]

I really like that unit. We have been shopping around I've been wanting a toy hauler but she wants something smaller. I think think with the 3000# towing capacity on the back this could be the best of both worlds. Leave the side by side at home when we don't plan on using it and can haul it behind when we do

[@distancedancer816]

Really nice. You did a great job explaining everything, opening drawers, checking it out, really cool.

[@marygreer3967]

This is super nice. I'm not a booth person but I love the storage in the benches. A great place for the crockpot, case of water and such. I'm in NY so having a fire place is a huge bonus, take the chill out of it on those crisp early spring and fall mornings. Not a fan of the vent fan over the bed. I like my bedroom super dark and any light keeps me awake. We don't need W/D hookups since we are just weekenders. From the video, the fridge/freezer seemed small but maybe is just an optical illusion. I have yet to see any camper out there that I'm 100% satisfied with out there but this one hits in the 85-90% for sure.

[@JamesMcGillis]

There are vent fan "pillows" available that cover the fan recess and insulate as well. An inexpensive fix for the unintended "skylight".

[@sylvainparent428]

One of the best layout have seen for a short fifthwheel. Good Job Keystone. Good job Myles 👍

[@mikebengyak199]

Thanks!

[@dougsmith7195]

The SHORTEST FIFTH WHEEL is also to best! It’s the Escape 5.0 Fibreglass shell trailer, built like a boat, will last 50 years like the 1970’s Trilliums. A fifth wheel at only 4000lbs. One owner towed his with a Nissan Frontier. A beautiful trailer but has a 2 year wait list. Canadian built.

[@Masterchief68]

I’ve seen the cougar shorties and they are great for couples! Easy to park and you can get them into any park! The weights are easy on your truck too!

[@mylesrv]

They are great little fifth wheels!

[@guyfletcher3912]

Fantastic! Best I've seen - and I've seen many. Good job Myles!

[@Gigi-fq3jn]

I’m searching for an RV or Trailer. I’ve always thought 5th wheels were too big but this one is absolutely perfect. I love it..!

[@mylesrv]

Glad you love it! Here to help you purchase it when you’re ready

[@janicepierce7494]

What would be the price? Love it!

[@CH-jk6bf]

Was waiting for bedroom..being able to walk around the bed makes a big difference in putting on a fitted sheet..we had a 2002 for 14 yrs camping would have loved to have had this but we are retired from camping now but have memories ❤

[@shelleyzaragoza2195]

Just think of a trial and error being so exciting to show the world the popular RV. This is a nice RV for a couple.

[@peterkunka2694]

This is a great model for a retired couple going on short trips (others have already mentioned the lack of a washer/dryer, which may extend outings without looking for a laundromat). But, new 1/2 tons will easily tow this, and the nice part is getting away from the 3/4 ton diesel emission problems and expense. Big question: Will Keystone warranty a gooseneck swap over the king pin? A gooseneck hitch will reduce a lot of payload weight, and open up the bed for more storage space. Nice video and tour. Cheers! Pete in Arizona.

[@robertpulliam9973]

Don’t think the average 1/2T is going to pull this unless you’re talking about the standard cab 2WD with base equipment.

[@JamesMcGillis]

We have the Anderson Hitch on our Cougar. It is a super strong aluminum "pyramid" that includes a height-adjustable hitch ball and a proprietary receiver attached to the pin on the coach. It is an elegant hitch solution for this Cougar.

[@erinscovell1039]

This RV feels like a luxury home... love the look of it, wouldn't change a thing!!!

[@WvMnts]

Great review and very informative to someone who’s never owned a camper but thinking about it.

[@suzannedarylyoung8038]

We love the design!! Very well done!!

[@Tawni.6269]

Liked and described Mike you will soon be my salesman. This is a very informative video I will pass this along to friends and family as well. 🗨️☝️🤓

[@gwwj]

I've fallen for this Brand and floor plan! It really fits our style of travel. That is except for the water heater. We boondock fairly often. Instant hot water heaters have a reputation for wasting water. Your presentation, especially with the included technical details is outstanding. I'll be following more of your videos from now on. Thank you!

[@mylesrv]

Thanks for the kind words 🙏

[@CindyBarg]

A question why instant water heaters waste water? The ones i've had were very efficient, and it always seemed to me that a water tank continuously keeping water warm wastes more energy.

[@gwwj]

@@CindyBarg RV water heaters don't use very much energy. Tankless water heaters need a significant water flow before they will heat. If you are boondocking and trying to conserve, you're likely not going to get a hot navy shower.

[@CindyBarg]

I'll keep that in mind, thanks!

[@tgaylord2]

@@CindyBarg Not only do you waste water waiting for the hot water to get to your faucet, but if you stop the flow of hot water, even for a few seconds, the burner kicks off and you get a bunch of wasted cold water until the heating coils kick back in. This means you can’t turn the water off at the shower head to soap up unless you want to get a blast of cold water while rinsing. The best solution that we found, is to fill a bucket with hot water from the water heater and then take a sponge bath (outside if weather permits) so we don’t fill our grey tank with wasted water.

[@joemartindale5482]

Very nice! The windows around the kitchen really add an to an open and larger feel. Have always liked the dining area separate from the couch/recliners. Looks a lot less cluttered and perfect for a smaller unit. No sacrifices in the bath! Awesome.

[@mylesrv]

Glad you like it!

[@htownsfinest87]

That wiring job 👍👍👍 top notch

[@bargirl302]

It’s very beautiful for the size, thank you for all you do in showing all the great videos. 😊

[@smh9390]

Great road armor comparison!!! Thanks so much😊

[@judyross182]

There are a number of nice features. Nice tour.

[@amycarpenter6699]

I would love to see these exact same specs with the kitchen on a bigger RV with a 2nd bedroom 1/2 bath, washer/dryer hook up and side patio with sliding glass doors for THE perfect 2024 model. I love the kitchen

[@Amie-sb3zh]

I love this. Wish the flooring that is in the slide out was in the bedroom also.. i dont like carpet in an rv. But we love this rv thank you for showing it P. S i love the booth.

[@timl1345]

It is one the best layouts in small 5th I've seen

[@karenr67]

Best layout I've seen lately.

[@anitariley2681]

Can you option that dinette for a table and chairs?

[@arleneslimmon1858]

Lovely 5th wheel. Thanks for the informative tour!

[@davidkendall6801]

I have a 37' Montana. As I get older I will downsize. I considered a Class C but this might be a decent option. More room, much easier to tow and maneuver, less expensive than Class C.

[@nancyjohnson5810]

Loved it until I saw the bedroom, I would only consider a slide out bed. We've already got this set up and its very difficult to change the bed sheets. I have to pull the bed all the way out so its hitting the wall to reach the front of the bed to put on clean sheets and/or take off the dirty ones. I love that it's compact. I really like Cougar. Thanks for the video.

[@joanpipes9812]

LOVE this little trailer!!!

[@netwrkguy]

I agree with Expresso. Perfect for the single person or couple with only drawback is no W/D

[@marybrown9095]

Wonderful presentation love this little cougar

[@Mike-hb4pc]

Couple of things I would have liked to see: (1) a slide-out tray for the battery compartment: (2) soft close drawers/cabinet doors. Pretty decent layout overall. I like it.

[@Nunya_Bidness_53]

This is pretty darn nice,has a little of everything. Love the shower.

[@mylesrv]

Glad you like it!

[@mylesrv]

Glad you like it!

[@darlenepalmer9837]

Beautiful camper. We had a cougar. Loved it.

[@lifeisgoodafter60]

DUDE!! Great job!!

[@leeffutch7469]

I'm loving the RV trailers in many different styles shape and, sides, and I hope to have one soon u are the number one😀 Thank You P. Futch

[@brucehoffman9378]

Looks great I would like to know what kind of price this has

[@sassyd8738]

So far love all the extra space an kitchen nice where the ignite card at i think below would be where washer dryer combo would go for the rv house in every one ive seen i think all of them i would place it right there works for a couple with no kids very nice i like it

[@chiefsnarlsnortz1610]

Does the tv swing out & down?

[@danross7194]

Nice! Put in a dishwasher and a w/d combo and it’s complete!

[@BethReddy-hb5qm]

Hello Myles. I am sure I saw one of your videos which featured a small built in desk & arm chair/seating area in a toy hauler master bedroom. It was as East/West bed with the wardrobe in the slideout and the seating area in the cap. I have watched/searched for that video again for three days now. Any chance you recall what model floorplan that was?

[@debbieadams6508]

We bought this last week in st. Louis. Cant wait till it comes in.

[@cujo229]

How to these tow in shortbed trucks without slider hitch? How is the clearance with the nose

[@JoeBurrow23]

Really nice fifth wheel, love the floor plan!

[@mylesrv]

Glad you like it!

[@lisaturner4741]

Free standing table and chairs? Would be able to switch it up on occasion. 😊

[@tyount1984]

That would be a perfect camper to live in full time. Especially for 1 person

[@sharontalaga5924]

Love this RV. I like where the kitchen is. Everything about this RV is amazing. I would buy this in a heart beat....depending how much it is. I am sure it is quite expensive.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

Nice trailer. I like the rear kitchen and how compact it is. But I wish the front layout had more space. I don’t like the bedroom so cramped.

[@paulb6161]

I like it! Thanks for the video!

[@sandyharder9162]

Love this, we are in Minnesota. Where is nearest dealer?

[@dpl2617]

Generator?, Azdel composite sidewall construction???

[@alanphillips7257]

We like this RV but we're looking for a small toy hauler. Any recommendations

[@jaccole]

Please list ALL the 1/2 ton trucks and their payload and tow capacity that you say can tow these 5th wheels. Remember, you shouldn’t max out any payload or tow capacity. Many will tell you never go over 75% of listed specs. Please also list the price of those 1/2 tons compared to the price of a 3/4 ton truck which could tow these “1/2 ton towable “.

[@michaelcalovich7779]

Well, floor plan is great but, like everyone else need W/D location but I really don’t like the slanted roof line. You really can’t be over 5’10” tall. This is great for weekends only no long travel. Now if they correct the roof line to be straight and W/D and put tire in storage not generator area and make it 4 feet longer SUPER. Just a thought.

[@mylesrv]

Cougar does this in their non half-ton line with the straight ceiling. But as I’m sure you understand, they need to make smaller, more light weight fifth wheels like this one for that demographic of people looking for something truly half ton towable. W/D and half ton towable don’t mesh well lol

[@Barret-paddles]

Nice rig!! Wish there was a bit more outside in the bedroom otherwise the rest of the layout is very impressive. Thanks 🙂

[@mylesrv]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelkern6992]

You are correct. White panels/vents on the roof is definitely better than the black regarding sun/heat. That’s why you see more white cars on the road

[@michaeljames63]

Wish you had mentioned Gross weight and pin weight

[@janicedavis5216]

Love this small 5th wheel. But why why why did they put that brown cabinet around the TV? Should’ve kept the same as kitchen and pantry/buffet.

[@atedogs]

Hey Myles, Well done on this presentation. I'll keep you in mind if we ever get to buying in this economy. Inside things I would want changed. The booth is awkward cuts off a lot of space. I'd settle for a counter and barstools or stand alone fold up unit. The register on the floor would be a hazard to me as well as an eyesore. It should be tucked out of the way up against or close to a wall. I would personally change out the handheld in the shower so water doesn't spray at me but above me right over my head. As for external issues I would have to defer to hubby as living space is my domain. Definitely a consideration. Thanks

[@randihewitt847]

I live in Pahrump Nevada it’s about 50 miles west of Las Vegas Nevada. Are there any dealers near us? How much does this one cost and what is the warranty time on it?

[@timburton1715]

Nice 👍 Jerb... curious as to its functionality with the 'slide's' closed..??

[@bigrainbow25]

I basically own this same model with the door coming in from the rear (23MLS) and love it. I just sold my Super Duty Powerstroke because Im tired of paying over $2.00 more a gallon and purchased a 2022 ford f150 3.5 eco boost....on the door tab factory payload showed 1760 lbs....Ironically the payload on the factory Continental 6 ply tires was the exact same 1760 lbs. So is that how they determine what the payload is or was that a coincidence, so I asked multiple service managers at Ford stores...I got different answers from everyone..so with no help from Ford I put a set of airbags and a good set of 10 ply tires (Open Country's from Les Schwab) a Andersen Ultimate Hitch and am confident the truck with its new upgrades (2450 payload tires and air bags) will handle my baby cougars 1330 lb tongue weight and whatever else I am carrying in the truck no problem...Keep in mind the tow capacity for the truck is over 13,000 lbs...I hope this helps anyone else considering pulling a 5th wheel with a half ton and dont listen to the know it alls that say dont ever pull a 5th wheel with a half ton because the breaks arent big enough blah blah blah etc etc etc.. that being said I wouldnt go much bigger then this baby cougar if your going to haul it across the country.

[@michaelsheets6851]

No, the tires are rated individually. The wait you can haul is depending on your springs, brakes, tires, rear gear and weight of the truck. Adding airbags will not increase your payload capacity. If your in an accident and someone is killed they will inspect every aspect of the vehicle. The first place they will look is your sticker on the door jam. It will list the max weight of the truck. If you exceed that you can be in a lot of trouble. Ford has a brochure that will list what your truck can haul with the gear, engine, wheelbase. Subtract your loaded weight of the truck people, hitch, fuel and anything else you load into the truck. That will be what you can pull. I have a 2016 f150 4x4 with towpackage my cargo is 1800#. My stepson has a 2011 f250 with only a 2000# payload. It can very wildly most advertised weights are for single cab with long wheelbase very few options.

[@Patty747]

@@michaelsheets6851 I totally agree! We pull our little Cougar 22MLS with a one ton Chevy Silverado. I feel so much better having a truck that weighs more than my trailer. I live very close to where 20 people were killed when their limo went down a mountain road and lost their brakes. Since we regularly drive on this hill, it is essential for us to have the bigger truck. If for nothing else, but my own peace of mind. We bought the truck new in 2022 and the cost from a 3/4 ton to a one ton was only an additional $2k. Well worth it.

[@EarlBalentine]

With the dual A/C's will the air blow out of all ceiling vents front and back? Our other 5th wheel we ran the bedroom A/C during the day and the living room A/C during the night to cut down on noise.

[@mylesrv]

Yes as they are both ducted together! Here to help when you’re ready! 469-996-9247

[@claudemarleau9763]

Something else I would like to point, is they should put a convection microwave with fan over the stove instead a Furion noysi fan and because there is no ventilator on the sealing they should put a fantastic fan some where over the kitchen

[@kenj.8897]

You did a fine walkthrough and explanation of the unit. Nice job. I'm just not a fan of the cable slide mechanism. Never had one but I have heard horror stories. I could be way off base on it I'm not sure

[@mylesrv]

My family has it on our Cougar fifth wheel and it’s never had any problems or issues for us.

[@claudemarleau9763]

An other commentary this one is not the smallest F/Wheel from Cougar there is the Cougar Sport 2100rk and that one have frameless window and microwhave over the stove that I propose you later so if you have a good contact with keystone you can tell them, thank you

[@CH-jk6bf]

Will keep our 29' 2001 been camping with it for 13 years

[@portnuefflyer]

Finally a decent standard equipped solar setup, not just a token install.

[@nancyjohnson5810]

Dealbreaker no bed slide for me. But its beautiful. I love the tankless water heater.

[@faithfarmforever4795]

I know this sounds crazy..but I wish there was a gooseneck camper with a 20 foot box then the gooseneck part - I know this one really fits the bill but..not all of us want to tow that much but would love a bed area in the neck of the cab and only 20 feet behind me..

[@garywilson3183]

I love it! No way I'd tow with a half ton

[@muggywebster1117]

Beautiful!!

[@larryjanson4011]

good looking everything but the stove is road asseable. but only one slide it is a bit cramped. i like opposing slides (27sgs) as it opens up the floor for far better usage.but only toilet and bed for use on the rd. other wise same frame (?) and sizing.

[@downtownbrown50]

Just bought an Arcadia with the same recliners. They are fine for sitting in for 5 minutes, but terrible after one half an hour. I am trying to find a dumpster to put them in, and buy another residential one from a furniture store.

[@mylesrv]

Interesting… the same ones are in my families Cougar and myself not anyone else in my family has had any complaints over the past two years

[@traciecrouse5232]

Very nice, lots of storage for a small 5th wheel. But I have to have a washer dryer hook up 🤔

[@MangoMike316]

Great review thanks. 😎👍

[@mylesrv]

Thanks for watching!

[@nelsonlopez4695]

Love it, andd I’m not an rv er, looking to buy to live in one.

[@aal9207]

I love it. Can an off-road 5th wheel be made or possible?

[@ericfifer539]

I absolutely loved this honestly wish I was in the position would hit you up rn the only thing I didn't like was how the bed room slanted at the back but not a big deal

[@mylesrv]

Yeah, that’s just to keep it in a size that is half ton towable.

[@mattshadow3910]

Love it. If had Azdel it'd be perfect.

[@BobArmstrong-v4e]

Awesome. Like it a lot.

[@gretaberry4983]

This a perfect little camper 👍🏽

[@RyanMcIntyre]

I get why manufactures would try to appeal to the half ton owners out there to sell more units, but they shouldn’t be. Half tons are not appropriate trucks for real truck work, and someone needs to be the adult here: camper companies or truck companies HAVE TO be honest with customers that a modern half ton is just a big car and is unsafe for this kind of duty.

[@regiprothro4766]

Hey Miles, awesome vid as always. I'm actually more interested in the 24RDS but full disclosure I have a F-150 1/2 ton powerboost hybrid (12K towing). Do you have any clients that have actually bought one of these RV models (similar size) using a 1/2 and do you have any feedback? Or if anyone else has any feedback I would appreciate it.

[@Patty747]

I think it depends on how your 1/2 ton truck is equipped. If it is the basic model, it will haul more. However, if you have four wheel drive plus long bed or crew cabs, you will probably not be able to tow it safely. It's great to have a lot of storage, but once you put stuff in it, put people in the truck, and account for options in the truck, you become way over capacity.

[@Tiffainy1]

Oh my gosh, this is beautiful

[@cindydavis4189]

Very interested. My wife and I have been looking for sometime and this small fifth-wheel looks to fit our needs. We would like more information.

[@EyezofMoe]

I absolutely love it!!!! MSRP ???

[@mylesrv]

This model has not even got through it’s full prototype stages yet, so there is no published MSRP. But it’s going to be around the same MSRP as similar style Cougar models which is around $70k

[@EyezofMoe]

Ok!! Thank you and the price range is great for me! I appreciate your responding to my question. I recently found you, subscribed of course and will FOLLOW on TT/FB! You do an amazing job at featuring the units and you do so to the point that even I, a NON RV PERSON, can understand a lot of the ins and outs!! I need to focus more on the process of hooking it up at a site and how to empty tanks when needed! Thank you again!!

[@darrenthompson8376]

not sure about the enclosed under belly idea. Have camped a number of times in - 2 Celsius or about 30 Fahrenheit. And most people dont camp in that weather, never had a exposed water line freeze up. Have had to make a few repairs to the lines unrelated to freezing and it would be much harder with the enclosed underbelly.

[@Patty747]

I don't like the seat in the shower. I would be tripping over it and never use it. I do like the way they did the floor under the theater seats. Big improvement. You didn't mention if there was a second propane tank.