Keystone Cougar | Manufacturing Tour

[@msilver4888]

i like the guy with the sledge hammer installing the axles

[@robertyearian227]

We love our keystone cougar

[@alfieber]

This guy keeps throwing quality out as an advantage however my hideout looks like it was built by the elementary school when they came to visit. Anytime I get to my location I have to walk through and find where all the screw rattled out of. Their QC need to step it up!

[@scottelwood8746]

Camping world needs to do more of these videos. What a great educational resource. Excellent job. 👍

[@campingworld]

Thanks Scott! Ian Baker here and I appreciate the feedback! We currently have these slated as once per quarter, but that may increase if we continue to get really good feedback and demand for more! -Ian Baker

[@timpors7480]

Great video! I have a 2022 25RDS Cougar and absolutely love it ! best RV I have ever owned. I have used it a lot over the last year and 0 issues.

[@campingworld]

LOVE to hear it Tim!! -Ian Baker

[@Tigers1Girl07]

Thank you for this! Great to see how it all goes together. Met Mr. Taylor this past February at the Minneapolis RV Show. Bummed they are not making the 357UMR anymore, but we did purchase one and can’t wait to get out camping with it! Will be picking it up this week now that we can get our trade-in out of the snow! LOL

[@campingworld]

Haha, yay for Spring! Congrats Shelly! -Ian Baker

[@paulsmith1102]

Hmm. All front caps are curved that I’ve ever seen on fifth wheels. And welded seams are acutely stronger than the beam itself.

[@gerdfleissner4181]

I wish they would have shot video in the last station (PDI) so we could see how Mr. Magoo is doing. Looking at rvs on lots these days sure makes you wonder if there is even a final inspection prior to shipping. Sadly most rvs are built by company shareholders who are more concerned with profits that quality.

[@jeannettebrewer3007]

Was the 2021 cougar half- ton 24RDS built just like I was watching? I ask,because I'm looking at a used one,being sold by a private party..thx for your time.

[@willsharp2562]

Luan just RV speak for plywood and wood framing. For the price they should go aluminum and Azdel

[@campingworld]

Hey Will, you’re very close! Luan is actually referring to JUST the plywood. It is still very commonly used as a backer in laminated sidewalls with aluminum framing (as in the case with Cougar). However, I also agree that I would LOVE to see Azdel due to huge benefits it provides (water resistance, lighter weight, less off gassing). Thanks for the comment!

[@willsharp2562]

@@campingworld So luan is plywood. People (buyers) appreciate plain talk instead of sales word salads.

[@Bronco2Cj]

any reason(s) why keystone doesn't use Azdel in the sidewalls of the travel trailers? I'm not talking about fif wheels but travel trailers like others do?

[@campingworld]

Hey Bronco, Ian Baker here and that is a REALLY good question! If I were to go out on a limb and take a guess, I would assume it's because they would have to re-tool their lamination facility. Keystone is the only manufacturer that I know of that has one lamination facility for ALL of their lines instead of each brand having their own. While this creates excellent uniformity and quality control, the downside is that it's a much larger expense to make changes. Again, I'm just speculating here and I could be completely wrong as to the Azdel lamination process, but I would imagine the roller pressures and possibly glue temps would have to adjusted for a different material. However, I am now curious myself, so I will ask and find out for sure. Thanks for the question! -Ian Baker

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@campingworld Ian, Ty for responding and whether you're wrong or right, your speculation seems sound... Their new Solo series is sweet and they did it right with the solar and the lith batts that come standard as well as the hyperdeck flooring.. I just feel it would be a compliment to those by adding azdel.. NoBo, Winny, Hearthland, IBEX, Coachman, Apex, Forest River, Flagstaff, Rockwood, Jayco, KZ, Venture RV and now, Grand Design in their new AIM series all use Azdel and I hope to see them do it as well.. I'm currently in the market for a TT and i feel Azdel just adds so much value and peace of mind compared to outdated luan.. but thats just me and I can't expect others to feel the same.

[@campingworld]

@@Bronco2Cj Ian again and I'm 100% with you. Personally, I'm more than willing to pay the price difference to have Azdel over luan. We're starting to even see it in more 5th wheels (like the newer Forest River Ahara). Between the weight savings, being formaldehyde free and nearly eliminating de-lamination, it's hard to argue against using Azdel in my opinion. I'm also a big fan of the new Solo series and I LOVE the hyperdeck floor system for many of the same reasons I love Azdel. I'm also a big Keystone fan though because of QOL things most people wouldn't notice. Like KeyTV taking the confusion out of cable/satellite hookup and the 12V distribution box so you have a built in battery disconnect and only have two wires going to the battery posts instead of 6 like most other manufacturers. Then you have color coded wiring for ease of troubleshooting and the Blade A/C system that is WAY beyond what anyone else is doing. Add all those things together and it's really hard to not like what Keystone is doing in my opinion. -Ian Baker

[@Bronco2Cj]

@@campingworld If only they used azdel then its a no brainer to me who I would go with.. but QOL, I'm guessing quality of life? I have friends who owned keystone and in the interest of fairness a Winny and neither had azdel and both had leak issue. Anyway ty for responding once again.

[@campingworld]

@@Bronco2Cj Yeah, Quality of Life, sorry about that! Also as a side note, the VAST majority of leaks on an RV are from the Roof. Good roof maintenance is key to longevity of your RV. Not saying your friends neglected their RV's, but to have two RV's with leaking issues back to back is pretty rare. Happy RV hunting and let me know if there is any way I can assist! -Ian Baker

[@freeskier175]

Floor vents...naa.

[@campingworld]

Floor vents certainly get dirtier, but also have some placement advantages as they don't rely on furniture locations. This often means more even heating throughout the RV. -Ian Baker

[@MrMindlink]

@@campingworld While I also dislike the way the vents collect a ridiculous amount of debris, what I really have a problem with is how much the floor flexes around the vents...

[@arlenewolf5260]

Can you lay down on the sofa when the slide is in on a 22MLS?

[@campingworld]

Hi Arlene! To my knowledge, most manufacturers recommend AGAINST using a retracted slide. They also warn against storing heavy gear in the slide out when retracted, and moving it when there is any weight (people or gear) in it. That being said, there are a few exceptions. Some small slide outs are structurally self supporting on all sides including the floor. In these cases, the manufacturer will provide the proper instruction for use of the slide room. So the manufacturer is your best bet for getting a firm yes or no to this question. But I hope that helps! - Tucker Ballister

[@thedivinemissm7795]

Somehow, it was overlooked that they do not build their frames...Lippert does...as cheaply as specified by the trailer mfr... Lippert does not have a 'lowest standards theshhold' to assure a minimal quality expectation... So, if quality is the goal, why not develop a standard that exceeds rather than concedes?

[@dennismccoshen434]

keystone rv's are junk no quality control i speak from experience got taken for a ride when we purchased an arcadia 3660 RL that was riddled with defects i wont be purchasing another keystone anytime soon

[@mycawalters6841]

How was the plumbing?