(Sold) UPDATED 2019 Cougar 26RKS Zero Degree Half Ton King Bed Couple's Rear Kitchen Travel Trailer

[@randy5766]

Just purchased this exact model October 2019. Best travel trailer we have owned. It's our second home.

[@waynesiminski8268]

Theater seating for us for sure. Just me and the wife. Nice unit.

[@chriselton1915]

There isn’t anything I don’t like about this model! Wow!

[@robertmeans5523]

I love this model love the big entertainment center wit the fire place and wall hugging theater seats this won of the models on my wish list. Nice job on the video and show around

[@scottsmith5095]

I love this! I’m a fan of the theater seating too. I’m planning to live full time in an rv and this is a front runner.

[@GhostCob]

Josh, Kristy and I are impressed with keystone. What an amazing camper. We truly appreciate what you do. We definitely will come and see you when she graduates college. Blessings from Gettysburg pa

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Roses are Red Keystones are Cool Stay Safe, Have Fun, and Happy Camping You Two!

[@julied652]

The best seating would be a pull out couch so you can sleep more grown ups.

[@DonnerPassWhisky]

These Cougar half ton's are so impressive! Really like the idea of the 2" construction and so many features that listing them would be a waste of time. One thing that gave me pause was when you moved the light switch on the outside of the bathroom wall (9:58) and the whole wall bowed in then you go on to mention how the interior door frames are very solid. What about the interior walls away from the door frames? Looks a bit wobbly? One thing I would like to see is another ceiling vent in the rear of the trailer behind the A/C unit As to your question on furniture configuration the theater seat with free standing table and chairs would be ideal for me, good for Cougar for offering variety. Thanks Josh.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

We also mentioned the bathroom wall to the cougar team. It doesn't look pleasing, but there's nothing wrong with it. The door frames are studded as always. Like most RVs the interior wall structure is largely hollow in many spots. If all interior walls were laminated or had cross member stud construction, then this thing would weigh as much as a house.

[@billsetzer4665]

Haylett RV Hi Josh, I also noticed right away the wall bow in as Donner did when you pushed on it. I need to know if slide toppers can be installed on the cougar 26 RKS? I noticed I do not see slide toppers on cougars in your videos. I do enjoy all your videos. Great job. Warmest regards, Bill

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@billsetzer4665 you don't see slide awnings in cougar videos because Cougar doesn't offer slide awnings on their RVs. We're happy to quote them out for you any time, however.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@Phoenix Risen It has spooked a few people seeing an interior wall panel move. I would encourage any and all to go inside an RV -- literally any of them -- and push against interior wall panels. This is what I'm referring to when I say "these are not houses, but rather you're playing house." Unlike a home with more solid-feeling drywall partitions the interior walls of an RV are essentially hollow. Cougars (and keystones in general) do well at providing a good skeleton within those walls, but the surface you're seeing is simply a panel -- not drywall. Unless there is a need to hang something heavy on the wall there's no need for anything else. The purpose of walls in RVs is usually simply to provide a visual break point and the definition of room A to room B. A light switch is not a heavy object for which someone should be concerned. There are several ways you may be able to "stiffen" the switch area, but I say with confidence it's simply not an issue of daily function -- only theoretical concern.

[@joshuastarner5433]

Wish cougar/Keystone would adopt what open range does regarding the one piece long U couch severing as eating area/ fold down bed/storage.. but table and chairs with tri fold would be the way to go with this unit

[@thewanderingalbatross1061]

Heat pads or heat tape is so cheap and easy it should be standard on any enclosed underbellies.

[@cb2000a]

The seating as shown is awesome. Would be nice to have storage for a Panda type portable washing machine.

[@joeyost2395]

You convinced me on winnebago but I think I like the cougar better

[@chantac9815]

I really love this floor model!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

At the time of this reply we have a pair available with our Anniversary Special Pricing right now at bit.ly/2lw2XwN

[@jimadams2022]

Josh, we have a 14 Springdale 293 and I think a u shaped dinette with the theater seating.

[@kcoble70]

Love the king bed! I think that's the only way I'm going to convince hubby to get a travel trailer. This is a perfect couple's coach. I love the theater seating. The dinette we would leave down in "bed" position for our dog. We would just use the theater seats to eat. A trick from the high end truck campers: put stow-away dinner trays in the arms of the recliners. Is there a TV hook up available in the bedroom?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Absolutely TV Hookups in bedroom. Give our guys a call and we'll get you camping!

[@AlaskaErik]

And your dog is alright with sleeping in the dinette? I know mine wouldn't be.

[@billsetzer4665]

Hi Josh, thank you for your response. Regards, Bill

[@Frindleeguy]

Josh, you said this one is on "your list". Just wondering what else is on that list? I'm tall like you and seem to be interested in the same features. Thank you sir.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It sort of depends on what I would be looking to accomplish. ie "big or small bunks or couple's camper?" There are a few Cougar Models and Freedom Expresses that *always* jump out at me. Most recently that 2600BH Passport landed and THAT is a beast of a lightweight bunkhouse.

[@ResQmomKim]

Love the theater seating in this one. Not a fan of the booth. Rather have free standing. But those Windows!! 😃 except the one right above the sink. Would be nicer to have a side sliding, rather than the up-down. Where that is at it would be really difficult for short, top heavy people to operate. 😝

[@georgeappleby1271]

I like the theater seating, but I'd rather have a table and chairs. You can always put a air mattress on the floor for kids to sleep on

[@tmgetts]

Still looking but love this however, want trifold seating. Very Nice!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Tri-Fold is available. Contact our team at 800-256-5196 & we can get you camping! There's an above average chance we could simply swap a tri-fold into an in-stock RV and get you on your way!

[@lynnette9293]

Love this floorplan! Will definitely order the optional theater seats and free standing dinette. Additional sleeping will be an inflatable mattress. Currently deciding between this and 26RBS.. I wish a lighter cabinet color was an option to go with Storm upholstery.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Sounds like you and I agree on just about everything lol. You can compare the 26RKS and 26RBS here side by side if you'd like: bit.ly/2EpbUB8 We have a 26RKS in storm with theater & table/chairs landing any day now by the way.

[@lynnette9293]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Thanks! We're sold on Cougar, the question on the RKS for my wife is bath access with the slide closed, but I believe you said in your slide comparison video that that type of slide is ok to open partially, then close. Josh, the information you put out is incredibly helpful and much appreciated! I'm an addicted subscriber.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@lynnette9293 You could nudge the slide to get to the bathroom easily provided the weather was decent. You don't want to do things like that in the rain, though. The 26RBS is *fully* accessible when closed by comparison w/o bumping the slide. They each have odd little quirks the other lacks, but they're like 97% the same. Every time I try to ask myself which I prefer it always comes down to a coin toss.

[@lynnette9293]

@@JoshtheRVNerd l know right? As long as I get Ground Control, In Command, 2" walls, etc etc, she can choose the floorplan! I'd like your thoughts on shock absorbers on tt's..

[@lynnette9293]

One of the options available is "CSA Construction". What is that?

[@STEAMBOLTANNIE]

800 pound hitch weight then two adults in your truck then a full tank of gas and gear you're pretty close if not over a cargo weight for a half ton or your maxed. Most half tons have a 1600 pound payload rating, so the hitch weight is half of it!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

And that's exactly where WDH'ing comes into play.

[@mostleedead]

Theater seating YES

[@robertgordon8159]

Table and chairs will always be my vote. I hate dinettes.

[@lynnette9293]

About the RKS water heater location: Is it much more wasteful waiting for hot water to get all the way to the shower? In the RBS it's right there.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

There's some variance for sure, but you could also say it's offset by quicker hot water access to the kitchen. In an RV this size there's just not much of a difference either way.

[@gibbyh65]

Theatre seating, table, and chairs,

[@miroslawmitera8296]

Would it be possible to have the kitchenette removed and instead a larger storage door to use as extra outside storage?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Not from the factory level. Aftermarket you could do pretty much whatever you wanted.

[@richardmr2]

Table and chairs for easier access to the bathroom with slide in.

[@Gratefulwon]

Checking out the Keystone web page for these units, it says auto level is mandatory, yet the ad for your unit in stock, and this video makes no mention of auto level. Is it indeed on the unit or no?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Keystone's website is not yet updated after their August/September product changes. We're ahead of the curve basically. You're more than welcome to speak with Keystone's own team members to confirm information shared here. Auto leveling is no longer standard on any Cougar travel trailers. Power jacks are now standard with a pretty heft cost to step back up to auto leveling. Basically, the auto leveling supplier was essentially giving the equipment to Cougar to help generate interest in the feature the past two seasons. Now that Cougar has made it popular they're charging a pretty penny for it.

[@timalmich1964]

I would like to see a video of a 2021 cougar 26rks if you have one. Please

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I don't have a 2021 26RKS, but I think I can get you pretty close!! * Start with this 26RKS for a general idea: * Then, apply the updates from the new 26RBS I have been able to record here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnbm4mwdrGAgas

[@josephgalgano3808]

Josh, why did jayco switch to dometic refrigerators in the white Hawk? Was there a problem with the norcold brand?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

You'd have to ask Jayco. I can only estimate it was some combination of either pricing on the fridge or production availability with Jayco's volume.

[@Gratefulwon]

Was loving these until finding out how the floors are made. Going with tongue and groove plywood like Jayco. If it were not for the floor system, I would be loving it!

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

If there's one thing we haven't had with Cougars it's flooring problems. Keystone knows how to make a laminated floor. BUT! That's why we carry so many different layouts. The "sister" to this layout in Jayco would be the 26RK White Hawk. Would you believe we carry that one too? lol Here you go: bit.ly/2Hf59h8

[@camperatwill3951]

But you can’t find a Jayco with this awesome king bed. I’ve owned both Jayco and Cougar and didn’t have complaints on either but my 2016 Montana was the biggest lemon ever. It’s gone, gone, gone with the wind. I like this Cougar but still trying to see a picture of access to the bath with slide in.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@camperatwill3951 Congratulations -- your search is over: bit.ly/30v8ROM That's a link to jayco trailers with king beds. Basically anything in the Eagle family. We were the first dealer with it. For a while it was a custom feature called the "Haylett King Bed" lol

[@susanjspaulding]

#LOVE this #KingBed in this #Cougar!! #Beautiful #updates!!! #travel #HaylettRV

[@jameshayes6118]

It seems that for the colder climates Cougar covers this region with their Western Editions (WE). The RKS doesn't have the WE in the nomenclature so I was curious if this is still classified as a WE trailer? I realize your post says it's zero degree rated but not sure if there is something else that quantifies this trailer as a non WE version?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

We are located an hour from Keystone's indiana production. WE models are made from their west coast facility. That's the primary difference. There are, at times, SLIGHT variances between eastern and western models based on local suppliers. Though they're made to look as similar as possible each region's RV is built with parts from suppliers local to those facilities.

[@jameshayes6118]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Maybe I missed something so please help me out. I was told that Western trailers are the colder weather rated trailers and Eastern are the warmer rated trailers. Is this true?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@jameshayes6118 Absolutely not the case whatsoever. You were misinformed (whether intentionally or not I cannot say). It get hot and cold all over the country. ALL Cougar models made after sept 2018 are 0-100 degree rated. We sold a cougar to a client who successfully used it through the Michigan polar vortex, though I wouldn't roll those dice too many times. Neither coast's production should achieve any significant variance in climate performance.

[@jameshayes6118]

@@JoshtheRVNerd Hahaha ok sounds great! Honestly East & West didn't make sense anyway, I figured it would have been North & South. Getting good service and information about products up here in Alaska can sometimes be difficult. Thanks for the information!

[@ResQmomKim]

looks like you can't get to the bathroom with the slides in? deal breaker for me. :(

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

That's correct. It's a big reason we have ceased actively stocking this model & put more of a focus upon the 26RBS. Same size. More storage. Same cost. FULL travel access -- even to bathroom.

[@nestorcruzandterripalacios4206]

Honestly, I like it that, but currently if I bought it I would need another bed for temporary... so, I would need the hid-a-bed.

[@timalmich1964]

Do you have a video of one of these in a 2021? Also why is there no room to walk around the bed I don’t want to have to crawl up the bed.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I do not yet. Hoping to get some more Cougars soon

[@Bast16711]

Can you do a video on the storm decor?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Hi Glenda! I cannot as interior decors have changed since this was recorded. Cougar now only has one interior decor. Here's what ALL Cougar trailers & FWs look like now with no substitutions offered: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZKwhaqjZbyeY6M If that type of jelly just ain't your jam, then you can get roughly the same layout in different decors from a LOOOT of MFGs. Here are a few as a sample: bit.ly/2OWGBku

[@carolschulz755]

Do you know the difference in storage square footage between the 26RKS and 26RBS?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

It's not a metric I have ever seen any towable RV MFG provide. I believe the 26RBS has slightly more, though. That's purely from "eyeballing it" between the two. It's close either way.

[@rush1764]

Is the bathroom travel friendly?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Very early in the video we actually take the time to show and discuss exactly this. If that's an important factor you, then we would recommend either the White Hawk 26RK (Seen Here: bit.ly/2Hf59h8) which is a similar layout to this one with full bath access w/slide closed or the Cougar 26RBS (Seen here: bit.ly/2FjOP2C) which is just like this one with a few fixtures swapped around.

[@timalmich1964]

Can you get this with a queen bed?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Not from the factory, but it's always easy to size down to a queen

[@supertiger72]

Sleeper sofa with take and chairs

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Ty for the input. Here’s an updated look at a similar model m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXnbm4mwdrGAgas

[@lynnfoster3425]

Love the model but I’m not a fan of that big window in the bedroom right by my head to let light in when your trying to sleep.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Easily blocked up and blotted out thankfully

[@travelandlivebravely1646]

You are the best RV reviewer because you show the units with the slides open and closed.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@travelandlivebravely1646 TY Patty :)

[@cricket1302]

Why did the wall move like that when you pushed the light switch?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Great question. It's a simple panel wall on the interior of the RV. It's primary purpose is to provide a visual barrier for bathroom privacy. It's not residential drywall or load bearing.

[@cricket1302]

@@JoshtheRVNerd we are thinking of purchasing this TT in twig (locals only have in storm) or a Rockwood (locals only have in light color) having a Rottweiler & a husband - cannot do light colored furniture. 😏 We had a FR 5th wheel TH with great windows on campsite side. I don't understand why manufacturers insist on putting most windows on the opposite side of camp sight. Bigfoot sighting? Who knows? Any videos you can recommend to help make our decision?

[@cricket1302]

Ps: we live on east coast. Usually camp weekends in 5 hr radius of home & travel to Maine & Florida for holidays. Want to down size to 30' - 32' max TT. And...we don't mind traveling for the one we want. Concerned with manf. Warranty work. Dealers do not want to do the work if not purchased from them.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

There are so many variables I'd need to know before being able to offer an answer that I'm not sure where to begin. I think I would recommend speaking with a member of our team for a few minutes at 800-256-5196, "paint them a picture" of how you want to camp, and that'll help them narrow it down. Otherwise there's just so many options that I'm not even sure where to begin.

[@michaelpacheco3263]

Don’t change a thing. Oder more of them just like this.

[@bakedpotato8846]

What size tv did you put in it ?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

There's no TV size options available. It comes with what you see here. Cougar is very good about using max-available-size TVs for their entertainment centers

[@RealJeep]

I'm not real sure a 7,200 GVWR is a real half ton unit. That's kinda pushing it isn't it?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Common modern tow package half tons would handle that with absolutely no issues. An '07 half ton? Maybe pushing it. Trucks are vastly more capable than they used to be.

[@billsetzer4665]

Hi Josh , please see my comment and slide topper question under reply’s in Donners comments. Thank you, Bill

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

Already did ;)

[@AlaskaErik]

Interior height?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

​ AlaskaErik 6'6" on the sidewalls It vaults up to 6'10" at the peak of the barreled ceiling

[@AlaskaErik]

Since we're both the same height, is there one you'd pick over the other based soley on interior height (Freedom Express vs Cougar)? How about the shower in the Couger? Does a 6' 2" person have a decent amount of headroom?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

@@AlaskaErik Pardon the erroneous height info before. It was just one of those idiot moments where I wasn't thinking like when you put the cereal in the fridge and milk in the cupboard, you know? I could go either way due to how Cougar has intelligently positioned their skylights in every model. I have seriously *seriously* looked at personally putting my name on a Cougar 29BHS and Freedom 257BHS at different times. I also tell myself "If it was just me and the wife, then that Cougar 22RBS or the Freedom 248RBS would be hard to beat." They each do a few things I really *really* love. I just can't get myself to nail down one or the other.

[@AlaskaErik]

It just had me a little confused! Based on our experience with our 192RBS, my wife really wants a rear kitchen model. It's just the two of us, although she wants to take grandkids at times, which I don't! I really like the shower in the FE 276 RKDS but I really like the king size bed in the Couger 27 RKS and I also like the zero degree unibility. I'm going to look real hard at the Couger, because in the end, the shower isn't as important as the bed size and lower temperature rating. And the 27 RKS shower does look a little bigger than the one in my FE 192RBS.

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

The radius showers in the Cougars are a bit larger than those in a 192RBS Freedom. Extra elbow room never hurts

[@camperatwill3951]

Too bad he didn’t continue video to include bathroom access with the slide in. Maybe he could comment on that?

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

We specifically showed footage with the slide closed and discussed the lack of bathroom access. Is there something else about which you were curious?

[@seanmonts2159]

Did you say PantryTainment? 😆😆😆

[@JoshtheRVNerd]

I'm sure I did. I have a bunch of nonsense words like that I throw in all the time. I call them my RV Nerdisms. I keep them all stored in my Definictionary ;)