ULTIMATE UNDER 28’ COUPLES 5th WHEEL: 2023 COUGAR 23MLE

[@sallen3125]

The way you talked, you have already bought it! Hence, the "SOLD" sign. It is gorgeous!!

[@waynekern8471]

I just came here to say the same thing. Everything was "we have this on it" and he was 'excited" that it had certain features. 😂 I think he also said Patty needed to shave her legs when talking about the bathroom? 😁

[@sallen3125]

@@waynekern8471 Exactly what we were thinking....Patrick isn't very stealthy, lol

[@sallen3125]

@@waynekern8471 They will be parking it at Happy Aces this summer!

[@waynekern8471]

@@sallen3125 Besides, I think they've already gone way past the expiration date for it being time for them to get a new RV with the Lance! 🤣

[@edieyost]

We bought ours in December! We had a Rpod 192…. We are currently in Florida for 2 weeks! (From Indiana). Love it! Lives up to the design. We bought for the same reasons of the size and fitting in to parks!! We have all the Cat scale weight and numbers!!Husband is a number person!! Hope to see you along the way!!

[@theartistjodievans]

I love this floorplan!

[@philsalsbery9994]

Nice RV tour, thanks. We have a 39-1/2 foot long Montana 5th wheel and we are seeing fewer national parks into which it will fit. Something like this may work for us when I retire.

[@RosaBarela-x1j]

We bought this model last month and absolutely love it!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Congratulations on your new RV!

[@Patty479]

I am loving this!!! Thank you for the tour!!

[@kal7049]

Very nice! I Like the theater seats and separate bedroom.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

we think it is a very good layout for a couples camper.

[@toddrose1418]

Super nice camper, Thanks for the tour. That really is a great size without going to big!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thats what we thought. Lots of space yet under 30' which still can get you some really good campsites.

[@powderriver2424]

Pretty sure that Cougar is a Your enthusiasm was off the charts with this one, I'm excited to see the adventures with this one.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I think the enthusiasm might have been the double espresso I had before I arrived at the RV show to make this video! LOL. Although I do really like the layout on this RV

[@jamesspehr671]

That is a Fantastic Coach. I would love one as well. Perfct size and wonderful for two

[@donroy8980]

Hello Patrick! It looks like a nice trailer and I believe if you haven't bought it you are on the verge of signing papers. Safe travels From Florida, Don and MaryAnn

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thanks Don. No...we haven't bought it. It is on our short list for our next RV though

[@seanuber1624]

I can see you guys in that 5th wheel for sure. Looks amazing! Love all the features.

[@ourvlife1]

Kudos to Keystone!!! Not everyone wants to pull 43 feet of fifth wheel. That one checks all my boxes. Good luck in your next decision/purchase.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you.

[@outdoorslifesurvivecraft5078]

LOVE IT!! I have a 2021 Wildwood 22RBS Forest River that my wife and I got for more specific reasons than just camping. I retire soon and we're going to live in it until we build a new home in another state. For it's size, the actual storage space in this Wildwood, is crazy! The only 2 things we don't like about it is, the 2 interior doors should be pocket doors and we have to replace all the set cushions because they broke down fast. That and the mattress is way to hard. We put a gel pad on it, but now it's so high that my wife has a hard time getting in it. My wife is disabled, so before we even brought it home, I had them upgrade the grab handle on the door to the extended drop down handle. It helps her a lot. I would have to say, the steps in this 5th wheel would probably be the only main reason we wouldn't upgrade to this one. Other than that, it makes me wish I had a 2500 or a F250. I love the whole layout of this 5th wheel!! I'll have to see if I can get this floor plan in a travel trailer, It might be a game changer. Side note. I really enjoy the Ft. Wayne RV & Camper Show! Been there a few times. It's actually a great way to buy a camper. Big discount on show models. i actually bought mine in Coldwater Michigan, at what is now Bish's RV. Excellent place! I highly recommend them to other people. Especially to first time buyers.

[@jimebert3778]

You did a great job! You have a Great voice! Sold!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you

[@jeffg2352]

The pups are going to love all that space.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

If we were to get one, they definitely would have even more space to play.

[@carlrasmussen3267]

I live vicariously through you guys lol. get this 5th!! looks wonderful!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thanks Carl!

[@kaivonmortazavi8656]

Great layout and features.

[@cocowills8534]

After going bigger and bigger over several years, up to 40ft., I am now in a teardrop which is Fabulous! I love the simplicity, and besides, I spend all my time outdoors when traveling. And on bad weather days I can watch movies or read just as easy in a teardrop as I did in the 40 footer! Lol 😆

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We have been in both teardrops and a 35' 5th wheel and lots in between. Each one has had its plusses and minusess

[@alicecameron7176]

It has everything you said you wanted in a new Travel Trailer and more - a dedicated spot for Patty’s blow dryer. Looking forward to the reveal video.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It's definitely on our short list for our next RV.

[@JCrozier1]

Looks like a really nice unit. I could definitely learn to live in that much space. Thanks for taking so much detail in showing the features.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you Jared! Yes...we could live in this very comfortably

[@TravelingonAdventures]

That is a really nice unit for someone looking to go smaller.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We thought it was well layed out for 28' and for under $50k

[@dennysisk1910]

I think would definitely make a good next RV, we are really considering one

[@allan6021]

Love the floor plan. The size and colours are great, but the cable slide mechanism is a show stopper for me.

[@jillfearing4610]

Looks perfect for you guys. Ticks all the boxes.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It has all the features we would like.

[@waynekern8471]

Had a lot of nice things. Really liked the length of it and that it didn't seem overwhelmingly tall.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We would agree with you Wayne. Being under 30' is really important to us.

[@rstspecos]

Seems perfect for you two! Nice rig for sure

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Back in 2019 we were looking to downsize from our Allegro motor home. We wanted something under 30' that could be towed by a half ton pickup. We settled on a Shasta Phoenix 25MK fiver. Only bad thing about it was the slide out limited access to the bathroom and bedroom. This Cougar would have been perfect. But, being spoiled by the Allegro, I think we'll be going back to a short motor home when the time comes.

[@Brew-qp3hv]

This is a great unit, I wish they would add the front window like the 22MLS travel trailer. Thanks for sharing

[@tomballard4794]

I have a couger 1/2 ton that's 23 ft. They make a nice rig. Your 5th wheel is also a nice layout. With the kitchen in the back it opens it tight up. Lots of storage something mine lacks. Lots of bells and whistles but not to much. Good luck and happy trails.

[@TheBestofUSTheFloros]

Nice couples camper. However we absolutely love our Flagstaff 2021, 526RK. 30 ft. It’s worth the look. It now also comes with solar. We personally don’t miss it. Its quality is second to none and so easy to pull. I myself pulled it easily from the Grand Canyon. Deana. Thx for sharing.

[@carolyntaylor7611]

Maybe a little large, at least for our tastes. But we tent camped until we were 64. We are in a 2019 1995 Lance, it's perfect for us, we don't want to pay for a bigger truck. We have a 2018 Ford F 150, only 60,000 mi. We figure we would just bring more stuff if we had more room. In our 70's now and thinking about how to not acquire too much stuff. So it's a matter of time of life, and taste. We're content with what we have, and if we changed, it would be to downsize to a Pleasure Way Van, they have everything, and are a breeze to drive and park. Probably will be our future camper.

[@marybowser9046]

If I were on the market to purchase an RV, I would buy that one!

[@sheriharader2566]

We came VERY close to buying that very model two years ago. A couple things changed our minds. The dinette was too tight. We are not large people, 145 & 165 lbs. We didn't like the second tip out for the closet. One more place for problems. Also, felt a bit smaller unit would be our preference. The storage and holding tanks in that unit are wonderful, so a huge plus. Just thought we would share our take on this unit. We've been enjoying your videos for several years now. THANK YOU 😊

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Did you end up getting something else? We’re continuing our search

[@EarlBalentine]

The 2023 has a new design, much better.

[@sheriharader2566]

​@Travels with Delaney We've decided on a tab 400 Boondock. Guess going smaller seems to be the way to go at this time. Maybe sticking to a more camping experience and fuel prices. Our trips will mostly be 3 nights away from home, too, for the time being.

[@joycemoses2411]

Looks like a perfect rig for the two of you!!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It might just be. We do really like the layout and features

[@heddingmyway5442]

I like the size, features and beautiful interior of that Cougar 5th wheel. We have the same gas truck as you and have been considering a small 5th wheel. I was a loyal Keystone customer as we owned a 2011 30' Springdale travel trailer. We loved this Springdale. Then we decided to upgrade to a 2018 30' Cougar 26RBI travel trailer, which towed better than the Springdale. However, we had a lot of quality issues with that Cougar. The kitchen island plumbing would always fall apart when traveling. The rear LED marker lights did not work and had to be replaced, etc. The biggest problem was the cable slide system for the main slide pulled out of wall while I was there at the dealership service department for the lengthy problem list. This issue was not the fault of the dealership. As a result the slide-out could not be fully pushed in. What if this happened in the middle of nowhere? This cost me major $ and another month of repairs. Keystone customer service was absolutely rude to me about my issues. After all of the repairs were completed I immediately traded in the Cougar for a new 2019 Rockwood 2608BS which has been awesome! If you decide to go with this Cougar fifth wheel I wish you good luck, but keep an eye on that slide-out cable system. In my opinion Keystone should be using the traditional rack and pinion system especially for the larger slide-outs. Also make sure that you have enough room while sitting at the dinette as ours was too tight and we are not big people. Just trying to help another camper. I have been camping for 50 years and have camped in everything but a fifth wheel. Love your videos!

[@thetravelingmyfundsarelow1693]

Me and my wife just looked at the same model at the big e in Springfield, MA. I like it u2…go for it!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you

[@JeJe11]

Solution for single bowl sink ... half the size of sink collapsable rectangular basin for soapy water. If you need big sink for cleaning bigger items (pets/babies!), you have it!

[@judystreich7333]

It is!

[@davidkendall6801]

Great plan. I'm looking for one.

[@getnnrv9860]

I like it Patrick! And plenty of room for two puppies! Will we be seeing this soon behind your truck?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

The puppies would definitely like the space. Maybe someday we will have it or something like it.

[@ceciliapetrowsky2572]

This is very impressive. We have a 30’ fifth wheel and this one has tons more storage. It’s pretty shocking. The colors are gorgeous unlike the brown that is in ours. I also like the height as ours is 13’4”.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Interiors of RV’s have come a long way with most manufacturers.

[@daviddickerson8037]

That camper would be a great choice for extended trips and the short length will give you more campsite options! It was smart of you to get a truck that can easily handle different campers.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We really like the 28' length as it would allow us to get into a lot of state and national parks still.

[@papafredrosebush]

That is nice! I'd have to upgrade my truck but it'd be worth it!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It's in the half ton line but it really needs a 3/4 ton to haul it safely.

[@tonysnodgrass4400]

i love it

[@llk2945]

Nice walk through, seems like a exceptional layout. I am surprised they did not put a king bed, I do like the duct heating & ac. fresh look & upgraded features. Good job, happy trails. Wish you showed the MSRP.

[@mikey42082]

Sign by the door at the start of the video says Show Price $49,997

[@royharrison8590]

Great job with the review, we are also thinking about this fifth wheel it has the best lay out for this size I have seen.

[@janehargis9301]

You may need to look at a different camera (lights were flickering). Even more distracting is the lens that curves everything. Is it a fish eye? I wish it could just be shown as is, at least whenever possible. Great video otherwise and it’s an amazing unit!

[@jenniferbernard7444]

you should get it!! so nice.

[@georges4562]

I think you bought it 👍👍👍👍

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Actually we did not. But we really liked it

[@georges4562]

@@TravelswithDelaney it sure looks like a nice unit ! Good luck shopping. We just bought a 2023 Entegra Odyessey 30Z. Haven’t had a chance to take it out yet but will very soon

[@Corinthoswarehouse]

Hey Patrick i didn’t catch the part is that a four season Trailer?? Thanks for sharing

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Yes...it has their polar package which means its rated for Zero to 110 degrees

[@gretchenoppriecht189]

Starting to contemplate retirement and this ticks a lot of boxes for me as a single person!!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We really like this layout and the accessibility it offers even when the slide outs are in.

[@tonydeleo3642]

This would be my choice.

[@markshelhart8338]

I'd prefer a table and chairs. You should check out the smaller Alliance Avenue models.

[@djhufnagle]

Thanks for the review. Since you’ve towed both TTs and 5Ws, why are you thinking of going back to a 5W? I’ve only towed TTs but really am leaning towards a 5W for our next camper. Would love to hear your perspective.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We loved our 5th wheel. They tow so nice....almost like they are not even behind you. We never had any sway.

[@maryannhendrixson8303]

Awesome

[@williamstuessy1611]

Great video as always....After your purchase is completed , would you give us an update, and most importantly how is your fuel consumption when pulling this unit. Thanks, Bill S.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We haven't purchased anything. We are still looking but this one is on the short list.

[@thomasforrester370]

Love this camper,just right for my wife and I plus 2 dogs I don't know if my truck will tow it.i have a 9500lb towing rate.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

A lot would depend on your payload capacity as the pin weight is 1550#. My guess is you'd need a bigger truck.

[@timvandergriff2111]

Any idea on how much the hitch can hold on this camper? Is it towing capable?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I believe it is rated for 3000# towing and 300# for weight such as bikes/bike rack

[@esthers5772]

That is a great unit. I think it is perfect for you and Patty. I love that it’s under 30’. It looks like a perfect size for a couple. I also like that you get lounge seating as well as a dinette. The storage is fantastic. I would hope that some things were optional. I’m not a huge fan of the outdoor kitchen setup. But given the location of the indoor fridge, maybe it’s good to have one outside for beverages. I feel the dinette makes the space a bit tight. I would prefer to see chairs, where you could stow two and keep two out. Also, I’m not a fan of the fussy cabinets in such a small space, but at least they are light. I was surprised to see the dark heavy cabinets in the bedroom. I hope there are choices.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I don't think the outdoor kitchen is optional but I think you could easily remove the griddle and refrigerator to create additional outdoor storage.

[@jamesspehr27]

Morning, we too have changed campers and at the time have a 22’. We follow you on KZbin and see this camper. We think it is what we want to change to. We have a GMC 3500 AT4 so pulling is not an issue. Do you really think this is a good camper and are you going to upgrade to it? Jim

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We really like this layout and feel for the price it’s a good value. Its definitely on our short list. Are there higher quality units….yes. But we don’t want to spend $70k+ for our next RV.

[@CC-fx4nn]

That is an interesting floor plan..............one I have considered more then once. After seeing the Cougers at an RV show recently I am not as excited about them as I once was. For being a high end trailer, I was kind of dismayed at some of the items that were not included. The first being that there were not any "fantastic" sized fans in the unit to promote airflow. On the units I toured, you got the 4 inch fart fan in the bathroom and that was it. Some units included just a no fan vent in the bedroom. You would say that you could upgrade the bedroom vent to a fan unit, but where would you get reliable power? As the lights are turned on and off by the controller in the storage compartment, even if you connected your Fantastic fan to the power feeding a light in the bedroom, the power would go away when you shut the light off and the fan would stop. Comparatively, the Fantastic style fans are relatively inexpensive and in my opinion should have been included and designed into the trailer. I would also prefer a Fantastic style fan in the kitchen to help with kitchen fumes. The suspension does not include wet bolts to allow suspension greasing. I assume this means you get the nylon bushings in the spring suspension. This may be fine if you don't plan to travel too much, but I would prefer to have a greasable suspension. On the 400i solar system I learned the inverter does not feed the microwave. Now if there is anything that I do want the inverter to feed, it's the microwave! That way I could heat food without being connected to shore power or starting a generator for the brief time I would be using the microwave. Although I really like some of the floorplans Cougar has, I am not the biggest fan of some of their lack of attention to detail. In my opinion, they could have done away with the One Control unit and taken that money and spent it on some of the items above. I really don't need a microprocessor controlled unit to turn the lights on and off where a $2 light switch would do. Have you seen the Jayco 24RE fifth wheel? I toured this unit at a recent show and really liked the huge pantry behind the TV, and the units ability to have a combo washer dryer in a smaller fifth wheel. Also Outdoors RV and Arctic Fox make some pretty good units, but they are manufactured on the west coast so you may have to drive quite a bit to get one of these units. Take Care!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you for all of your insights and feedback

[@EarlBalentine]

You should compare the Cougar to the Grand Design 226RK. I think it is a little better on all levels.

[@Enjoyrving]

Time for a new hitch and install video. Trailer is well optioned with 12 volt frig along with lithium battery and solar setup.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! Maybe someday that will happen.

[@tommcl386]

A couple things to keep in mind. The Solarflex 200 doesn't come with an inverter. Which the one you showed was We went with the Tri-fold couch because we like to take friends with us. The bed is a short queen. We may upgrade to a full queen and extend the platform. Do you think there is room?

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You are correct. The 400 package comes with a 2000 watt inverter and the 600 package comes with a 3000 watt inverter. I think you could add the full queen. I didn't measure the space at the end of the bed to the wall but it seems I remember there being enough room. Maybe a bit higher to get around

[@EarlBalentine]

@@TravelswithDelaney Yes someone said they upgraded the mattress to a full residential mattress and still had room at the foot of the bed.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

Great review and nice looking rig...i just wont buy another Keystone product..

[@bettyblum9794]

I think tha it could be your next rv.🙏😎🌈😇👍💕

[@TravelswithDelaney]

It is definitely on our short list.

[@vinnymozz]

Did I see your name on the SOLD sign 🤣

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! No...not our name. Someone else is the proud owner of this one.

[@PeterPrins-tq4hh]

Check the mattress size. We were recently at a dealership looking at a Cougar that advertised the queen bed being 60"x80". I had the sales person get his tape measure and measure it. It was 60"x72"!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

I checked and you are correct. They are using an RV queen instead of a residential queen. I did speak with a current owner and they said they were able to replace it with a residential queen size bed with no issues.

[@garycramer3768]

Everything but the pricing ?? I do like the unit !!

[@gaillittle1700]

It has a sold sign and you kept on saying our. I am thinking tex has been replaced. It's everything you are looking for and I love it.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! No...someone else had already bought it before the show started. We still l have Tex.

[@scottrobbins1260]

Is your 2500 truck a diesel or gas?

[@tommcl386]

We have a 23MLE in our driveway. Won't be headed out until mid May.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Congratulations! You will make lots of good memories in it for sure.

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

I'm thinking go a little bigger if you go 5th wheel. 30ft. This one is a nice unit though. 1/2 ton towable is kind of a joke. I would get a 3/4 ton if looking to tow this.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Yes...Most likely you'd need a 3/4 ton to tow this one with that 1550# pin weight.

[@TheWanderingBlonde]

I'd be sold if it had a king size. Maybe that's an optional upgrade?

[@danielp.621]

I noticed NO rear bumper? Just a receiver hitch? That could be a costly bump into something.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

You are correct...no bumper....just the receiver rated for 300# or 3K# towing.

[@howardwatts4238]

Go through the couger factory then go to rockwood before you jump in hartland dies not have the value that rockwood does. If i was going to spend thousands on an rv i would want to know how they were put together and what kind of materials they were made of. Its li LMK e insurance.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We have actually toured the Cougar factory

[@jaccole]

This unit has dry weight of 7575 + max carrying capacity of 2300 = 9875 #’s x 15% (probably more like 20%) = approx pin weight of 1500-1975#’s. Two passengers 400 lbs + 100#’s stuff + hitch 200#’s = Total 2200 #’s. Chevy’s max payload on their top Silverado is 2260 #’s. This weight is way too close to max payload to trailer this safely . No engineer would recommend reaching max payload or trailering weights. All these max weights are determined by towing a flatbed trailer, NOT by trailering a 12’ high camper. Just buy a 3/4 ton and be safe. Wish RV manufacturers and salesman would stop promoting these as 1/2 ton towable just to get a sale. Delaney, please take the time and research and list for your potential customers all the 1/2 ton trucks and their cost that could tow these safely. Most reputable people would say never tow above 75% of max payload or trailering weight. Also, list the 3/4 tons and their price that could easily meet the 75% rule. Please people don’t believe these are 1/2 ton towable safely. You can get sued if ever in an accident and proved that you were not within safe towable limits. Plenty of videos on KZbin that will back this info up.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We have a 3/4 ton truck so we would have no issue towing this. I agree…..there are very few 1/2 tons that could ton this within limits and you’d most likely be at the limit.

[@valeriechaffins4638]

Ummmm….it’s a shame it doesn’t meet any of the things on your wish lists lol

[@TravelswithDelaney]

LOL! So true Valerie!

[@david_reynolds3660]

I think I see you with the travel trailer myself! And your head hitting the ceiling or just barely fitting in the shower at 5’9” really sucks for us average size men! I am 6’3” no way I can get in that shower!! Or in the bedroom. That place looks way to small! And they really just replace dinettes with couches! Make more sense! I cleaned up this text after voice assistant messed it up.

[@TravelswithDelaney]

The front window would add more light in the bedroom. Personally, we don't like having the window behind our bed. We prefer a solid surface that our pillows wont interfere with and less cold air seeping in.

[@chuckfitzpatrick9147]

So, this post is way old. Can a dealer or you show me closed. N Parks are like 12 months of reservations. I want the next 30 days. So we’re am I sleeping/eating at my road stops. You I hope understand I just go, mostly for fish. But 17 days on the road, were is my frig.

[@jimdavenport4484]

Bet their not just throwing in lithium batteries 😂😂

[@polanskyster]

Don’t do it! Lance blows this unit away with superior quality and warranty support. The awning on this unit looks like junk and the Lance dining area is superior. Also does not have the large windows that the Lance has. You’ve had some issues with your 1985 that I have not experienced with my 2021 1985.

[@allanw3568]

just me but i would not buy a lippert frame

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thank you

[@dmkorn02]

Don’t do it keep the Lance!

[@TravelswithDelaney]

Thanks! One vote for the Lance.

[@volhv1973]

IMHO interior design is so outdated... Nucamp, black series etc are 21 century. Most of the other rigs are still in 70s and 80s

[@TravelswithDelaney]

We would agree with you