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Big Country or Cougar?
It seems no matter how hard one tries to gather information in the attempt to make an informed purchase, there is never a definitive answer to help make the decision easy…at least for me!
We sold our Springdale hoping to upgrade to something a little bigger and with a bedroom slide. Saw lots of rigs we liked, saw a few we could afford! With the help of RV wholesalers, we could purchase a Heartland Big Country 3355RL. We also like the 326MKS Keystone Cougar which is available locally. We are trying to budget $40K or less.
Reading all the literature, Heartland seems to be on top for features and construction. The Cougar seems to fall behind (IMHO) but is similarly priced at our local dealer. We have toured the Cougar 326 but have not been in a Big Country yet.
Spending a couple of hours here and on the Heartland Owners forum, it seems the Heartlands have some issues, including leaks which also plagued our previous Springdale. The 326 Cougar is mama’s favorite…she loves that kitchen! It is a great floorplan for us! However, I am not sure the fit and finish is exactly what I want with a new rig. I can find very little about the Cougar line. No owners forum that I could find. A few comments searching here but all in all, not much information.
Any RV.net members have experience with Heartland Big Country’s or Keystone Cougar’s they would care to share?
Many thanks! Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!
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SH
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11/24/09 06:25pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: TST TPMS
Not sure if anyone mentioned it but the TST also monitors tire temperature!
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SH
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11/24/09 05:06pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Leaky roof
Eternabond tape
X2 on the Eternabond! Pretty hard to beat! One place to purchase.
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SH
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11/23/09 08:42pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: TST TPMS
I have had the TST for about a year now and it works great! Now that I have used a TPMS it would be hard to do without! Whichever one you get, you will enjoy having it and it will be worth the investment!
Happy Camping!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l10/heritage93/th_tstpackage.jpg
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SH
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11/23/09 08:36pm |
Tech Issues
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RE: Older vs New 5er
My experience always turns out the same with vehicles or RVs -- I start off looking at 1-2 year used units. By the time I find a cream puff, they are asking almost as much for it as what I can find a new unit for IF I SHOP AROUND A LOT (mostly online) at high volume/low profit margin dealerships. Seems I can find new units for 35% off MSRP, whereas 1-2 yr units may be 40%-45% at most off original MSRP. Not enough difference, and so I've ended up buying new for warranty and newer features.
We have been searching hard the past few months for the "right" rig. We wanted to upgrade from our first 5ver. I am having the same dilemma, when we find a good used one the price difference is not enough to ignore buying new.
Just as examples: A 2009 Montana 3400 $50,000 or a new Cardinal 3050 for $43,000? Another pair I am looking at is a used 2007 Gulfstream Yellowstone 32 $45,000 and a new 2010 Bighorn 3500 for $39,000. Granted the units are different floorplans etc. but I am willing to compromise somewhat in that area for the right "deal." For me, it is difficult to spend that much money on something used when a new one can be purchased.
FYI Our first unit was used and it served us well until the moment we discovered it had had a slow water leak for years...no visable damage until it was to late to save the slide!
Good luck on your quest!
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SH
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11/12/09 07:51am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Jayco 321RLMS "MONSTER SLIDE"
Where's the counter space - most of the open space is in the kitchen, not the living room. How is that additional slide weight compensated for? Might there be uneven tire wear? What about that long awning topper and sag from water?
I'm not overly impressed - but that is a big slide.
I tend to agree. Seems like it could use a counter island or something!
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SH
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11/02/09 02:30pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Jayco 321RLMS "MONSTER SLIDE"
Has anyone seen the construction and interior of the new Jayco 321RLMS wiht the full MONSTER SLIDE. It is not up on Jayco's website yet but two local dealer said they should be getting their first units soon. I did find the layout on another website. Anyone seen it? What are your thoughts?
Did the "other" website give any specs (weights etc)?
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SH
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11/02/09 12:00pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Jayco 341 RLQS
Saw these at RVdirect. Anyone towing one with a 3/4 ton? 341 RLQS
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SH
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10/25/09 08:40pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Duramax Questions
I learned a lot about my new truck at the Diesel Place
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SH
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10/23/09 06:31am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: We got the leak fixed.
Without going into too much detail-the problem is that "stuff" gets caught in the seal allowing a slow leak. Cleaning the seal solves the problem or so it did in my case.
Travel Safe
This is how I fixed ours...started leaking one week, read about cleaning the seal which I did with an old toothbrush and some Dawn dish soap. No more leak!
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SH
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10/21/09 09:31pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Aluminum Wheels?
Yet another source for Trailer Wheels I bought the Sendel T02's. Worked great! Rated for 2830lb.
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SH
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10/20/09 05:35pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Wax ?????
I know from experience that the Protect-All will streak if put on to heavy and not wiped clean before it drys! Seems to do a great job if you get it off in time! Doesn't last very long though.
I have tried a plethora of wax brands and I am not sure anything stands out as being the "best".
I have had good luck with McGuires Tech 2 and Nu Finish. My preference is the Tech 2. Seems to last the longest. Use it on all my vehicles now! Smells nice too!
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SH
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10/19/09 05:12pm |
General RVing Issues
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RE: couger
We had a 2008 Cougar and HATED IT. Very poor quality workmanship.....
Care to elaborate a little? We too are considering a new Cougar come spring. Specific examples of the "poor workmanship" would be helpful!
Many thanks!
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SH
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10/15/09 05:33pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
SH
Sounds like you are hurting for geogrphics there. Anyhow, we just went with the 318 RL laredo at the ripe old age of 66. The name of the fifth wheel is "The Last Resort." :B
That's a nice unit! Still looking at it as we "write". Did you look at Cougars? If so, how does it compare with the Loredo?
Just did another RVdirect quote on the 318 delivered...$34,941.00. That's with a lot of the options. That's about $38K with tax etc. Not that bad! Then there is the point of the post...new 38K or used? :h
This is fun!
Happy Camping!
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SH
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10/09/09 07:39pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
SH
I had no idea you could spend 40K on a Cougar. We just purchased a new Laredo 318 for less than 30.
Just a thought.
You can always call RV direct and get a bottom line cost on new. Even though we did not buy from them they had the lowest price.
Thanks Dave...visited the RvDirect site and got some good information! For whatever reason, the Loredo line is not readily available around here (WA state). I would like to go see one! I would like to know how they compare to the Cougar.
RVDirect wants $5000 to deliver here and the closest "pick-up" point for the Keystone is in New York! Add the $5000 and the price is up to 34K or so. We won't even consider the expenses of a trip to NY and back as that would be an adventure! Add the WA sales tax/registration (which will be paid regardless of location)and even with the discount price I am still looking at $37.000+ and no local dealer to work with. In other words, the local 40K price no longer seems extreme. Mind you, I think it can be had for less!
Looks like I am geographically handicapped when considering an RV purchase!
Thanks for your input!
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SH
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10/09/09 07:02pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
I'd say buy the new unit and get it out of your system. At 51 I think I have bought my last new RV/Vehicle/Boat. Somebody else can take the new smell out of them for me. They're paying dearly for that smell so I hope they enjoy it.
Yo...Bob of the North! I am 58...yes, the new smell and sparkley "everything" is inticing! However, my first RV was a used unit and overall we did not regret that purchase. I certainly am not ruling out the used inventory!
I did enjoy your post! :)
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SH
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10/09/09 06:38pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
SH
I had no idea you could spend 40K on a Cougar. We just purchased a new Laredo 318 for less than 30.
Just a thought.
You can always call RV direct and get a bottom line cost on new. Even though we did not buy from them they had the lowest price.
The 40K (+/-) figure is basically what I want to spend. The Cougar we like is the new 326MKS It has been hard to pin down the exact MSRP but 47K seems to be the average around the country. Most dealers list them at $36K - $43. Texas seems to have the best price $33K. I think I could get a WA dealer closer to the $35-$36 range but then there is that question...should I buy a used upper unit at $40K, have something really nice but used or go brand new? I am not set either way yet. I have seen some very nice used rigs. I have never bought a new one!
Again, thanks for your thoughts!
PS...Once DW saw the 326 Cougar kitchen, it was seemingly a done deal!
I'm working on her! ;)
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SH
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10/09/09 01:40pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
Thanks everyone for your input! It is helpful!
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SH
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10/09/09 06:15am |
Fifth-Wheels
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RE: Age Old Question - New or Used
Man is that a tough one,I guess it could depend on the condition of the used trailer of course.I just bought a new trailer,my second new purchase and like the little warranty and the new smell.If a used trailer shows it has been taken care of then that shouldn't be a problem at all.New you get to pick the floorplan you want and used you get what is there,color,options,and most importantly the floorplan, if it is what you realy want.That is a tough question to answer.It depends on your needs.
Thanks for your post! You are correct, the used ones are somewhat of a compromise! They are all in top shape but not the exact floorplan of the Cougar. I guess what I am after is...is it more prudent to sacrifice some of the floorplan wants for a unit of higher quality that would still meet most of our needs?
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SH
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10/08/09 07:58pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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Age Old Question - New or Used
We just sold our Springdale 5ver and are planning a new purchase for early spring. We did buy the Springdale used and overall, it was a wise investment. We learned a lot about Rving and had the time of our lives being new to the sport.
To the point...we have our eye on a new Keystone Cougar that has everything we ever wanted in a 5th wheel. Just for consideration, say we are spending 40K.
I have seen some really nice used Montanas, Alumascapes, even a HR Presidential Suite for about the same amount. These are 2006 - 2009 vintage.
Given the 40K limit(+ or -)a bit, what would you do? New Cougar or one of the used (for lack of a better term) "upper" quality rigs.
Many thanks for your thoughts!
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SH
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10/08/09 07:39pm |
Fifth-Wheels
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