I am looking at the three models above. I am looking for pros and cons from you who have experience with these models. There are of course pros and cons to each but maybe you guys can help.
We looked at both the Cougar and the Wildcat. We thought we got a better bang for our buck for the Wildcat. It really is a personal choice though. As for quality, can't say yet. Pick up the 'Cat in 2 weeks so can't comment yet. As for esthetics, look all three over carefully and decide which one gives you the best options/features etc. that will make you the most happy. We saw the Cougar first with a not-very experience salesperson. Then we saw the Wildcat and the salesperson gave us a very thorough look through at everything. Unfortunately this dealer wouldn't deal and we bought 3 hours away to save over $4,000. Good Luck with your search!
TH, TW, Son & Daughter
2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD QC 5.9L Turbo Diesel
2009 Forest River Wildcat 29RLBS
We owned a 2002 Cougar for a couple of years. Good value for the price. We used ours pretty hard for two years, had no problems what-so-ever, and were happy with our purchase. Trade in value (in 2004) was good, we got back about 70% of our purchase price.
Traded to a larger rig for more space.
Hans, KØHB & Colleen, KØCKB Master Chief Radioman, US Navy -
'04 Prairie Schooner 34FBR Platinum XL Camping Trailer
'08 3500HD Silverado Big Dooley LTZ Go-power by Max & Allie
We and our friends both bought Cougars at the same time. We have a 245RK, friends is a 281BH. Neither have had any issues. Both are 2005's and we have them set up as seasonal the last two summers. We did see a Sabre at a show a few months ago. DW really liked the layout, (more space) but we need to keep the Cougar a little longer. Sabre is Palomino, is Forest River!
Marc KA1WBF
Lynn (DW of 25 years 05/07)
Hunter (the wingnut chocolate lab, 05/06)
2006 Ford F350 Lariat 4X4 CC 6.0L 3.73 "Silver"
2003 Ford F350 XLT 4X4 SC SB 5.4L 3.73 Red "SOLD"
2005 Cougar 245EFS
2005 Ford Escape (Red of course!)
Daniel,
We've had our Sabre 31RKTS since last Fall. We've been out 6 times to NC, SC, & FL.
Here's what we like about it: (it's a long list)
1) Great value for the money
2) BIG kitchen w/lotsa counter space & cabinet storage
3) 7 cubic foot fridge; 12 Gallon water heater w/ DSI
4) 6 sided welded aluminum superstructure
5) R14 ceiling & floor; R9 walls
6) private porcelain commode with Fantastic Fan (whew!)
7) twin swivel rockers & air mattress sleeper sofa
8) Aerodynamic front cap
9) Large shower compared to others we looked at
10) full size bathroom sink (my wife likes that)
11) rear sliding storage rack that holds 200#, our bikes & generator
12) pillow top queen mattress that is very comfortable
13) We can both stand up in the bedroom; large closet in the front
14) Lotsa cabinet storage inside.
15) Pulls great behind my RAM 2500 CTD
16) We've traveled some pretty rough roads and everything has held together, no rattles, squeaks or leaks.
17) Dealer sales department was great to deal with
18) Sabre has responded promptly to all my questions
NOW.. what could use improving?
1) Owner's manual is lacking information
2) Shower had a small leak, I resealed it and fixed it
3) 15" Chinese tires, I would prefer 16" Michelin, but, heh, they will work for now.
4) and the biggest problem? We haven't been able to get out as often as we would like!!
Overall, it's an awesome 5'er and would recommend it to anyone looking for a quality mid-profile 5th wheel that is a great value.
Sounds like a commercial, eh?
PM me if you have any other questions.
2007 Dodge RAM 2500 Quad Cab w/6.7 Cummins
2008 Palamino Sabre 31RKTS
Reese 15K Pro Series manual slide
Prodigy
Firestone Air Bags
Travel in peace...leave the M-I-L at home.
One thing I like about the cougar vs the wild cat is one piece floor. Although Keystone uses OSB for a floor material in the cougar, its one piece the full length of the floor. Forest river uses plywood but its peiced. Our last forest river had a spongy floor at a few joints in the plywood. The wildcat does offer a lot of features but I think the overall feeling of quality is higher with the cougar.
2007 Montana Mountaineer 307RKD
2006 Chevrolet 2500 4x4 crew Duramax/allison
Can only speak for the Wildcat and I feel it is a great value for the price. We purchased ours at RVW last May and have used it hard in the last 11 months. No issues, no problems, bery satisfied. We have the 32QBBS with front bunks. The kids love it and there is plenty of room for the 4 of us. Good luck in your decision.
We have an '02 Cougar, and have had no problems. We bought it used, and know the couple who had it before us. Only problem they had was a broken spring (I know the road they broke it on and am not suprised). My only issue and still happens with the new ones, I see as my neighbor just bought an '08, is they are still running on 15 in. wheels. Would like 16, but will have to figure a way to raise the trailer before I switch over.
Puller: '04 HD2500 4x4 SB,EC Duramax/Allison. Airaid intake, 4in. exhaust turbo back, ORU leveler.
Pullee: '02 Keystone Cougar 276EFS Reese 16k w/ slider.
(map is for current 5er only)
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