Why Keystone?

[Mandolin]

We knew we had weight limits and that we would need to be comfortably within the tow rating/carrying capacity of our 2013 F150 V8, plus the spouse did not want an immense trailer. That was the first " absolute must."

The next absolute musts were:
-- dual axle
-- walk-around queen (or double), permanently set up (no jackknife sofa)
-- room for the dog box that DID NOT require resetting the trailer layout every evening and morning
-- awning that didn't require 2 ladders to set up
-- pass-through front storage

after that we had "strongly preferred"
fridge with separate freezer door
large dinette
small oven
adequate cabinet space given trailer size
maybe a slide for the dinette?
HVAC system

The other factor was cost. Sure, an Airstream is nice (kinda, I don't actually like their layouts in the smaller trailers), but this is something to go camping in, where you spend a lot of time outside. With an upgraded trailer (our earlier trailer was inadequate in a LOT of ways) we would be spending 6-8 weeks a year in the trailer, with maybe a longer winter trip. Something that would hold up to that use, tow fairly well, be within our cash range.

To factor in cost we started out looking at used trailers, but the only way to get much lower prices was to get something much older - RVs that used contact paper on the doors instead of wood, that may or may not have roof or shell or frame integrity issues. That sort of crossed out used.

We looked at probably 7 local dealers and 2 RV shows and decided that while we saw other trailers we liked (a Jayco in particular), we were not going to buy from a seriously out-of-town dealer at an RV show.

There were two local dealers we liked, and one of the had the "rear living" layout with a huge u-shaped dinette at the back of the trailer that we had no idea we wanted until we saw it. They are primarily Heartland and Keystone dealers, so it was a Keystone we picked. Keystone was quite similar to a lot of other trailers, as far as build quality and warranty (Jayco had a slightly better warranty on the frame).

We actually ended up with a trailer a little longer than DH wanted, but it has no slide and yet still feels fairly open. I know many people love their slides, but to us it was just one less mechanical thing to have an issue with. Also, for us, a lot of trailer mfrs spend way too much money on "entertainment" systems. We weren't interest in a TV or sound system, lol, we are musicians and carry our own. We also didn't end up with an HVAC system, just the regular propane heater and roof A/C.

[Alpine]

For the sake of repeating what most have already stated....

We knew we would be full-timers so we were looking at living space and aesthetics. The biggest need for us was floorplan. We can get to the bathroom, refrigerator, and bedroom without moving the slides. Everyday when traveling we stop to make lunch and use "our" restroom.

We looked at different makes and models over a five year period before retiring and always came around to Keystone Alpine for fit and finish.

There are many beautiful fifthwheels on the road today... however after four years on the road we have yet to see another fiver we like better than we already have.

[66joej]

We had our hearts set on a Creekside 26RLS by Outdoors RV (6500# dry). But after finding the axle ratio on our 2013 Ram Bighorn was a very tall 3:21 to 1 (max tow 6900#) we opted for a Cougar 24RKSWE (5500# dry). Tows great and love it. Floor plan is great and seems to be built well. Time will tell.

[jmak]

We are actually just closed the deal on our first TT and will be picking it up over Thanksgiving weekend. Price wise could not pass up as I don't think we could have done better with a very large discount for one of the last new 2016 model.

After renting several times it really helped us figure out what we wanted and did not want. Feedback and overall impression so far is the Keystone Cougar is built much better than the other brands we rented.

1. Needed 1/2 Towable
2. Wife did not want to feel claustrophobic so a unit with 2 slides in main area with one on each side should overcome that.
3. Wife wanted a standard size shower, this is a hard thing to find it seems in a TT.
4. Bonus of king sized bed was the icing on the cake. Being able to spread out like we do at home with our two dogs when sleeping is a huge bonus.

[Tbos]

Originally Posted by jmak

We are actually just closed the deal on our first TT and will be picking it up over Thanksgiving weekend. Price wise could not pass up as I don't think we could have done better with a very large discount for one of the last new 2016 model.



After renting several times it really helped us figure out what we wanted and did not want. Feedback and overall impression so far is the Keystone Cougar is built much better than the other brands we rented.



1. Needed 1/2 Towable

2. Wife did not want to feel claustrophobic so a unit with 2 slides in main area with one on each side should overcome that.

3. Wife wanted a standard size shower, this is a hard thing to find it seems in a TT.

4. Bonus of king sized bed was the icing on the cake. Being able to spread out like we do at home with our two dogs when sleeping is a huge bonus.

Enjoy your new rig. Post some pictures when you get it. Welcome to the forum.