333 MKS Cougar High Country

[katiekate]

Hi, I am new but been reading for awhile. We are looking to buy a new 333mks 5th cougar. Would like any good/bad info from all that own this 5th wheel. Would also like if you have it the real weight and the pin weight for it, as we are looking at F250/350 gas trucks to pull with. Thank you for your help John

[JRTJH]

Depending on which F250 you're looking at (reg cab/extended cab/crew cab) and which GVW (9900/10000} and which rear axle (3.73/4.30) and even whether it's a 4x2/4x4 will make a difference. Generally speaking, you're looking at a trailer that weighs 10K empty and about 12K loaded. You will be "right at" your max trailer (within 400-700 lbs) with the 3.73 axles. Going with the 4.30 axles or with a diesel may give you much more capacity and keep you away from "overtaxing" your tow vehicle. Finding a 4.30 axle in a truck sitting on the dealer's lot may be difficult. Nearly all "dealer ordered" gas F250's are ordered with the 3.73 installed.

[Dave45039]

We've had our 2013 333 since April and have put around 1500 miles on it since then. We love it and have had no problems other the the hinky control panel problem which is currently being replaced by Keystone. The trailer is very roomy, plenty of storage space and rides very nice. Our tow vehicle is a 2013 GMC Serra, extended cab, 6 ltr. Gasser, with the 4:10 rear end. I have no complaints towing and the rig handles the eastern mountains very well.

[katiekate]

Thank you for you thoughts. We are looking at F250/350 6.2L gas 4x4 longbed crewcabs, not sure/don't know about axle ratios, was thinking maybe the 4.30. Truck would also the daily drive just around stuff,retired, so thoughs? and any input on the 333mks. Thank you John

[therink]

I strongly recommend the 4:30 with the 6.2 gasser, considering the 12k gvwr of the fiver. I have 4:10 with 6.0 gm gasser and my fiver weighs 12,280. I would not want to pull with 3:73 unless diesel.

[JRTJH]

When we bought our new fifth wheel last July, we also bought a new 2013 F250 6.2L gas truck. It has the 3.73 axles in it with the 6 speed automatic transmission. (The transmission is the same in the gas or the diesel truck, but the computer is programmed differently).

Our Cougar 27RKS weighs about 7400 lbs empty and about 8250-8500 lbs loaded for travel. We made a 6,000 mile trip from Michigan to south Texas, over to Florida, up the eastern seaboard to North Carolina and then back through Ohio/Indiana and home. Towing was relatively easy with no "mountains" but a few "hills" in Virginia/West Virginia. We had no troubles at all and average mileage was about 9.5-10.5 towing (depending on how much we climbed the hills). If my trailer weighed 2,000 or 3,000 lbs more, I'd really wish for the 4.30 rear ends. What we have would probably work, but we'd be in 4th gear more than I would want to be.

With your 11,000 - 12,000 lb trailer weight, I think if you do want to go with a gas truck, you really should consider the 4.30 axles.....

It's a tough choice for you because you are "right at the weight" where a diesel would be the better choice. It's sort of, "do I pay the diesel price and tow easily or do I save the money and spend it for gas, one gallon at a time". The diesels of today are nothing like the ones from a couple years ago. All three manufacturers are building much quieter diesels, but IMHO Ford has the quietest with the exhaust moved from outside the motor to the top. It really is almost as quiet as a gas truck, but you still can't start it up in the garage without opening the garage door and closing all the truck windows LOL

And, you'll still be stepping in diesel fuel/getting it on your hands when you refill. That means tracking it back into your truck unless you're very careful.....

But back to your question: If you do go with a 6.2L crewcab longbed, I'd strongly suggest the 4.30 axles.

[airforceret]

If you plan to run in the mountains, you should seriously consider a diesel. If you have a problem with being patient running in the slow lane up steep hills in 1st or 2nd gear, then you should seriously consider a diesel. If you want the benefits and peace of mind going down steep hills, seriously consider a diesel with the exhaust brake (mine came with it and it's AWESOME).

Good luck.. I had gas for years, love my diesel...

[MarkS]

X2 on what airforceret said.

[Brantlaker]

You can tell by my signature what I drive and pull. On my last trip out west 7,800 miles up and down hills and mountains in the South West it was a slow- go going up sometimes but never under 45mph the trans would down shift to 4 and the engine would wind out to 4,000rpm. My 5er weighed in at 11,230lb Ford says I can tow 12,500. One thing when you think about what to buy get the 10,000lb gross pkg and the Snow Plow pkg they give you variable rate springs front and rear for load. I do like my Gasser but my next truck will be a Diesel.As i finally talked the DW in to it.

[Wayne]

I did pull my 5er with a 6.0 GMC CC SB auto w/373. It did well even in the mtns but my 5er is about 2K lighter than the 333MKS. If you haven't bought yet, I suggest you at least look at diesel. This is my 1st diesel & I love how it pulls & the jake brake makes going down mtns so easy. I have a 2500 & I suggest you also consider a 350/3500 SRW. It will handle more pin wgt.

If you get diesel on your hands, it is more messy than gas. But hey, a trip to the bathroom & you're good as new. Congrats on the 333 & good luck with your TV.

[5mary6]

We have had our 333mks for over a year. Only major issue was the control panel needed to be replaced. Happens often with the new panels. Lots of room, and lots of outlets which is something this trailer has over other types. A nice addition. Our had a sliding dining table which I know Keystone stopped putting in the new models so not sure if your will have it. The next complaint we had was the two recliners, unless they're the really sleek ones, do not fit in the rear next to the window. You will have to store them in-line from front to rear starting at the edge of the center island extending back towards the rear window. Can be a pain until you get the hang of it. I think in time it may wear out the carpet from the movement, depending on the amount you're going to be using it. Other than that, we absolutely love our 333mks. Use it mostly on the coast year around. Pulls great with our PullRite Superglide hitch. Of course we have a diesel and would not have bought this trailer if I had a gasser. My Dad pulled a similar trailer with a gasser and hated it. Got a diesel and was night and day. Good luck! Also because of the ability for the second A/C, the 333mks comes with 50 amp so unless you will have another A/C you'll mostly use 30 amp so you'll need another cord.:wlcm:

[Javi]

The DW is still pestering me to buy a 333 MKS. But I've yet to see anyone who actually owns one post their real world loaded for travel pin weight. And I'm not going to buy one until I can determine if my TV as currently configured will allow me to comfortably pull this trailer without upgrading or buying yet another TV.

As far as the trailer itself is concerned; we've researched, we've touched, we sat in, we've combed over several on various dealer's lots, we've priced and re-priced but I've yet to get that last piece of information my engineer mind needs to pull the trigger and order one... I'd buy one in a heartbeat as we both love the layout, especially the large shower and roomy bathroom.

Good luck with your purchase..

[mespro]

The 6.7 Ram and exaust brake is the only way to go, just get ready for sticker shock when you price them.

Cougar 33 RES High Country XLite
2500 Ram Mega cab 6.7 Laramie Longhorn

[micar]

We love our 333MKS, lots of storage and space and the huge shower.
We've had a few issues, leaky slides, broken recliner, miss-alligned cupboard doors, loose trim and the dreaded touch screen control panel. Our CP was replaced with the old fashioned rocker style (all repaired under warranty).
There's a couple of quirks to the trailer, like no light by the door and the only light switch in the trailer turns on the outside LED lights.
I don't have weights either....never seem to be near the scales at an opportune time.
We did tow for a yr with an '05 2500 chevy diesel without any problems, but I was always worried about the "weights" This year I was able to upgrade to 3500 DRW and feel much more comfortable with the combination.
Mike

[C1v1leng]

We have a 2015 and have used it for two months now. We have the same issues with no light switches near the entry door but we added a remote light switch to our key ring to resolve that. (search light switch for my DIY post)
All in all, we like this rig a lot. it is very comfortable and has held up to below freezing temps just fine. Seems to have lots of storage. DW likes it too.
The shower is a great size and easy to clean. The doors were reversed as the smooth side of the glass was out, but I reversed them and problem solved.
The auto level is so easy to use, and I never have any level complaints from DW.

[Flicdog]

We have had our 2015 333MKS for a month. We love the trailer and noticed right away the lack of switch by the door. If ur coming back in at night u need to bring a flashlight until you get to the control panel. The remote control for the sliders and jacks stopped working the second we got it home, it wont allow u to unlock it with the pin. The brace that holds the basement door open on the driver's side is plastic and broke on the first trip. Other than those minor issues the rig is awsome. Im towing it with a 2013 2500HD with the Duramax, no problems.

[arturob]

Dont have a lot of experience in pulling a trailer but the consensus from my friends who do was to get a diesel truck. Our trailer is a 32QBBS and it also runs around 9-12,000lb. I have a 2007 GMS Sierra 3500 with the 6.6L engine and it has worked really really well. We have been full-timing now for about 4 months. Pulls the trailer effortlessly and goes up hills without pushing anything too hard. Gets about 11 to the gallon so it does get expensive but the ease with which it runs and pulls makes it all worthwhile in my mind. Before I bought the truck I talked to my mechanic at home and he told me he sees 2-3 Ford truck a week, two to three Dodge trucks a month and very few GMC trucks ever. This is a busy garage with 6 bays and a 4 day waiting list most of the time. Just my 2 cents worth

[neverquit347]

Hello everyone,

Looking into the 2015 Cougar 333MKS, it is just what we are looking for. I have an 2015 F-250 Diesel short bed. Will the short bed be a problem towing and backing up. Thanks.

[Flicdog]

I have a 2015 333MKS and tow it with a Shortbed Chevy 2500HD. I have a sliding hitch and have yet to use it.

[JRTJH]

Hello everyone,

Looking into the 2015 Cougar 333MKS, it is just what we are looking for. I have an 2015 F-250 Diesel short bed. Will the short bed be a problem towing and backing up. Thanks.

Depending on the size of your family, option packages in the truck and whether or not you intend to add a washer/dryer to the trailer, you may be at or possibly over your truck's payload. There are several active threads concerning the 3/4 ton trucks and "moderately heavy" fifth wheels. So, I'd urge you to do your calculations very carefully. A generator, gas can, tool box, hitch and 3 or 4 passengers may put you over your payload and possibly over your GVWR.

[Javi]

If you look at my signature you will see a '15 F350 Dually.... want to know why..... ?????


Okay, I'll tell you....


I weighed my trailer ready to travel with the DW and the beagles in the truck.... Yep... GVWR of my old '12 F-250 was 10,000 pounds... truck with trailer attached... 10,640 and that didn't include any firewood, beer, ice, or food.. :D