Considering Cougar X-lite 5th wheel

[Sam and Chris]

Hi fellow RVers!
After 2 travels trailers, we have sold our last one and looking at 5th wheels. Need a "Lite" model as we tow with a '10 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0 gas, 3.73 axle ratio. Our GCVWR is 16K. Have looked at several "Lite" models only to find out they are heavier than advertised.
*Are there any happy Cougar X-Lite owners out there?
*Looking at the online brochure, the specs on how they are made and the insulation looks good. Wondering if that goes for the "lite's" also? Saw one post about a 28SGS owner (model we are considering) who said there was no insulation between the bedroom and the storage underneath.
*The 28SGS has such a small awning. Any comments? Do you like that slide on same side as entrance door?
*Any issues with the kitchen appliances located in the slide?
*We have a Pull Rite Super Glide hitch. Will that work with the pin box? (sorry, name of pin box on Cougar escapes me).
*How's the room in the bedroom? Is it really a short rv queen bed?
Appreciate any comments or suggestions as we will probably go take a look in another week.
Blessings and safe travels to all!
Sam and Chris
:)

[BobnLee]

Just got back from your State (Cape Charles) Kiptopeke State Park. We have a Cougar 26SAB and love the layout. We also had two grandkids with us 8 and 10 and did not feel crammed in. Bought it new in 2011 and are very happy with this trailer.

[Kdjshep]

We love our 29 RET "lite". The opposing slides give us tons of space in the living room. When we are on the road we can access the frig. The awning is short so you may get wet when entering the camper during a downpour. As for the bedroom. My husband is 6 ft and we both sleep better while camping then at home.

[XLite28SGS]

Hi Sam & Chris;
Let me see if I can help!
We have had our 28SGS for 2 1/2 years and love it. It fits our style of camping just fine (two of use, no need to sleep 8).
We pull with a similar TV ('11 GMC 2500HD gas 3.73 gear). It does just fine.
Have had truck & camper on "Cat Scales" (ready to camp) and all wieghts check out fine.
*Insulation seems to be good. WE did have one insident when our 13,500BTU AC could not keep-up, 4th of July in PA - 98*f in the shade. Storage area insulation - That area is heated if you run your propane furnace (Polar Package).
*Small awning - Yes. Between the small awning & the slide next to the door the awning is just a roof over the door and a table we put out next to the steps. We use a screen "EZ-UP" most of the time.
*Kitchen Appliances in slide - No issues, however I do inspect the flex lines (electric & propane) under the slide on a regular basis.
*I also use a SuperGlide hitch. Pin box on mine is "Lippert 1621".
*Bedroom - Bed is a short Queen. I am 6'-1" and don't have any problem, but do plan a mod. for a full size queen. It will fit but will have to modify the platform.

Do a search of my posts for more comments on the XLite 28SGS.

Where are you located in Virginia? We will be out Camping 4 of the next 7 weekends (all in Virginia). Would love to have you come by and look at our rig.

Allan:wlcm:

[axg1040]

Hi fellow RVers!
After 2 travels trailers, we have sold our last one and looking at 5th wheels. Need a "Lite" model as we tow with a '10 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0 gas, 3.73 axle ratio. Our GCVWR is 16K. Have looked at several "Lite" models only to find out they are heavier than advertised.
*Are there any happy Cougar X-Lite owners out there?
*Looking at the online brochure, the specs on how they are made and the insulation looks good. Wondering if that goes for the "lite's" also? Saw one post about a 28SGS owner (model we are considering) who said there was no insulation between the bedroom and the storage underneath.
*The 28SGS has such a small awning. Any comments? Do you like that slide on same side as entrance door?
*Any issues with the kitchen appliances located in the slide?
*We have a Pull Rite Super Glide hitch. Will that work with the pin box? (sorry, name of pin box on Cougar escapes me).
*How's the room in the bedroom? Is it really a short rv queen bed?
Appreciate any comments or suggestions as we will probably go take a look in another week.
Blessings and safe travels to all!
Sam and Chris
:)

We are also in VA (Virginia Beach) and pick up our new 2015 28SGS HC tomorrow.
- I did extensive research on pin weight on this model and based upon other owners the wet scaled pin weight was anywhere from 1500 - 1800. The yellow door sticker on my unit had the dry weight at 7840 which is a bit higher than website.
- Yes the awing is a bit small but we also use a pop up canopy when we camp so not a deal breaker for us.
- Our local dealer only installs Pull Rite hitches so I doubt you would have an issue.
- The bedroom is not too tight and too be honest I am not sure if it is a short queen. We both are under 6' so no issue for us.
We shopped several brands but kept coming back to the Courgar Xlite due to the auto levelers, the local dealer and other owner's comments.

[theasphaltrv'er]

Morning Sam & Chris;
We have the 28SGS's smaller cousin a 14 26sab. Have had it out 8 or 10 times since we bought it back in February and are very pleased with it as we have not had one problem with it. Have about 2500 miles on it and 100% of the time we've boon docked with it.
Dry #'s ...pin 1190, axle weight 5890 & total dry is 7080. Pin weight loaded is 1360 & loaded axle weight is 7005# and total weight is 8365. Our little HD 150 is a perfect match for it.
We seriously looked at the 28SGS but with the #'s it was to much for our little 150 so we got it's smaller cousin.


Milo

[GmaPaTime]

Hello neighbor's.. As we have not received our X-Lite 29RLI yet, we can't vouch for anything quite yet but truly believe you're not going find a better 5er in that price range. We looked for a long time and always kept coming back to the cougar. You'll be happy with that choice :)

[JRTJH]

Hi fellow RVers!
After 2 travels trailers, we have sold our last one and looking at 5th wheels. Need a "Lite" model as we tow with a '10 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0 gas, 3.73 axle ratio. Our GCVWR is 16K. Have looked at several "Lite" models only to find out they are heavier than advertised.
*Are there any happy Cougar X-Lite owners out there?
Yes there are a number of happy XLite owners. We have the 27RKS and are very satisfied with it. There are a "few" disgruntled owners of the XLite's, but far more are happy with their trailer.

*Looking at the online brochure, the specs on how they are made and the insulation looks good. Wondering if that goes for the "lite's" also? Saw one post about a 28SGS owner (model we are considering) who said there was no insulation between the bedroom and the storage underneath.
The XLite fifth wheel passthrough storage area is insulated and heated. The bathroom floor is within that space, so there is not as much need to insulate the bathroom floor as it is in the heated area already. There is a large, flat aluminum heat duct that runs under the bathroom floor. We've camped down to about 20F and the bathroom floor has been warm to walk on with bare feet. I don't see a problem with no insulation under it. Keep in mind that the Cougar and XLite are two different brands. The Cougar has R-9 sidewall insulation, the XLite has R-7 sidewalls. The Cougar has (I believe) a 7/8" plywood (structurwood) solid floor, the XLite has a 1/4" plywood-2" foam'1/4" plywood "sandwich" floor. Structurally, we've had no problems with this, but it's not the same construction as the heavier Cougar. Also, the holding tank sizes are significantly smaller in the XLite. There are other subtle differences so check both brochures carefully.

*The 28SGS has such a small awning. Any comments? Do you like that slide on same side as entrance door?
The awning on the 28SGS is 10' long, it is much smaller than "normal". That is one of our reasons for not buying that model. We use the area outside our RV for much of our camping. With the small awning and the slide taking up much of that side of the RV, we felt it would change how we like to camp, so we elected to go with a different floorplan.

*Any issues with the kitchen appliances located in the slide?
Appliances in slides is becoming much more popular. While there is a potential for the gas line to eventually fray and weaken, examining it regularly should prevent any "surprises". Most people with appliances in the slide haven't made mention of any significant problems, but keep in mind that with the refrigerator in the slide, there is a fan behind it that runs to keep the air moving past the coils. That fan has been the topic of discussion in a number of complaints about noise. Dometic doesn't consider a "loud fan" as defective and won't replace it for that reason. That has made some owners unhappy.

*We have a Pull Rite Super Glide hitch. Will that work with the pin box? (sorry, name of pin box on Cougar escapes me).
XLite uses an "industry standard" Lippert (LCI) pinbox. Depending on the model trailer, it's either a 1620 or a 1621. You should have no trouble with your hitch.

*How's the room in the bedroom? Is it really a short rv queen bed?
Yes, it's a "short queen mattress". Almost all of the XLite fifth wheel models have the same "upper deck" floorplan. Ours is the same as the 28SGS. The bathroom door (into the bedroom) doesn't close completely against the wardrobe slide. There is a small gap at the bottom and at the top. No "privacy" issues, but sounds and smells do travel well through that space. There is about 24" of space from the bathroom wall to the end of the bed. That is enough space to install a standard queen mattress, but you'd need to reinforce/modify the platform. We just pull the short queen mattress down about 6" and tuck a couple of 30" roll pillows between the top of the mattress and the headboard. The sheets fit better and we haven't had any issues with the "lump under the pillow". We push the mattress back into position to travel as it seems to slide around if left pulled out. Otherwise, no problems with the mattress. We did replace our mattress before even sleeping on the Cougar mattress, so I can't tell you if it's comfortable or not. We already had the replacement, liked it, so we didn't even consider trying the new one.
Appreciate any comments or suggestions as we will probably go take a look in another week.
Blessings and safe travels to all!
Sam and Chris
:)

There are a large number of Cougar XLite owners on the forum. Only a very limited few have posted negative comments, so overall I'd believe that the vast majority are satisfied.

Keep in mind that the "west coast edition", the Cougar Half-Ton series, is the "sister" of the Cougar XLite. Both are very similar in most floorplans and the biggest difference I can see is the size of the holding tanks. They are significantly bigger in the Half-Ton series. Otherwise, they appear to be very much the same trailer in most of the floorplans.

One item to keep in mind is that both the Half-ton and the XLite are "mid height" fifth wheels. They have about 6'3" of headroom in the bathroom and in the bedroom part next to the bathroom. But at the foot of the bed there is a platform step about 10" high. The headroom at the sides of the bed is about 5'5" high. You won't get into bed without bending over and "stooping". So if that's an issue, look closely at that "feature". Some don't mind, others "hate it".....

Good Luck.

[RedOne]

JTRJH is spot on.

We have had our 29RES for 3 camping seasons now (MY 2013 bought in June 2012). We have not had any issues that required it to go back under warrantee or really any issues at all. All works as advertised. Just remember it is a X-Lite and made for weekend warrior type duty and not a full time high end camper. I even pull mine with my F150 (over 10K mile pulling the 5er) so I know you should be able to with a 2500.

We have added a few things... memory foam mattress, 16" wheels and "E" rated tires, ceiling fan, relocated water pump for easier winterizing, insulated piping where able, vent covers, sewer hose storage (square fence post mod), receiver on back for spare tire or bike rack, 5th Airborne Sidewinder Pin Box. This winter we will be putting landing gear stabilizers on, along with LED lights, fridge fans and insulate under the bedroom area with 1.5" blue Styrofoam insulation.

http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_145845_0_748696d80ff4bd4b72932a41947cc01b.jpg (http://s125.photobucket.com/user/Shadow_Grey/media/Cougar%205th%20wheel/20140822_123918_zpslfg1tntc.jpg.html)http://www.keystoneforums.com/attachments/photobucket/img_145845_1_5f919c84fe9e5459b5e0610a4ba01896.jpg (http://s125.photobucket.com/user/Shadow_Grey/media/Cougar%205th%20wheel/20140822_123728_zpsd5brtple.jpg.html)

[JeffS]

We had a 2011 26SAB for 3 years. The only thing that was a problem was the height of the 2 steps up to the Bedroom/Bath. With that said, you will find numerous posts where owners have modified the 2 steps into 3 thus reducing the step rise. We replaced our old F150 7700 when I retired with a diesel and moved up to a larger 5th wheel.

[axg1040]

Hello neighbor's.. As we have not received our X-Lite 29RLI yet, we can't vouch for anything quite yet but truly believe you're not going find a better 5er in that price range. We looked for a long time and always kept coming back to the cougar. You'll be happy with that choice :)

Did you guys order from American Family RV? We really liked working with them. We pickup our new 28SGS tomorrow from them.

[GmaPaTime]

axg1040... Yes we did. Both Mack and Layne have been good so far. Did you buy the new or used one? They had both, the new had table and chairs and the used was a booth model. We were considering the SGS, RET and the RLI which is what we ordered. We get ours next week hopefully, so maybe we can compare notes after we each get out camping We'll friend you and send a private message when we do. Would like to hear how the PDI went and what they were prepared or not prepared for prior to ours. Until then, hope all goes well and you get out camping soon.

[gearhead]

We had a XLite 28SGS and pulled it with a GMC2500 extended cab 4X4 6.0 with 3.73 gears. We were Ok with the trucks payload but over by 200 pounds (16,220#) on the GCWR. The truck pulled it OK on flat highways, but getting into Tennessee & Kentucky hills it was tiring. The truck pulled it OK, it was just a lot of jockeying for lanes with 18 wheelers and trying to keep the momentum up. I traded to a Ford diesel and then up to the Montana.
I never had any trouble with the XLite. My wife laid claim to the wardrobe and I threw my stuff under the bed. I did hit my head a lot getting in and out of bed. I'm just 5'8". We boondocked at NASCAR races and never had tank capacity issues. Yes the awning is small. We also had a EZ up canopy.
There is the issue of the 2 rear chairs. I had to buy more strapping material and strap them together better to prevent them from pulling the curtains down.
I didn't have a glide hitch and never needed one.

[axg1040]

axg1040... Yes we did. Both Mack and Layne have been good so far. Did you buy the new or used one? They had both, the new had table and chairs and the used was a booth model. We were considering the SGS, RET and the RLI which is what we ordered. We get ours next week hopefully, so maybe we can compare notes after we each get out camping We'll friend you and send a private message when we do. Would like to hear how the PDI went and what they were prepared or not prepared for prior to ours. Until then, hope all goes well and you get out camping soon.

We have been dealing with Karen and Layne. Both have been great and we visited every single dealer within an hour from VB. At first we really liked the used 14' they had. Went home to think about it for a few days and went back to make an offer. It sold the day before. They ended up giving us a deal on the 15' for not much more and it had more options. We had them add slide covers and Maxx Air Vent covers. Even told us if we wanted a bedroom TV to go buy one and a bracket and they would install it for free. We dropped off our truck for the hitch install Sat along with the TV/bracket. Pick it all up today. Can't wait. We did find a few small issues with the unit the day we put the deposit on it so I am interested to see if those items are resolved. I will let you know how delivery goes today. So far they are hands down better than any of the dealers we visited.

[Sam and Chris]

Hi Sam & Chris;
Let me see if I can help!
We have had our 28SGS for 2 1/2 years and love it. It fits our style of camping just fine (two of use, no need to sleep 8).
We pull with a similar TV ('11 GMC 2500HD gas 3.73 gear). It does just fine.
Have had truck & camper on "Cat Scales" (ready to camp) and all wieghts check out fine.
*Insulation seems to be good. WE did have one insident when our 13,500BTU AC could not keep-up, 4th of July in PA - 98*f in the shade. Storage area insulation - That area is heated if you run your propane furnace (Polar Package).
*Small awning - Yes. Between the small awning & the slide next to the door the awning is just a roof over the door and a table we put out next to the steps. We use a screen "EZ-UP" most of the time.
*Kitchen Appliances in slide - No issues, however I do inspect the flex lines (electric & propane) under the slide on a regular basis.
*I also use a SuperGlide hitch. Pin box on mine is "Lippert 1621".
*Bedroom - Bed is a short Queen. I am 6'-1" and don't have any problem, but do plan a mod. for a full size queen. It will fit but will have to modify the platform.

Do a search of my posts for more comments on the XLite 28SGS.

Where are you located in Virginia? We will be out Camping 4 of the next 7 weekends (all in Virginia). Would love to have you come by and look at our rig.

Allan:wlcm:

Hey Allan and Sadie!
Thanks so much for your very thorough reply!
We live in the Fredericksburg area of Virginia. If you plan on being near here we would love to meet you and take a looksee. My hubby is 6'8!!! We have looked at other Cougar x-lites and the headroom is tough for him. That being said, there are always sacrifices to be made...
Again, thanks!
Chris and Sam

[Cougar1957]

Hi fellow RVers!
After 2 travels trailers, we have sold our last one and looking at 5th wheels. Need a "Lite" model as we tow with a '10 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0 gas, 3.73 axle ratio. Our GCVWR is 16K. Have looked at several "Lite" models only to find out they are heavier than advertised.
*Are there any happy Cougar X-Lite owners out there?
*Looking at the online brochure, the specs on how they are made and the insulation looks good. Wondering if that goes for the "lite's" also? Saw one post about a 28SGS owner (model we are considering) who said there was no insulation between the bedroom and the storage underneath.
*The 28SGS has such a small awning. Any comments? Do you like that slide on same side as entrance door?
*Any issues with the kitchen appliances located in the slide?
*We have a Pull Rite Super Glide hitch. Will that work with the pin box? (sorry, name of pin box on Cougar escapes me).
*How's the room in the bedroom? Is it really a short rv queen bed?
Appreciate any comments or suggestions as we will probably go take a look in another week.
Blessings and safe travels to all!
Sam and Chris
:)

Happy 28SGS owners here! Picked up our 2015 model in July and have had her out twice so far. Absolutely loving it. Only one minor issue with a loose molding in the bedroom so far. The fireplace shut off a couple times on our last trip to chilly Door County, but apparently it is designed to shut down when it gets too warm.

Yes, the bed is a "camper queen." I am 6'2" and it is just long enough for me, so no problems there. It is very comfortable too - I sleep great on it.

No issues with the kitchen slide.

The awning is quite a bit shorter than my no-slide former TT, but having the opposing slides more than make up for the length. Besides, its kind of nice to have a more compact awning after dealing with the monster I had on my last rig. Easier to clean, easier to pitch...I like it.

The XLite's are built the same as the regular Cougar's, they are just mid-heights in front, and shorter. One last thing, we opted for the High Country model - the auto-leveling system is a dream!

[Tom]

The XLite's are built the same as the regular Cougar's, they are just mid-heights in front, and shorter. One last thing, we opted for the High Country model - the auto-leveling system is a dream!

If you look on the Keystone web site you will see that there differences in the construction of the Xlite and the Cougar- the floor and the amount of insulation being 2 of them.

[Cougar1957]

If you look on the Keystone web site you will see that there differences in the construction of the Xlite and the Cougar- the floor and the amount of insulation being 2 of them.

I would be interested to see what you are seeing in this regard. Everything I have read, including on this forum, and my dealer say otherwise.

Looked at the Keystone site as you suggest, but I couldn't find anything citing build quality differences. Maybe I just missed it. Thanks.

[GmaPaTime]

Cougar 1957....Look for the Cougar brochure download on the website In that you will see a diagram for each model identifying all the build specifications.

[Festus2]

I would be interested to see what you are seeing in this regard. Everything I have read, including on this forum, and my dealer say otherwise.

Looked at the Keystone site as you suggest, but I couldn't find anything citing build quality differences. Maybe I just missed it. Thanks.

You may have missed the specs in the brochure for each. It appears that the Cougar has a higher R rating in their insulation used throughout the RV than the Cougar X-Lite. So, yes, there is a difference between the two as Tom pointed out in his post.

[Cougar1957]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction for that insulation spec...I see the difference in the brochure. The XLite uses block insulation with an R value of 9, and the regular Cougar uses fiberglass with a value of 14. Not a big deal to me since I was more concerned with getting a quality light weight unit that would serve me well. My question to the dealer was more about whether or not the super structure was as hardy, so I guess I cant fault him for not mentioning the insulation difference. Thanks all.

[Tom]

If I've learned anything during my many years of RVing it's to take anything a dealer/salesman says with a large grain of salt. Some of them will tell you anything to make a sale, some a are totally clueless and some pretty good.

Like Ronald Reagan said: "Trust, but verify".

[Mimi & Poppi]

We have a 29 RET and while there have been a few things we have changed, added and repaired, overall this has been a great experience. We did add a divider built to fit the cabinet over the sink area to put our plates, bowls and slots for the glasses to keep them from co-mingling while we drive down the road. The storage above the microwave and refrigerator are not as accessible so a 2 step stool is mighty handy. (slid in the space by the couch when folded down). The storage under the bedroom if left open in the heat/cool affects the bedroom greatly...I like the idea of insulating the ceiling/floor of the bedroom area.
We took the table loose from the floor to be able to move it into the living area to play cards...we have a group that camps with us and we like to play cards if it is raining etc....and this allows us to have the 4 chairs (we have a dinette set) and footstools and couch to get everyone around the table.
We learned the hard way to always check the currency coming through the converter....and thank you to the Keystone forum! We had to replace the converter due to a pretty big jolt to our rv...but through the forum and the peoples comments and helpful hints we tracked it through the electrical system to the converter replacement...
We also drive a Chevy Silverado HD 2500 Gas 3.73 Axel and it pulls great...going up steep hills it is a little slower...but 'slow and steady wins the race'...:)
Overall, being a first time '5r' we like it a lot.....

[Bowti]

We are very happy with our 28SGS. We especially like the opposing slides and the large windows which makes the unit seem larger than it is. Also the direct view of the TV from the seating area was a big deal for us.
So far we have made two mods, first was to replace the couch with a lazyboy wall hugger loveseat recliner (best mod ever) and second was to put in an access door for the dump tank handles (also a big deal for me).

So far very happy with our 5r.

[Bushman512000]

Hi We have a 2008 1/2 ton series 5er called- a 276RLS or 27.6feet rear living room slide GVWR 10,160lbs its ok for 2 people like Us but not a trailer for full timers I have added many mods as a central Vac, wet bolts and 10 ply tires also a mounted 3000 Honda gen. We boon dock a lot..I also have a rubber ride pin box for a better ride .I use a old Dodge Oil burner to drag it down the road not a big deal the trailer is made as well as any other ones out there I think the government needs to have some control on the trailer builders to do better work for safety sake but that is not a concern it seams get a good one is the luck of the draw....The best to You Bushman and happy trails...:D

[Cindy_N_Gary]

We are another pair of happy 26SAB owners. Ours is a 2012 that we bought new in March 2013.

We pull it with our 2012 F250 6.2L gas crew cab 2WD with no problems. We pulled it from Indiana to Glacier NP in Montana last summer and this summer to Acadia NP in Maine, then on to D.C. and Shenandoah NP in Virginia. In the Rockies last year I was passing diesels pulling bigger trailers up steep grades. We don't push it hard at all and it cruises right along.

[Wrenchited]

We purchased a 2015 x-lite 29rli w/high country package in May 2015. 2010 Ford F-150 screw fx4 5.4L tow vehicle. Very happy with the extra room. The awning is small, but we like the triple slides. From PA. we traveled to Mass., Bar Harbor Maine and several trips up & down route 81. We're very happy with our 5er. Happy shopping

[Fishhawk]

Our input on Lite models would be

We bought our 2015 Cougar lite 29RLI in Oct
Did some weekend camping and have Enjoyed it very much so far
We're leaving in a week for a 3 month camping trip to the Gulf coast
This trip should shake out some pros and cons of our camper I suppose
We have many things now that we like about our camper and
The only complaint as of now, which probably pertains to all campers with the frig in a slide out, is the frig fan noise.
In this cool weather it wont be much of an issue though until I return home and can hopefully replace it with something quieter.

We have camped in 25- 38 deg weather in the mountains and feel like the insulation and actual run time of the furnace and elect heater, as compared to our former non- lite camper was normal ,
very acceptable and comfortable in our 29RLI Lite
We are fine with the overall build quality
It's also perfect for our truck and our wallet:)

A comparable model to our Cougar Lite but in the regular series
would weigh 2,000 lbs more and can cost around $10,000 more

So, are there gonna be differences in the two models?
Yup

Which one is the "right" one
Is Just going to depend on what works for each person

Enjoy whatever you decide to buy!!!

[GmaPaTime]

Very well stated Fishhawk.... Same here, same model. :)