Outbacks and Cougars

[jerryc]

It seems that everywhere I go I see loads of outbacks and cougars. I'm curious to know what makes these brands so popular. Is it mostly an affordable price or are they just actually that nice? I've been looking at toy haulers for my family but I'd like to know more about these ones because I'm considering perhaps getting a smaller 5th wheel or TT and just pulling a toy cart behind. I've looked at the outback toyhauler models and don't think that would be enough garage space for me so thats no really an option.

https://www.youtube.com/Outback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdZVQ_ub9I)

https://www.youtube.com/Cougar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RvLj2eFqX0)

https://www.youtube.com/CougarXlite (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi-fSXsjysc)

[Festus2]

I can't comment on the Outback but the Cougar's popularity is due, in large part, to the fact that it gives you good value for your money. We've had one since '08 and have been very pleased with it. It didn't cost us an arm and a leg, has been virtually trouble-free and it suits the 2 of us just fine.

If you are planning to haul toys of some sort, I would look into a dedicated toy hauler rather than pulling a toy cart behind the 5th wheel. It would make things a lot simpler for you IMO.

Not sure what kind of tow vehicle you have but depending upon what kind of RV you decide on take some time to make sure that it is capable of safely towing whatever it is you decide to get.

[KanTC]

Cougar & Outback are 2 of Keystone's mid-priced trailers, and it's often said [here on the forum] that they offer "more bang for your buck" vs the competitors brands.
It's a buyer's preference, of course, and only you can decide what type or brand of RV suits your families wants/needs.

http://www.keystonerv.com/outback

http://www.keystonerv.com/cougar-xlite

When doing your research, keep in mind:
In most states, it's illegal to pull/tow anything behind a Travel Trailer; and regulations vary (state by state) for towing behind a 5th wheel. Check your IA state regulations,
and any states that you'd typically travel to.

Also be aware the majority of 5th wheel brands (industry-wide) aren't intended, nor designed, to pull/tow a 2nd trailer (& etc). Most don't have a (receiver) hitch & would
require some type of fabrication..... but, modifying the RV frame typically voids the Manufacturer's Warranty. The majority of RV Manufacturer's now provide an Owners
Manual online, and you can read them (prior to purchase), if it's relevant to you. Here's the current Keystone manual -
http://www.keystonerv.com/media/894590/krv_owner_s_manual_-_2015_-_3-19_-_1545.pdf

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot :)

[tirnanah]

We choose our outback due to the layout. We couldn't find very many other trailers that had the bunk house laid out in a way that made sense for us. With two young kids, they each get their own bunk, plus room for any friends that happen to come along with them... I would have rather had a 5th wheel, but our truck can't handle it and a new truck isn't in the cards yet.

[Desert185]

It seems that everywhere I go I see loads of outbacks and cougars. I'm curious to know what makes these brands so popular. Is it mostly an affordable price or are they just actually that nice? I've been looking at toy haulers for my family but I'd like to know more about these ones because I'm considering perhaps getting a smaller 5th wheel or TT and just pulling a toy cart behind. I've looked at the outback toyhauler models and don't think that would be enough garage space for me so thats no really an option.

https://www.youtube.com/Outback (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URdZVQ_ub9I)

https://www.youtube.com/Cougar (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RvLj2eFqX0)

https://www.youtube.com/CougarXlite (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi-fSXsjysc)

If you're considering a 5th wheel toy hauler, we are very happy with our Cougar 326SRX and it's 10' garage. It fits our needs, while isolating the toys from the living area. We've had essentially zero issues with the trailer and are content with the quality.

[jerryc]

Thanks Desert.(tx) I wasn't even aware that Cougar had a toy hauler option. I'll definitely check that out because I love the living style in Cougars.

[jerryc]

What about a Carbon TT? Anyone have experience with those? I've heard the 5th wheels are nice but haven't heard much about the TT toyhaulers.