First Keystone TT

[MXRacer]

Needed a trailer for racing BMX Nationals and some MX races. Previously had motorhomes and toyhaulers. After exhaustive research, I decided on a 2021 25RDSSWE Cougar Half Ton. Although I'm working on some battery gremlins, overall I really like the construction and love the floorplan and decor.

Being a racer, I don't like anything stock, so I did some immediate upgrades: black wheels with Goodyear Endurance tires, Dexter EZ-Flex equalizer with upgraded shackles, wet bolts, and brass bushings, Mor-Ryde frame braces on front/rear and center leaf spring shackles, tongue mount generator tray, and caulked all underbelly seams.

I also went a little wild with 3M auto vinyl after de-badging most of the Cougar lettering and decals. Since it's in the race pits alot, it got about 8 different colors...most metallic and some flip/flop pearls.

There are alot more mods to come, but this is what I've done in the first two months of ownership.

[jasin1]

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on the new trailer. I thought about adding some subtle graphics to my trailer as well
Post questions about issues you may be having and problems you solve.
A lot of good people on the forum.

[spicercars]

Welcome from northern MN.

[Uncoolron]

Welcome to the forum, MX Racer! I’m loving your graphics and upgrades. I do understand a little about racing and modding but I’m into cars back then.

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by jasin1

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on the new trailer. I thought about adding some subtle graphics to my trailer as well
Post questions about issues you may be having and problems you solve.
A lot of good people on the forum.

Despite a battery issue and disappointment that non-selling dealers refuse warranty work, I'm looking forward to many years of racing with this Cougar in the pits.

It tows exceptionally well with the EZ Flex Equalizer and the frame bracing and Goodyear Endurance tires give me additional confidence while towing. The floorplan is perfect and my wife loves the distressed white cabinetry. There is alot to like with the Cougar line and Keystone in general.

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by Uncoolron

Welcome to the forum, MX Racer! I’m loving your graphics and upgrades. I do understand a little about racing and modding but I’m into cars back then.

The graphics are really easy since the walls are flat. A heat gun helps it wrap around window edges. This is literally the first time I have worked with auto vinyls. 3M makes quality vinyls and Amazon will have it at your door by the next day.

Using the base graphics as a starting point, I just continued the theme with flat metallics, some chrome blues, gloss solid colors, and one pearl white that flips to blue. Plus I blacked out the door and windows which make the windows sort of disappear. It was alot of fun doing it. And I think I only spent about $600 on the film in total.

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by jasin1

Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on the new trailer. I thought about adding some subtle graphics to my trailer as well
Post questions about issues you may be having and problems you solve.
A lot of good people on the forum.

I almost forgot that I got a notice from Keystone right after I picked up the trailer that they forgot to vent the grey water tank vent line out the sidewall of the trailer.

I didn't want to drive from Sacramento back to Riverside for the warranty work, so I got a copy of the repair plan, and cut a hole through the side of my trailer and vented it myself using an aftermarket vent cover. It turned out really well.

The funny part is that the dealer wouldn't even supply me with the vent cover or abs pipe parts when they heard I would do the fix myself. I understand fully that any warranty work will have to be done by me. And seeing how the finish work in the wiring and cabinetry can be a bit sloppy, I'm convinced I can do a better job myself.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by MXRacer

The funny part is that the dealer wouldn't even supply me with the vent cover or abs pipe parts when they heard I would do the fix myself.

Not funny if you understand Keystone's warranty process. The dealer has to submit a warranty claim, have it approved by Keystone, then Keystone sends the needed parts and reimburses the dealer after they document that the repair is complete. Interrupt the process at any point, and the dealer doesn't get paid. Avoid starting the process, and the dealer doesn't get reimbursed for "his" parts.

[Gary R.]

Hello MX,

Congrats on the new Cougar, and I love the graphics!

Have fun and take care!

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by LHaven

Not funny if you understand Keystone's warranty process. The dealer has to submit a warranty claim, have it approved by Keystone, then Keystone sends the needed parts and reimburses the dealer after they document that the repair is complete. Interrupt the process at any point, and the dealer doesn't get paid. Avoid starting the process, and the dealer doesn't get reimbursed for "his" parts.

All good. I found a great aftermarket vent cover and my neighbor plumber said just cut the hole and it's just like working on a sink. I bought a $2 abs flange and cut, caulked, and attached the cover. I think it turned out better than factory. Thanks for the info on the process. I understand the dealer's point of view and still like them. Lol.

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by Gary R.

Hello MX,

Congrats on the new Cougar, and I love the graphics!

Have fun and take care!

Thanks! You should order a roll from Amazon and try it out. It's really easy.

[wborisenok]

Sharp setup!!! You did exactly the opposite of what I'm going to do. I'm stripping mine of decals so it's just black and white...to match my truck Will likely add some sort of decal down the road, maybe some simple stripes or something. Not sure yet!

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by wborisenok

Sharp setup!!! You did exactly the opposite of what I'm going to do. I'm stripping mine of decals so it's just black and white...to match my truck Will likely add some sort of decal down the road, maybe some simple stripes or something. Not sure yet!

Yeah, if this weren't a race-trailer, I would have kept it simple. But in the pits, it's easier to find your trailer when it's wild and colorful. The great thing is that you can wrap the entire trailer yourself for around $1500. It does require some time though. I spent every evening after work for two months to bring it this far.

My plan is to use this for the next few years, then move to a Super C motorhome, but my budget isn't quite there to feel comfortable dropping $350k on one. But the full-body paint will be wild for sure.

[gregrc75]

Congrats on the trailer. I like that floorplan alot.
Just a tip being your first Keystone. You can get many Keystone parts from this site:
trekwood.com
I have ordered cabinet doors, matching wall trim, etc..

[MXRacer]

Originally Posted by gregrc75

Congrats on the trailer. I like that floorplan alot.
Just a tip being your first Keystone. You can get many Keystone parts from this site:
trekwood.com
I have ordered cabinet doors, matching wall trim, etc..

Thank you. I will make note of that.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by MXRacer

Thank you. I will make note of that.

Just be aware their shipping charges will be equal to or more than the price of the part.