Possible new Keystone in my future

[dmatt]

Hey everyone. The DW and I are looking to downsize from our Class C. I was visiting the dealer we bought it from and he now carries Keystone TT. We really like the 2012 Cougar Xlite 21RBS. We both really like the floor plan, and I like the pull out rear rack that can be used for bikes, etc.

I'm also looking at Cruiser RV Viewfinder but the dealer is about 100 miles away and has quite a few bad reviews online.

So, I joined this forum to get some info, etc. on Keystone Cougars. I have heard of problems with Keystone, but I know every RV maker has quality issues, etc. Plus, I know I can trust the my nearby dealer for service, etc so

Anyway, that's my story and be prepared for numerous questions

[hankpage]

Welcome to the forum. I think you will find the folks here very helpful in making up your mind to join the Keystone family. I, for one, have been very happy with our Cougar. The only advise I can offer is to find a floor-plan that works for your family. Then go to the dealer and "Hang out" in it for a while without a sales-person just to get the feel of it. Maybe do the same with similar models to find the one that fits YOUR FAMILY the best. JM2¢. Hank

[JRTJH]

I don't have the rear "pull out rack" on my fifth wheel. Instead, I had a rear receiver welded and reinforced to the frame. The rear bumpers are not attached very well on many of the Keystone products and a lot of people complain about broken welds, loose spare tire assemblies, sagging rear racks, lost or damaged bikes, etc.

If you do get a Keystone (or any RV for that matter) I'd urge you to carefully inspect the rear bumper, how it's attached and monitor it closely during use.

While you're shopping, pull out the rear rack, stand on it, jump up and down and see how sturdy it is. Check this forum, do a search for rear rack, sliding rack, etc and do your research before you buy !!!!!

As for Keystone, in my opinion, they are as good as any and better than some manufacturers. I've heard the horror stories, read the "bitter reveals" of some people, but my personal experience with dealer, Keystone and product have all been pleasant. I'd buy Keystone again from the same dealer. Others may have a different opinion, but that's mine.

Welcome to the forum and do your research BEFORE you buy. That way you know more about what you're getting and how it works.

[Festus2]

Welcome to the forum. JRTJh's comments about the pull-out rack are worth noting. We have that rack and so far have not experienced any problems with it and the welds are being closely monitored. However, if you are seriously considering this feature, I would try to get the dealer to made some modifications to it as a condition of sale. You can search the forum and find what and how other members have done to their bumpers and racks to upgrade them and get the dealer to do something similar.
You can always "work around" this downfall --- it may not be a big enough issue so as to stop you from buying it.
If you have any questions, please find an appropriate category and post them there rather than in this New Member Check In section. Thank you.