2003 Keystone Cougar 295

Thanks for your input phillyg! We looked at 3 other used Cougars on our shopping quest. Honestly I didn't see any issues on the ones we chose not to get. Mostly we liked the floorplan of the 295. The other two we saw had a less than desirable floor plan. One had some weird mods I didn't like and the other had been rode hard and put up wet so to speak as the couple had half a dozen kids so the interior was a little rough lol.

We just sold our 2002-03 Cougar 286 FW. It was in great shape and was better made in our opinion than our new signature FW. Never had anything break in the Cougar and the fabrics were superior.

Thanks so much for the input. The A/C does work as he turned it on for me. The unit was winterized as it had pink solution in the lines and the water heater was unplugged. I checked the slides and they seemed to operate quite smoothly. Once I get it I will probably get on the roof and inspect for any caulking needed. What's the proper caulking called? Eternabond or something like that? I also inspected the exterior fiberglass for any waviness for delamination issues but it looks very straight despite faded decals.

For official purposes, the model year will be what the state has listed on the registration.

A 12 year old fiver that has been well maintained can last many more years. Minor cosmetic issues are to be expected. I'd actually get up on the roof if the owner lets you. You want to make sure there are no neglected areas such as missing or seriously cracked sealants. Your looking for water leaks is a really good idea.

I'd also ask to check out all the systems. Fill the water tank and make sure the pump works and it doesn't leak. Make sure the slide out works correctly. Verify the landing gear is working without any unusual noises. Does the AC work? Do the gray and black tank dump valves work? While it's plugged into shore power, use a volt meter to make sure the converter is working.

Keystone products such as the Cougar have been known to have some quality issues, but as long as the structure and roof are good, you can work around other problems.