After a lot of research, we've boiled it down to these two choices for a new FW. Our TV is a 2012 Ram 2500 Crew Cab diesel with a 3.73 rear axle.We generally like both floor plans. The Eagle takes the edge with their night stand next to the bed (my DW uses a C-PAP machine) and the linen closet in the BR. Also we like the longer awning in the Eagle and the 2 yr. warranty. The Cougar takes the edge with their adjustable, expandable table and lower mounted microwave and fridge. Also, the Cougar has a lower hitch weight, despite the almost identical GVWR's. We also find the exterior of the Cougar HC more appealing.I would love to hear from owners of these two units as to your experiences with them, both good and bad.Thanks in advance for your input. We're close to pulling the trigger.

Absolutly no questuin, the Jayco

between a Cougar and an Eagle, no question, go with the EagleJim

As I said in a previous post, I had a Jayco Eagle and traded it in on a Cougar. The Jayco was better constructed but it was entirely too heavy at the kingpin for our single rear wheel truck when loaded. It depends a lot on the floor plan where your weight ends up. Don't believe the salesman.

We traded our Jayco Jayflight in on a 2013 Cougar 333MKS. Go with Jayco. The Cougar is not constructed as well.

Go with the Jayco, much better construction.

Jayco Eagle 33.5 RETS vs. Cougar High Country 327RES

jw99
Explorer
Mar 06, 2014
We were looking at the same two units. We went with the Cougar 327RES. The wife liked the interior of the Jayco Eagle a little more, but I have F-250 short bed, and the Jayco Eagle's front cap is more squared off on the front than the Cougar which has the 88 deg Max-Turn front cap. The Eagle is also has ~350-400# added weight on the pin. Just things to consider since you have a 2500.
jimmac28
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014
This is a good place to start with Jayco. They are about five miles from the the factory and the lowest prices. Get the price on the Jayco you want and shop that around to the dealer you want. By the way they
(RV connections) don't take trade in's.

http://www.yourrvconnection.com/
penney75
Explorer
Mar 04, 2014
No question, go with the Jayco
Gooselover
Explorer
Mar 02, 2014
We looked at the Jayco Eagle AND the Keystone Cougar 327res. HUGE price difference - over $20,000. However, the Jayco had a 2 year warranty and the Cougar had a 1 year warranty. Floor plan was almost identical - the Jayco had a lot of upgrades and looked more like an expensive home - $20,000 worth. However, the Cougar was gorgeous to say the least and had a TON of room and storage.

I, too, was a tad skeptical of the Cougar...read a lot of complaints - you will also hear about complaints on ANY product. But, on the Cougar, I did read a lot of praise!

For the amount of camping that we will be doing - this wasn't a hard decision. $20,000 was a lot of money! We pulled the trigger on the Cougar and we couldn't be more happy! We did go ahead and purchase the extended warranty for peace of mind.

If money is no problem, go with what you like....take into consider how MUCH camping you will be doing - is the extra money worth it for you? Also, check our YOUR dealer - this is so important to make sure you have after the sale customer service and that they don't just dump you after you have bought!

Again, we LOVE our Cougar!
B_Sjulestad
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2014
JEBar wrote:
between a Cougar and an Eagle, no question, go with the Eagle

Jim

X2 Good luck on your choice and happy camping
GPG52_
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2014
Interesting comment
"the Cougar has a lower hitch weight, despite the almost identical GVWR's."
I would suspect that is caused by the axle placement... & floor plan (i.e. rear kitchen)
Personally I prefer a little more pin weight (if you can afford it) and the axle placed further behind the frame it gives you better control over the coach.
A lower center of gravity also adds to more stability.
My 2c worth.
GPG :-)
spadoctor
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
Jayco...better built...better warranty...better customer service.
HappyCampers227
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
Jayco! Quality product and great customer service.
MO_Trout_Bum
Explorer
Mar 01, 2014
We have a 2012 cougar 327RES and love it. No significant problems yet. Added a 2nd AC unit but no other mods.
goukcats
Explorer
Feb 20, 2014
I have the Cougar in my sig & it has been a good RV. I can't speak of the Eagle quality. FYI, if you are considering a Cougar HC, you should be made aware they are being discontinued by Keystone. That will probably effect resale & depreciation. I have a Columbus ordered.