Considering a fifth wheel

[mayberryman]

Looking at a 2015 Keystone Cougar fifth wheel 327res. Any problems with the auto leveling system or any other issues, likes or dislikes? We have never owned a fifth wheel. Input appreciated.

[MartyMoose]

Once you have the 6 point hydraulic system you will never have one without. Unhitch, hit the button and it's leveled in seconds ( quicker then you can crack open a "pop").

[mayberryman]

Seattle Lion , we have a Ford F250 SRW short bed crew cab diesel. Thanks for the info.

[Retiredatlast]

we have maximum trailer package and calculations show we can have around 1800LBs on King Pin. Checked all ratings and actual weights and shows we can pull at least a 5er that is 8,000lbs (loaded) - using the 25% rule that gives us 1600 lbs pin weight after we have reduced the tow vehicle weight by occupants and furry friends, etc.
Are you saying this calculation is incorrect? Vehicle is rated to tow 11,000lbs.

[laknox]

Retiredatlast wrote:
We have just retired, bought a 2014 F150 Ecoboost 6cyl 3.73. Looking to buy light 29-32 Foot 5th wheel and will travel south from Ontario Canada for winter months. Any suggestions on best model to purchase. We know it must be in the light category - there are some very nice models out there....too many!

You're =very= unlikely to find something that your truck will safely handle in that size range. Should have bought the FW first, then matched the truck to it. Never forget, it's what you can CARRY, not what you can TOW. A 1/2 just doesn't have much carrying capacity, even the newer ones. With the 6 cyl., you'll struggle on grades and in wind, too. You might be much better off to consider a bumper pull.

Lyle

[Retiredatlast]

We have just retired, bought a 2014 F150 Ecoboost 6cyl 3.73. Looking to buy light 29-32 Foot 5th wheel and will travel south from Ontario Canada for winter months. Any suggestions on best model to purchase. We know it must be in the light category - there are some very nice models out there....too many!

[Seattle_Lion]

We have a Bighorn with Lippert Level-Up, 6 point auto leveling system. We love it. In fact, I would never go without it again. We went to a fiver from a TT. The stability is way better. Sway is no longer a problem. In a strong wind gust we feel it, but it corrects instantly. One thing, you need a truck that can handle the weight. Our trailer weighs 13,500 with about 3,000 lbs on the truck.

[C_B_]

BillB800si wrote:

C.B. wrote:
C.B.

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Ah, how do you stabilize the rear of the RV at only one center point?? That one center point acts as a pivot point not a stabilizing point. Acts like a teeter totter on a playground???

It does not have to stabilize up and down motion. The 6 point level up does that. I only has to stop left to right & right to left movement which it does very well.

C.B.

[goducks10]

Where do you see auto level for a Cougar? It's not listed as standard or optional equipment. Never the less it's probably a Lippert setup.

[BillB800si]

C.B. wrote:
Ours is a Cedar Creek so I can't comment on the Cougar. What I can tell you is you're going to love the level-up system. It works great and take most of the wiggle out. What was left still bothered the DW and me. Here's what I did to stop the rest.
Brackets welded to hitch receiver.
Stabilizer installed.
C.B.

===========================

Ah, how do you stabilize the rear of the RV at only one center point?? That one center point acts as a pivot point not a stabilizing point. Acts like a teeter totter on a playground???

[Duke-44]

I have had 2 Sundances by Heartland. Take a look a them.

[TakingThe5th]

We have had two Cougars, a 2008 318SAB and now a 333MKS. We enjoy them. DW loves the storage, layout and large shower. Workmanship is just OK. The 333MKS has improved suspension and tires over the 318SAB but we do not have auto-leveling. We do long weekends once a month and it works well for us.

[Gsport]

My last two 5th wheels were cougars. My last one was the 327res. Both seemed to always have things wrong. I'm now in a Grand Design, 39' Solitude. The cougar, to me, seems like an entry level 5th wheel

[mayberryman]

Great idea. Thanks for your input!

[C_B_]

Ours is a Cedar Creek so I can't comment on the Cougar. What I can tell you is you're going to love the level-up system. It works great and take most of the wiggle out. What was left still bothered the DW and me. Here's what I did to stop the rest.

Brackets welded to hitch receiver.





Stabilizer installed.




C.B.