help deciding on which one

billy1davis wrote:
I have narrowed down our search for a 5vr to a 2015 cougar m 279 rks or a 2001 presidential 29 ft'r for 11 thousand in perfect shape but weighs 14000 lbs or a 2006 Montana 29'ftr w gen for 25k also in great shape. I have a one ton dodge dually 5.9 diesel 2001 with 110k miles. I am leaning towards the newer cougar cuz of the weight being 1/3 less and thinking it would be alot better on the truck than the lighter cougar. But the older 5vrs are so much nicer and sturdy I think??

That era Holiday's are hard to beat !...

The saying " they don't make them like that any more" comes to mind...
BUT, it is 16 years old compared to the 2 year old Cougar...

Your comparing an entry level Cougar to a top of the line?

yes I know what I am comparing. What I am wondering is will the oldie but goodie start having problems cuz of age?

Well, the Presidential is the cream of that crop, but, 16 years is 16 years. Personally, I wouldn't buy an RV that old. The Montana sounds ok, if in good shape, but I think the price is a little high. If you can whittle it down a bit, that might be a good choice. As far as the Cougar, I'm no longer familiar with the line, but if it is entry level, it won't compare to the other 2 quality-wise. If you're not in a rush, keep looking. That is a wide range of fifth wheels you're considering. There are sure to be others out there. I looked for about 5 years. When you find the one, you'll know it. Good luck with your decision...

I'd take a lightly used well loved good quality oldie over a flashy blingy poor quality newy any day.

If necessary I don't mind putting money into a good foundation.

I wouldn't buy anything older than five years myself... thoese Oder units you are looking at may have cost to incur you have not considered beyond the cosmetic obvious things..

Some items that would require attention and cost you dollars if you can't do the work yourself are:
1. Brakes and wheel bearings. If worn out gonna cost
2. Leaf springs and bushings on the 2001 and 2006.... age and wear and tear has surely caught up to them and will cost you lots of labor dollars if you can't do job yourself
3. AC and other appliances on older units might be hard to get parts for if needed

There is nothing wrong with a nice used unit that has been card for and properly serviced and maintained... but if you buy an older rig just because then you might be unhappy later..

Just saying

Thanks for the input...helps tremendously and would appreciate more!

We have a 2010 Keystone Cougar 276RLS that we have towed probably 20K miles in 2 years. We are very happy with it and have not had any problems with it. We are the 3rd owner and went from two truck campers to the Cougar and couldn't be happier! It was like going from a cubicle to a real office. ;)

Here are the specs:

Model 276RLS
Shipping Weight 7220
Carrying Capacity 2960
Hitch 1380
Length 28' 9
Height 11' 8
Fresh Water 60
Waste Water 38
Gray Water 76
LPG 60
Tire Size 225/75R15D

I'd take the newer one - sure the older ones may be made better but it's still an RV not a house. Just too many things to go wrong with older trailers. There's a reason banks won't lend on older RVs... as the saying goes, follow the money.

Holiday Ramblers are well made. Many of their features carried over from year to year and Presidential is top of the line. Look at things like frame size, slide out rails and gears on the older and newer units. Newer light weights are fine for occasional weekend use. Most everything in any trailer is supplied by someone else so replacements can be had. Do your homework on specs, but picture you and your family actually camping in the unit.
Your Dodge will pull any of those units with ease.
Good luck with your decision and happy camping.