Keystone cougar or FR wild cat TT?

[Donahoo1]

My husband and I are looking to get more living space and are looking at the keystone cougar 28rls travel trailer or the Forest River wildcat 27rls. When you read the reviews both keystone and forest River do not have great write ups. Has anyone had experience with travel trailers from either companies that you could share with me? We need a trailer in the 7000 lb range with great living space. I appreciate anyone's insight.

[Vulcanmars]

My first TH was a Keystone, only two issues in 4 years of good use. One of our kids bought a Keystone Passport last year, only issue was a defective AC unit.
We bought a FR Wildwood this year. Lots of warranty work so far. Nothing catastrophic just a lot of poor workmanship/assembly issues. waiting on some parts for the forth trip back to the dealer. I would have bought the Keystone if they had the floor plan we liked. I would not buy any of them if I was a smart man....

[ol__yeller]

We bought a 243RKS Cougar back in 2006. We loved the size, the layout, the light inside. It did take us 2 years to get all the design issues repaired and they were significant. Things like the black tank that leaked and clogged often or squealing brakes that finally took an independent shop to fix. Keystone was helpful but our dealer was clueless and inept. After we got it sorted, it was a very reliable and comfortable TT for us.

We looked at Northwood (Arctic Fox) at that same time and found them to be very well built albeit a little more pricey than the Cougar for comparable size. I thought it was because the Nortwoods were constructed for 4 season use but we found the interior to be a little claustrophobic due to small windows. The Cougar had much bigger windows and more of them. Where we camp (the Great Northwet) light was more important than insulation.

[elivi8]

I have a Keystone Cougar and have no issues with it. We like what it offers for the price. Sure, you could get a Northwood but the cost is a lot more. I would love one! But the Cougar is good for us.

Ryan

[caseyhoward]

Northwood is one of the best RV 's on the market... I've had many RV's the Northwood Nash is much better then any other I have owned.

[Hannibal]

Whichever one doesn't have cable driven slide mechanisms.

[belairbrian]

JMO but based on my experience. I've owned two keystones. First was a Springdale. Pretty much entry level but fair value for the price. Then we went to a Cougar. a step up the keystone line. Again not a bad unit but just thought the fit and finish wasn't that great.

Went to the current unit a Chaparral by Coachmen. It is one that was built after forest River redesigned the line. The fit and finish seem way better than the Cougar.

[ScottG]

While Northwood may be built better in some regards, they are no better in many others.
My friend had far more visits back to the dealer for repairs than my WC ever did and for very serious issues as well (water leak that required most of floor be removed and slideout that colapsed into the floor because of poor roller mounting and other issues). Some of the things he had to fix himself as the facotry had no clue.
Frames used to be a big issue but that seems to be a thing of the past and WC frames will hold up just as long (mine has).
Look at all of them and buy the one you like but don't just look at the shiny stuff, check out the hardware as well (shocks, suspension, load capacity, etc.

[ejmorgan]

Take a look at the models offered by Northwood Manufacturing. The factory is located in eastern Oregon. Superior build and insulation quality, but cost a little more.

Northwood Manufacturing

Ed