Nothing is perfect but that one is sure getting close for us. On the bedroom carpet, I like it for the sound deadening as much or more than it feel nice on bare feet. Room on either side of the stove top is such a necessity, loved it. No 30-30 gray to fight. Just so many things they did "right" for the way we like things. I would dearly love it if somebody figured out a way to give these things as much outdoor storage as my currently travel trailer has but I will admit, it's pretty unique in that regard. (2011 Heartland - North Trail Floorplan: NT KING 26BRSS)
Definitely one of my top favorites. Don't mind carpet in the bedroom, just no carpet in the slide(s) for sure. Don't mind the short queen as long as there is room for a true queen. I would replace the factory mattress no matter what. I would option the second air and why not bump up to the 400 solar/factory inverter. Thanks Nerd!
Josh Let me start by thanking you for the countless hours you put into these videos! My wife and I have been thinking about upgrading to a 5th wheel "grown up" couples camper now that the boys are older. Your videos have been a valuable resource along the way. For the past month, we have been leaning toward the 29RLI. I must have watched your 2022 video at least a dozen times. I am so glad you did a 2023 update! Why we choose the 29RLI? 1. It is in a sweet spot in terms of length for us. 32-34 ft Ideal weight - Towing with 2500 Gas 2. We wanted a 12v instead of a residential fridge - half our camping is done without electrical hookups. 3. Configuration was what we were looking for (camp side windows, recliner and couch, table instead of dinette) 4. Came packaged with: - 400W Solar and Inverter - Lithium Batteries - Tow with confidence package - Good Year Tires which were all on my list. All and all this camper checked off 90% of the boxes. If I was in Michigan I would have purchased from you !! Thanks again !!
Have the 2022 model and Loooooooove it!. The orientation of the windows to the camp side is one of our favourite aspects (for the life of me I can't understand why manufacturers make trailer windows facing to the neighbour's side). One thing we would change in ours? The bloody medicine cabinet! It sticks out too far and one bangs their head every time they lean over to brush their teeth.
Do you have to make the RV a little longer, heavier, and as a result, more expensive to put windows on the campsite like that. Windows on the driver side allows the RV to be a little shorter. And weirdly it’s the entry door that causes the issue.
Our friends have a 2022 version. Nice unit at a reasonable size. We like the dinette. That's just us. I could see pulling one of these behind our F250 !! 400i with the 12v fridge would be great !!
I really like this one. Prefer no carpet anywhere. A vacuum device is just another thing to have to keep aboard. For cold protection just put small rugs in the BR… What’s missing - outdoor camp kitchen like Jayco puts on the Eagle 28.5 RSTS. I know that’s dependent on floor plan but we use that outside fridge and storage so much, it’s become a must-have for our next step up. Just tweak this floor plan enough to work in that outdoor kitchen and we’re there…And that kitchen option doesn’t need the crappy cooktop Cougar has used in the past, just put a gas port and folks will use their Blackstones.
I'm just going to say it since you didn't Josh - Everybody and their brother's neighbor's uncle's second cousin makes this floor plan, but it's the execution that sets Cougars apart in my opinion. My only complaint is I feel they really missed an opportunity for a pantry, but did provide tons of kitchen storage in other ways. Like that the spare is in the front compartment too - no crawling around on the wet or hot ground covered in deadly snakes to get to your spare tire. :)
We love this model. My spouse and I appreciate your transparency and especially showing the units in travel mode. We are looking to do some work camping and this really has our attention. Thanks for doing such a great job and being so knowledgeable and adding the human touch to your videos 🤘🏻
We have 2022 model with 2nd ac and 400 solar. I really like the addition of window behind stove opening and the closet mods. Only thing I’d change are the fans … would be nice to have the 2 speed max air fans & covers factory installed for bathroom and living room areas.
I will buy one of these. Only possible defect, the kitchen hanging lights fall apart, seen the same ones in a Montana just fall down, think its too much sway stress on those rods. Also, great tip on the shower pan caulking, I dug the silicone out of mine that some PDI did to it from the dealer. Made all the difference. Love this model, much better than the similar size Grand Design Reflection 150.
I love how you show the travel setup of the RVs. That's a deal breaker for me... I need to be able to pull into a truck stop, or rest area and take a nap without having to open the slide.
Josh, my hubby and I LOVE your videos. Stumbled on you when starting to research them, and you're awesome!❤ Any shot this one or the new MLE would come with a king? Hubby is your height and I just don't think a queen will work. A camper queen is definitely out! Otherwise, this or the MLE is perfect for us! Thanks for all you do!
Not currently. I'm hoping they at least start offering a true queen. Word is that's in the works. You can get a layout like this with a king from eagle though. Here's a few you may want to peek at: ► Eagle 30.5CKTS (like the 29RLI Cougar): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zo-H7kz1XgI.html ► Eagle 24RE (More like the 25RES Cougar, but similar size to the 23MLE): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UsSJl2cKutA.html
Here's a few others with similar layouts btw: ► Brinkley Model Z 2900: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-JkOrP18MoBw.html ► Jayco Eagle HT 30.5CKTS: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zo-H7kz1XgI.html
Josh check the reviews on RV insider! IMO they are not testing them before delivery to make sure everything works! It’s obvious with some of the problems they are encountering . These RV’s are expensive and need to be 100% when delivered!!
I like the idea of carpet in the bedroom. We don't in our 368MBI and sometimes dirt gets tracked in and you don't realize until you step in it. Carpet would help.
Terrific rv!! Love those Cougars. The one thing I would really miss is a opposing window in the bedroom for airflow at night. I believe Jayco does this but I like the Cougars overall. Thx nerd...🐾😎👍
I really like this 5th wheel. I usually don’t like the bed in the N/S configuration but if I’m taking it out any way, it probably doesn’t matter, I just have to figure out how to make my craft room out of it for personal business. BTW, not sure if anyone is proof-reading your descriptions, but “This 32’ is “fart” easier…” 😂😂
Table definitely. I have the same windows on door side. I love sitting in recliner and looking right and seeing the door. My televator is on back wall and it can not swivel. I wish it did
I love this one too!!! I saw that this year they have a special edition of this model, but I can’t quite figure out what is special about it that wasn’t in the version before. Thanks for your help and for another amazing video!
They had some open slots in their production schedule and made a very limited run of "SE" models to fill the gap. Basically they were slightly decontented (though rarely in any significant way) and priced lower But once they were gone, they're gone
Should have combined my comments- but anyway- we have a 2021 24rds. We love it… one thing - if bathroom fan is on, picture on living room TV becomes pixilated. Not sure why…. Thinking about upgrading to this one.
Really enjoy the transparency you offer! Also the Specs pop up and the slides pulled in view is a very appreciated aspect of your content! Keep up the great work, when I'm ready I'll be making every effort to send my business your way
Nice layout--But the cable slide is an issue. I know they save weight with this option but larger axles that allow for a rack and pinion setup should be considered.
I've mentioned that to cougar. They're not opposed but those thru-frame slides will pose issues with many of the plumbing lines and holding tank locations on many existing models. It's a serious challenge for them to change
@@JoshtheRVNerd Interesting. I spoke with several Keystone reps at the Tampa show and they said they love how the cable slides work. They also said that repairs are literally a non-issue for them--under warranty. My understanding is that most of the issues do not appear within the first year--while under warranty. Difficult to know who to believe in this industry. 🤷♂
@@rd1860 Keystone monitors their top 5 problem areas on a weekly basis. Cable slides were appearing for a while so they focused on making sure suppliers were getting them better systems. Word is its now their lowest rate of warranty on any slide system but I have no way of verifying that. I know clients in general prefer rack and pinion for reliability reasons. The hard part is when a large scale brand like cougar is already established with cable slides it's difficult to move away from them at times. It can require complete rework of things like holding tank placements, plumbing, etc since the belly is now going to have a big obstruction in it. That can be an issue on smaller models that don't have extra belly space to give already
Nice travel access. As I said on yesterday's trailer post rather than a dinette or table/chairs I would prefer a breakfast bar/workspace. This one's floor space doesn't look as big but there might be enough room for a fold up table and chairs if more eating space is needed. If not there is nothing wrong with dinofa'ing. To paraphrase Edna, "No Carpet!". You can't see the truck bed from the auto level control panel location which will make it harder to hitch and unhitch.
Question- I love that closet revision! I looked at this 5th wheel other places on line - same year and model - closet was the old style… do you know if the revision is just an option- or did they revise mid - year? The other thing that was different from this version was it still had the old version of stairway handle… and I have worried about that - someone closing me in lol.
Btw, I found that the Swagman e-spec bike rack is one of the best and it’s fifth wheel approved, I trust ours, especially when you can’t see it while moving down the highway.
Hubby and I just purchased this exact model with the 400 solar package and 2nd air conditioner. I would have preferred the pop up outlets, you know outlets! Did I mention the outlets! Lol sorry just giving you a hard time! Thanks Nerd! Wish you were on the east coast and we would have bought it from you with the upgrades.
Great looking layout Josh! Just a couple things I'd like to see. Option for a dishwasher instead of the oven and a convection oven/microwave; and a height adjustable shower head for us short people. Also, outside storage area in the back on the door side.
I don’t mind the carpet In the bedroom. I like how they redid the closet area with drawers. I have the same closet slide but no drawers. My bathroom is a swing door that slides into and out of the bathroom at same time. I hate it. Wish it was a pocket door
We have a 2022. This is our first fifth wheel. I am having a really hard time being comfortable and not scared to death of a fifth wheel. Is there anyway possible Josh you can do a video on feeling safe hauling a fifth wheel. 😢
For suggestions, I’d say less side table and more sofa. No glass in the cupboard doors either. Can’t stand the foil pressed countertops. As far as the bed, why don’t they just eliminate the back breaker mattress and put in blow up air mattress just to show the bed, reduce the price since there is no mattress and let owners buy a mattress of their choice since that’s what they’ll do anyway. Those crappy mattresses are just filling up the land fills. And camp queen is a deal breaker. My husband is 6’4” tall.
All and all I like this RV( little kitten) like the radiant barrier and the white shroud air conditioning I would add another air to this like u mentioned and I love how it is in travel ..nap,crap and snack mode is good...lol 2 questions though it is really great to add a pet leash tie- up to this, as some RV s have it some dont, and a possible plug to add on to solar capability with a solar on the ground panel on wheels..hope manufacturers see the need for that too..Thanks for all u do Josh!!
so let me get this straight Josh..... they kindly give you a fridge but no inverter 🤔?? What am I missing? Kinda makes me feel like a money sucker situation. Just add more and more and you will have the perfect trailer....and choices are table and chairs, ZERO carpet as my floors are not cold when we arrive in Florida . We have dogs and no carpet is WAY easier to keep clean. Also dump the caret in storage area's. Man I think this unit is perfect if it came with inverter and no carpet. We have watched SOOOOO many of your videos and still enjoy hearing your voice.......Oh also second AC is probably a good idea too. Thanks for all your hard work, you have helped our decision for a new trailer. Cheers, Annie
I noticed on the 29RLI and the 23MLE there are only two levers in the docking station for emptying the tanks. Where is the third one? I like the 29RLI my other half loves the 23MLE. Your videos are awesome.
Second air! I know you live in the arctic, but even up there on a hot august day that single 15k would do good to get that unit down to 85 in the sun. Looks like a nice unit for a semi-compact. I’d rock it.
on the 2022 you could open the refridgerator with the slide in. As far as i know ( at least on mine ) you cant do that on the 2023. you get it about 4 inches open but that is about it
@Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV I will take some measurements. (Island to wall) and will also take some pics to send to you. Called Keystone today but they couldn't help since I didn't have my VIN# handy
@Josh the RV Nerd at Bish's RV Message from Keystone .... There are many rapid changes during manufacturing and it appears this area was one. I am not certain what they did during manufacturing to change this but not all units will be the same due to our manufacturing teams making changes during production. There are also times where we will do it one way and then at one point we switch to where you could either open it or you couldn’t.
I can’t think of one logical reason why this perfect floorplan with “plenty of room” has a standard camp queen bed🙁and any RV this nice deserves more than a Dollar Store 4” fart fan in the bathroom😢So close to perfect👍
@@JoshtheRVNerd It's at your home store. We are just waiting on our wolf pup. Our sons lawyer says they signed the paperwork for the title transfer and they had to send it back to you folks. Our kids are chomping at the bit lol I hope you feel better soon Josh that bug we all had last month was awful !!! I was hoping we get a call about when they want to deliver the unit; just to make sure we are going to be home that day, plus so we can make sure it has insurance on it before it gets on the road.
Love the shower built in seat, I like the carpet along the sides of the bed but nowhere else, I was going to comment too on the lighter colored graphics……love it over the previous! What is that white ashy stuff I see…..nuclear fallout! Lol
My wife and both love this. However, my wife doesn't want to give up the space in the bed of the truck with a 5th wheel hitch. What would be the most comparable travel trailer that has a washer/dryer prep? We do have a 3/4 ton gas powered Chevy. We would also need space next to the bed for my CPAP.
Very few trailers really have the space to allow for Washer/Dryer prep as it turns out. But there are a few certainly -- and with similar floor plans. There are floor plans like this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-43XnA2YSM5M.html where that bedroom closet has hookups. But even then it's rare
Could you please enter the bedroom and do a 360 with the camera? A lot of times we just get to see the entryway and the bed, and I can't tell if there are any other dressers on the opposite wall, or TV wall mounts, etc. My wife loves the bedroom TVs.
FYI. My 2023 29 RLI refrigerator will not open while the slides are in. The door hits the island countertop. Took it back to the dealer for correction. They were informed by Keystone that the opening of the refrigerator while slides are in is NOT a feature of this model. Therefore they will make no modification.
@@JoshtheRVNerd I’ve looked at keystone documentation on this model and can’t find anything mentioning this feature? In any case I’m fixing it myself looks like it’s a fairly easy fix.
I vote: No carpet in the bedroom. 1. When my cat hacks up hairball, she always goes to the carpet. 2. I like to hide the litter box under the bed and add a cat door. (Litter + carpet) = gross
Thanks for tell us it is a camp queen. I do not understand why Cougar continues to use one where they do not have to. I also wish they would publish the bed size on their floor plans.
We bought this and took our first trip a few weeks ago. Only complaint is there is a light that emits from the bedroom light toggle. Is there a way to turn the backlight off? We like it dark to sleep
Too bad that the windows on each side of the couch don't open! 😤😠 And in the bedroom, I wish that there was a window to open by the bed! I love everything else, nice Cougar! 😍
Finally a kitchen island that doesn't block the refrig. For something that has wheels mfgrs don't think anyone wants to grab a cold drink when they stop for fuel??? If a full size queen fits, put in a friggin full queen. Either I'm buying special sheets or replacing a mattress - Thanks Cougar and replace that ugly quilt thing on the bed.
Why why why did Keystone chose cable slide system on this otherwise perfect 29rli model? 😭 A rack & pinion wound have made it the perfect rig. Keystone, PLEASE update 🙏
Great review nerd! We just ordered this exact unit but opted for the booth dinette and added the slide out awnings, second AC and the 400w solar option. Really impressive product from Keystone, but still can’t understand how they get away marketing these as half ton towable 🤔
What is that green light ? Maybe I'm seeing things at the head of the mattress. I also wanted to ask you,have you ever heard of roof heaters for snow. Don't laugh yet,I know they exist. Just wondered if they have developed one for RVs yet? Now you can laff, laugh I can't spell crap..you know what I mean, I hope.
I don't see how this differs from my 2021Cougar Half-Ton 30 RLS. I'd be interested in knowing on Keystone's fifth wheel line, listed from least expensive to most expensive, what are all their brands/models in that order? Every time I think I know all their models; I see another offering. We like our 30 RLS, the sleeper sofa needs a foam topper on it, or you won't sleep well. I'd like to have a larger fridge. The pantry is fantastic and this unit tows so well behind our 3/4-ton Chevy 2500 HD gasser. Diesel isn't necessary and neither is a 1 ton on this specific RV. Half ton pickup's, no way, too heavy and you'll be pushed around and is totally unsafe. Still wish I would have gone with the Montana 3121RLS for the additional options. The hitch on the back is only 300lbs., that being said, be careful on what bike rack you select and e bikes because you can exceed the weight limit really quick and make sure your bike rack is 5th wheel approved. Nice review again Josheroo! lol
Josh, i’ve got a larger fifth wheel with the six point hydraulic leveling system. I realize the frames on these shorter fifth wheels are different but I was wondering if there is any way to replace the electric “SLOW” auto leveling jacks completely with a six point hydraulic auto level system? Thanks and appreciate your videos. Jeff
A few but I have an updated one coming soon. There are a lot of factors in FW towing Most people only check the trucks tow rating va the rvs empty weight but that’s a mistake You need to compare two things mainly: 1.) the trucks tow rating vs the rvs GVWR 2.) the truck’s payload vs the rvs hitch weight There’s more to it than that, but this may help get you started
Really boils down to camp kitchen vs max camp side windows Beyond that they overlap HEAVILY Eagle has a true queen Cougar has tank heaters Small little variances. But overall far more similar than different
Does anyone know which similar unit/Floorplan has a TV mounted on a televator? The TV drops down behind the fireplace and reveals another large driver-side window. I know I saw one once on one of these videos.
Uncle Josh, Doesn't this model Cougar come with an emergency exit; either in the bedroom or in the end window of the living space above the sofa? Thanks for your usual bang up job.
@@JoshtheRVNerd Thanks Uncle Josh, the 2023 29RLI is so good it almost makes the Cougar 290 5thW obsolete. Only difference between them is the lack of a washer dryer and a few gallons of freshwater capacity.
