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Lets see what you are towing!

neeginan said:
Got a smokin' year end deal on a new 5er over the weekend. Trading in the 2022 Apex Nano 213rds on a New 2023 Keystone Cougar 24rds 5th wheel. Saw an opportunity to low ball them because they sure didn't want a New 2023 on the lot going into 2025. This is the Cougar '1/2 ton towable' series, but that name is a stretch. I wanted to stay on the smaller/ lighter side because it's just my wife and I and the dog. Plus, our diesel megacab 2500 is pretty light on payload itself. I think its rated at 4 duck feathers, two jelly beans and a beer fart or two. You get my drift. In actual numbers it's 1850 lbs. Pin weight on the 5er is 1400 lbs dry weight. Probably closer to 1500. I am not trying to start a payload discussion. I am completely comfortable with this size and weight of trailer with the capabilities of this vehicle. I realize that I must empty my bowel in the morning before hitting the road or I will be 2 eggs and 3 sausage links and some whole wheat toast over.

I will post a pic or two once I pick here up in a couple of weeks.
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The 24RDS is a great camper overall and it tows nicely, although anything in the dining area has to be really tied down! I had a Curt Q20 manual slider until a conversation on here led me to do my own research and discovered the Q20 and kingpin on the Cougar are a mismatch. I have since changed to the A20 manual slider. I don't think a slider is really necessary with the 24RDS and in fact I really only use it when hooking up at odd angles. Sliding the hitch to the rear allows me to hook up at odd angles without the tailgate coming in contact with the camper. Very handy with some of the off camber sites we've been in. Also, a set of Airlift 5000 bags with the internal jounce bumper keep the truck planted. I run 0 psi empty and 5 to 8 psi with the camper connected.
I agree "half ton towable" is a stretch, but these aren't half ton trucks. But if you do get concerned about the pin weight, the freshwater tank is all the way to the rear and a full tank weighs in the neighborhood of 451 pounds IIRC. Moving the spare tire from the front storage area to the rear hitch will add a bit to that as well as give you a lot more room up front.
Enjoy!
 
wrvond said:
The 24RDS is a great camper overall and it tows nicely, although anything in the dining area has to be really tied down! I had a Curt Q20 manual slider until a conversation on here led me to do my own research and discovered the Q20 and kingpin on the Cougar are a mismatch. I have since changed to the A20 manual slider. I don't think a slider is really necessary with the 24RDS and in fact I really only use it when hooking up at odd angles. Sliding the hitch to the rear allows me to hook up at odd angles without the tailgate coming in contact with the camper. Very handy with some of the off camber sites we've been in. Also, a set of Airlift 5000 bags with the internal jounce bumper keep the truck planted. I run 0 psi empty and 5 to 8 psi with the camper connected.
I agree "half ton towable" is a stretch, but these aren't half ton trucks. But if you do get concerned about the pin weight, the freshwater tank is all the way to the rear and a full tank weighs in the neighborhood of 451 pounds IIRC. Moving the spare tire from the front storage area to the rear hitch will add a bit to that as well as give you a lot more room up front.
Enjoy!
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Hey, I really appreciate the feedback/experience. Thanks.

I did a ton of research and have decided on the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package. The one WITHOUT the heavy slider. I plan to mount it with the head in the farthest back setting - I think it is 4" behind the axle. That, plus the cap cutaways that are designed into the Cougar Max Turn Technology, from my calculations I should be able to do a theoretical ~90 degree turn or close to it on a level surface. BTW - I don't believe in 90 degree turns and won't do them, due to the stress and strain on trailer hardware/shackles etc. But I do like the cab clearance so I will mount it back to create more room. Might as well give as much room as possible for this human's possible errors. There is very minimal weight transfer off the front axle when you are only 4 inches behind rear axle vs right over it - IIRC it is less than 100 lbs at 1500 lb pin weight. 4 inches of leverage is nothing compared to a bumper pull trailer where the weight is 48+ inches behind the axle.

Re the airbags, thanks for sharing that. And also the suggestions about weight balancing. For me, I have had good results in the past with Timbrens and have ordered a set. I just prefer the set it and forget it nature of them. I realize that airbags provide more adjustability for different towing situations. The Timbrens will be installed without the spacer - leaves about a 1 inch gap before they engage to save the unloaded ride quality. I was making jokes about the payload of our vehicle, but I am not at all concerned about this truck and trailer combo. I appreciate you sharing the info re the freshwater tank and spare tire info - very good to know for load management. Thanks again.
 
We are liking our Cougar 24 RDS since 2021 and have been pleased with her. Jinxing myself here i guess but we have had minimum repairs or problems with it. What I appreciate about it though is the length and ease of manoeuvring, with some of the camping sites in Ontario its a good thing with my mediocre driving skills. :rolleyes:
 
unclelala said:
We are liking our Cougar 24 RDS since 2021 and have been pleased with her. Jinxing myself here i guess but we have had minimum repairs or problems with it. What I appreciate about it though is the length and ease of manoeuvring, with some of the camping sites in Ontario its a good thing with my mediocre driving skills. :rolleyes:
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Well, I will admit that the slide arrangement is less than convenient. I am able to access the bedroom with the wardrobe slide in, but the living room slide blocks all access to the bathroom and bedroom. The TT version of this camper has the hallway in the center, passing through the bathroom, which allows access with the slides closed.
 
wrvond said:
Well, I will admit that the slide arrangement is less than convenient
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True but we try to avoid a stop to use the RV bathroom but if we do we usually have to pull over some where where the slide is not jutting out in traffic. I'm way worse at holding my business than the wife but I have found that depending how desperate I get that the passenger side in between the truck and the RV pointing away from the road is a good EMERGENCY alternative. (Can't believe I just shared that with the world.) :(
 
unclelala said:
True but we try to avoid a stop to use the RV bathroom but if we do we usually have to pull over some where where the slide is not jutting out in traffic. I'm way worse at holding my business than the wife but I have found that depending how desperate I get that the passenger side in between the truck and the RV pointing away from the road is a good EMERGENCY alternative. (Can't believe I just shared that with the world.) :(
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As a camper/traveler and also driving a ton for work…..my infantile bladder is a real challenge at times! Don’t fret….I will let it fly anywhere I need to in lieu of soiling me draws. Happy camping!


Sent from me
 
And then with no rain in the forecast, it downpours….
 
Always….for 5 minutes just to acknowledge your efforts!


Sent from me
 
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