Hi Duke-44, We have had good luck with the Cougar line (we have two). A few common complaints which I addressed with the dealer before delivery and had no problem once I brought it back for warranty. But again we have a great dealer. i)front cap fading (repaired 100% warranty)
ii) on board electronic panel (100% warranty)
Where I would be cautious is the lite vs. standard model,
to get to the lite (1500 series units) you need to be prepared to sacrifice something.
Check the wall thickness, lite tend to be thinner = less insulation hotter in the summer, colder in the fall. Some have complained that the front cap bed models get very hot for sleeping at night.
Check for framing (this is difficult, look at the specs) but lite models tend to have less framing, we had an awning tear out because it was bolted only in the wall skin, not anchored in a stud. Often framing is around windows, door and spread far apart along the length of the box.
Check interior cupboards, lite models tend to have shallow cupboards sometimes less are installed again because of the structural design.
Check the size of your basement and access to it. Although most are still pass-through, many are restricted in height. Good news/Bad news lite models often are lower profile to the ground (smaller tire size etc.) however this sometimes is an issue when trying to combine with a late model truck which tends to be higher profile.
So bottom line is "it depends" on what you want to do.
Weekend vs. long distance traveling; cost/benefit; tow vehicle; long term plans etc.
Good luck, whatever you purchase it will likely be your pride and joy.
GPG from Canada EH!
GPG 🙂
2014 Ford F250, 6.2L, 4.30 Ratio, 6 speed
2014 Cougar (by Keystone) 327 RES
