| We are considering either a Rockwood Mini Lite 2511S or a Keystone Cougar 22RBS. I was wondering every ones thoughts on the build quality of each. My thoughts so far Cougar Pluses Thicker walls and pass through doors (slam latches) More headroom Trussed Roof vs Bonded Less expensive (in this case 2022 model) Better extended season insulation Minuses No Adzel! Leaf springs Slide walls in slide, are not bonded Rockwood Pluses Vacume bonded 2 sided Adzel on all walls Torsion Bar suspension Aluminum Framed plywood floor A little better finished cabinets Minuses Bonded Roof (perhaps) Really thin Passthrough doors with no slamm latches Have heard bad reviews of Forest Rivers warranty responses Any thoughts Thanks for the help, this is a big purchase for us (hopefully our final trailer) |
Keystone Cougar vs Rockwood Build and Quality
- Thread starter hoss10
- Start date
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Isaac-1
Well-known member
What really matters is the build quality of the specific unit, so inspect inspect inspect
Arch Hoagland
Well-known member
If Momma aint'happy, NOBODY is happy!
Which one does your wife like the best? There's your answer.
Which one does your wife like the best? There's your answer.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
I don't see any major factors in your pros & cons, and both models are roughly the same position & price point in their respective brand line-ups. I think I'd give more weight to any differences in floor plan or amenities that suited best. Especially the "Momma" factor. As was pointed out, quality CONTROL in Rvs is almost non-existent - you can get near-perfect or a real lemon in either brands.
The difference that makes me the most hesitant is the lack of Adzel in the Cougar I'm a cabinet maker and I have seen what water does to Luan!
There is a considerable price difference, the Cougar is a 2022 model and Rockwoods are hard to find up here in Ontario Canada so few deals.
My wife likes the Cougar.
There is a considerable price difference, the Cougar is a 2022 model and Rockwoods are hard to find up here in Ontario Canada so few deals.
My wife likes the Cougar.
Isaac-1
Well-known member
The question then becomes what corners are they cutting to pay for Adzel and still be price competitive, what is the roof and floor structure, how thick is the frame tubing, etc.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
The Adzel is a risk management thing. Worth the extra cost IF you get water penetration in the wrong places. Otherwise no extra value vs laminated filon/luan. I've owned several RVs over 20 years and never experienced a leak where Adzel wood have saved the day, but "your mileage may vary".
As a cabinetmaker, I would think you would be unimpressed with the craftmanship & materials throughout those two models, but I haven't been in a Cougar in ages. Maybe they are doing better these days?
As a cabinetmaker, I would think you would be unimpressed with the craftmanship & materials throughout those two models, but I haven't been in a Cougar in ages. Maybe they are doing better these days?
DutchmenSport
Well-known member
STOP! Go no farther. That's your answer! Give up now and just concede. You can continue to argue quality, build, price, financing, or anything else, it doesn't matter. What "she" wants is what you need to get. Done! End of debate.
Arch Hoagland
Well-known member
hoss10....How long have you been married?
whiteva
Well-known member
Often I am asked "how in the world have you been married for 47 years, what's the secret?" ???? simple, remember 2 words.... YES DEAR!
Also "No you don't look fat in that"
Just a fail safe, occasionally purchase for her some sort of clothing in a size 2.
Also "No you don't look fat in that"
Just a fail safe, occasionally purchase for her some sort of clothing in a size 2.
Bearcatrp
Well-known member
Pass on the keystone unless you want your 1st year getting warranty work (if the approve it) most of the 1st year.
Martian
Well-known member
Our Cougar 22RBS was found by the wife on a sleepless night of surfing. One of the best things I ever said "Yes dear, if that is what you want" to. Construction is far superior to what it was on our Rockwood. King size bed and plenty of headroom for 6'4" folks. No wood in the floor and aluminum framing. The only thing that impressed on the Rockwood was the torsion suspension but a Cougar with rubber equalizers and wet bolts all around is very close.
Gary RV_Wizard
Site Team
I luv these topics. 
One guy swears a brand is a total POS while another lauds it. Amply demonstrates the inconsistency of RV quality, I think.
One guy swears a brand is a total POS while another lauds it. Amply demonstrates the inconsistency of RV quality, I think.
Martian
Well-known member
Right on the money Gary. The sequential serial number unit to mine took over a week to get prepped. Somewhere in the 3 to 4 hour range for ours. Took longer for our trade in to be inspected. In the end, I found something no PDI would have found. A minor leak where the outside speaker meets the angled bezel. Ten minute fix once I found the butyl rubber!
