Community Forums

X-rated · 09-30-2022, 11:28 AM

Shopping for a new 5’er. A few good dealers near me, kinda have it narrowed down to an Avalanche or a Cougar. Pricing is similar on both, which of the two is considered better or higher quality? It’s a friggin’ jungle out there!

**Camp CA** · 09-30-2022, 12:11 PM

My two cents......since they are both Keystone products likely good quality. If I am not mistaken, the Avalance is higher end vs. a Cougar. I have a Montana (nearly 3 years), previously a High Country (6 years) and an Everest (10 years).........all Keystone products. The Montana is the best trailer I have ever owned with lots of features, good value for money and no issues.

You just got to look at all the specs including weight and features (central vacuum cleaner, solar, inverter size, etc. to compare ...........make a list and decide for your self.

**Camp CA** · 09-30-2022, 01:25 PM

This thread might answer your question: https://rv-dreams.activeboard.com/t4...-vs-avalanche/

X-rated · 09-30-2022, 02:03 PM

Thanks Camp….Good info!

Persistent · 09-30-2022, 02:40 PM

Keystone, Dutchmen, and Kodiak all get warranty support through Keystone. I have a Kodiak Cub. The water pump was cracked when I bought it. I could not get a warranty replacement because I could not prove the crack did not occur after I took possession.

Other posts on iRV2 have reported soft floors. The support desk response is they are not rated for full time use. The owner could not prove he did not occupy it full time. No warranty.

That does not mean youcan not get a good experience from them. It just reduces how likely it is to be a good one.

I would bet on other brands.

RVnAggie · 09-30-2022, 10:46 PM

I’m a Keystone (2016 Alpine) owner myself.
Historically, the Montana Alpine, and Avalanche have been the “luxury” or upper crust group of 5ers for Keystone, whereas the Cougar has been a notch lower, but still a nice unit. The lines have no doubt blurred some in recent years and I haven’t been shopping lately, so there’s my disclaimer.

A few areas that will generally indicate a step up or down are…..

1. the “quality” (using that term loosely) of the upholstery on the sofas, recliners or theater chairs. I suspect the Avalanche will be a bit nicer or appear to better appointed. You might also see a difference in the quality and thickness of the mattresses as well.

2. Frameless windows - Avalanche, like the Alpines and Montanas, will have these whereas the Cougars do not. Frameless windows are considered to be the upgrade.

3. (Perhaps the best indicator in my opinion, short of looking further at the frames) is dry weight and gross weight ratings for each on units of very similar lengths. Options and amenities will certainly affect the weight, but generally heavier = better. Avalanche will most probably be heavier than Cougar of similar length and will have heavier rated axles wheels and tires. A quick visual is to look for 8 lug wheels vs 6 lug; Cougar will likely be 6 lug where Avalanche will be 8.

Just a few things that are fairly easy to see or check when comparing the two on the lot.

Happy Hunting!

Gr8bawana · 10-04-2022, 03:26 PM

My wife and I bought a 2021 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel last year and this summer we took it out for a 3 1/2 month vacation across NV, ID, OR.
Over 7 thousand miles and we love every minute of it. The Cougar is very comfy.