Today’s RV review is of the 2024 Keystone Cougar Half-Ton 23MLE fifth wheel. Last year I remember seeing a prototype unit and I thought this was one of the better small fifth wheels I had seen.
Apparently, so did you, as you’ve made it a home run hit in the Cougar lineup, which is already a popular brand of RVs. Looking back on this floor plan, a few things have changed. But one of the biggest surprises, to me, is the change in price.
We all have watched big companies raise their prices on all sorts of stuff and then blame it on everything, but then their market value goes up. I was surprised to learn that this Cougar was almost $4,000 less than the model we looked at last year.
Further, I literally see no apparent reason for this. It’s not like there’s obvious decontenting [removing objects of features] or other things that make it seem less of a good buy. So what’s the deal, Shaquille O’Neal?
What is the Keystone Cougar 23MLE fifth wheel
Measuring in at under 28 feet in overall length, this fifth wheel offers a lot of usable interior space and functionality at this size.
At the very tail end, a kitchen spans the width of this trailer and makes a turn to extend a bit further down the camp side.
From there, there’s a choice of a booth dinette with the “Dream Dinette™” wall mount or a proper table and chairs.
Opposite that, in the slide, is the 12-volt refrigerator along with your choice of either theater seats or a hide-a-bed sofa. It’s a pretty spacious feeling lower deck, especially at this size. Consider this: My own trailer is a 22-foot box with about three additional feet of tongue, making for about 25 feet in overall length. This fifth wheel is under 28 feet in overall length but about three feet of that is over the bed of your truck. So, in theory, the combined length of the truck and trailer here is roughly the same as my own rig, but you get a lot more actual usable space and incrementally more cargo carrying.
The upper deck features a decent bathroom with a shower that incorporates a seat. The bedroom has wardrobes on either side of the short queen bed, but they’re not all that spacious.
Yep. It’s a shortie queen but, let’s be honest, you’re going to replace that mattress most likely anyway.
However, there is a wardrobe slide here with hanging storage and some drawers.
Details matter
There are a lot of things that Cougar does that I like. In here, you get an iN-Command® digital control system. However, virtually all the lights also have proper switches throughout the trailer, so those who prefer switches can still use them.
The iN-Command® does have the advantage of being able to be controlled by your smartphone or tablet and, quite honestly, I love using my phone to run the lights, slides, and awning. But we all know I’m a nerd.
There’s also a light switch right by the theater seats or hide-a-bed that controls the lighting around them. It also has a dimmer switch so you don’t have to ask your spouse to find your phone to accomplish these tasks without giving up the best seat in the house to your dog, who will give you “that look” if you tell him to get the heck out of your chair.
Another interesting thing is that Keystone is the only RV company that owns its climate chamber so they can put these things in there and test them. What they’ve found is that they are able to rate this for full functionality in temperatures from 0°F–110°F.
Other RV makers might call their rigs “polar” or “winter-ready” or whatever they want. But without proof, these seem more to be marketing hype. If your pipes freeze in your polar bear trailer at 20°F, you’ll know why actual proof is worth asking for.
One of the ways Keystone accomplishes this rating is with a central A/C system (for the summer, obviously). Keystone is one of the few to implement a filtered A/C system. Makes sense, right? We camp where there is dust and the filters on this can be replaced at your local hardware store.
Other things I like are the Goodyear Endurance tires with the MORryde CRE3000 suspension system. However, one odd thing. This has been prepped for a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) but doesn’t come with one. Bleh.
Boondocking and travel access
Typically, fifth wheels are a wash when it comes to travel access—but this one isn’t. The only thing the slide really prevents you from using downstairs is the three-burner propane stove and oven. Oh, and I’m smiling ‘cause this is a larger 22” oven.😁
Other than that, the main deck is fully accessible, as is the upper deck.
As for solar, Keystone has been a real leader in this field with their SolarFlex™ packages. This comes with 220 watts of solar along with a 50-amp charge controller.
There are upgraded solar packages right from the factory, but Keystone has worked with dealers so they can upgrade RVs on their lots and still have them covered by the warranty. These upgrades can include solar panels and lithium battery systems. It’s a well-thought-through program.
What I would change
I was surprised to see that this has two sewer connection points. Bummer. I know a guy who would easily plumb the upstairs gray tank to the downstairs gray tank and call it a day —but it would be nice if that guy worked for Keystone.
The TV in this is pretty high up on the wall on the camp side. I saw at least one other Keystone fifth wheel where the TV could drop down and be at a better height. Too bad it wasn’t this one.
There’s not a lot to dislike about this model, so my wish list here is pretty short. Well, with one BIG exception. The only area where Keystone and I don’t get along on this is in the naming convention.
Keystone calls this model a “Cougar Half-Ton”. I think that designation is disingenuous. Half-ton trucks come in such a tremendous array of capabilities that to imply that this is towable by a half-ton pickup is on the borderline of being dangerous.
Yes, there are half-ton trucks that can tow this. No, I don’t think most can. You can learn more on this towing resource which I wish more RVers would look at, as it truly can be life-saving.
Conclusion
Overall, I can see why this has been such a home run for Keystone. This floor plan really works well and is a spacious-feeling rig without being absolutely huge. Overall, a really good package.
Thank you to Josh Winters at Bish’s RV for the video and photos in this article.
More about these RV reviews
These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.
Tony comes to RVTravel having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.
You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy.
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Did anyone else notice the wavy raised edges of the floor on the slide out? Looks like great place to trip or stub a toe, if not early failure.
I breezed through the pics my first time around. But after reading your comment, both my wife and I went back for another look. Sure enough, a definite trip hazard.
In the video, Josh commented on that floor as space intentionally left – appears to sag where the heavy recliners are. Fridge is set back from the edge. but yes it does appear to nail the big or little toe for sure.
I am not making excuses for any RV maker but this is an extension of the vinyl flooring that replaces how it used to be done with carpeting. In colder weather, now, these don’t tend to lay as flat as they would when things warm up. It may also lay flatter once the furnace kicks in.
I will say my favorite of these flexible flooring options for slide rooms is that woven marine-grade flooring but mine will stay lifted for a little while when I first return to camping.
Thank you, Tony! Very interesting RV. I doubt that we’ll ever have RV #3, but you have convinced me to look long and hard at Keystone if we do get to that point. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
My Keystone Cougar is a piece of junk. Nothing but manufacturing created problems resulting in missed trips and time in the repair shop. After 8 months new, I’m told I need a new roof, and Keystone is balking at covering the roof under warranty. NEVER buy a Keystone RV.
It’s always possible to get a lemon and it seems that you may have. I can only speak to my experience working with Keystone at the dealership and say that we had really good results from them.
I hope your dealership is a great ally in all of this – one of the biggest differences between a great RV experience and a lousy one is often the dealership.
I wish you the best and appreciate your comment.
Counter space & a fair amount of pantry & closet space. I like the storage in the bathroom too. We have a 27′ Starcraft 5th wheel. It has the rear kitchen which I like. We almost exclusively boondock & take her on some really rough Mt. roads. If you pack accordingly things stay in place just fine. We secure the cabinets doors so things don’t fly out. Hasn’t been an issue in several years of camping. This Cougar is very similar to ours & I haven’t seen this much storage in most. We paid $32,000 for ours in 2017 new. I sure get sticker shock looking at new these days.
You are so right about “1/2-ton towable”, Tony. Our short Rockwood fifth wheel was only 26’7″ and 8,650# GVWR, but we towed it with a 3/4-ton diesel. Too many new fifth wheel buyers look at the dry pin weight, then think it is safe to tow with a 1/2-ton. The correct way to calculate the pin weight is to use 15% of the GVWR + 250# for a fifth wheel hitch + the weight of anything carried in the bed to determine rear axle load. In most cases, that weight will exceed the 1/2-ton truck payload capacity remaining when the cab passengers and all their cab gear are deducted from the door sticker cargo capacity. Generally the payload includes a full fuel tank and a 150# (?) driver, but not always.