We just purchased our first fifth wheel - it is a left over 2007 Keystone Cougar, Model 291RLS.

We are SO very excited. I've always wanted a fifth wheel and even though I was sad to see my hybrid of 4 years go - I am so happy I don't have to open up that tent end anymore!

Yeah for me.......

Jody

Jody,

Congratulations, and enjoy!!

Rusty

Jody & Jeff,

How wonderful. There's nothing like an rv you don't have to fold up - especially when it's raining.

Cougar is a good choice. Our Cougar served us well for 2 seasons...then we got bit by the MH bug.

L-

If there a check list somewhere for the hitch/unhitch process? This is our first fifth
wheel and with the PDI going on I am sure to
miss something?

Jo

This was the sequence we used when we had our 5-r:

1. Remove latch pin on hitch
2. Lower tailgate (if you have a hitch tailgate installed on your truck, you might be able to disregard steps 2 & 12 - check first though)
3. Back truck close enough to the king pin to check the height
4. Lower landing gear on 5-r until the pin is showing at an angle that will have it go inside the hitch jaws
5. Back the truck up some more until the pin makes contact "seats" into the hitch
6. Check hitch jaws to be sure you have made connection with the pin & that the jaws are locked around the pin
7. Insert latch pin
8. Connect the break away and electric cables
9. Raise landing gear to an inch or less above the ground
10. Do a "pull test". This involves engaging the 5-r brakes (with whatever breaking system you installed in your truck) as you try to slowly pull away with your tow vehicle. If properly hitched, your 5-r will stop the truck from pulling away. This step will insure that the 5-r pin is FIRMLY connected & locked into the hitch. I feel this is a very important step to be sure your pin doesn't come out of the hitch somewhere down the road. There can be a lot of damage to both the 5-r & tow if the pin comes out of the hitch during travel. Also, having the landing gear just slightly above the ground will eliminate or reduce any damage should your pin come out of the hitch during your pull test.
11. Finish raising the landing gear.
12. Close tailgate.
13. Do a final walk around entire unit & site to be sure nothing was missed & nothing is left behind (or connected to shore power, water, sewer, cable...etc)

Others may have different sequences, but this one worked best for us.

Your dealer should allow you to practice this enough so that you feel comfortable doing it. Ours did. It's a lot to remember (until you get used to doing it) at first & it's easy to forget a step.

L-

This message has been edited. Last edited by: NLOVNIT,

Very good sequence! #9 step is an important one.
As a security precaution I always do "step #8" after step #4. This way I can "hand brake" the wheels of the 5th W while I back in and the 5th W can't move at all! Same thing when I unhitch:"hand brake" the 5th W and I unplug only once the rv pin is out the hitch.
Play safe and have some very good time with your new 5th W!

Thanks everyone!

We've camped 4 times already in 2 months.
Go again 2 more times in May!

Can't wait for the 2 week one end of July...



Jo

We have owned 3 Keystone products, Cougar TT, Mountaineer TT and a Mountaineer 5th wheel. We have enjoyed them for 9 years now. You will enjoy it for years!

Congrats on your new 5Th wheel.

Add step 1.5 to the above.
Be sure to raise the rear stabilizers before
hitching.

do not remove the chocks until after the pull test. They will help hold the fiver for the pull test, and keep it from rolling if the pull test fails.

Add step 12.5 as well
Now, Remove and stow the wheel chocks.