Ready to Order Cougar

[flinchlock]

Even though I do not need the Cougar until June 1, 2008, I have talked extensively with Ben about configuring a Cougar before the price increase Sept 1, 2007.

Cougar with...

• NO ICE BOX, just a positive latch door for extra storage
• Furnace
• Power Roof Vent over Front Bed
• Front Sliding Window
• Electric Water Pump
• Mechanical Jacks With Brackets
• Drill Adapter for Mechanical Jacks
• Awning
• Extra 12 Volt Outlet
• Screen Door with clear slider
• Artic Cold Weather Pack
• Dead Bolt
• Florescent Lights
• Auxiliary Battery System
• Full Size Closet on Passenger Side
• Small Driver Side Window
• 3rd/middle leg on couch/bed

I would appreciate any comments/questions about our options.

Mike

P.S. You may wonder why June 1, 2008... we have been traveling from Michigan to Montana (2000+ miles one-way) every June for five years working on our property clearing trees. We have slept in high tech tiny tents, a van, and a RAV4. We are treating ourselfs to the luxury of a real camper.

So, next June, we will drive to Sacramento, then drive to about 50 miles straight west of Glacier National Park, Montana, and then drive home to Kalamazoo, Michigan... 5600 miles instead of our usual 4200 miles!

We have never camped in modern camping places... we like quiet and lots of nature, and we like the simple ATC design.

A rather small deposit will assure our place in line so we can pickup the camper June, 2008.

 

[brett13]

I want a clear slider on my screen door too! Ben, buddy, how do I get one?

Looks like you are going with all the bells and whistles. From my short experience, I would recommend a second jack drill adapter. We just ordered one so two legs can be lowered/raised in sync.

A couple of observations: since the popup part has ample windows, a small drivers side window might be an expense worth saving? I don't have one and I don't feel like I'm missing a view out that side.

Will the passenger side closet cause the couch to be too short for practical use as a bed? I have no idea, just thinking out loud.

And we chose to have our power vent in the back and not over the bed. Our reasoning was a) the noise would be further away when sleeping should we want it on and b) closer to the cooking area should we cook inside. With very little experience, I have no idea if this was a good or bad decision. We just decided. I'm sure others can chime in on that with something valuable to add; just thought I'd point it out for consideration.

Good luck.

 

[camelracer]

Both of the vents in my FWC are powered and I am very glad I got the front one. It's nice to have that breeze on a hot night and they're not that noisy on the low setting. When it gets too cool the fan can be turned off without getting out of bed.
I thought about getting the drivers side window but I'm glad I didn't. I don't spend much time inside during the day so the curtains are usually drawn. That space is also great for storage and I wouldn't be able to see the window anyway.

 

[davinski]

Wow, sounds nice to start from scratch.

As for the fridge,
I wish I had a built in for my Engle/ARB. I wonder if a slide out for the Engel/ARB would fit in the space of the stock fridge. This way, you'd have a very efficient fridge/freezer that could be removed when you don't need it. I was thinking of getting the slideout for the fridge, but don't know where to mount it in the FWC. The top opening door is a bit of a problem, but I am sure someone will work it out.

Gotta Admit. The fridge is a VERY nice luxury. Glad I have one.
dave

 

[flinchlock]

From my short experience, I would recommend a second jack drill adapter. We just ordered one so two legs can be lowered/raised in sync.
Good idea!

A couple of observations: since the popup part has ample windows, a small drivers side window might be an expense worth saving? I don't have one and I don't feel like I'm missing a view out that side.
At first I said no, but after looking at Ward's pictures of his Cougar, I just liked that window, and getting older, I always like extra light.

Will the passenger side closet cause the couch to be too short for practical use as a bed? I have no idea, just thinking out loud.
Also see Ward's pictures of his Cougar... Ben says it does not affect the bed length.

And we chose to have our power vent in the back and not over the bed. Our reasoning was a) the noise would be further away when sleeping should we want it on and b) closer to the cooking area should we cook inside. With very little experience, I have no idea if this was a good or bad decision.
I have no idea also, except from a comment while I was talking with the Wisconsin FWC rep, Sean. Since we are vegetarians, we cook very little... but boil a sheet load of water.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH,
Mike

 

[flinchlock]

Both of the vents in my FWC are powered and I am very glad I got the front one. It's nice to have that breeze on a hot night and they're not that noisy on the low setting. When it gets too cool the fan can be turned off without getting out of bed.
GREAT, thanks for that info!

I thought about getting the drivers side window but I'm glad I didn't. I don't spend much time inside during the day so the curtains are usually drawn.
Thanks for that info. I have not had a chance for the wife and I to talk about all the options I picked... that window may or may not make it into the final build.

Mike

 

[flinchlock]

As for the fridge, I wish I had a built in for my Engle/ARB.
I also keep thinking about one of those, but since we are vegetarians, we would probably only have beer in it.

The Engel MT17 (Outside Dims 21.2" x 12" x 14.2") might be able to fit in the ice box hole, BUT, at $594... really expensive beer!

Mike

 

[simimike]

I have the drivers side window and I like it. If only for visibility out that side when the top is down. Get the Engel, when in the boonies there is no price on cold beer on a hot day. My only regret on options is that I didn't get more when I bought the camper. Now that the purchase pain is over I'm glad I ordered most of the options.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[DLN]

Mike,

Looks like you've chosen a good option package. We really like the 3-way frig. but certainly isn't as good or versatile as the Engel, just more convenient. Lots of luck.

 

[flinchlock]

I have the drivers side window and I like it. If only for visibility out that side when the top is down.
I had not thought of that!

THANKS,
Mike

 

[benburnett]

Drill adaptor

Brett,

Just give me a call and we can get you set up with one of those.

 

[brett13]

Brett,

Just give me a call and we can get you set up with one of those.

See? Thats what we were talking about regarding customer responsiveness!

 

[flinchlock]

I just mailed by deposit check to ATC... come on June 2008!

Mike

 

[brett13]

I just mailed by deposit check to ATC... come on June 2008!

Mike

Congrats! Warning: time slows to a crawl while waiting...one mississippi...two mississippi...

 

[DLN]

Mike,

Congrats. I thought the three months we waited for our camper was a long time. Hopefully your ten months will fly. Good luck.

 

[craig333]

It was a long three months. I really hated the four day trip I took a week before I picked mine up. Kept thinking about how nice it would be to have it on.

 

[Sam]

I have the drivers side window and like it. I like to lie accross the front couch and look out the drivers side window, also I feel safer being able to keep an eye out the drivers side when stealth camping in less than desirable areas (Wal-Mart parking lots)

I like the rear storage cabinet you ordered, but it will greatly cut your visibility when backing or changing lanes, you can see alot out the little window next to the rear door.

Just my opinions, overall your camper sounds great, and your trip out and back to get it sounds even better!

 

[flinchlock]

I have the drivers side window and like it. I like to lie accross the front couch and look out the drivers side window, also I feel safer being able to keep an eye out the drivers side when stealth camping in less than desirable areas (Wal-Mart parking lots)
Thanks for that info!

I like the rear storage cabinet you ordered, but it will greatly cut your visibility when backing or changing lanes, you can see alot out the little window next to the rear door.
Hmmm... I may rethink that cabinet...

Mike

 

[cvc]

Mike,

Congrats on the Cougar! Good option package. My wife wanted the small window. Now I'm glad we got it. It's very handy for looking to the drivers side without all the noise of the velcro on the upper windows. We also like the closet. It may be small, but any storage space is good storage space!

You may want to consider a solar panel. It adds a little weight to the roof but nothing unmanageable. I have found lifting the roof takes practice and good technique(sp?).

I miss having a luggage rack. I would like to have the ability to carry a canoe or kayak, even if I had to take it off to raise the roof.

Ward

 

[flinchlock]

You may want to consider a solar panel. It adds a little weight to the roof but nothing unmanageable. I have found lifting the roof takes practice and good technique(sp?).
Yup, I also ask Ben to go ahead and run the wire for a future solar panel ($100).

I miss having a luggage rack. I would like to have the ability to carry a canoe or kayak, even if I had to take it off to raise the roof.
I also have been think about the luggage rack... some place to put cheap folding chairs.

Mike