Ready to Order Cougar

[Pete D]

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

You guys might want to look at this thread just started today about a simple and clever lifting device:

http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=680

 

[flinchlock]

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.
The closet is about 12" wide, 48" high and 20 1/4" deep. We normally put two shelves in it.
Wow, the HUGH storage area stays.

I have an old "beater" truck with a cap and I have a [insert a very bad word] of a time trying to see out the truck rear window... about a ga-zillion reflections. By the time I figure out what is the real image... I would be toasted!

Mike

 

[flinchlock]

Here is my "final" Cougar that I will pickup on June 16, 2008...

From ATC...

• No Refer (just extra storage)
• Furnace
• Two FanTastic 4000R Powered Roof Vents (I sent to Ben)
• Front Sliding Window
• Luggage Rack with Extra Middle Bar
• Electric Water Pump
• Mechanical Jacks w/Brackets
• Rear Flood Lights
• Extra 12 Volt Outlet
• Screen Door with Clear Slider
• Rear Wall Steps
• Dead Bolt
• Standard Lights (still researching LED lights)
• Auxiliary Battery System
• Full Size Closet on Passenger Side
• Small Driver Side Window
• Extra Middle Couch Leg
• Roof Pre-wired for Solar Panel

From me...

• Cold Weather Pack made by Wifey
• Kelty Carport Shelter - Medium "Awning"
• Outback Porta-Privy
• Zodi Extreme Water Heater (I sent to Ben)
• Vector Power Inverter - 1000 Watt (I sent to Ben)

Mike

EDIT: Added rear wall steps and Zodi water heater

 

[Tomas Tierra]

Mike,

Why did you choose the Medium Car Port from Kelty not the large???

Just curious..
I recently purchased the Large Delux Carport from kelty and am very happy with the versatility, so far..

I have seen the medium and the large set up and they are two different animals..There are pictures of both posted on the site, have you seen them?

Tom

 

[flinchlock]

Why did you choose the Medium Car Port from Kelty not the large???
It's SunMan's fault... http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=863 See post #2, 4, 6, & 16

Mike

 

[chnlisle]

Thats it blame it on Sunny the root of all evil.

 

[Tomas Tierra]

Mike,

I would immagine the time cannot tick away fast enough.
I'm not sure if I could take the anticipation of a brand spankin newy..Can't wait to see the piccies of her.

Here are a few shots of the Kelty Carport Delux L.

I believe the medium would be better in the wind..

Try to get some sleep Mike

TT

BTW, Suni is responsible for my purchase as well..

 

[simimike]

That camper will be perfect! If was to reorder another camper it would be about the same as yours. I should have gotten the rear flood lights. I would recommend the rear steps, they make accessing the roof rack easier. Plus they are handy to hang stuff on. A big congrats'

Cheers,

Mike

 

[flinchlock]

That camper will be perfect! If was to reorder another camper it would be about the same as yours. I should have gotten the rear flood lights.
Thanks.

I would recommend the rear steps, they make accessing the roof rack easier. Plus they are handy to hang stuff on.
Well, funny you should mention the rear steps. Originally I did not have steps because no roof racks.

I started reading posts about the Shady Boy awning that everyone seems to love. So, I had Ben remove the awning from our order, and I decided to see how the medium Kelty would work for us. And if not, I could add the Shady Boy later. I had Ben add rear steps just to hang stuff on. But, in hind sight, they would just be real expensive garbage bag hooks (without no roof racks).

Next, I decided I wanted to put some light aluminum chairs on the roof, so I asked Ben to add the roof racks.

A few days later I was again talking to Ben just to double check stuff and Ben mentioned he usually does not recommend the rear steps since most of us will have a three step stool. So, I had Ben drop the rear steps from my order.

So, rear steps or no rear steps?

Mike

 

[flinchlock]

I would immagine the time cannot tick away fast enough. I'm not sure if I could take the anticipation of a brand spankin newy.
Yes, 1 mississippi... 2 mississippi...

But, I have learned a lot about how my forum friends use their ATC/FWC options and that allowed me to tweak my order. Hopefully I won't say, "I wish I would of..."

After seeing the large Kelty, that might be about the best case and probably better than the Shady Boy.

BTW, Suni is responsible for my purchase as well..


Mike

 

[Tomas Tierra]

I say get the step

Just 30 minutes ago I was telling a buddy how I was going to go buy some steps and put them on. Actually just one.

After being at the factory last week and seeing a set being installed I was convinced I needed one.

TT

 

[flinchlock]

After being at the factory last week and seeing a set being installed I was convinced
With all my WTW friends help, I am also now convinced.

I updated my "final" Cougar options => http://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/showpost.php?p=11371&postcount=23

Mike

 

[flinchlock]

Birth Announcement!

According to my answering message, Ben said my camper was ready 6/10/08 11:44 AM PST!

We will be heading from Michigan to Sacrament (2200 miles) this Saturday 6/14 or Sunday 6/15. Because of the price of gas it will probably take us three days instead of our usual two days. (Yup, we usually drive about 1100 miles a day!)

After camper pickup we head up to Crescent City, CA (375 miles) to see the giant redwoods.

Then we head to Eureka, MT (900 miles) for about a week working on our land.

And finally head home (2200 miles).

About 5700 miles in 4 weeks... "assume" I average 15 MPG that will be about 400 gallons of gas... $1600!

Mike

 

[Ted]

Don't shoot the messenger...

Um, Mike, I hate to tell you this but you may need to adjust your estimate of gas expenses. You are using $4.00 per gallon. We're at $4.50 per gallon in the Sacramento area and as you head up towards the redwoods it will increase.

May the wind be at your back through the whole trip.

 

[SunMan]

Woo Hoo!

A big congrats Mike. I't been a long time coming. Hopefully the euphoria of finally getting your new camper will help numb the pain of the $4-5 gas in Cali. You will just love the Redwoods.

 

[brett13]

Congrats, Mike. Have a great trip.

I just noticed Mike has over 200 posts, but no camper yet? That must be a record. Imagine what we'll get now that he has the camper! Enjoy.

 

[DLN]

Mike,

Congrats on the camper and I can't wait to see the trip report and photos.

 

[Marc]

Hi Mike

Your going to love your new Couger. I have had mine a little over a year and couldn't be happier. Tell Ben that "Dylan", my chocolate Lab sends his best. Have a safe and wonderfull trip. You will love the Red Woods.

Marc

 

[EdoHart]

Long trip there, short trip back.

I can't imagine a longer trip getting there because of the anticipation, nor a shorter return trip because of all the time you would like to spend enjoying your new camper. Although you have a few weeks planned with the camper, I think you'll find that isn't enough.

 

[craig333]

I don't remember what all you ordered on yours, but do the propane and water tank pre stuff right away. Before you leave FWC if you can. I actually use the little petcock on the rear more than the sink inside. Usually to wash my hands and water the dog.

Have a great trip. Drive slow and enjoy the journey (is that trademarked yet?).