The Keystone Cougar 24RDS is the perfect premium fifth wheel for couples, featuring a large rear dinette and plenty of windows to take in the scenery. It’s under 8,000 pounds dry and 29’ long, making it a viable candidate to tow with some half-ton pickups. Take full advantage of your couple’s fifth wheel with these seven must-have upgrades before your next trip.
Technician Tip: Need help with installation? Reach out to your local Camping World Service Center!
Backup Camera
If you’ve ever been thankful for the backup camera on your vehicle, you’ll be even more thankful for one on your camper. The 24RDS does not come with a backup camera, but it does have a prep package that makes adding one very easy. We recommend the Trailer Life Pathway 5″ Wireless Backup Camera System.
The Trailer Life Pathway is powered by the running light circuit, so it works not only in reverse but whenever you have your lights on. You can also add the Trailer Life Pathway RV Side-Marker Light Cameras to help when merging lanes.
Technician Tip: There is a cover plate on the top rear of the trailer that’s held in place with two screws. Once removed, you’ll have two exposed wires, one for power and one for ground. Attach these wires to the plug that comes with the camera kit, then simply attach the plug to the camera and mount the camera to the trailer with four screws.
Watch this video for a typical overview of the backup camera installation process.
Other Backup Cameras to Consider
Slide Topper Awnings
The 24RDS comes with two slide-outs, and the tops of them easily attract dirt and debris while extended. You don’t want to retract the slide with dirt and debris on top, as it will become trapped inside the trailer and damage your seals, causing leaks.
It’s a pain to manually clean the top of your slides after each use. This is why many people install a slide topper that automatically extends and retracts with your slide-out, protecting it from dirt and debris. We really like the Lippert Solera Sliders as they are durable and easy to install.
Technician Tip: In order to choose the correct slide topper, you’ll need to measure your slide-out from outside flange to outside flange.
Here’s our complete guide to everything you need to know about RV slide toppers.
Mattress
There’s nothing worse than waking up tired after not sleeping well the night before. If you’re going to pay all this money for such a nice camper, you had better be comfortable in your own bed. Sadly, most included RV mattresses simply don’t get the job done.
I recommend upgrading to the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress, which, believe it or not, won’t have you missing your bed back home. The Brooklyn Aurora has a cooling top layer that absorbs heat and pressure-soothing springs that perfectly cradle the body, no matter your preferred sleep position.
Technician Tip: The bedroom mattress is a short queen, which measures 60” wide x 75”.
Here are more tips for choosing an RV mattress upgrade.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Stabilization
Fifth-wheel trailers are generally very stable while parked due to multiple points of contact with the ground. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t rock back and forth or side to side while you move around inside. If you have kids or dogs running everywhere, you know exactly what I mean.
You can’t go wrong with improving your fifth wheel’s stability, and there’s no better product for this than the JT Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer System. The Strong Arms act as a brace between your frame and landing gear to further stiffen the connection and reduce motion. The best part is that they are super easy to use with little to no setup required.
Other Stabilizers to Consider
Portable Generator
The best views are usually not at the campground. Therefore, you may find yourself parked somewhere without a power hookup. In this case, you’ll need a portable generator so you can still run all your essentials like the air conditioner and microwave.
I recommend the Cummins Onan P4500i Inverter Portable Generator, which has plenty of power to keep you up and running. Don’t forget the 30 Amp to 50 Amp Power Grip Adapter so you can use your existing power cord.
Technician Tip: You won’t be powering your entire trailer with a generator while off-grid. Dial back your expectations and run only the essentials while hooked up to generator power.
Read these portable generator safety tips to operate your new generator safely.
Other Portable Generators to Consider
Surge Protector
Can you imagine replacing every single appliance inside your trailer? It doesn’t matter if you’ve had your trailer for years or if it’s your first time using it. One power surge and your entire camping season is ruined. If you aren’t using a surge protector every time you plug your RV into park power, you run that risk. A surge protector is a must-have piece of electrical safety equipment for camping.
The Southwire 50 Amp Surge Guard offers the peace of mind you need and the protection you deserve. It has an easy-to-read LCD display and comes with a lifetime warranty. You no longer have to worry about issues with the wiring at your campground, thanks to the Southwire Surge Guard.
Learn more about the importance of an RV surge protector.
Other Surge Protectors to Consider
Bike Rack
If you want to take your bikes on your next RV trip, you’ll need a bike rack. Thankfully, the 24RDS comes with a rear hitch receiver, which is one less thing you must buy. Simply mount an RV-rated bike rack to the rear hitch, load your bikes, and you’re off.
I recommend going with the Swagman Trailhead 4 Bike Rack, which holds up to four bikes and has a built-in anti-wobble feature to keep them secure. Read our full guide to RV bike racks for more tips on safely securing and transporting bikes and e-bikes on your RV.
Other Bike Racks to Consider
Every RVer eventually upgrades to fit their RV lifestyle. Here are a few other resources to help you learn more about some of the accessories and equipment you might add to your RV:
What other areas of your couple’s 5th wheel trailer are you interested in upgrading? Let us know in the comments below.
