The Keystone Cougar 368MBI is your ultimate luxury, family fifth wheel trailer capable of four-season camping. The rear living space offers plenty of seating, and the panoramic windows offer great views. Improving on this fully loaded camper is tough, but we think you should consider these must-have upgrades before your next trip.
Technician Tip: If you’re having trouble installing any of these upgrades, you can contact a local Camping World Service Center for help.
Backup Camera
At 39’3” long, the Keystone Cougar 368MBI is a massive trailer. If you’re uncomfortable towing such a large trailer – or even if you’re a seasoned fifth wheel driver – a backup camera is a worthy upgrade. It’s something I recommend for almost every trailer, no matter the driver’s experience level. The benefits far outweigh the cost of purchasing and installing one.
I recommend the Trailer Life Pathway 5″ Wireless Backup Camera System, which not only helps to back into a tight parking space but also while out on the road as it’s powered by the running light circuit. Adding the Trailer Life Pathway RV Side-Marker Light Cameras will also be helpful when switching lanes.
Technician Tip: There is a cover plate on the rear of the trailer at the top, 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.
Other Backup Cameras to Consider
Slide Topper Awnings
There are four slide-outs on the 368MBI, which do a great job of providing extra space. However, slides can be problematic, with leaks being a major concern. These leaks are usually caused by retracting the slide with debris on top. The debris gets pushed past the seal, creating damage and leaving the trailer susceptible to leaks.
If you don’t want to climb onto the roof to clean your slide-outs whenever you’re ready to retract them, consider installing Lippert Solera Slide Topper Awnings. These toppers auto-retract and extend with the slides, protecting the seals and preventing leaks.
Technician Tip: To find the correct size slide topper, you’ll need to measure your slide-out from the outside of one flange to the outside of the other.
Mattress
If you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep in your 368MBI because of the mattress, upgrading makes sense. This is likely where you’ll spend the most time inside your camper, so if you’re anything like me, you prefer to spend a bit more to ensure you wake up refreshed.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Mattress is an excellent option with cooling-infused foam that absorbs excess body heat and premium body contouring that supports you where you need it most.
Technician Tip: The bedroom mattress can be either a queen, which measures 60” wide x 80” long, or a king, which measures 70” wide x 80” long.
Other Mattresses to Consider
Stabilization
The Cougar 368MBI is a camper for the whole family, capable of sleeping up to nine people comfortably. However, having the entire family inside simultaneously can produce some unsettling movements.
If you want to improve the stability of your camper while parked, consider adding some stabilizers like the JT Strong Arm Jack Stabilizer System. The Strong Arms do a great job of helping cut down on the side-to-side and front-to-back rocking. They are installed without too much work and are easy to use.
Other Stabilizers to Consider
Portable RV Generator
If there’s one item most towable RV owners upgrade with, it’s a portable generator. The reason for this is freedom; a generator allows you to venture off the beaten path in search of breathtaking views and solitude. In most cases, you’ll likely be parking your 368MBI at a campground with a power hookup, but for spots where power is unavailable, you’ll need a generator to power your essentials.
The Cummins Onan P4500i Inverter Portable Generator is a great option with plenty of juice. It’s quiet so that you won’t disturb wildlife or neighbors, and it has a remote start for easy operation. If you want to be able to use your existing power cord, don’t forget the 30 Amp to 50 Amp Power Grip Adapter.
Other Portable RV Generators to Consider
Surge Protector
I see many people at the campground who put too much trust in the power pedestal. Dangerous power surges and spikes don’t happen every day, but eventually, the day will come. Don’t be unprotected when that day arrives, or you could face an expensive mess.
What I am referring to is surge protection. You should always have some sort of surge protection device plugged into the power pedestal to check for issues before you plug in your camper. In addition to checking issues ahead of time, you also need a device that monitors power going into the camper so it can be shut down if an issue arises.
The Progressive Industries Portable 50-Amp EMS with Surge Protection does just that: ensuring there are no issues before you plug your camper in and keeping it protected while plugged in. It gives you peace of mind so you can spend more time having fun with the family.
Other Surge Protectors to Consider
Bike Rack
Bringing a bike is one of my favorite ways to get some exercise while camping. Riding bikes around the campground is a great activity for the kids and a way to burn off extra calories from S’mores the night before. The only problem with taking your bikes with you is that most RVs offer hardly any space for them.
Storing your bikes inside the camper is a hassle, and there’s no space in the truck bed because of the fifth wheel hitch. This leaves you putting them on the back of the RV. The 368MBI has a factory-installed trailer hitch receiver, so you only need an RV-approved bike rack.
For this, I recommend the Swagman Trailhead 4 Bike Rack, which has enough capacity for the entire family.
Other Bike Racks to Consider
Washer/Dryer
If you hate using the campground’s laundry facilities as much as I do, you’ll want to invest in your own washer and dryer. Adding a washer and dryer has many benefits. In addition to avoiding public facilities, you don’t have to worry about scrounging together quarters or someone stealing your clothes.
Unfortunately, most campers can’t install a washer and dryer in their RV as they take up too much space. Thankfully, the 368MBI has a dedicated area for one, right next to the bedroom closet. In addition to the provided space, you have all pre-installed hookups, which makes for easy installation.
I recommend going with the Splendide WDC7200XCD Combo Washer/Dryer, a combo unit with everything you need in a compact package.
Upgrading your RV is a natural progression in your journey of RV ownership. Here are a few additional resources that will provide inspiration and insights to help you customize your RV:
- 50 Dramatic RV Renovations
- How To Choose an RV Mattress Upgrade
- Everything You Need to Upgrade Your RV Shower
Is there anything you feel we missed? Let us know your must-have upgrades for the Keystone Cougar 368MBI in the comments!
