Learn
First Time Tailgating with Our RV
Cross RV tailgating off your bucket list with these tips from Donny and Tammy Benedict.
Four years ago, we decided to stop waiting for teacher retirement and get a jumpstart on our RV travel dreams. So we sold all the things cluttering up our lives so we could make the most of all my school breaks and start checking off our bucket lists now.
We knew we wanted our new home on wheels to be a fifth wheel for its ease of travel and the extra height it provides inside. We found our ideal companion in the Keystone Cougar 316RLS. This fifth wheel has captured our hearts, complements our travel lifestyle, has amazing features, and has taken us to unforgettable destinations.
As travelers embracing the RV lifestyle, we set out to find our home on wheels, with a checklist of requirements that were non-negotiable:
The Keystone Cougar 316RLS checked all the boxes for us and then some. We had owned a Keystone Cougar travel trailer previously and knew firsthand the quality construction, attention to detail, and innovative design in Keystone products. The minute we walked into the spacious layout and saw the amenities, we were convinced that this fifth wheel was the perfect fit for our “teacher in an RV” lifestyle.
Click around to discover some of our favorite features.
As we have traveled through the majestic mountains of Wyoming, the unforgettable views of Montana, and the coastal route of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, our Cougar has been a perfect home base for all our adventures.
There is ample storage for all the essentials we need for extended journeys, from our kayak, e-bikes, and favorite camp chairs to my favorite coffee maker and crock pot. And let’s not forget the fact that we have all our clothes and personal items with us! No baggage claim necessary! Hooray!
Inside, the living area is a sanctuary on the move. The open floor plan is perfect for entertaining friends or relaxing after a fun day of exploring. We love the heated massage recliners, and our “grand cuties” love a sleepover on the sleeper sofa, which they call the “transformer bed”. The fully equipped kitchen makes cooking all our favorite meals as easy as ever. And my favorite little unexpected perk that I use every day: the coffee bar.
The clincher for us, though, was the size of the Cougar 316RLS. At 36 feet long, it was perfect for our spirit of adventure without compromising the luxuries of home we are accustomed to. We have plenty of space for everyday life inside the RV with all the maneuverability needed to visit the state and national parks we enjoy.
I love the kitchen in the fifth wheel. There is plenty of counter space to prepare meals, and the residential fridge has tons of room for our pre-trip grocery stock-up. For me, the close proximity of everything makes the whole cooking process easier.
I love the kitchen in the fifth wheel. There is plenty of counter space to prepare meals and the residential fridge has tons of room for our pre-trip grocery stock up. The proximity of everything makes the whole cooking process easier.
Setting up camp is a breeze thanks to the Cougar's auto-leveling system. With the push of a button, Donny can adjust the fifth wheel to ensure a stable and even foundation, which allows us to spend less time on setup and more time on adventuring.
This is my favorite feature! The wonderfully oversized windows flood the interior with natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Those views are what we craved with the RV lifestyle, and I love waking up to the natural artwork they frame in each new destination we visit.
Over the past four years, our RV has taken us to 26 states and over 80 National and State Parks. We've embarked on countless adventures, but one particularly unforgettable journey took us through the landscapes of Utah. We traversed winding roads through lush green valleys, marveled at the towering red rock formations, and the expansive mountain views as we visited the Mighty Five. Along the way, our fifth wheel provided a comfortable haven where we could retreat after days filled with hiking, photography, and exploration.
There is just so much to explore! The hidden gems we find along the way are always some of our favorite surprises. From charming small towns to bustling cities and everything in between. Each destination has offered unique experiences and memories that we cherish, all made possible by traveling in our Keystone Cougar.
Donny and Tammy BenedictWe are so glad we stopped waiting. The Keystone Cougar 316RLS is an investment in experiences that has etched priceless memories throughout our journey. We are so glad that we stopped waiting and are thankful to be checking off our bucket lists now. Our Cougar has allowed us to live out our dreams, and we have no regrets!
This camping trailer affectionately nicknamed a “Fiver” is a favorite of many, especially those taking extended trips in their RV. The prominent overhang resting above the tow truck bed is frequently employed as a bedroom suite, or, more recently, a living room or even a kitchen.
Whether you're new to the world of RVing or you're ready to narrow your search, we're here to help you sort through it all and find the RV that's right for you. Explore RVs based off of your lifestyle and the features important to you.