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vmh
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Joined: 12 Mar 2022
Location: St Louis, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
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Topic: Have You Done Any Mods? Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 12:07pm |
So, we picked up the
R-Pod 195 at the end of March 2022 and started to do the “little things” that
we wanted.
Anyway, the modifications
we have done so far are mainly for our comfort and ease of use.
(Photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/5BSr8gXTLdRhrxSs9
)
- · Zip ties around pocket door hardware latches
to keep it in place.
-
- ·
Too old to keep lifting the end of the bed
to access storage, so we removed the front panel, reinforced the framing with metal
brackets, painted the inside and bought cloth baskets to
use as “drawers”. Added matching smaller baskets to top of closets
secured with Velcro command strips.
-
- ·
Screwed a spare 3” x 3” rubber furniture
caster cup to the underside of the bed so that when we had to lift the end of
the bed, we could insert one end of a Brinks patio door security bar in it and
the bar’s rubber end against the front framing post. This holds the bed up if we do have to get under there.
-
- ·
Removed the footstools to prevent future
damage to the floor, though a little late as the manufacturer had apparently
goofed several times and there were already multiple much larger holes beyond
the ones to secure the footstool. Thanks
to John Marucci’s video, I was able to fill the holes and paint the filler to
blend well.
-
- ·
Recovered the footstools and replaced the
terrible foam. Installed a bottom to the
insides of the footstools with remnant pieces of wire shelving for storage and then
padded and covered the bare side. Added
felt on the bottom of the footstools to allow them to be slid easily and positioned
as needed. In transit they will sit on
the anti-slide shelving liner next to the end of the under bed storage, where
they fit perfectly secured with a luggage strap attached to the framing.
-
- ·
Replaced couch foam and recovered with
more comfortable fabric.
-
- ·
As we do not need a double bed from the
couch (works as a single in a pinch), replaced the very heavy table with two lightweight
adjustable height tables that together weigh less than half
the original. Much easier to also take
outside for use. With the moveable
footstools and 2 adjustable tables, we have more options. The tables are
secured one on top of the other on the couch with half pieces of pool noodles
to minimize banging.
-
- ·
Installed a PROMARINER–Universal
AC Plug Holder to allow for pass through of WiFi
extender antenna cord. The port is on the wall of the cubby by
the TV so the small router can sit in the cubby.
-
- ·
Attached an outlet
extender to the base of the cubby to extend AC power to that
area and to under the couch.
-
- ·
Wanted reading lights on the walls at the
couch as well as at the head of the bed.
Found these LED
rechargeable wall sconces . The mounts have 3M double back
tape and the very strong magnet holds the light in place. The lights have multiple settings and can be
rotated to change direction. The lights
can be removed from the mounts and used as a flashlight or stored.
-
- ·
Installed magnetic catches on all the
overhead cabinets as well as a flip
action latch on the pantry door as the door could be
opened just by pulling the handle.
-
- ·
Installed a full-length mirror on the
pantry door. Purchase the lightweight Mainstays door
mirror, used hollow core mollies for the brackets but affixed acrylic
mounting tape in 6” increments around the perimeter of
the backside of the mirror before securing into the bottom mounts. It, unlike
the bathroom pocket door, has not budged.
-
- ·
I had read where others had problems with
the plastic shelf brackets in the pantry, so we replaced them immediately with
white metal ones, which blend in nicely.
Good thing too as the plastic ones were already cracked.
-
- ·
Installed a ceiling
mounted curtain track, which uses 3M mounting tape and made a
curtain between the bed and couch area from a dark oversized sheet using alligator
clips to mount the curtain.
Track specs claim to hold 11 pounds.
Installed hooks on either side of the opening so the curtain can be held
back in two different positions as needed.
-
- ·
Purchased a 2” thick latex mattress topper
from a local mattress manufacturer; it really makes a difference.
-
- ·
To solve the problem of a space for the kitchen
trash, I found a bin that fits perfectly by the space under
the microwave to the side of the pantry slide out. I used a strap with rings to hold it to the
cup hooks mounted in the cabinet under the microwave to prevent movement and
interference with the slide. Does double
duty of holding the bin liner in place. Did the same thing in the bathroom,
using a strap and cup hooks to hold the trash/brush
combination bin in place during transit.
-
- ·
Made a roll blind that is held to the
screen door by magnets.
This allows privacy but it can be pulled up to see who is at the door without
having to open it. The blind on the
inside of the screen has magnet sewn to the back side and a piece of fake
leather has the other magnets sewn to it and is placed on the outside of the
screen. The bond is so strong the blind stays in place during transit. Much less expensive than the after-market
Lippert Thin Shade, which requires you open the door to lift up the shade.
-
- ·
To increase counter space in the bathroom,
I used a white kitchen cutting board. Affixed
bumpers to the underside to keep from sliding out of its place in the sink
during use and cut a hole to allow the use of the faucet whilst it was in
place. During transit it hangs on a hook
with a piece of anti-slip shelf liner under it to hold it in place.
-
- ·
I attached black bumpers to the underside
of the sink cover that came with the sink as it would slip out of place whilst
using it as extra counter space. When
the sink is in use it hangs from a hook on the wall by the stove top. When in
transit, it is strapped with the folding tables on the couch.
-
- ·
Installed two strips of LED
lights with a connector over the sides and top of the
medicine cabinet. They are fed into a
controller that can be turned on with a button or set for motion. The controller is hung by a magnet on a metal
plate and is rechargeable. The
controller sits in the medicine cabinet cubby during transit. This provides a bit more forward light rather
than just relying on the overhead light.
I may tap into the strip and add some LEDs to the underneath of the
cabinet to shine some light down onto the sink.
-
- ·
The Oxygenics shower head was installed right away. We use
them on our home showers.
-
- · Installed a soft start on the AC
-
- ·
Installed combination locks on the
basement and replaced the door latch with RVLock Keyless entry system. Glad we could turn off the confirmation
beep; it is loud especially when taking the dog for an early morning walk.
-
- ·
Found a 700W
oil filled space heater that is small and compact and seems
to do a reasonable job of heating the space.
It’s adjustable, quiet and we’ve used oil filled space heaters in rooms
around our German Shepherd previously with no issues. Especially useful when connected to shore power.
Edited by vmh - 23 Jan 2025 at 5:02pm
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2022 R-Pod195
Towed by 2022 Ford Ranger
|
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3325
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Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 3:57pm |
Wow, sorry to hear about all the issues/problems encountered. When we special ordered our 177 back in January 2011 we were amazed at the cleanliness of the unit even in the corners and under seats, by the converter, fridge, not a spec of dust or debris. I feel this was unusual and kudos probably would have to have gone to the RV business it was purchased from in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Good thing you are handy, in fact, FR may have a position for you in not only making these units better but also more user friendly! Bravo to you!
|
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
|
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DonC
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jul 2018
Location: BritishColumbia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
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Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Mar 2023 at 8:13pm |
RV Accessories Just a few of many mods and accessories
QTY
1
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1
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Camco
Unbreakable Travel Pint Glass- 16 Ounce, Dishwasher Safe, BPA Free, Perfect
for Picnics, Cookouts, and The Beach - Set of 2 (43865)
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2
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1
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Camco 43881
RV 7 oz Polycarbonate Juice Glass - 2 pack
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3
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1
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CleverMade
SnapBasket 50 Can, Soft-Sided Collapsible Cooler: 30 Liter Insulated Tote
Bag, Heathered Charcoal/Black
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4
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3
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Camco RV
Equipment Storage Utility Bag with Identification Tags for
Organization-Conveniently Stores Electrical Cords, Fresh Water Sewer Hoses
Perfect for
Campers and Rivers (53097)
|
5
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1
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Gardner
Bender GTK-2 Safety Kit, GVD-3504 Non-Contact Voltage Tester and GFI-3501 GFI
Tester, 2-Piece
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6
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1
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Teknor Apex Company 4006-25 Zero-G RV/Marine Hose - 1/2"
x 25', Blue
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7
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2
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Kohree RV
Propane Hose 12FT 1/4inch RV Quick Connect Propane Hose Quick Disconnect
Propane Hose Extension with Shutoff Valve Male Full
Flow Plug for
Low Pressure Grills
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8
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1
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Kohree
1/4inch RV Propane Quick Connect Y Splitter Adapter, Quick Connect Fitting
Connector RV Trailer Quick Connect Propane Hose Splitter Connect to RV
Grill, Motorhome BBQ, Table top Heater, Camping Stove
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9
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1
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AIVANT LED Camping Lanterns Portable Tent Ceiling
Fan, 4400mAh Battery/USB Powered Mini Desk Fan with LED Lights Camping Lamps
Outdoor
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Kits for
Hiking, Camping, Picnic, Fishing, Emergency (Black)
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10
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1
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JR Products
95205 Pop-Stop Stopper
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11
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3
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TrunkCratePro
Collapsible Portable Multi Compartments Heavy Duty Non-Slip Cargo Trunk
Organizer Storage With Straps, Blue
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12
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1
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Pillow Cover
- Camping Rules - RV Decor Pillowcases 18x18 Square Decorative Pillow Covers
Shams Slips for Home Bedding Couch Sofa.Cotton
Linen Decor
Color:4
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13
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1
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Curt
Manufacturing 58270 12V 7-Way R Round Circuit Tester
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14
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1
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Impact
Canopies 10x10 Mesh Wall Sidewalls for Pop Up Canopy Screen Room added the
screens
|
15
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1
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ZOMAKE Ultra
Lightweight Packable Backpack Water Resistant Hiking Daypack, Small Backpack
Handy Foldable Camping Outdoor Backpack Little
Bag
|
16
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1
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Coghlan's
Multi-Grill Spice Shaker
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17
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1
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George
Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press,
Black, GR0040BC
|
18
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1
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Phone Charger
Cable,Vinpie 4Pack 10FT Nylon Braided Certified Phone Cable USB Cord Charging
Compatible with Phone MAX,XR, X, 8, 8 Plus, 7,
6s, 6s Plus,
6, 6 Plus, Pad Mini
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19
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1
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ECHOGEAR Low
Profile Surge Protector Design with 3 AC Outlets & 2 USB Ports ? 540
Joules of Surge Protection - Installs Over Existing Outlets to
Protect Your
Gear & Increase Outlet Capacity
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20
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1
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Camco 11691
RV Water Heater Tank Rinser
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21
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1
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Tri-Lynx
8200B Lynx Stay-Put Plug Holder
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22
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1
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CAVN 2-Pack
Charger Cable Compatible with Ionic, 3 FT Replacement USB Charging Cable Cord
Accessories
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23
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1
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QBABY
Multifunction Folding Cutting Board Drain Basket Vegetable Basin, 3 in 1 Sink
Cutting Board Veggies Drainer, Portable Foldable Tub for
Outdoor
Travel Camping
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24
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1
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Outland
Firebowl UV and Weather Resistant 760 Standard Carry Bag, Fits 19-Inch
Diameter Outdoor Portable Propane Gas Fire Pit
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25
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1
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New Toaster
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26
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1
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Induction
Burner
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27
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1
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Outdoor
Kitchen Table
|
28
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1
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RV Designer
M111 Klippy Clip, (Pack of 10)
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29
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1
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Camco 48356
Electric Tongue Jack Head Cover - 18" H x 7.5" W x 8.5" D
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30
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1
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Camco 40074
RV Flexible Swivel Stik with Shutoff Valve
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31
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1
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Camco 59023
RV Propane Gauge/Leak Detector
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32
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1
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Camco 39080
Rhino Blaster Sewer Tank Rinser
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33
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1
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4014341 Nite
Ize Radiant 400 Lm Lantern
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34
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1
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Signstek
Water Pressure Regulator, Brass Lead-Free Adjustable Water Pressure Reducer
with Gauge for RV, and Inlet Screened Filter,for Home
Garden and
Campsites
|
35
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1
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Camco 22703-X
RV Flexible Hose Protector
|
36
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1
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Camco 39318
Flexible 3-in-1 Sewer Hose Seal - Black
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37
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1
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Marinco
5030ARV 50 Amp to 30 Amp Adapter
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38
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1
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Camco 39757
Rhino FLEX 6-in-1 Sewer Cleanout Wrench
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39
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1
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Zinus Deluxe
Memory Foam 8 Inch RV / Camper / Trailer / Truck Mattress, Short Queen
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40
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1
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Collapsible
Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon (Blue)
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41
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1
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Camco 45322
RV Vinyl Wheel and Tire Protector, 2-Pack, 27-Inch-29-Inch, Arctic White
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42
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1
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Camco
PowerGrip Heavy Duty 3-Prong Generator Adapter (30M/2 x 15F) - Durable
Construction for Safe and Simple Use - (55433)
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43
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1
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Camco 55272
RV 12" 30M/30F Amp Generator Adapter
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44
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1
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Craftsman
C0010030 3000I 3000 Watt Portable Inverter Generator-CARB Compliant One Size
Red/Black
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45
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1
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Frank J.
Martin 7850-DC Combi Cam Dust Cover
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46
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1
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CZC AUTO
Hitch Tightener, Heavy Duty Anti-Rattle Stabilizer for 1.25" and 2"
Hitches, Reduce Movement from Hitch Tray Cargo Carrier Bike Rack
Trailer
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47
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3
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Combi-Cam
7850R-L Combination Cam Lock, 1-1/8" Chrome Finish
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48
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1
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Attwood
Battery Box Hold-Down Strap, Medium (40-Inch)
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49
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1
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Camco 40276
Toilet Tissue, 1 Pack of 4 Rolls
|
50
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1
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Progressive
Prepworks Thinstore Collapsible Prep/Storage Bowls with Lids - Set of 3
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51
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1
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SUMAJU 8
Pieces Silicone Collapsible Measuring Cup and Spoon Set, Folding Silicone
Measuring Cup Set with 2 Pcs Split Ring for Kitchen Baking
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52
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1
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Camco 53228
Truck Trailer Libatc Coaster Cork, 2 Pack
|
53
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1
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Poo-Pourri
Before-You-Go Toilet Spray 2 oz Bottle, Original Citrus Scent
|
54
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2
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Camco 44414
Wheel Chock - Pack of 2
|
55
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1
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LED Motion
Sensor Light 10 LED Battery Operated Lights - LED Under Cabinet Lighting -
Stick On Lights Magnetic Wireless Motion Sensor Night
Light for
Closet, Counter, Stairway [4 Pack] by PeakPlus
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56
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1
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[Upgraded Version] RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self
Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio with LED Flashlight
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57
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2
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Rainleaf
Microfiber Towel, 30 X 60 Inches. Purple
|
58
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1
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Multitool
Knife Newild 13-in-1 Pocket Pliers 2.8 inches Blade Hunting Knife Foldable in
Durable German Stainless Steel for Outdoor Survival,
Camping,
Fishing, Hiking,Hunting
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59
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1
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Camco Life is
Better at The Campsite Hitch Cover, Blue | Protects Your Hitchball from Dirt
and Rust | Compatible with 1-7/8-inch and 2-inch
Diameter
Balls (53306)
|
60
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1
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Camco 42151
RV Flying Insect Water Heater Screen - WH 400
|
61
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1
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Camco 42141
RV Flying Insect Screen - FUR 200 - 2 Pack
|
62
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1
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Mrrainbow
Collapsible BucketFoldable Water Container 12L Portable Lightweight Pail for
CampingTraveling Fishing GardeningWashing Hiking and More
|
63
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1
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BabysSJ
Camping Rules Pillow Case Personalized 18x18 Inch Square Cotton Decorative
Throw Pillow Case Decor Cushion Covers
|
64
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1
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Pillow Insert
12" x 20" Polyester Filled Standard Cover (2 Pack)
|
65
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1
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Dicor 501LSD
Dove White 10.3 fl. oz Dicor Self-Levelling Lap Sealant, 1 (No)
|
66
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1
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Camco 40285
RV Green Disposable Dump Glove - 50 Pairs
|
67
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1
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Tovolo
Collapsible Microwave Cover
|
68
|
1
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Automotive
Caplight Connector Adapter Plug – RV Trailer Ambience Light Transformer
Electrical Harness Protector by BM-Tek
|
69
|
1
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Camco 42183
RV Screen Door Cross Bar
|
70
|
1
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pureAir 50
Ionic Air Purifier
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71
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1
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Vornado AVH10
Vortex Heater with Automatic Climate Control
|
72
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2
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Flashlights
|
73
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1
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Added TV and mount for
Bedroom
|
74
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1
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Beddy's
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75
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1
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Level Mate Pro
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76
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1
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Weather Monitor
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77
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1
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Anderson level Chock
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78
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1
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Hitch Grip
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79
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1
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Micro-Aire
thermostat
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80
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1
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Shelf above bed and bins
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81
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1
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Closet Shelf organizer
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82
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1
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Hitchport for
hitch ext mounting
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83
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1
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Chairs
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84
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1
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Side Tables
|
85
|
1
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DEKOPRO 128
Pieces Tool Set-General Household Hand Tool Kit, Auto Repair Tool Set, with
Plastic Toolbox Storage Case (128PCS)
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86
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1
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Black Water Treatments
|
87
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1
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Cable tv Cords and HDMI
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88
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1
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iPhone to HDMIS Adapter
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89
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1
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BARTUN
Bluetooth Wireless Tire Pressure Monitoring System with 4 Extenal Sensors,
Real-time Displays 4 Tires' Pressure and Temperature
TPMS,
Supports
|
90
|
1
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GasStop
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91
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1
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QuickVu Back up Camera
|
92
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1
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Bluetooth Speaker
|
93
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1
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Keurig Machine
|
94
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1
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Ailun Toilet
Night Light 2Pack Motion Activated LED Light 8 Colors Changing Toilet Bowl
Nightlight for Bathroom Battery Not Included Perfect
Decoration
Along with Water Faucet Light
|
95
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1
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B.E.S.T.
52032 Awning Cleaner - 32 oz.
|
96
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1
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Beach
Blanket, FineSource 200 x 210 cm(79''×83'') Beach Blanket Waterproof
Sandproof for 3-7 Adults, Oversized Lightweight Beach Mat, Portable
Picnic Blankets, Sand Proof Mat for Travel, Camping, Hiking, Packable w/Bag
(Orange)
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97
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1
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Pure KOMACHI
2 Grey 6 INCHES Chef's Knife and Sheath (AB5077)
|
98
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1
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MPOWERD Luci
Outdoor 2.0 - Inflatable Solar Light, Clear Finish, Adjustable Strap
|
99
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1
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Progressive
CSS-2 Green Collapsible Salad Spinner - 3 Quart Capacity
|
100
|
1
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Prepworks by
Progressive Collapsible Prep/Storage Bowls with Lids - Set of 3
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101
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1 Set
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Towels
|
102
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1
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Weber Q 1200 Blue Cast
Aluminum 8,500-BTU 189-sq in Portable Gas Grill
|
103
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1
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Weber Q
Portable Grill Cart
|
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2019 RPod 190, Husky Center Line Hitch, Honda Pilot
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DonC
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jul 2018
Location: BritishColumbia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 8:45am |
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2019 RPod 190, Husky Center Line Hitch, Honda Pilot
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vmh
Newbie
Joined: 12 Mar 2022
Location: St Louis, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
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Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 2:43pm |
Thanks Jato, I appreciate that. We actually got it back from the dealer today! Whoo hoo, maybe it's actually fixed!
I guess you really did have a good dealer. Ours had sawdust everywhere, holes that apparently had been put in wrong places then filled with foam etc. Not sure since it was one of the last 195, if they cobbled it together or what.
Not sure I want a job at FR but I wouldn't mind consulting on the "live-ablity" factors! 
|
2022 R-Pod195
Towed by 2022 Ford Ranger
|
 |
jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3325
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Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 3:58pm |
Originally posted by vmh
Not sure I want a job at FR but I wouldn't mind consulting on the "live-ablity" factors! 
|
Just guess, with Warren Buffet as your boss, you could really go places! Problem is Mr. Buffet most likely wouldn't pay what you're worth. 
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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
|
 |
jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3325
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 4:01pm |
DonC, with all those mods and extras do you have any room left inside to sleep in that 190?
|
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
|
 |
DonC
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jul 2018
Location: BritishColumbia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
|
Post Options
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 9:00pm |
|
2019 RPod 190, Husky Center Line Hitch, Honda Pilot
|
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DonC
Newbie
Joined: 16 Jul 2018
Location: BritishColumbia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13
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Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 9:01pm |
The sawdust thing is extremely common on RV builds accross most brands. Don't worry it is only sawdust, it'll be most gone in a decade of use/shaking!
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2019 RPod 190, Husky Center Line Hitch, Honda Pilot
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lostagain
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2016
Location: Quaker Hill, CT
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2595
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Quote Reply
Posted: 16 Mar 2023 at 5:56am |
It really isn't the sawdust that's the problem, it's the issue of pride in workmanship and quality. The presence of work debris is indicative of the company's decision to favor high volume and sloppy production over allowing their employees to clean up the messes and vacuum out the places where debris accumulates during the building process. It seems to plague much of the RV industry. I doubt many would accept such sloppy work for a brand new home or a car.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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