New 178 maiden voyage questions

We recently bought our 179 and it came with a free year of some sort of roadside service. there is a large white sticker on the screen door with the 800 #. I heard that they all come with this.

Welcome.  Talk to your auto insurance company about adding the pod.  It isn't expensive to get full coverage.  

If the sway bar is a stand alone friction bar with a knob or handle you twist to adjust you should disconnect it before backing. If the sway controller is part of a WDH like an Equalizer or E2 you don't have to worry about it. 

Enjoy your new 178 and welcome to this forum.  Anything you ask you will most likely find an expert who can answer your ???????  Don't know what kind of navigation you have on your F150 but if you don't use that a Garmin (or similar) or app. on your smart phone will direct you on roads you wish to travel on. 

On backing up.  IF you have a sway-bar attached to the pod BEFORE backing up make sure to loosen it a few complete turns otherwise you will most likely render it unusable.  Also when backing up put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel.  As you move your hand to the left, the pod will also turn left.  A few practice back ups in an open parking lot will build up your confidence and in a short time you will become an expert at it.  Have fun, drive safe.

Welcome to the group!
I think they do have back up systems, but I think once you give it a whirl you will be fine. An hour or so practicing in a large parking lot and you will have the hang of it.
In my opinion, the trailer really follows the path of the tow vehicle very nicely, we tow on interstates, state highways etc without any problems.
We joined KOA's group but there are lots of different groups, so you just have to pick the one that is your preference, they all have good points etc.
You will be really surprised how easy the pod is to tow and park etc. Most KOA's have someone that leads you to your spot and helps you get it parked and level.

Relax and enjoy your new pod!