Breaking in our 176T

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   We're new to this forum, so please let me know if I should be posting elsewhere.  We are a family of five with a new toy!  We've gone camping twice (Minnesota) so far.  We've had a chance to test out the A/C, heat, fridge, and microwave.  Brawling over the bunks has temporarily subsided and the kids seem to have a plan.
Our previous camper was a pop-up and we never used the water feature.  I admit, that this whole water thing/water pump is a bit of a mystery.  From what I gather, the outside switch is for heating the water with electricity, but the switch inside (by the panel) is for using gas? Does the air need to be taken out of the lines before turning on the water heater each time?  I just remember the words..."you will ruin it if there's no water in it before you turn it on." (WHAT?!)    They did mention all of these things on the walk-through, but since it was all new, it was quite a blur. 

Our recent excursions were also our first experiences with the whole dumping thing.  The 10' hose surely cannot be the norm - why does this seem so short?  I did read posts on the forum about some people getting longer hoses, but then where on earth do they store it?  I'm not sure I could rig something up on my own.

I have not tried out the convection oven.  If it cuts down the time, how are you supposed to know by how much?  Muffins or cookies would be delightful!

This summer, my husband will stay behind to work (bummer) while I take the kids on a 5 week trek.  We'll hit St. Louis, Nashville, Asheville, and Outer Banks.  If anyone has advice about going up/down mountains, I'm listening.  We will be borrowing a relative's Suburban for the journey.  We usually use our Sienna, which means we need to be very aware of the weight as it can only tow 3500 lbs.  Hopefully we won't need to worry as much with the bigger vehicle.

I wish they had an R-Pod Guide.  It would be nice to have something to refer to when I'm tired and alone with the kids on the road. I won't often have access/time to check the forum for advice on our trip.

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Karilla123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 13 Jun 2016 Location: Minneapolis Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Topic: Breaking in our 176T Posted: 14 Jun 2016 at 1:10am
	We're new to this forum, so please let me know if I should be posting elsewhere. We are a family of five with a new toy! We've gone camping twice (Minnesota) so far. We've had a chance to test out the A/C, heat, fridge, and microwave. Brawling over the bunks has temporarily subsided and the kids seem to have a plan. Our previous camper was a pop-up and we never used the water feature. I admit, that this whole water thing/water pump is a bit of a mystery. From what I gather, the outside switch is for heating the water with electricity, but the switch inside (by the panel) is for using gas? Does the air need to be taken out of the lines before turning on the water heater each time? I just remember the words..."you will ruin it if there's no water in it before you turn it on." (WHAT?!) They did mention all of these things on the walk-through, but since it was all new, it was quite a blur. Our recent excursions were also our first experiences with the whole dumping thing. The 10' hose surely cannot be the norm - why does this seem so short? I did read posts on the forum about some people getting longer hoses, but then where on earth do they store it? I'm not sure I could rig something up on my own. I have not tried out the convection oven. If it cuts down the time, how are you supposed to know by how much? Muffins or cookies would be delightful! This summer, my husband will stay behind to work (bummer) while I take the kids on a 5 week trek. We'll hit St. Louis, Nashville, Asheville, and Outer Banks. If anyone has advice about going up/down mountains, I'm listening. We will be borrowing a relative's Suburban for the journey. We usually use our Sienna, which means we need to be very aware of the weight as it can only tow 3500 lbs. Hopefully we won't need to worry as much with the bigger vehicle. I wish they had an R-Pod Guide. It would be nice to have something to refer to when I'm tired and alone with the kids on the road. I won't often have access/time to check the forum for advice on our trip.

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 14 Jun 2016 at 6:23am
	Congratulations on your RP176T and welcome to the group! To answer your questions: Water heater - when running on electricity, both inside and outside switches must be on. When running on propane, just the inside. Once you have filled the water heater with water, it should be fine until you drain it when you winterize, in the fall. If in doubt, run water through a hot water faucet until there is no more "sputtering" (air coming out). I've never needed more than 10' of hose when dumping. Longer hoses come in handy at full hookup sites, as sometimes the drain is not close. There are longer tubes/pipes that can be purchased for storage or, some have crafted their own storage from a plastic fence post. I can't help with the oven...my cooking skills are limited. Driving - the Suburban should be entirely adequate. Don't use cruise control. If it has "tow/haul" mode, use that. Up/down mountains should not be a big deal - the Suburban will have enough power. One of the other Admins (Techntrek) tows with a similar vehicle and has a link in his signature to a "manual" that he has been assembling for a few years. Take a look and print anything you wish - for the road. Here is a link to one of his recent posts: Techntrek post

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 14 Jun 2016 at 8:30am
	Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 176!!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171