R-Pod Newbies

We have a 190.  We love it and have already done many modifications to it.  

Just a word of warning to anyone considering installing dual batteries and/or propane tanks. This will greatly increase your tongue weight which will already almost certainly be significantly higher than the unrealistic number FR provides, so get an actual tongue weight first and be sure your tow vehicle can handle the increased load. 

Originally posted by Woodmiester Not sure.  I ordered them on the internet.  Will take a look and let you know.   As far as the tongue weight goes, the only thing to consider here, I believe,  is the tow vehicle capabilities.  The A frame of the trailer is the same as many heavier trailers.

I can’t answer for other trailers but I did the structural loading calculation for my 179 with dual batteries, single propane, wdh tensioned, and a full fresh water tank, all of which add downforce on the a frame and longitudinal rails in the area just aft of the a frame. The loads were quite close to the yield limit of the 2x4 box tubing, only about a 2x safety factor to handle the inevitable bump loads. I consider that to be marginal, and since others have reported bent frames I’d be cautious adding a lot of additional load in that area, especially if you run a wdh, or have a forward mounted water tank that you keep full. It’s a robust looking tube but it’s only 1/10 inch thick so it’s not as strong as it might first appear.

I'm generally boondocking for a week or more at a time so the 250lbs in the fresh water tank, and the dual batteries are a must have. Dual propane tanks are not, one lasts a long time, so I only carry one. If it does run low, I take it with me and swap it out when I go sightseeing or go into town in for supplies or to use a laundromat. I don't put anything heavy in the 179's forward storage compartment either. Everybody has a different use case, so its good to actually weigh your rig and each axle to be sure you're not overloading things.