New Rpod owner- Stabilizing jack question

We have a 2009, 172 that also came with no front jacks.  For the time being, I use portable jack stands that work fine, but some time in the coming summer, I'll be installing front jacks.  

Stephen - Good idea with the filter, but what does it cost for the initial purchase and cartridges and how often do you need to change them?  

Amazon Prime has the two pack of Camco TastePure KDF filters for $17.64. Camco says that each one will last a full season. That depends, of course, on the quality of the water being filtered. If the incoming water has more sediments, it will plug up faster and you will notice a decrease in the flow rate. When I am not using mine, I store it in the refrigerator to help keep bacteria from growing. I don't try to carry one over from one season to the next though.

I don't filter the water again. Between trips, I don't leave the tank full. I have seen some inline filters that could tap into the cold water line with filtered water having a separate faucet. I think that is overkill though. If you are really worried, sanitize the tank before every trip. Otherwise, once a season at the beginning should be fine.

Another alternative is to use a pitcher filter such as a Brita or Pur pitcher. That would not require any plumbing modifications and would certainly be less expensive than the under-sink filter. A third alternative is to use a faucet mount filter such as one from Pur, Brita, or DuPont. I would not worry about hurting the pump. It will cycle on and off as needed to maintain pressure. If the flow is restricted, it will not try to keep forcing more pressure. It will just cycle.

I know I will never be able to go camping without jugs of water, even if the RPod tank is full. But whether or not you fill it, I agree with those who advise to clean the system anyway. You never know when you might want it in the future, and it will be easier to get it ready for potable water if you've been maintaining it all along. Hope this helps.