R-pod Owners Forum Homepage

This site is free to use.
Donations benefit a non-profit Girls Softball organization

Forum Home Forum Home > R-pod Discussion Forums > Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Have You Done Any Mods?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Calendar   Register Register  Login Login

Have You Done Any Mods?

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 89101112 52>
Poll Question: Have you done any mods to your R-Pod?
Poll Choice Votes Poll Statistics
683 [81.41%]
10 [1.19%]
134 [15.97%]
10 [1.19%]
2 [0.24%]
You can not vote in this poll

Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
Post Options Post Options   Quote Olddawgsrule Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Have You Done Any Mods?
    Posted: 01 Dec 2017 at 3:02pm
Here is what I am thinking of doing:
 - switch to 6 volt battery and add 2nd to increase battery reserve - do I really need this?
 - Generator - I have a small Yamaha generator, but do I really need this?  I can recharge the battery from my truck (with jumper cables).  I think this depends on how much electricity I use which I just need to camp for awhile and see.

*The two 6v batts to me is smart! If you but right, 3 times the use for close to the same money.
*The generator is a great backup when all else fails. Solar is good, but depends on your usage, sun and size of panel. A Solar Audit is in play for you!

*The stock TV.. Well, it's stock. I actually didn't want the antenna that came with it for I will be using my Laptop most of the time.
*Speakers, I suggest just leaving the stock one alone. Fine for low volume background sound. Buy something like I have. An Onyx speaker. Great sound, bluetooth and Goes everywhere you go.

https://www.amazon.com/Angle-Plus-Proprietary-Cambridge-SoundWorks/dp/B01LZV6TYQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1512161949&sr=8-4&keywords=oontz+bluetooth+speaker
$30 and sounds great! Heck buy two.

Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander
Back to Top
dnedzel View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 15 Nov 2017
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5
Post Options Post Options   Quote dnedzel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Dec 2017 at 12:05pm
We purchased a used 2016 R-Pod 179 from our local dealer last month (Kettelsen Campers, Wheat Ridge CO).  

Here are the mods and additions I have done so far:
 - Electric tongue jack
 - Cover for the camper - we store it in our driveway
 - folding table and propane stove to cook outside when it's warm
 - Electric heater to use in the camper when in a campground with hookups
   (I don't like the one I bought - it only has on/off, high/low settings, I want one with a thermostat so I can set it to come on when the temperature drops below a certain point, doesn't need to be a specific temperature, though that would be nice)
 - Added rechargeable battery powered, dimmable lamp inside for reading, just more comfortable light than the built in LED's.  The LED's are great when you want a lot of light, but they are harsh.
 - Replaced standard mattress with a 10' mattress - much more comfortable.

Here is what I plan on doing:
 - rubber isolators for the waterpump mount - it is load when it runs (I see others have done this too)
 - longer storage tube for sewer line, standard tube was too small (later years have longer storage tube standard)
 - WiFi booster
 - Cell phone booster (I live in Colorado, plan on boondocking in areas where cell service is thin.  I don't expect this to handle all cases - many places in the west just don't have any service - but improving reception would be helpful)
 - add solar panel
 - Replace/upgrade internal speakers for better sound
 - replace curtains for rear window - by sink, maybe with blinds?  These curtains will not stay open, only option is to take the upper curtain rod off when I want light which is most of the time.

Here is what I am thinking of doing:
 - switch to 6 volt battery and add 2nd to increase battery reserve - do I really need this?
 - Generator - I have a small Yamaha generator, but do I really need this?  I can recharge the battery from my truck (with jumper cables).  I think this depends on how much electricity I use which I just need to camp for awhile and see.
 - Skirts for around base - for winter camping
 - Heating pad for fresh water tank
 - Seal underneath of trailer to protect from rodents chewing on cables and reduce freeze danger for pipes
 - TV - stock 12v tv will not display signal from iPhone/iPad - I connect via the iPhone via a lightning to HDMI adapter to an HDMI cable to the HDMI port on the back of the TV.  I switch the tv to HDMI input, no picture displays on TV.  This same setup works fine on my home TV, so not sure what is different about the Jensen 12v tv supplied with the trailer.  I could change out the TV, but I'd like to figure out what's up first.  Or I could just make due with a laptop and forget the TV - laptop screen is about the same size and better quality of image.
 - dual propane tank upgrade - I worry about running out of propane if I am boondocking in cold weather
 

Derrick Nedzel
2016 R-Pod 179
Back to Top
Wayword1 View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 04 Aug 2017
Location: Waterville, Oh
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 19
Post Options Post Options   Quote Wayword1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2017 at 9:43pm
we purchased a Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat and used it on our last trip in Michigan. The nights went down to mid 30s and even on the low setting this provided quiet heat, much more than adequate. If one is paying for a campsite with elect, seems wise to use their source for heat rather than our propane.
Hope temperatures are moderate for your Feb. trip.
Anne, Joe
and Quinn our Cairn Terrier

2017 182G
2017 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E
Back to Top
GoGirlKY View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 07 Nov 2017
Location: Central KY
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14
Post Options Post Options   Quote GoGirlKY Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Nov 2017 at 1:39pm
Bought three Ozark Trail camping pads 20” x 72” at Walmart for $6.97 ea to put on the 60” x 75” queen bed platform. I hope this will provide extra insulation against outside temperatures, and to perhaps muffle the sound of the furnace when we use it. Added bonus would be that it adds some softness too! Just in case it doesn’t, I bought a memory foam mattress from Overstock.com. Based on posts from the awesome folks in this forum, I went with an 8” mattress.

Also based on your recommendations, I got the the Oxygenics shower head and shut off valve.

Unfortunately, our next camping trip is in February, so I have to wait a few months to test it all out!Big smile
Dog lover and camping enthusiast 🐶 ⛺️
2016 R-pod 179 and 2017 Chevy Silverado 4x4
Beloved husband and a Labradoodle named “Cooper”
Back to Top
Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
Post Options Post Options   Quote Olddawgsrule Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2017 at 3:56pm
Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

The biggest for me is whether or not I can switch out the small frig for a larger one. The only issue we had with R-Pod was the frig size. Curious if anyone has yet?

We plan on traveling weeks at a time and staying where we like. Have a feeling it will be mostly 'Boondocking' or 'Low Profile' areas. So independence of shore power is important to us.

  



The fridge is placed before the Pod is complete.. getting the old one out will make you cuss, getting a larger one IN will make you cuss in a language you don'e even know you know. I only know of one owner who went through with it, and she says she would never do it again.

Best bet would be to go with a Dometic (or brand of your choice) powered cooler. They have a very good reputation among expedition camper owners..

Something like this:  Cooler.

I have looked at those. What I would require is a Propane run one. Those are even more expensive, unless built-in. 

Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander
Back to Top
Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
Post Options Post Options   Quote Olddawgsrule Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2017 at 3:49pm
Originally posted by StephenH

Ithink the only way possible to change out the refrigerator would be to sacrifice the convection microwave. At least, that is the way it would be on our 179. I'm not sure about the 182G.

Didn't go for the Micro.. Didn't see a use for it! No sacrifice for me!

Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander
Back to Top
Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
Post Options Post Options   Quote Olddawgsrule Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2017 at 3:47pm
Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

The biggest for me is whether or not I can switch out the small frig for a larger one. The only issue we had with R-Pod was the frig size. Curious if anyone has yet?

We plan on traveling weeks at a time and staying where we like. Have a feeling it will be mostly 'Boondocking' or 'Low Profile' areas. So independence of shore power is important to us.

  



The fridge is placed before the Pod is complete.. getting the old one out will make you cuss, getting a larger one IN will make you cuss in a language you don'e even know you know. I only know of one owner who went through with it, and she says she would never do it again.

Best bet would be to go with a Dometic (or brand of your choice) powered cooler. They have a very good reputation among expedition camper owners..

Something like this:  Cooler.

Had not thought of the door size... Hmm.. Will have to check the opening when I get it!

Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander
Back to Top
furpod View Drop Down
Moderator Group - pHp
Moderator Group - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6128
Post Options Post Options   Quote furpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Oct 2017 at 8:03am
Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

The biggest for me is whether or not I can switch out the small frig for a larger one. The only issue we had with R-Pod was the frig size. Curious if anyone has yet?

We plan on traveling weeks at a time and staying where we like. Have a feeling it will be mostly 'Boondocking' or 'Low Profile' areas. So independence of shore power is important to us.

  



The fridge is placed before the Pod is complete.. getting the old one out will make you cuss, getting a larger one IN will make you cuss in a language you don'e even know you know. I only know of one owner who went through with it, and she says she would never do it again.

Best bet would be to go with a Dometic (or brand of your choice) powered cooler. They have a very good reputation among expedition camper owners..

Something like this:  Cooler.
Back to Top
StephenH View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6291
Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2017 at 8:32pm
Ithink the only way possible to change out the refrigerator would be to sacrifice the convection microwave. At least, that is the way it would be on our 179. I'm not sure about the 182G.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
Back to Top
Olddawgsrule View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 20 Sep 2017
Location: New Hampshire
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1014
Post Options Post Options   Quote Olddawgsrule Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Oct 2017 at 4:41pm
I am awaiting arrival of our 182g. So waiting to see what improvements before going nuts on this unit.

First for me is to add a few more 12v connects. I'd like USB style in the kitchen and bed area.
Also looking to see if they added the 12v dis-connect outside at the battery. If not, I will.
Really need to see how they setup the rear kitchen and if I can adapt a second connection for a cooktop.
I will be looking to switch out the batteries with the larger ones I have here.
Then dealing with a secondary propane tank. On the R-Pod or back of truck?

The biggest for me is whether or not I can switch out the small frig for a larger one. The only issue we had with R-Pod was the frig size. Curious if anyone has yet?

We plan on traveling weeks at a time and staying where we like. Have a feeling it will be mostly 'Boondocking' or 'Low Profile' areas. So independence of shore power is important to us.

  


Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 89101112 52>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz