Extend width of the 'pod

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   This came up in another thread, I'm reposting this here in the Wish List forum.
I checked out about 20 ultralights online when I was searching last summer.  Most lacked one major feature or another - and the ones that had all the options were all bland like all the other campers on the market.  The 'pod meets most of my fantasy wants - but I would love a slightly bigger wet bath and and easier way to get in and out of the queen bed on our 171.  The slide-out on the 177 would solve the later but I'm reluctant to get a slide-out for several reasons.
So, my fantasy would be a 'pod, but with the side walls moved outward to the full width of the axle.  That would allow for more than enough room w/o a slide-out to have a larger bath, full-sized queen, and a little more room to move around (and get in-and-out of the bed).

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techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Topic: Extend width of the 'pod Posted: 09 Jan 2010 at 2:53pm
	This came up in another thread, I'm reposting this here in the Wish List forum. I checked out about 20 ultralights online when I was searching last summer. Most lacked one major feature or another - and the ones that had all the options were all bland like all the other campers on the market. The 'pod meets most of my fantasy wants - but I would love a slightly bigger wet bath and and easier way to get in and out of the queen bed on our 171. The slide-out on the 177 would solve the later but I'm reluctant to get a slide-out for several reasons. So, my fantasy would be a 'pod, but with the side walls moved outward to the full width of the axle. That would allow for more than enough room w/o a slide-out to have a larger bath, full-sized queen, and a little more room to move around (and get in-and-out of the bed).
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Phil H Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 23 Nov 2009 Location: Burlington, On Online Status: Offline Posts: 9	Posted: 10 Jan 2010 at 11:01pm
	I had been thinking along the same lines...how would you use the extra width, a wider shower, a wider hallway or some combination of the two?
	2010 R-pod 171 2007 Ford Escape

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 12:44pm
	Both. On the 171 the shower can use the extra 6" over one wheel (its already raised so you wouldn't even notice that its over a wheel well). Use the room for elbow room where the shower basin is, and add some waterproof storage farther back next to the toilet. Move the kitchenette out 6 inches over the other wheel. Some cabinet space would be lost for this wheel well, but it would be made up with more storage under the bed and dinette. The bed and dinette would both gain a foot.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Outbound Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767	Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 3:55pm
	A slightly wider (maybe 6") bath would be nice. Perhaps adding in one of those tiny RV sinks while they're at it. But, to tell you the truth, its not the width of the bathroom that I have a real issue with - its the length (front-to-back). It would be really nice if the shower pan was 6" longer (or if the toilet was slightly redesigned to move it towards the rear a bit and perhaps consume not so much space front-to-back). When using the shower, I constantly feel like I'm going to trip over the toilet. While I'm at it, I'd also prefer if the shower pan could be redesigned to be flush with the floor. I'm only 6' tall and I feel like I'm brushing the ceiling; it really adds to the claustrophobic feeling in there.

David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214	Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 3:57pm
	Would like the extra space you would get having the Rpod 171 wider, but it would be to wide for our tow vehicles mirrors. I like being able to see the sides of the trailer when towing. Also it would not be as stable in preventing the trailer from rocking side to side when towing. David
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 4:41pm
	I would vote for a wider Pod. It would not take much to make a significant difference in the "feel" of the unit. I wonder if anyone is up to doing that MOD! (I'll donate the sawzall blades!) Hope to see you "out there"

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 11 Jan 2010 at 4:48pm
	Outbound, once the shower is 6" wider that would be the longer dimension for the shower pan, so they could mount the showerhead on the outer wall and you would stand "sideways". Would that solve your problem? David and Danette - I agree that I like to see around the 'pod, but mounting towing mirrors would solve that. Our popup extends out 6" beyond the axle on both sides. Its very wide. While I couldn't see straight back, I could still see enough. Sometimes I would do a little wiggle on the rig to see farther back, but that was rare. David - You first!
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

yizit Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Location: Wis. Dells, WI Online Status: Offline Posts: 663	Posted: 12 Jan 2010 at 11:33pm
	Our last TT was 7' wide with a full queen. It was nice to have the extra room. By adding the extra width you are adding more weight and wind resistance. It will also be harder to see behind the pod, which I believe WILL require larger towing mirrors. We had to use the towing mirrors to see behind it, which was only 17' long. Not having to use the attached towing mirrors is one less thing to do.
	Former owner of 2009 172 Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek C190Popular

TIDALWAVE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 21 Nov 2009 Location: MINNESOTA Online Status: Offline Posts: 315	Posted: 12 Feb 2010 at 4:59pm
	Take a look at the new 'square-sided' TT from FR, already for sale, if you need a wider and heavier TT. I would hate to see the R-Pods slowly get bloated. I bought mine precisely because it was narrower and lighter than most any thing else on the market.
	TIDALWAVE

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950	Posted: 12 Feb 2010 at 6:19pm
	I agree with Tidalwave! The idea of more room is nice but it just would hit the spot like the currant R-Pod does. Terry
	RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565