New RP-151 Owner

Just yesterday, my wife and I purchased a new 2009 R-Pod 151. The dealership was anxious to sell the unit and we were eager to buy. It was a match made in heaven. We have a Jay Flight 26BH that we leave at our seasonal site at the campground. The problem is that it's on the edge of being able to be comfortably towed with my Tacoma. In addition, it's not really State Park friendly due to it's size. We really miss camping during the 3 or so momths of winter, so we though the R-Pod would be the perfect unit for us. Our 151 is the smallest available, but should suit us just fine.

As it stands now, we'll be doing the demo and picking it up this upcoming Saturday, which is almost a week away.  If I can make arrangements with work, I'll try to get it mid-week.  The problem is the dealer closes at 5pm and it a bit more than an hour from my location.  Coupled with the fact that I don't get done work until later isn't helping much.  If I can get Wed or Thurs off, I can head on down and pick this baby up and get her home.

Welcome, nascar.  Feel free to let us know about your experience at your dealer in the Dealer Review section - and about yourself in the Introduce Yourself section.  I hope to see a 151 some day, they are rare.

Congrats on the purchase and WELCOME to the forum!

Terry

Hi, this-is-nascar (no underscore on ipad!), we just got a 2010 RP-151 as well. Since we are upgrading from tent camping, it feels spacious. We are just sorting out where to store everything, especially clothes. We are adding stick-on hooks to walls. We haven't got hot water yet and can't figure out why--valves look right and all switches are on. Thank goodness for forum, or we'd be stumped about operating stuff.

No, do not pull the lever on the pressure release valve.  The only way to ensure your WH is full is to open a hot water valve (usually the sink) and let it run until it stops spitting air.  I recommend you do this at home if you will be "dry camping" (no hookups) otherwise you'll use 6 gallons from your fresh water tank to fill the WH after you get in camp.

Your WH must maintain an air cushion at the top for expansion.  Pulling the pressure release valve will remove most of that cushion.  Modern home water systems do the same thing by adding an air bladder on the hot water line, usually above the home's WH.

That said, when its time to empty the WH at the end of the season you need to open the two "low point drains".  Then pull open the pressure release valve to break the vacuum and allow the water to escape.  Alternatively you can take out the anode rode - but make sure you put it back in after inspecting the rod to prevent the threads from rusting.