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Topic Closedaccessing valves, pumps, water heater - Event Date: 25 Nov 2017 - 07 Dec 2017

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JonsArt View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: accessing valves, pumps, water heater
    Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 9:35pm
Just bought a new Rpod 180 about two months ago. I recently winterized it and had to remove the mattress and two boards the mattress lays on. These are difficult to remove without doing damage and almost impossible to find a place to put them while working on the system. I am thinking about modifying it to make it more accessible. I have some ideas but was wondering if anyone out there in Rpod land has done such a modification. 

 
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 9:51pm
I don't know where things are in a 180, but can you not access the water heater, etc., by unscrewing the kick panels in front of it, instead of attacking it from the top? 

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marwayne View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Nov 2017 at 11:22pm
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
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Jasp View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Nov 2017 at 7:18am
I too have a 180, and getting access to the hot water tank and pump is a huge pain in the ass. I have seen where one owner put an access door on the outside of the pod. It was the perfect fix if you have the guts to cut into your pod.   I have two small 2x4's that I use to prop up each piece of plywood and I leave the mattress on. Not the best idea, but it helps......except for the time it fell on me and just about cut me in half..
Paul
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wooleeman View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Nov 2017 at 8:58am
Although I have a 179 I had a similar problem.  I installed a piano hinge connecting the two pieces of plywood the length of the bed and use a prop rod to hold it up. I also had to make a notch on either end to pass over the curtain string holder. Seems to work ok.
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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Nov 2017 at 3:33pm
On my 177 I could barely access the 3 valves from underneath via the storage area; also you have to be a contortionist and weigh under 165 and not have a fear of small, tight areas to do this.  After doing this the first time in November 2011 I took measurements and with a skill-saw CAREFULLY cut a 4" x 6" opening above the 3 valves.  Now all I have to do is lift the mattress, slide open my 5" x 7" door, reach down, and turn the 3 valves.  
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NickLPod View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Nov 2017 at 9:21am
We purchased our 180 in 2016. One of the first things I modified was the bed. Having noticed the support frame was screwed into the front wall (luan) & was loose, I added (glued & screwed) additional wooden rails & supports (using poplar 1x2 inch pieces). This allowed me to cut the 2 large boards into 6 independent pieces for easier access to the water pump (& storage areas) from above. Each board is held in place with 2 short screws. Worked great for winterizing last month here (up North)!
2016 R-Pod 180
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