creating an instruction & maintenance manual

Originally posted by Bill-GA This is a Great guide for a newbie like me.  I just purchased a 2010 176T from a private party and these lists are wonderful to follow.  But I have a some additional questions: 1. I've read where some folks like to sanitize or clean their fresh water system with baking soda by adding a gallon of 'mix' into the clean water system.  How would I do this on the RPOD?   2. I've noticed a musty oder  and I believe it's coming from the AC unit.   I've used a special 'musty AC' spray on my older cars and I'm thinking I can to the same by taking off the AC cover on top (3 screws?).  Are there any do's / don't about the AC I should know?   Many thanks for any advise   Bill   '10 Forest River R-pod 176T   '11 Toyota Tundra w/TOW & HAUL switch (tows great)

Dont forget about the "T" models. I have just purchased a new one that was a 2010 model. The dealer showed me how to deploy the tent area but when I got it home I noticed the tent was ripped a little on the lower left hand side. The velcro was not holding as well. I think you are suppose to loosen it from the velcro before folding it up to prevent undo strain on the fabric of the tent, but I cannot find anything that make that statement true. Maybe someone that has a "T" model can help on this. I am planing to call Forest River Monday and the dealer to see what they say....

I don't recall getting an instruction manual for my Sunbeam Convection Microwave.  Going camping for a week at Myrtle Beach SC and thought it would be nice to be able to operate the oven part instead of boiling water!

How about a departure and arrival POD CHECK LIST? I have pirated one from a couple of sources in the forum and added specifics to suit what we have on our POD to create one for us. I find it really helpful as a newbie. I don't remember who provided the basis for the list but THANKS!

RPOD CHECK LIST

     ARRIVAL
find a good spot, line up door and power source
complete 1st side to side level check
raise trailer/hitch w/ tongue jack & lower hitch
release coupler and then lock with coupler lock
raise trailer/place lynx pad and lower—complete 2nd side to side level check
disconnect chains & electric
level trailer w/ tongue jack (front to rear level)
set trailer stabilizers installing lynx pads; Re-check level
open propane line
test shore power with volt meter
install surge protector and lock
connect shore power to trailer
disinfect water supply with bleach solution, install pressure regulator and connect
slide steps out and door handrail
slide slide out--out
turn TV booster on
check all faucets by turning on/clearing lines of air
be sure hot water tank is filled & then turn on hot water heater (remove screens)
set refrigerator to correct power source
open bathroom vent

       DEPARTURE
empty fresh water tank if needed
check that black & grey water caps are closed & secured
disconnect shore power & remove SURGE PROTECTOR; stow away
turn off hot water heater/replace screens
disconnect and stow water hoses, connectors, PRESSURE REGULATOR
turn off propane tank (put refrigerator on battery if desired)
close bathroom door & fan vent
turn TV booster off
shades down and locked
loose items stowed (black table especially)
place tongue weight on tongue jack
connect chains & electric (walk around lights check)
raise stabilizer jacks, stow lynx pads
un-chock wheels
check doors and locks
slide in steps & close door handle
CHECK CAMPSITE FOR ANY LEFT BEHIND ITEMS

Water heater 

This is just a stub.  Info needs to be gathered from the link above, plus we should talk about making sure its filled at the start of every trip, how to use the electric element, how to use the propane burner, using both together, info on the anode rod, etc.