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Topic ClosedNew r-pod owner looking for a cover

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Footslogger03 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: New r-pod owner looking for a cover
    Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 10:06am
Originally posted by dababe



Thank you all so much !  I ordered the one from Northern and look forward to it arriving.
 
On another note, On average, how long can I expect a 20lb tank of propane to last when using the furnace thru much of the night ?
 
Also, what do you prefer via experience when running the fidge....propane or the battery?
 
I am just trying to figure out how much usage I can get and the most efficient way.
 
I bought an extra battery and am wondering if I really need an extra propane tank. Thanks.

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I think you'll be surprised how long a tank of propane will last, even if using the furnace. The Pods are fairly well insulated so once it warms up inside the termostat won't call for additional heat all that often. To avoid loss of heat you might consider reversing the fan direction so that the rising heat will be recirculated inside the Pod - - even better    ...run a small 12Volt or 110 (if you're on shore power) fan inside to keep the air well mixed and circulated.

I have no experience using propane to power the fridge    ...so unfortunately I can't comment on that.

If you have an extra battery and monitor power/propane levels I'd say you're going to be fine. Guess my only question is   ...how long of a camping trip are you talking about ??

MJ
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 10:10am
Thanks. I will usually be camping for 4 or 5 nights. I didn't realize I can monitor the propane and battery levels...how can I do that in the 172 ?
 
So I assume you use the battery for the fridge when not on shore power. How long do you find it lasts?
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Footslogger03 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 10:16am
Originally posted by dababe



Thanks. I will usually be camping for 4 or 5 nights. I didn't realize I can monitor the propane and battery levels...how can I do that in the 172 ?
 
So I assume you use the battery for the fridge when not on shore power. How long do you find it lasts?


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Well    ...battery level can be monitored from inside the Pod, but you'll need to mount a gauge on the propane tank itself to monitor gas levels.

Yes, when we dry camp we run the fridge off of battery. With a single Group 29 battery we have gotten 4 full days of camping in before we needed to re-charge. Now, keep in mind that we have replaced all incandescant bulbs with LED's and we don't spend a lot of time inside the Pod during the day     ...so power consumption is kept to a practical minimum. If you don't open/close the fridge too often it will stay cold, once it gets cold. Another thing we do is take a cooler and place dry ice at the bottom, then a towel and then a layer of regular ice. Works like a fridge for 3-4 days (or more) and keeps you out of the fridge so often.

MJ
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2012 at 11:33am
You dont want to run the fridge from the battery except when towing - and then only if you know you have a good charge line from your vehicle. The fridge will kill a battery in a few hours otherwise. When dry camping use propane mode. A tank can run a fridge for a month.

As for the level of the tank, try the hot water method. Pour a cup of hot water slowly down the side. Wait 10 seconds then run your fingers down the side. feel for a change in temperature from warm to cool, that point is the level of the liquid fuel. Note that when full it will only be 80% full.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Bill Ky View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Aug 2012 at 10:57pm
I ordered the Classic Accessories #80-115-151001-00 cover from Amazon.com today for $143.48 & free shipping.

PolyPRO 3 Tear Drop Trailer Cover


Bill & Marilyn, Tinker Belle (Yorkie), Sparkle (Mini Dachshund) & Tootsie (the turtle) '12 RP175 '07 Dodge Ram 1500
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 9:09pm
I have the Classic Accessories cover, too. Paid about the same, maybe a little more, but not much. Fortunately, it is still in the box, so I cannot comment, yet, on its durability. I say fortunately, because the pod has been averaging "in use" 3 out of the past 4 weekends, and it is planned for 2 out of the next 3! Then..... Maybe, I'll get to try it out... But, I hope not! Big smile
"What happens in the POD, stays in the POD."
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Sep 2012 at 9:24pm
I bought a Forest River cover.  The cover is canvas and made by an awning shop in Indiana.  Very tough.  You need to take care with a poly cover and watch out for tear areas.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 4:53pm
I am looking for a cover for my R177. Classic says there's is only for 15'1" (outside length) R177 is 15-6"
Is the cover from Northern large enough for a R177? I looked at their website and it did not say it would fit that size.

I'm just 40 miles south of the Wyoming border and understand the need.


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Seanl View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 7:14pm
Originally posted by dababe

Thank you all so much !  I ordered the one from Northern and look forward to it arriving.
 
On another note, On average, how long can I expect a 20lb tank of propane to last when using the furnace thru much of the night ?
 
Also, what do you prefer via experience when running the fidge....propane or the battery?
 
I am just trying to figure out how much usage I can get and the most efficient way.
 
I bought an extra battery and am wondering if I really need an extra propane tank. Thanks.

I ran the fridge on gas and used the furnace  intermittently in the late summer and I got 10 days out of a 20 lb tank. I don't like using the battery for the fridge. It does not keep it very cool and drains the battery really fast. 
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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dababe View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Sep 2012 at 7:31am
Despite the dimensions listed and what their cust svc told me, i ordered it based on some reviews by other rpod owners.( as i recall, there was a 30 day full refund policy that helped me decide to.chance it ) i have an r172 listed at 19' 4" long and it fits perfectly !
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