Milton KOA, Milton, FL

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   Our first camping adventure in our 176T is nearly over.  The pod has performed pretty well, but there were some minor issues.  When we first set up the r-dome the fabric showed itself to be a bit flimsy.  While snugging things up, a tear appeared along the bottom of a seam about 8" long.  Repairable I think, but annoying.  The screen they give you to screen off the area along the bottom of the trailer can't really be used in its current form.  There is a slide track along the bottom of the trailer just like the one at the top.  The screen is supposed to slide into this all the way across, but the entry step interrupts the slide making it impossible.  The only way it would work would be to cut the screen, then you'd be left with a gap at the steps.We had a very hard rain storm and had some dripping into the tent enclosure along seams, specifically the seams attached to the support frame.  I think a bit of silicone tent sealant will fix this.  
Not having black and grey water exiting from the same valve/pipe is a little awkward.  I may have to get a Y connector.   
We got a dismal 9.75 mpg towing with the Wrangler XL, and it definitely worked hard pulling the pod.  I'm now considering a switch to the Grand Cherokee Diesel before we attempt Yellowstone next summer.  Had one moment of swaying when being passed by a line of cars, but the weight distributing hitch damped it down quickly.  
On the plus side the KOA is very nice.  Free breakfast, nice pool, etc.   
We visited the National Naval Air Museum in Pensacola followed by an evening of dirt track racing at Southern Raceway.  I recommend both.

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PanamaMitch Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2013 Location: Panama City, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 14	Topic: Milton KOA, Milton, FL Posted: 28 Jul 2013 at 3:16pm
	Our first camping adventure in our 176T is nearly over. The pod has performed pretty well, but there were some minor issues. When we first set up the r-dome the fabric showed itself to be a bit flimsy. While snugging things up, a tear appeared along the bottom of a seam about 8" long. Repairable I think, but annoying. The screen they give you to screen off the area along the bottom of the trailer can't really be used in its current form. There is a slide track along the bottom of the trailer just like the one at the top. The screen is supposed to slide into this all the way across, but the entry step interrupts the slide making it impossible. The only way it would work would be to cut the screen, then you'd be left with a gap at the steps. We had a very hard rain storm and had some dripping into the tent enclosure along seams, specifically the seams attached to the support frame. I think a bit of silicone tent sealant will fix this. Not having black and grey water exiting from the same valve/pipe is a little awkward. I may have to get a Y connector. We got a dismal 9.75 mpg towing with the Wrangler XL, and it definitely worked hard pulling the pod. I'm now considering a switch to the Grand Cherokee Diesel before we attempt Yellowstone next summer. Had one moment of swaying when being passed by a line of cars, but the weight distributing hitch damped it down quickly. On the plus side the KOA is very nice. Free breakfast, nice pool, etc. We visited the National Naval Air Museum in Pensacola followed by an evening of dirt track racing at Southern Raceway. I recommend both.
	R-Pod 176T + Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

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: 28 Jul 2013 at 9:46pm
	Sounds like a great trip! I'm glad you had a great time. As far as the trailer screen, yes you do need to cut three vertical slits (cut only as high as needed): one to accomodate the axle one on either side of the step so that the middle piece fits behind the step Like most any tent, the r-dome does require a going-over with seam sealer. And, yes, towing mpg is awful - its the way of travel trailers (although I usually get 13-15mpg when relatively flat). A minimum of 5000 pounds tow rating would be ideal in a TV.
	Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

PanamaMitch Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2013 Location: Panama City, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 14	Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 8:41pm
	Oddly, the r-dome didn't leak at all. It was the tent extension on the pod that leaked.
	R-Pod 176T + Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

Sleepless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556	Posted: 31 Jul 2013 at 8:55pm
	Somewhere I read that you can use a small portable stool instead of the pod's pull-out step. Then you only have to make one cut, the one for the axle. I think that is a great idea, one I would never have thought of. Bob
	2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche