New (almost) RPod 179 owner. - Event Date: 24 Mar 2015

Originally posted by freezingalaskan I hope my Volvo XC90 with 5000 pound limit will do ok as a TV because it towed my 172 great, but there is a weight increase.....time will tell if I made the right decision to get the 179. freezingalaskan

On Saturday I ended up putting my name on a new incoming 179. Now I need to sell my 2013 172.....Should get the new one at end of April or so. I will ask to have a WD hitch put on and upgrade the Fan-Tastic fan to the fanciest model with remote and thermostat because I don't see using the air conditioning unit much....

I hope my Volvo XC90 with 5000 pound limit will do ok as a TV because it towed my 172 great, but there is a weight increase.....time will tell if I made the right decision to get the 179.

freezingalaskan

I did a lot of research on carrying bikes on my new 178.  Looked at the rack Forest River says is an option for the RPOD and in my opinion it is piece of junk and walmart sells the same rack for $79 (enough said).

Looked at Thule and Yakima racks and they were made a lot better but very expensive.

I almost pulled the trigger on a Yakima rack but when I really looked at the mount for the spare tire (to use the Yakima or Thule the spare tire would have to come off and I would need to carry it in my truck) I started to feel like the 1 and 1/4 inch hitch the spare tire holder fitted into was just to flimsy to start putting a bike rack and two bikes back there.  My local dealer agreed.  They are a Lance dealer as well and one of their techs had installed a front mounted bike rack on several Lance trailers.  I talked to the tech and he said these were very adjustable and would work on an Rpod as well.  He said they were very well make strong and were really neat.  Only problem is they are also very expensive.  They are made in Canada and cost around $500.  However the Yakima rack I was looking at cost $400 so for an extra $100 I could have the best of all worlds.  You can google www.arvika.ca and see pictures of the racks the company makes.  I went ahead and ordered one.  When it is installed I will do a review of it for those that might be interested. 

As far as awnings are concerned, I just received my new awing setup from Pahaqhue Custom but have not had a chance to take my 178 out yet to put the new awning on yet.  When I do I will give a review.  In the meantime you can google www.pahaquecustom.com and look on that site for the new awing for Rpods.  There are some older ones like the visor but this new one looks great.  Similar to the Rdome but much easier to setup and they will fit the new 179 which I have heard the Rdome won't at this time.

As to twin propane tanks, never felt I needed one more as I carry a two and half gallon tank just in case and I am looking at putting a single 7 and half gallon tank instead of the five gallon tank.  Would need to increase the length of the strap down webbing to ensure the tank would stay in place.

Good camping in your new rig once you get it.  Alaska is a great place to own a Rpod.

Cheers

Alaska RPoder,

I also inquired about the price at local dealer here in Anchorage and yes, the price difference is staggering. My guess $3000 of the price difference may go to shipping costs alone. That still leaves a sizeable difference though, and if you are into doing a trip as well then you will save money for sure buying it "outside". I myself am thinking about selling my 172 and getting the 179, as my wife indicated a preference for a slide-out now. I was for the 172 two years ago because of weight concerns (I tow with a Volvo XC90 with a 5,000 pound max rating and 500 pound hitch weight limit.) but think my Volvo should tow the heavier 179 just fine. Will probably add a weight distribution hitch though if I upgrade to the 179.

My experience with the propane is that with not running the heater much at all my propane tank lasts all summer camping....and for us that is about 14 nights total. Remember, additional propane or battery will add weight to the front of your trailer and for me that is something I need to consider as I don't tow with a pickup truck.

I did order a bike rack from Forest River which is approved. Spent a fortune with shipping.....only to find the same approved rack at local walmart priced at $80 or so. The rack is light and not of the best quality, but I can see the reason for keeping the weight down in the back. As you are an avid biker, I could see having someone do some welding on the back frame to strengthen it and getting a good bike rack mounted back there. Just remember you need to make accommodations for the spare wheel/tire which seems to be an issue on the 179 (keep mine under front bunk bed in my 172).

Plan on buying a generator. If you have air conditioning then you need to read more on this forum on what to get. My 2000 watt Honda which is really quiet will likely not run the air conditioning unit, but a 2400 watt Yamaha might. If you only like to charge the battery and not run air conditioning or run the microwave on your trip then your tow vehicle will be enough to charge the battery.

I really like the Pahaque visor instead of the large rpod tent so you might want to look into that as well.

I will also install a window in the door of my current 172, or in the new 179 if I buy one....either a round porthole or a square one.

freezingalaskan

Look in Idaho or Portland OR at Blue Dog. They should come close to 14k