First Outing.

Well this weekend we had some surprise to me guest at my house.   My better half's son, and his girlfriend and her two kids, and their two dogs were coming to visit for a few days.   
Since our house is not small but not overly large and already occupied by 4 + 2 large dogs and a little yapper dog I felt that it was going to be too much stimulus for me.

I am the loner type and I require a lot of alone time and lots of space.

Anyway with her permission I wanted to take the Pod out for a shakedown cruise of sorts. We have a very nice state park only 6 miles from our home so I went there to visit nature for a few days.

All went well. I found that GETTING ORGANIZED IS KEY. Which was one of the reasons of the trip was to figure out what is needed, what is not and the best place to store everything..

I only found 4 issues that I need to address.

1. The black water flush inlet was loose so when I hooked it up to test it sprayed water onto the bathroom floor. I think it will be an easy fix just need to tighten it up a bit.

2. My Brand New Progressive Surge Protector threw a E-10 code. I have a call in to them but from what I read it has to be replaced. (Defected)

3. One of my front stabilizers has a bit of wobble to it and needs to be remounted. I bought some of the quick release brackets for the rear but haven't installed them yet. I had already replaced the rear as it didn't have any installed when I bought it.

4. I forgot to bring a small step ladder so I can sweep off he top of the slide before retracting it.   I also want to get a cover for it.

So all in all a good trip. I had my fresh water mostly full when going and emptied it through the black water to make sure the tank was flushed well. So the short return trip was less the water. Both pulled well. I could fell the extra weight pulling but I fell it towed smoother with the extra weight. This will help me with my load plan I think.

I do have one question...

Where does everyone stow their WD hitches when not in use. In the back of the truck or in the storage of the Pod. I can see advantages and disadvantages to both. ?

Originally posted by StephenH This was my solution: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712&PID=74476&title=our-escapod-mods#74476

I like this idea. As you my concern is it rolling around the bed of my truck. That thing is heavy and even with the bed liner I feel it could easily damage the sides. I like the great foam idea.    I did something similar with some JB Weld and a Hi-Point carbine to make a more solid bed for the barrel to rest in and thus improve accuracy. A retired Army guy showed me the trick and it really works well. I think if you put the Great Stuff in then cover it with plastic wrap then just sit the hitch in it will make the mold and not stick to the hitch.

Originally posted by Pod People I use a cable lock and lock the hitch head to the A frame of the pod. The hitch head is not subject to water/weather issues, so I don't think there is a  need for extra boxes or containers. The cable lock can be a keyed lock, but a combination lock is simpler. I have enough other keys to worry about. Vann

Another good idea but don't you run the risk of someone backing up to the hitch and hooking it to their vehicle and driving away? Granted it would take some serious good backing skills.

Originally posted by Pod People the hitch is not connected to the ball -it is laying on the ground and cabled to the a frame under the battery box.  I also use a hitch coupler lock and another lock through the ball latch. yes, someone could steal it, but it would take some time and work, Vann

Okay got it . Thanks for clarifying that .