Newbie questions

When I pick up my new R-pod179 is it smart to add an extra propane tank and battery? I figure if I had an extra propane I could switch to the new one and get the old one filled. Oh yeah....where do you fill these puppies? 

As for the propane, it's a matter of how you camp. Pods aren't really made for camping in below freezing weather because of the plumbing, but if you can get by without water, or even if you like early spring or late fall camping in the 30s & 40s, you can use a lot of propane.  I used a tank in 4 days once dry camping when the temps were in the 20s.  If you have electricity, a small electric heater is all you need though, and a lot cheaper since you're paying for the electricity anyway in the campground fee.  The on-board propane furnace fan is LOUD too by the way.

A lot of the large campgrounds, especially the franchise ones sell propane.  Farmers Coops, TSC, some country stores, will fill tanks.  In some parts of the country at least, exchange tank sites are almost ubiquitous.  You do pay a small premium to exchange tanks, maybe $5, and exchange tanks aren't as full as they could be, but sometimes that's the way to go. Depending on your tow vehicle and how you pack, you can carry a spare tank in the back of the truck -- it doesn't have to be mounted on the pod, although that is the most convenient.  Some people carry 5 or 10 pound bottles a spares.

Whether you need two batteries depends on how you camp too.  If you expect camp more than a couple of nights at a time without shore power, two batteries are probably a good idea.  Get two of the same kind of batteries at the same time.  Two 6v golf cart batteries will last the longest.

If "brake thingy" means brake controller, yes, it is an absolute requirement.  It's probably the law in most states for trailers over a certain weight.  More than that, it's a safety essential, and if nothing else it allows you to tow with a lot less stress.  I did not have a brake controller when I picked up my pod and towed it 250 miles home.  It is doable with extreme caution but it is not fun nor responsible. Compare it to driving on snow with 2WD and bald tires.  Your Colorado must have a V6 so it will be quite adequate for towing the pod, but the pod will definitely push it around if you don't have a brake controller.  It might already have one since it has a tow package, or it may just be wired so that one can be easily installed. And if you don't have one already, you will need a 7-pin connector on your truck for the trailer lights and brakes.

TT

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas As for the propane, it's a matter of how you camp. Pods aren't really made for camping in below freezing weather because of the plumbing, but if you can get by without water, or even if you like early spring or late fall camping in the 30s & 40s, you can use a lot of propane.  I used a tank in 4 days once dry camping when the temps were in the 20s.  If you have electricity, a small electric heater is all you need though, and a lot cheaper since you're paying for the electricity anyway in the campground fee.  The on-board propane furnace fan is LOUD too by the way. A lot of the large campgrounds, especially the franchise ones sell propane.  Farmers Coops, TSC, some country stores, will fill tanks.  In some parts of the country at least, exchange tank sites are almost ubiquitous.  You do pay a small premium to exchange tanks, maybe $5, and exchange tanks aren't as full as they could be, but sometimes that's the way to go. Depending on your tow vehicle and how you pack, you can carry a spare tank in the back of the truck -- it doesn't have to be mounted on the pod, although that is the most convenient.  Some people carry 5 or 10 pound bottles a spares. Whether you need two batteries depends on how you camp too.  If you expect camp more than a couple of nights at a time without shore power, two batteries are probably a good idea.  Get two of the same kind of batteries at the same time.  Two 6v golf cart batteries will last the longest. If "brake thingy" means brake controller, yes, it is an absolute requirement.  It's probably the law in most states for trailers over a certain weight.  More than that, it's a safety essential, and if nothing else it allows you to tow with a lot less stress.  I did not have a brake controller when I picked up my pod and towed it 250 miles home.  It is doable with extreme caution but it is not fun nor responsible. Compare it to driving on snow with 2WD and bald tires.  Your Colorado must have a V6 so it will be quite adequate for towing the pod, but the pod will definitely push it around if you don't have a brake controller.  It might already have one since it has a tow package, or it may just be wired so that one can be easily installed. And if you don't have one already, you will need a 7-pin connector on your truck for the trailer lights and brakes. TT