Latest 172 Changes
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10601
Printed Date: 29 Jun 2025 at 6:42am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Latest 172 Changes
Posted By: timpod
Subject: Latest 172 Changes
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2017 at 3:47pm
|
Last year we made a few changes to the pod, earlier this year we put in some more time to get it ready for spring break. We'd already put in a composting toilet, and Lagun swinging table, cut back the upper bunk, removed some interior cabinetry, and removed most of the exterior decals. This year: - Made a new oak facia board for the previously cut-away upper bunk. The upper bunk is 30" wide. - New round window for the upper bunk, to the right of the door. - New oak cabinet on the lower bunk with 4 doors, and a lip on the top to hold hats and things. The lower bunk is now 30" wide as well. - New lower frame for the lower bunk which adds kick space and shoe storage. About 12" wide. - Split the lower bunk cushion and lid in order to make it easier to open. - New oak counter top, with under-counter stove kit (fit existing stove) - New faucet - New oak table top to go on the Lagun swing arm. (The pictures of the table show it in it's travel position, we raise it up and swing it out when parked.) Since the table easily swings out of the way, we didn't have to cut the corners like the original. - New lower framing for the right side settee, opening it up so we can slide a duffel bag in and out. Matching oak framing on the left side, around the heater. The new table top sits on these new frames, as it did previously, to make the double bed. - Replaced the light fixtures with round black rimmed LED pucks. (Not visible in these photos) - Moved the protruding outlet from the front of the sink/stove cabinet to the side, now recessed. Haven't cleaned up the hole yet. - Cleaned up more wiring, etc. Photo’s here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/geExnQ6PpDjLvaG83 - https://photos.app.goo.gl/geExnQ6PpDjLvaG83 ------------- 2016 Pod 172 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Replies:
Posted By: spydie
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2017 at 4:01pm
|
A lot of nice changes. I'll bet it suits you well! ------------- 2018 R-pod 176 2017 RAM 1500 5.7L Hemi 
|
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2017 at 6:52pm
|
Nice job!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 12:37pm
|
Look'n Good. Got a question. I want to move top bunk up about 12" and use the area for storage boxes. I have a bad back and cant bend very well, so I want to also raise lower bunk about 8 to 10 inchs and add more drawers under me. To sit up, I must swing my legs down and raise up with my arms. (Am only one that uses the Pod 172) When you cut out the upper bunk, did you run into any roof/wall movement, or any other problems? Thanks in advance. ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |
Posted By: Larry-D
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 5:28pm
| May not be the total answer you're looking for but I removed the top bunk leaving only the portion between the bath and front wall. No movement so far. |
Posted By: timpod
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2017 at 4:58pm
|
Haven't noticed any structural movement, or issues, with cutting back the top bunk. I believe there is some support in the walls for the horizontal stringers to which the bunks are attached. Can't remember for sure, but if there is, you'll lose that support if you move the bunks vertically. I don't think it would be a major issue though, as long as you provide support back down the floor, especially the bottom bunk which will have your full weight on it. In my case, where I added the shoe / kick space, I ended up with a wall under the middle of the bottom bunk, which makes it very solid. ------------- 2016 Pod 172 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2017 at 11:18am
|
We took out the upper bunk in our 172 and raised the lower bunk by about 7" and have had no structural issues appear. I cut the upper bunk front to back in line with the wall of the head and used the trim piece that used to run perpendicular to the direction of travel and used it as a facia on the part of the bunk I left for storage. The only issue we (I should say I) have had is bumping my knees from time to time on the facia of the upper shelf (former bunk) due to the additional height of the lower bed. But repetition is a good teacher and now it only happens rarely. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2017 at 12:46pm
|
Thanks guys. All is well taken. Now to take measurements, draw and cut. Excuse me, measure 3times. draw, measure again, then cut. 
------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |