Shopping List for New RPod
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Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11930
Printed Date: 11 Jul 2025 at 7:47am
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Topic: Shopping List for New RPod
Posted By: PoddyTime
Subject: Shopping List for New RPod
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 7:50pm
| We just ordered the 176, and we have 2 months to wait for her to arrive. In the meantime, I'm spending a great deal of time thinking of what to buy before our first camping experience this fall. With an absolutely clean slate, I'm asking for pointers from you to tell me what you would recommend as a "want" and a "need" before we take ownership. What do you wish you had known before your first trip, and what do you recommend? |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 8:27pm
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Need: long-handled lighter for stove. Want: modification to install spark igniter (piezo or battery). Need: Sewer hose to fit carrier. Want: Modification to install longer carrier (may be moot for newer pods. Old ones could only hold a 10' hose) Maybe: If you are like me with arthritis, get an oil filter wrench (the one that looks sort of like Channel Lock pliers). If your hands still have a lot of grip strength, this may not be needed but might still be nice. Need: Nitrile gloves or other gloves to protect your hands when working with the sewer hose, grease, etc. The Harbor Freight ones work great and are a reasonable price. Sam's Club has them if you are a member at a two pack of 200 at a good price. I go through a lot of these at home as well as with the R-Pod. Need: Linens Want: Linens to fit the beds. It is easier to make the beds if the sheets fit. Need: Towels Want: https://smile.amazon.com/Microfiber-Lightweight-Absorbent-Swimming-Backpacking/dp/B01EA76A2K/ - Microfiber towels for both compact storage and quick drying. We have several sets of them. Need: Some basic tools for on the trip repairs. Want: More complete tool kit to include a multimeter. Need: Chocks and some means of leveling ("Lego" blocks, Andersen leveler, BAL leveler, etc.) Want: Your preference of which means of leveling you want to use. Need: torpedo bubble level for leveling Want: Hopkins Electronic LED Smart Level (I recently got one of these and it is well worth the price, especially if your local Walmart has it as it is cheaper there than anywhere else I have found). Need: Lug wrench with 3/4" socket. Also, a torque wrench that can make sure lug nuts are torqued to 100 ft-lbs. Any time a wheel is removed, it should be torqued when installed, after 50 miles, 100 miles, and every 500 miles thereafter (or daily if you are traveling long distances). After the first two checks, mine have stayed tight so sometimes I have skipped the 500 miles and just checked periodically when I remember. Good to have: Baskets and/or bins for storage of small items in cabinets and pantry. I'll let others take over from here.  ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: PoddyTime
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 8:48pm
| Wow. This is most helpful. I'm already on Amazon looking for some of these. Anyone, feel free to keep the ideas coming. |
Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2018 at 10:30pm
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My first purchases were: (in addition to those of StephenH) Weight distribution hitch with sway control. Hard wired surge protector.Pressure regulator for city water pressure. Potable water hose. Dirty water hose for holding tank clean out. Anderson leveler. ...... ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: kansasfrogs
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 1:13pm
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Surge protector! ------------- FROGGY |
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2018 at 1:34pm
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RV Assessory Checklist (items you need to buy, should buy, or just some that are nice to have) Brake controller – Even if TV has towing package it probably lacks a break controller. Tekumsa P2 is highly rated but more expensive. The less expensive the unit the more it has to be in a fixed position (i.e. parallel to ground). It comes with wires to splice into TV however most tow packages already have the female harness so only need to buy male harness for your vehicle (around $18) then no searching for the correct wires to splice into, and you can remove unit at will. An internet search for your TV will let you know where to find the hitch. On our Jeep Cherokee it was hidden away and we could not find it until we found a UTube video demonstration. Other items □ White water hose (for drinking water only) 25’ Camco $9.97 □ Garden water hose (for black water flush and all other washing) □ Water filter with right angle □ Water pressure regulator Y connector to attach two hoses to single water line □ Oxy-Kem holding tank treatment. Turn off vent fan when going to the bathroom. Always wait until black tank is 2/3 full before emptying □ Sewer hose 2 x 10’ is better than single 15 foot (Valterra D04-0275 newer version comes with clear elbow $50.50). Reported to have less leaks than Camco model □ Sewer elbow to connect to ground hole (comes with Valterra above) □ Sewer elbow clear to connect to RV to see when water is clean Valterra T1026 $11.50 (also comes with Valterra above) □ Sewer hose holder to keep hose slanted to ground Camco 43051 20’ $22.94 □ Disposable gloves for cleaning out holding tanks (or strong rubber gloves to re-use and save the □ Tire leveling plastic with chock for under tires □ Plastic pads for stabilizers (Do not use wood) □ Lock for trailer hitch to prevent someone from stealing your RV when left alone unhooked □ Leveling guides. One type goes on hitch and turns to tell you how many inches to raise RV. Other types stick to side walls. □ Propane tank gauge. May need to get second tank but try it first with one tank. □ Bug and rodent screens – Spiders in furnace, refrigerator and hot water heater can do damage. Need to get screens for all vents. Camco 42154 for Dometic refrigerator Pack of 6 vents $15.88. Camco 42141 furnace vent screen 2 Pack $10.86. Camco 42145 Large screen for water heater $16.00 □ Lawn mat (Do not use plastic grass – stays wet) use porous material made for RVing □ Dust broom with pan □ Lanterns and flashlight □ Spare fuses □ BBQ Grill – can get propane now that 2017.5 RV has quick connector □ Propane hose extension 10 foot Camco $21.26 (not the standard size 3/8”). Wiil need a bunch of adapters to fit your grill. □ Sticky mats to keep things on the counter □ Wood dowels to keep windows closed and locked – so they do not open during drives □ Expandable drapery rods to put in refrigerator to hold food in place □ Oxygenics BodySpa RV shower kit – white (Model ETL26781) Amazon $31.13. Sends water at higher pressure thus using less water for a shower. Great product reviews, really works. Made for RV Replace mattress -11” NuForm Quilted pillow top memory foam short queen 60 x 74 (RPOD is 74”) RV size $258 price raised to $279 at Overstock. Regular queen is 60 x 80
Add surge protection to RV -Progressive industries EMS-PT30C Portable RV surge protector 30 AMP. Comes with metal hook to be able to lock it onto the electric box so that it is not stolen. $235.00. This is better than just surge protection since it will also shut off current if it goes too low or is wired wrong. Even better, get the hard wired version (HW30C same price) so no worries about getting stolen. May need to have dealer install as it (around $200) involves cutting into electric lines. Also has a low hum but to eliminate it people report using rubber spacers when attaching it to RV floor.
Add wind deflector on roof of tow vehicle. Very controversial, at best it saves 10% or around 1 mpg -Aeroplus by Purpleline $282 attaches to cross bar of roof rack (need to buy for $99 more) -Aeroshield straps to door frame $366. No roof rack required. Does make ride more stable if wind is a problem bouncing car around Winter cover – Cover for 179 fits the 180 as the doors are in the same place. Classic Assessories PolyPro 3 Model 4 cover (part 80-197-17100-00) Amazon $151. They also make a PermaPro model for $191. Do not know what the difference is. ------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: Ghosthawk
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2018 at 6:44am
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Too many items to mention them all. We went with Anderson Leveling blocks/chocks. Amazon has an extensive listing of Camco products aimed directly at RVers. From water hoses to dishpans. I have a 3' level, and an 8" level, but bought a small 3 way bubble level to put on the hitch so I can get close with a glance. Amazon sells a spice rack with magnetic lids, and base that can be free standing, or attached to wall. This was a no brainer for me. Amazon Basic Zero Gravity chairs for sitting around in the evening. More comfortable than chairs costing half again as much, fewer problems, with a better locking system. We went with Lensun folding Solar charger and controller. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071WBMC8P/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071WBMC8P/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Mind we have not tested any of this yet. Been waiting for our 189 to get built. Happened yesterday. Pickup should be next week with any luck.
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Posted By: harrypodder
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2018 at 7:38pm
| Allow an extra $250.00 and take those Chinese made tires off and replace with made in USA Goodyear Endurance. Don't have the luxury of a tandem axle when they fail and if you pull any long distance the peace of mind is worth it. I know it's hard to replace brand new tires and any tire if it hits a road object is subject to a blowout but it's the other issues on how they are made and quality control. First thing I did on my 2019 189 but the suggestion comes from dozens of years pulling boat trailers. Also your lugnuts are two pieces consider changing them out for 1 piece chrome solid lugnuts. Install a Fanmate by Maxxair cover over your bath vent fan so you can use it when it rains. Get a small voltage display meter that plugs into an outlet so you can check for low voltage. Check your tow vehicle jack for capacity and if it will fit under the POD a (scissors) jack of some type is probably what you will need. Receiver lock for your spare tire or bike mount. |
Posted By: PoddyTime
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2018 at 7:16pm
What is this hose for? It was under my bunk when I picked up the R-Pod this weekend. I don't know what it's for, or if I'm even supposed to have it.  |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2018 at 8:11am
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I'm not sure because the picture is small---but I think it is an air hose for a pneumatic tool. I have several that look very similar. Does it have a snap brass fitting on each end--one male and female? Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2018 at 8:51am
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+1 - not a Pod specific tool ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: PoddyTime
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2018 at 11:27am
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Thanks Mike...I scoured every nook and cranny trying to figure out where to insert it. I'm guessing the prep team at my dealer or the folks at FR in Indiana left it in there accidentally. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2018 at 11:42am
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When I scoured through mine there were lots of pieces of scrap junk laying in those unused spaces. Pulled it all out and tossed it. There was nothing incorrectly installed that I could see so no harm done but it doesn't really say much for pride of workmanship at the factory does it? ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2018 at 12:14pm
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Savajack- two for the rear stabilizers so you won't tear them off going into a gas station or other driveway The front ones are pretty well protected as they are.
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Posted By: tony rpod 180
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2018 at 9:19am
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Electrical adapters, 50 amp to 30 amp(in case campsite doesn’t have 30 amp connection), 30 amp to 15/20 amp for plugging in at home.
Portable gray/black water tank(when full hookup is not available ------------- GMC Canyon/RPoder |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2018 at 9:47am
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Caveat to the above: Just realize that unless you have at least a 20A circuit and breaker, you will not be able to run the AC by using a 15/20A adapter. It may run for a short time but eventually it will overload the circuit and trip the breaker, especially if the converter is trying to charge the battery at the same time. Lights are insignificant since LED lights draw very, very little power.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: disputin
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2018 at 10:15am
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I'm not sure you will get a lot of help with this hose. I believe it's a new feature this year. I think there may be an outside spigot (or it's in the storage compartment) that this hose hooks up to. You can wash your trailer, muddy shoes, muddy dogs, or kids you are not particularly fond of at the moment. A lot of boats have this to rinse off seawater. I'm not really sure what Forest River's thoughts on including this were. Seems like a feature I would rarely use. I don't know that I would use my 30-gallon freshwater tank to rinse the trailer and if I was somewhere where there is a water hookup, I have a splitter that I hook up to the spigot for that reason. The last thing I need in the trailer is another thing that leaks or can be accidentally left open.
Sean ------------- Sean & Christine Whitney 2002 F150 2016 179HRE 
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2018 at 10:25am
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Another caveat, at the risk of restarting a debate.... If you use a 50 amp to 30 amp "dog bone" adapter you are connecting your rPod to a 50 amp power source. The cable from the adapter to the rPod power inlet, the inlet itself, and the internal wiring in the rPod between the inlet and the electrical panel are all rated for 30A, not 50A. Lots of folks are fine with this. Just to be aware. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: btoth47
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2018 at 1:02pm
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My Pod is the 182G & it is the alternet fitting on your garage faucet. ------------- btoth47 |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2018 at 3:39pm
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I believe a first priority item is a DC tire inflator that plugs into your tow vehicle. I am very surprised that this wasn't mentioned earlier. Always check tire pressure before starting a trip, and any time you are uncomfortable with the tires. Tires seem to be magnets for roofing nails! Low tire pressure is insidious and not good for tires, wherever the tire is made! Also hi priority is an axe, but that really depends on your RV camping style.
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