Couple of new modifications I'd like to make
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12757
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Topic: Couple of new modifications I'd like to make
Posted By: 1tulip
Subject: Couple of new modifications I'd like to make
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 2:14pm
So I just experienced living in the rpod for 2 months. It was in a setting with sewer, electricity and water... but no internet!!! But I made do in spite of the primitive facilities  .Here are some things I'd like to do to keep improving on what proved to be a nice trailering experience: I'd like to limit the amount of lifting and toting involved whether I'm at a campground, or boondocking. My husband died a year and a half ago, I followed advice here on the site and purchased a tray to sit above the propane tank(s) and hold the generator. So now that I'm home, I'm going to have that installed. I'd like to have room for two propane tanks. Do you think they could effect that sort of modification while they are installing the tray? Had I been able to depart on my journey with two full tanks, I would have gotten through my stay there without having to lift the empty into the truck, schlepp to the nearest town, unload it, pay for the refill, schlepp it back out to the campground, etc. etc. I'm turning 70 years old this year and want to be as independent as possible while r-poding. FINALLY: With the aforementioned mods, I'm wondering if I need to have the tongue lengthened. Already, the tongue is too short for me to fully drop the tailgate on my truck. Two of my dogs are getting kinda old and this makes it hard for them to jump into crates in the truck bed. In addition, I'm thinking if I have two LP tanks, the "stuff" on the Y-section of the tongue will limit my turning radius.
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Replies:
Posted By: Jholler
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 3:45pm
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Twin propane tanks are an easy fix, a tray can be mounted on your tongue with u bolts no problem. Instead of lengthening your tongue, have a look at this: https://jack-e-up.com/ Less than $60, twenty minute install. ------------- 2015 rpod 179 2014 Ram ecoDiesel HFE 2009-ish Chihuahua https://ibb.co/S3qvZKG"> 
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Posted By: Jholler
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 3:53pm
https://ibb.co/BLRfRc4">
Here's my 179 with twin tanks AND a toolbox, jack-e-up installed. ------------- 2015 rpod 179 2014 Ram ecoDiesel HFE 2009-ish Chihuahua https://ibb.co/S3qvZKG">
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 4:19pm
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I would not recommend lengthening the tongue on your R-pod. All kinds of red flags around that one. Instead, use the jack-e-up as mentioned above, and carry the genny in the back of your truck. There are lots of pre-made 2-tank bases that you can put on your R-pod. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Ben Herman
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 4:43pm
Agree with this - I put a two-tank tray on my 179 and it makes alot of difference not having to worry about running out. Good idea to add a two-tank regulator w/ auto changover on it, like this: https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-KT12ACR6-Changeover-Regulator/dp/B00IZCNOS0/ref=asc_df_B00IZCNOS0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309760820526&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12639859412874898078&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029182&hvtargid=pla-492103706539&psc=1 - https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-KT12ACR6-Changeover-Regulator/dp/B00IZCNOS0/ref=asc_df_B00IZCNOS0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309760820526&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12639859412874898078&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9029182&hvtargid=pla-492103706539&psc=1
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2019 at 4:54pm
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You should NOT lengthen the tongue of your trailer. Do not do such a thing. The correct answer is a longer hitch shank. The part that goes into the truck hitch hole and mounts the ball. They available in various lengths to allow for short or crowded tongues. eTrailer has lots of different ones available.. https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Drop+Shank&furl=-vw-1-pg-Ball_Mounts Adding dual tanks is a 10 minute job, any handyman or RV tech can do it for you.
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Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 7:53am
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1tulip, my hat is off to you for R-podding at almost 70! Good on ya. I also have a desire for dual propane tanks. Which dual tank bracket do others recommend? ------------- 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB 2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |
Posted By: Jholler
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 8:06am
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Mine appears to be something like this, with a diverter valve and a tank cover. It was on the trailer when I bought it.
https://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-KT20MNT-Propane-Cylinder/dp/B00IZCNOVC ------------- 2015 rpod 179 2014 Ram ecoDiesel HFE 2009-ish Chihuahua https://ibb.co/S3qvZKG">
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Posted By: Ben Herman
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 9:48am
This is the one I used. Works fine. As I recall, I had to drill a few new holes to mount it, no big deal. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZCNOVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IZCNOVC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Posted By: 1tulip
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 2:09pm
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Just curious... I see your tool box, but where are your batteries? |
Posted By: 1tulip
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 2:17pm
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Not a problem at all. With a WDH, it's like it's not even there... all I do is drive. BTW: I can't believe the number of people who tell me (little grey haired lady who obviously knows nothing... which in many cases is true... but I digress...) "Whoa! That WDH is really overkill for a little trailer like yours! HAR! HAR!" or words to that effect. BUT, try driving North on Hwy 95 from Phoenix to Reno when a winter front is howling (30 plus mph sustained winds) across the Sierras and starts pushing directly on the left face of your pod or dodging rocks on the highway beside Walker Lake. Just sayin.
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 3:56pm
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We drive the same territory 1tulip and the WHD is one very, very good investment. And driving I-580/US395 through Washoe Valley just south of Reno can be down right exciting when those yellow wind warning lights are flashing, even with a WHD. Indeed, better to wait with the big trucks. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 4:16pm
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I used to drive 95 down to the Navy Ammo Depot back in the 1970s almost monthly. Been down that road many times. Whatever you can do to tip the scales in your direction. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Jholler
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2019 at 9:10pm
In the tool box! ------------- 2015 rpod 179 2014 Ram ecoDiesel HFE 2009-ish Chihuahua https://ibb.co/S3qvZKG">
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Posted By: 1tulip
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2019 at 10:14am
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In the tool box!
Ah HA! That will keep people from ripping off your batteries if you store it anywhere.
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Posted By: 1tulip
Date Posted: 19 Apr 2019 at 10:26am
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So I took the pod to the body shop. Nice enough people... but they viewed my suggestions/requests as if they were somewhat unorthodox. I don't see why the Jack-e-up should be a big deal. Nor do I see why the addition to the tray/platform/shelf for the generator should be so unusual (yes, I realize that parts they don't supply, they don't guarantee.) So I had to leave my truck (damn!!!) and my generator with them. I told them I have to have everything back at the end of next week. (Quote... "You're killing me!") Once the platform for the generator is installed, however, they are going to have to change the way the propane tanks are held in place, even if we stick with a single tank. Can't lift it in and out of the basket arrangement. How have you solved this, if indeed you've done this to yours?
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Posted By: geewizard
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2019 at 2:32pm
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If I were in your situation, perhaps this or something like it, would do the trick: https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-60732.html - https://www.harborfreight.com/12-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-60732.html ....if it reached over the tailgate to where the propane tanks were located. ------------- 2021 Winnebago Micro Minnie 1708FB 2017 R-Pod 177 (Blue) HRE SOLD 2004 Outfitter Apex 8 camper 2014 Toyota Tundra DC |