Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: RPOD Cover

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RPOD Cover - Storage, traveling, shipping

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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Printed Date: 22 Jun 2025 at 6:28pm
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Topic: RPOD Cover - Storage, traveling, shipping

Posted By: D&H
Subject: RPOD Cover - Storage, traveling, shipping
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 6:15pm

I just bought a 182G in the lower 48 and due to the closure of the US/Canada border, I am unable to drive it up to Alaska. I will be putting the R-Pod on a barge next month and was curious if I put an RV cover over the RP if it would still be able to be towed or moved without issue. My biggest concern is that the cover would do just that and cover the tank pipes or other features and lead to potential damage.

The other option is to pay for industrial shipping/wrapping which is quoted rather high, or get a solid shipping insurance plan.

Does anyone have any experience with shipping or prepping an R-pod for barging to a location?!

Thanks for the help

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2017 R-Pod 182G Hood River
2017 Tundra TRD Crew Max 5.7L V8

Replies:

Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 6:26pm

You better check that out with border security, my understanding is, if you live in Alaska they will let you through to go home but not if you want to stay for vacation.

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If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 6:27pm

The fabric cover from Classic Accessories does not recommend moving the trailer with the cover installed. My cover is less than a year old and full of patches from tears setting in the storage yard.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 7:06pm

I've had several Classic covers. The purpose is to protect from weather and climate. They offer no protection to exterior of the TT. They don't protect pipes or covers. I agree they are advertised to not tow with them on. I wouldn't consider that.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: D&H
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2020 at 7:18pm

Originally posted by marwayne

You better check that out with border security, my understanding is, if you live in Alaska they will let you through to go home but not if you want to stay for vacation.

That's wild! I didn't know that was an option... I might check into that. My in-laws had offered to drive it up, but I could use the fresh air!

I was thinking that the cover would primarily provide protection against salt spray while in transit but not really provide any sort of physical protection. I am just concerned that by covering the pipes or A/C, I am asking for trouble if they choose to pick the pod with a loader or some other sort of equipment at the Port.

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2017 R-Pod 182G Hood River
2017 Tundra TRD Crew Max 5.7L V8

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2020 at 5:48am

I wouldn't try to cover it. The cover isn't meant to take high winds. Just wash the salt off really well when you get it, it should be fine. If you are going to have access before shipment (advisable, there will almost certainly be quality issues) you could also spray all the exposed metal with Fluid Film. That stuff works great for corrosion protection and is water soluble and environmentally safe. Won't harm your clothes either. I use it on all my vehicles.

As for picking it with a loader, that could be a problem, the frame isn't meant for that and there are multiple places where stuff hangs down below the frame. I would hope that they would roll it on and off the barge, try to check to confirm.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: D&H
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2020 at 11:13am

Thanks all. Offgrid - I'm calling today to ask a few questions and will add that to the list. Much appreciated.

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2017 R-Pod 182G Hood River
2017 Tundra TRD Crew Max 5.7L V8

Posted By: D&H
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2020 at 3:42pm

FYI for those who ever barge an R-Pod... The RPs are obviously too big to go into a container so they are hoisted onto a flat bed and secured for shipment. The flatbed is then loaded onto the barge. Battery and propane can go with the pod but it is better if they are secured inside of the pod (answer from shipping company). They said it would reduce the likelihood of the tank or battery getting damaged or coming dislodged. Personally I think I will leave the battery in its compartment and secure the tank inside the pod. A cover (like the one referenced in this post) is not advised for use while shipping. There are companies that will wrap the exterior for shipping but that is not required. Insurance is not offered by the shipping company but they take responsibility for compensation if goods are damaged. This must be done through their claims department. Exclusions apply.

Easy enough to ship, you just need a quote, drop off at the port referencing the quote number, photograph and inspect, fill out documentation and bill of lading, pay on arrival at destination. I got lots of quotes and they ranged from $3-5k from Seattle to Anchorage and surrounding ports.

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2017 R-Pod 182G Hood River
2017 Tundra TRD Crew Max 5.7L V8

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2020 at 7:35pm

They allow you to ship a full propane tank? I'm surprised. Personally, I wouldn't want to do it. I'd be sure it was empty first or just get a new one at my destination.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold