Buying new camper
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15419
Printed Date: 12 Jun 2025 at 4:46am
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Topic: Buying new camper
Posted By: mjlrpod
Subject: Buying new camper
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2022 at 3:08pm
I have just purchased a 2023 Surveyor Legend 19RBLE. It's a forest river product so, It's pretty close to the pod, but the layout is much more spacious. It also has more storage. It's weird that all the newer campers are offering D.C. fridges now. Once the larger fridge became available, they did away with the battery option. Now, they are doing away with the propane option, the fridge will not run on propane. Only shore power, or battery. It comes with a roof mount solar panel, so it should be ok. I was told.... that it can run a few days with no sun. I like that the unit has leaf spring suspension, and the connection point is right at the end of the axle, not a foot or more away. Theres plenty more to love. I am selling my 2020 Rpod 195. It's listed in the flea market down at the bottom of the web page.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Replies:
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2022 at 3:59pm
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Sounds like you got a nice trailer, mjlrpod. I'm not sold on the two way fridges but there are some real advocates on this forum. For me, three options is better than two, but that's just how my brain works. We're pricing out an Escape 5.0 TA right now. An absorption fridge is standard in the deal but they offer two different two ways. We're going with the three way fridge.
Best of luck to you.
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2022 at 4:08pm
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Thanks man, you too.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 06 Aug 2022 at 6:40pm
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Hmm. A deal breaker for those of us who boondock. W/O propane we have no way to keep food cool unless I purchase a generator, or solar panels (what good are they in cloudy weather) gas cans, ect, ect. 2 years ago our 10 year old Dometic bit the dust and was replaced with the same model 8501 three way. I could do without the battery option - never use it.
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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 11:48am
So this is an AC/DC only fridge? Is it a compressor fridge or still an absorption type?
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 1:21pm
I think it's a compressor fridge GG. I looked at a few brands, and they seem to be going in that direction. I think propane fridge might be an option thats going away, at least right now. Like I said, I was told the fridge can run 3 0r 4 days. Guess I'll find out.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 4:50pm
Yes, it would be a compressor fridge using the Danfoss/Secop DC compressor, which is a very nice reliable system. SephenH installed one recently I believe, You do need more electric capacity, which can be solar, generator, or alternator charging from the TV, or some combination. l
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 6:27pm
+1 and mine is a compressor refrigerator. I think power use is also dependent on ambient temps. During the hot weather, it does use more. OTOH, there is more likely to be sunny weather so solar would be providing more power during the long days of summer than during the short days of winter.
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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
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 6:28pm
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This unit comes with an 80 watt roof mount panel. If I need more, I will buy a suitcase style. I have two 2000w gennys, but you can't let gennys run all day and night.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2022 at 6:36pm
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I think you will be okay. Ours is not mounted to be the most efficient, being in the slide-out. If it has a roof top vent to help with air circulation it should be better. Is the refrigerator vented like the propane ones or is all of the air circulation like a refrigerator in your house where it is all inside and not vented?
Edited for clarification 8/8/2022
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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
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2022 at 10:08am
Good question, but I don't know. I won't have it in my possession until September.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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