Call me crazy...
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Events and Campouts
Forum Discription: Post events, group campouts, and R-pod Roundups
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167
Printed Date: 29 Jul 2025 at 8:13pm
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Topic: Call me crazy...
Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Subject: Call me crazy...
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 8:27am
DH and I are planning a mid-winter 3 week trip to south Florida. Due to gas mileage, we have decided not to bring the pod.  We are planning on "living in" our conversion van for most of the trip.We will be staying at state parks along the way except for a short stay with some friends. We used to be tent campers, so I am looking forward to the challenge of returning to my roots except I'll have a comfy bed to sleep in. We plan on taking the EZ up, propane stove, tent for storage, outside potty etc. to make outdoor living possible. My question is this: Does anyone have any suggestions for making the van more convenient to sleep in/hang out in during bad weather? Certain things must stay inside, like clothes and food. I'm afraid we may be a little cramped. (not enough to stay home  ) DH already removed the captain's chairs so we have lots of floor space. ------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Replies:
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 8:55am
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My first suggestion would be to make sure you have lots of cushions & pillows to make sitting around in the van more comfy during the bad weather, if you have to. My second would be to bring an easy-up type of cover that you can quickly setup to give you some protected overhead space outside. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 10:58am
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You are crazy.
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 10:58am
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Don't hate me.. you asked for it.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 11:39am
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I understand, pulling the pod around ain't cheap. I just mentioned in another thread that we did 4 trips from MD to FL in 2011, but only one of them with the pod even though I would have preferred to have it the other 3. Two of the non-pod trips we slept in our minivan (our TV at the time). 4 people and a dog on one of them!
Since you'll have your EZ-up, get 1 oversize tarp, a large clear-plastic drop cloth and a dozen spring clamps. You can find the tarp fairly cheap online, spring clamps and drop cloth at any home improvement store. I have a tarp that can completely cover the top of 2 EZ-ups with a 4 foot gap between them. Covering just one it will cover the top (original cover isn't rain proof anymore) and one side. With additional clear drop cloth I can completely enclose two EZ-ups for bad weather camping trips.
I'm thinking you could set up your EZ-up against the van with the sliding door or rear doors open, then use the tarp to cover the EZ-up and bridge the gap to the van. Add the clear plastic on the other sides (clear to let light in) and you'll have a huge dry area to hang out without being trapped in the van. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 12:48pm
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What a great idea, Techntrek! I have tarps for the side of the EZ up for sunshine in the summer, but clear ones would be better for winter. It will just be two of us and a small-who-thinks-he's-big dog. P&M, thanks for the suggestion about lots of pillows, that will help I'm sure. We already have many large pillows in the pod. I'll just take them with us.
------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2013 at 2:23pm
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Two thoughts from someone who is now in Florida, after bringing their pod down from New York: A. On the way down, you might want to stay at a Cracker Barrel overnight,,no charge. Just let the management know. B. It is very HOT down here at this time,,,so sleeping in a van with no AC might not be such a great experience. Just say'in
------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Nov 2013 at 3:15pm
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Other options are Wal-Mart and truck stops. We actually feel safer in truck stops.
Very true about the A/C. We ran our van for the few nights we were in it - not cheap and not something I would want to do long-term, but it was absolutely necessary to get any sleep. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 7:18am
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truck stops, cracker barrel and walmart...............how about rest areas? ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 8:51am
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Interstate rest areas generally have a 2 hour limit, probably for good reasons. They could get crowded and there are a lot of potential safety issues. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 9:12am
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in using truck stops, are there designated areas for campers or does one just hang with the truckers? i have used rest areas a lot and have never heard of somebody getting kicked out. i would only imagine there are potential safety issues at any of these. curious on others thoughts and experiences. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 9:50am
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There are some all night rest areas with security,,they say. We avoid them as they just seem too out of the way for our sense of safety. As for Walmart, we avoid them too, due to the clientele...and not all Walmart's allow RV's now. We stayed at a truck stop, in between two huge rigs and other than the noise,,,we felt very safe. The Cracker Barrel restaurants usually have parking lots in the back with plenty of room and they are well lit. We have always felt safe there...and they have rest rooms when open and a great breakfast! We just make sure to call ahead to ask the manager if it is OK if we stay there,,,they have always said yes. ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 11:03am
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We always call ahead to Wal-marts since there are a lot of jurisdictions that have made it illegal to stay there (otherwise it is company policy to allow it, going back to Walton's day). That saves a trip off the highway just to discover you can't stay. If we tried Cracker Barrel or Camping World I would do the same - any place except a truck stop. Truck stops by definition are always situated where it is allowed so we don't call, but we do check in with the person at the counter to see where they want us to park (while I'm filling up at the pump so they see we're patronizing them). Often they point to a corner of the regular parking lot to keep the long truck slots open. I've read that people do often get away with using rest stops, but since it is illegal just about everywhere I'd rather not get a wake-up at 2 am. Plus ticket. The reason we prefer truck stops now is we've had a few experiences at Wal-Marts. Kids doing burn-outs down the line of campers at 2 am, for one. The local idiots know there are campers there and they can be messed with - or worse. That isn't going to happen at a truck stop or they'll have 30 truckers beating their @ss. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 12:48pm
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We have had great luck with Flying J truck stops. Have used them on our trips to Florida from Vermont. We start at the Flying J Northeast Maryland and have worked our way south, they have an app you cann get that gives you locations and distances, gas prices etc. They aslo have an RV rewards card where you get points toward all kinds of stuff. Have always had great luck with thier staff people, most locations are very close to the interstate also ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Date Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 8:18pm
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Paige, thanks for the heads up about the weather. We won't be leaving for several weeks so hopefully it will be cooler. Thanks everyone else for all the suggestions. ------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Posted By: Paige
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 6:21pm
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Well it is definitely cooler already. Good luck on your adventure! ------------- Paige and Pete 2010 177 - RPug 2012 Rav (six cylinder) New York & Florida residents
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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 10:14pm
I spoke with a manager at a Craker Barrel this summer in Maine and she said it was company policy to allow people to overnight in their parking lots. It has become my new favorite Parking place. I have also overnighted at truck stops. The only thing I am carfull about is if it is busey I don't stay. Trucks are their bread and butter so you don't want to take a parking spot that a trucker would need. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: mtbmitch
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 10:18pm
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I would bring a tent to throw your gear bags into so you have more room. ------------- enjoy the fresh air |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 8:00am
As I mentioned earlier, they usually ask you to stay in a corner of their regular lot and not in one of the long truck slots. So you are right, but no reason to shy away. Just ask if you can stay in the unused corner, one of the advantages of us having relatively short rigs.  ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 2:26pm
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On our 7 week trip we stayed in Cracker Barrels three times and once at a Walmart. We were very careful about Walmart locations and always asked first at both Walmart and Cracker Barrel. We would never choose a Walmart if we were the only ones there. Loved the Cracker Barrel experience. The management was always great and welcomed us with open arms - we made sure we spent money at both establishments. We always felt safe. ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 3:00pm
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What time does everyone normally pull in at the Cracker Barrels? I'm starting to like this option. And what have you been doing if they are closed? hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Kokopod
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 6:46pm
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They're open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. all other nights. We would roll in at least in time to grab dinner. If you call in advance for permission, you could get there anytime you want as long as you're quiet (you could grab their breakfast in the morning). They have special parking for trailers and buses in the rear of the restaurant(very well lit). We never put our stabilizers down, but we would put out the slide. Usually we were just about the only ones in the parking area, but we always felt safe. We stayed at Cracker Barrels in Davenport, IA, Benton Harbor, MI and Lincoln, NE. When we'd call or go in to ask, management acted EAGER to have us! ------------- 2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 7:59pm
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This might be helpful: http://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations-and-hours/mobile-apps/ - http://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations-and-hours/mobile-apps/
------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 07 Nov 2013 at 6:54am
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thanks for all the info, definitely a great option ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 9:11am
Yep you did say that and I did not see it because I only scanned your post  ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2013 at 4:05am
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Great information from all of you. Thanks for the input. As our adventure gets closer, I'm sure I'll have more questions, but I know where to get answers! ------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 10:13am
------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 10:37am
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Tips for finding a sponsor, as mostly-jokingly suggested in my previous post:
You'll need approximately $400 to make up the difference in mileage between podding and suffering. A $400 advertising bill isn't huge.
Your pod is cute... very cute...so it attracts attention.
Put your sponsor's removable signage in prominent places on your pod, with web address accentuated.
Promise to add signage to your rDome when setup.
Your sponsor will get exposure and re-exposure (on your return trip) across at least 5 states.
Ideal sponsors sell liesure products, pain relief, or promise great sexual attraction for seniors nationwide from their website.
Go for it.
Sam
------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 11:52am
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Sponsors! Brilliant! A Pea in the Pod Maternity Clothing (There actually is a brand!) Two Peas in a Pod (Green Giant or Birds Eye!) [Uhmmm....and various medical products) Turtle Wax (Apologies to the frog!) P.O.D.S. (Portable On Demand Serenity!) Gonna be looong winter. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 10:45am
This is a generalization that is not always true. I have traveled coast to cost in motorhome. I noticed in most rest areas that a sign is posted that says no overnight camping. Yet, I noticed that many 18 wheelers were in the parking lot -- often with engine idling. One that we always liked is the Alabama one on I-10 on the Alabama/Mississippi state line. The sign there says no overnight... I called the Alabama department of transportation that manages the rest areas and asked them about the sign and how truckers stay over night. I was told that the sign was necessary to keep squatters from camping there multiple nights and making it home. I was told that I was absolutely welcome to pull in for a good solid 8 eight hours sleep, time to use bathroom, and time to cook supper and breakfast. Just don't make it a three day campsite... In fact they said that it is a safety thing with most states. They would rather to have you stop for rest than to have to scrape you off their Interstate due to sleepy driving. Call a few states and check it out... Most Walmarts let you stop too with a few exceptions.. I check in with security and they usually tool around all night with their golf cart to make sure we are ok. I have even found hospitals with full hookups.. one in particular was in Idaho Falls Idaho.. but that is another story. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 12:50pm
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Need to hear that story. How did you find those hospitals, and why do they have camper hookups? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 7:09pm
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For your pop up canopy try this: Medium duty clear or translucent shower curtains - 5 bucks or less at your local big box - clip to the edges of the canopy using those black spring clamps from Staples With a good quality tarp over the top for rain proofing. The clamps can also join the edges together. It takes a total of 8 shower curtains to cover the edges of the canopy. We have a Quest with the screening, which holds the curtains away from the vertical and allows the water to drain away. Enjoy. Walt ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2013 at 12:14pm
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To help answer Thinkers question on how and why truckers fill up the rest areas at night, we are required by DOT to take 10 hours off after driving for 11 hours or after being on duty for 14 hours. There are drivers that use the rest areas because they are free with easy on/off access to the interstate, the same reasons the RV's like them. There is not enough parking for trucks in many states and to help with this you will see more 'truck only' rest areas to help with this problem. Missouri and Nebraska have several along the interstates.
Trucks and RV's use different systems for heating and cooling for better or worse. The truck has always used it's engine as the source of heat and to run the air, that is why the engine must run unless the truck is equipped with an APU (auxiliary power unit). Everyone wants a good restful sleep, to be refreshed in the morning and ready to go. To get this we all use heat or cooling whether you are a trucker or an RVer. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: francoisfrogpod
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2013 at 2:22pm
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Thanks, Podsible Dream. I already have a 20 X 12 tarp purchased at Big Lots that I have cut in half to use as wind / sun / rain shield. Works perfectly-stretches across the 12 foot side of the EZ up and leaves a little opening for ventilation. Best purchase ever! You can buy "zip on" ones from the EZ up company, but they want 33 dollars for each side. I made two sides out of 1 tarp for $15. ------------- Denny and Linda 2013 Pod 177 '08 Santa Fe |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 7:11pm
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Another option is to buy thick mil drop cloth plastic for the sides of the EZ-up, usually it is translucent and comes in long lengths. I use a tarp over the top, long enough to extend down and cover one side.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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