Under bed Access?
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4757
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 3:24am
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Topic: Under bed Access?
Posted By: GrapeSoda
Subject: Under bed Access?
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 8:21pm
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First I want everyone to know I did a search for this but could not find an answer. Ok, so I have a 2014 177 I have not used yet. I need to get to the water heater bypass valve that I assume is next to the water heater under the bed. The boards under the bed are screwed down tight. I would prefer not to take apart my new pod before I even use it. Is there some way to access the bypass valve without taking apart the bed?
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Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 11:13pm
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I have a 2010 176, so our configurations are probably a little different, but on my pod it is necessary to take the four screws out that hold on the panel in front of the water heater. This is a normal set up. I put velcro tabs on the back of the panel, right about where the screws were, and lost the screws, just to avoid having to take the few seconds it takes to use a screw driver. The screws are there to make it easy for you to take the panel off. If they didn't want you getting in there they would have stapled or glued the panel on. Hinges and latches would be more expensive, and you usually only need to get in there twice a year anyway. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Markus5
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 11:43pm
| My dealer said take apart the bed. 2014 rp177, too. Waiting to use it, too. One more week. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 May 2014 at 7:18am
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We have a 171 and the only access we found was taking out the four screws and accessing the valves that way. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 24 May 2014 at 7:43am
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Remove the screws holding the plywood bed base and lift it up. I left the screws out on mine, and raise the wood and mattress at the same time to shift the valves.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 24 May 2014 at 7:53am
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I have a 2012 rpod 177 my sheet of plywood was cut in half and the front half was not screwed down. I'd do what Keith said, its the best way to get at the valves.
------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 24 May 2014 at 9:31am
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you can access the valves via a panel in the back storage area(left/driver side) if you dont want to take the bed panel up. tight sqeeze but its another option ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Dawg Pod
Date Posted: 25 May 2014 at 12:57pm
| No. We have a 2014, 177 as well. The only access is through the top. We took the screws out and left them out. We also added a couple of 2 x 2s to support the bed over the void |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 26 May 2014 at 8:35am
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sorry dawg pod, guess i just assumed they left the access panel in the rear storage area; i like having it but as i mentioned, you can get caught in there!!!!!!! ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 26 May 2014 at 9:01am
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Although I have a 178, I'm pretty sure this would work in 177. Just some ideas that have worked well for us. Version #1: I removed all the screws and added some strap hinges, cut a finger hole and carried a pole to hold the panel up. I also added a partition and entry-way in the basement opposite the furnace for the cat's bathroom.  Version #2: We decided to make a daybed conversion with end table and counter extension. The end table piece is held in place with velcro from below around the furnace enclosure frame. Secure and easy access to furnace, hot water heater and valves. The swing up counter extension has worked out great for us.  ------------- 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: Lipidman
Date Posted: 26 May 2014 at 10:33am
| Very nice! |