Proud Owner of New 177 and First Mods
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4942
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Topic: Proud Owner of New 177 and First Mods
Posted By: WillThrill
Subject: Proud Owner of New 177 and First Mods
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 4:44pm
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About a year ago, I was a bit reluctant to go for the RV thing. But my wife, who spent much of her childhood RVing, convinced me to rent a 14' TT. We spent about a month touring the Pacific NW and Canadian Rockies in it and had a blast. We were both sad to return it. Since I'm a teacher, I have three months off every summer, so we can get lots of use out of a RV.
Ever since then, we've been checking out the Pods. They just seem like the ideal mix of tow-ability, space, comfort, and price for those who don't need a lot of room. We like to get out and enjoy the outdoors when we go camping, so the space in the Pods is fine for us. The wet bath is not ideal, but it's far better than relying on campground showers IMO. 
We just moved to Spokane, Washington, right in the heart of everything the Pacific NW has to offer. We're less than four hours from Glacier National Park, North Cascades National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Banff, BC, and about six hours from Olympic National Park and Mount Hood. That's in addition to all of the national forests in Washington and Idaho (Coeur d'Alene is about 20 minutes away  ). So we're pretty much in RV heaven.
I've heard from others in this forum that Blue Dog RV in Coeur d'Alene was one of the best dealers around, so we visited them. We were looking really hard at the 178s since the U-dinette gives tall guys like me (6'2") a little more room to sprawl out, but they gave us an incredible deal on a 2014 177. I personally think that they were trying to clear these out to make room for the 2015 models. And since we got a new model from them, we have a lifetime warranty on nearly everything in the Pod. That makes me feel much more at ease. We're picking it up tomorrow. I've spent hours upon hours checking out every bit of information I can get my hands on about tips, tricks, equipment, and mods for the 177. Since the campgrounds in the national parks and forests usually don't have hookups, we'll be dry camping quite often. Neither of us sleep well in a warm room, so I just got the Yamaha 2400iSHC to run the AC. Yes, I know that it won't run much else at the same time, but we'll primarily be running it while we sleep anyway. Does anyone have an idea how long this generator can run while only powering the AC? If it can't go at least eight hours, I'll need to rig up some way of extending the fuel tank a bit. And no, the Pinellas rig for >$200 does not appeal to me. I'm kind of thinking about an adjustable 'drip' system going straight down into the fuel tank. I've also picked up a 100 watt Renogy solar panel and charge controller that I'm going to attempt to wire into the Zamp connection at the rear of the Pod. It's my understanding that the Battery Tender cables can be used to tie into the Zamp port. Between the generator and solar panel, I think that we'll be good on electricity. We'll run the fridge exclusively on LPG unless we have hookups. I've also picked up a 30 amp surge protector to use when we are connected to shore power. I've got a Hydroflush to use in conjunction with the Pod's black water built-in flush. I also plan to use water softener in both the black and gray tanks to keep 'stuff' from sticking to the tanks. I also picked up lots of 'little' things that seem to be recommended often here (RhinoFlex hose and supports, fresh water Quick Fill nozzle, water regulator, dog bone for 15 amp connections, water bandit, voltmeter for checking battery status accurately, leveling blocks, Battery Tender when the Pod's in storage, etc.). Okay, that brings me to my intended mods, which aren't many. I'll add a voltmeter with a switch (under the kitchen sink perhaps?) in order to check the battery status. I'll also put a couple of mouse pads under the water pump and wrap the inlet and outlet hoses in foam pipe insulation to quiet the pump down. I'd like to add a shelf across the entire width of the Pod above the dining table. My wife says that she's seen people on Pinterest do this by just resting the shelf on top of the valances and securing it with 3M strips. The only thing we would put on the shelf would be some clothes, but I'm not sure if the valances can hold this much weight. I don't want to put holes into the walls if I can get around it though. Thoughts? The other mod I intend to do quickly is to add a 12 volt socket and dual USB socket somewhere inside the Pod. I've already got the fuses and am fairly experienced with this sort of thing, but I'm not sure of the easiest location in the Pod to add these. I don't really care where they go. Ideas here would be greatly appreciated too! ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 5:00pm
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Welcome to the group!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 10:08pm
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Welcome aboard Will! You've got lots of questions - and this is a great place to ask!
I believe its in the 4-5 hour range. But techntrek used to own one and he'll chime-in shortly with some real-world experience. Also, I'll caution that many (most) campgrounds have quiet hours for generators and - at least in my area - you'd be hard pressed to find one that didn't require genny shutdown by 9:00pm.
Depending how you rig it, it could be very dangerous. There's a reason the Pinellas aux tank uses a pump. Just make sure whatever you end up doing is idiotproof and safe. You've got quite a list of paraphernalia going, which is great! You mentioned levelling blocks - which are my favourite - but, I recommend the chocks ( http://www.amazon.com/Tri-Lynx-00018-Wheel-Stop-Chock/dp/B000UODGIY/ref=pd_sim_auto_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=13MH9MEFNNHF5FMEE1V8 - link ) that go with them as well. They just make it easier to back up onto the blocks (because they stop you from going over), and make the trailer stabler/safer when its up there. There's nothing like having your trailer twist and roll away from you toward a ditch after unhitching. I've installed my 12v outlets (I have 5) beside the converter, on the cabinet below the sink and on the bedroom wall. All had very easy access to run wires back to the converter (I do suggest wiring directly into the converter and appropriately fusing as opposed to tapping into a line used by something else). I used recessed cigarette lighter outlets ( http://www.gamainc.com/site/epage/130310_941.htm - link ) as they mount flush with the face of the cabinet and I like their minimalist look. But, my favourite gadget is the Hoppy Hitch Level ( http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/levels/hitch_level.html - link ). Its mounted on the tongue. When you back into your site, you turn the dial, it points to the "3" on the right, you lay down three layers of legos and then back the trailer up onto the pile. Trailer is level with no fiddling around. Its absolutely fantastic. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 12:08am
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Thanks Outbound! I'm still not sure how to change up the fuel tank. I know that techntrek talked about tapping into the existing fuel lines on his, but I don't recall seeing any posts about how. However I do it, I intend for it to be very safe.
I did get chocks to go with my leveling blocks. The area you suggest for installing the 12V sockets sounds perfect. I'll probably put my voltmeter inside that same cabinet. I've not heard of the Hoppy Hitch Level before. Sounds like something worth checking out for sure. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2014 at 12:01am
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Welcome. I got 8 hours almost exactly, every time. This is with the fan set to always run, and the temperature fairly low. After a long trip last year where we used it around 6 nights I decided to get the next larger size in the Honda line. Larger tank which lasts about 2.5 times longer, and is quieter (not that the Yamaha is loud). Downside is it is twice as heavy - but that's a potential benefit to prevent theft. I looked all over the net for the best way to extend the run time on the Yamaha, and the only option I liked was taping into the fuel line near the cutoff valve, but you'll have to tear into it to get to it. There still could be vacuum issues to resolve. There are issues with going in through the fuel cap, mostly because the genset has a vapor recovery system, which includes vents at the very top of the tank near the cap. Once the VR system gets flooded the genset chokes until you dry it out. I figure you could get around this by completely disabling the VR system - but maybe not. Another option I read about was to add a vacuum driven fuel pump. Bottom line, there aren't any easy options which is why I bought the Honda. I loved my Yamaha and if they had just made the tank 2-2.5 gallons instead of 1.5 I would still have it. ------------- 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: WillThrill
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2014 at 2:11am
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Thanks for the advice. If we can get 8 hours out of it, we'll be fine.
I guess that you could use a gravity feed system from the fuel cap IF the supply level was below the VR system but above the fuel line in the genset. But that would be a very narrow margin to try to hit. I was thinking that if you rigged a setup that would slowly drip fuel directly into the fuel tank via the cap, it would effectively extend your fuel time, and the only risk would be the VR system getting flooded. Oh well. It's probably too much salt for a nickel. I still prefer the Yamaha over the Honda since you can shut off the fuel line on Yams to run them dry and view a fuel gauge easily. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2014 at 9:22pm
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I modded my EF2400iSHC to take an external tank. Was really pretty simple. I placed a tee internally between the carb and the fuel valve. I added a filter between the tee and the carb since Yamaha didn't. All fuel from either source passes through this filter. I placed a marine grade fuel quick connect by Atwood through the case, this connects to the other leg of the tee. As long as the external tank is above gen it works fine. I may add a pump later but right now going for simple. Note when external tank is plugged in the genset fuel selector must be OFF or the internal tank will fill from backflow. Could add a check valve but I am going simple. I probably spent under $50 on the whole works. Had one problem first camping trip that we used it, did not show up during all my at home testing. We were gone a few hours, genset was off but I smelled gas when we returned. Apparently campground chipmunks in the NC mountains have a taste for fuel hose! They chewed through my line from tank to genset  There were gnaw marks several places in the hose, but he quit at the first actual penetration which was small- apparently he didn't like the taste of the gas, just the hose. Attwood connector- http://www.attwoodmarine.com/store/product/universal-sprayless-connector PS- the Honda EU3000i also has a fuel shutoff. Already own one of them but IMO it is too heavy for the r-pod back receiver hitch and I can't lift it by myself. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 12:09am
The Honda I bought has both. Budward, glad to hear your extended-run setup works! You know you could pull the parts together and sell them as a kit for triple your cost, based on the other extended run systems out there.
------------- 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: WillThrill
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 12:56am
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Thanks for the advice Budward! That sounds like a really simple and safe solution. I'm guessing that you added a cutoff valve to the line going to your external fuel tank for when you want to use the internal tank.
And thanks to Budward and Doug for setting me straight on the Honda 3000iu having a fuel gauge and fuel cutoff valve. I guess I was thinking about the 2000 watt model. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 6:24am
I will write up what I built in a new thread when I get time, complete with pics! As for selling them....nope, too many lawyer happy people nowadays if they screwed something up and caught their rig or themselves on fire I don't carry product liability insurance as I'm sure Pinella's does... The chipmunk/hose incident - I immediately thought of what could have happened if the generator had been running when the hose was chewed. Scary! I originally was planning to sit the fuel can, I use a 5 gallon metal can, on top of the genset to feed it. It would be easy to make a clip on platform on the handle pipes to set the can on. But what if the genset was running when the hose got chewed through? Hopefully the chipmunks would be scared to get near it when running, but I don't know. So now, since I carry a 2 ft step ladder to be able to clean off the slide in top- I set the can on it, a couple of feet away. I have had chewing problems with rodents at my camp also- they stripped almost all the jacket off romex wiring I had exposed under my cabin. Fortunately they stopped at the actual conductor insulation. I found a spray on product that is supposed to have the world's worst taste that works pretty well. Maybe I should spray the genset hose with it- only catch is anything you handle that has been sprayed gets it on your hands and if later you touch your mouth- YUCK! they aren't lying about the taste.  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2014 at 6:27am
Not needed IMO- simply unplug the external line, turn on genset fuel valve and you are running on the internal tank. BTW my advice to anyone looking at gensets- if you have a pickup and don't mind running the generator in the bed- I'd buy the EU3000is. Not a lot more money considering you have without a doubt enough power to run it all. If you have a helper to set it out and back in even better. PLUS- I really like the switch that lets one select the eco-auto speed mode or leave it running full speed. Yamaha missed the boat leaving this $2 switch off IMO. If it is really hot and the AC will need to run a lot just leave it on full speed- no struggling sounds as the genset has to ramp up. If I go back to towing with a pickup someday I probably will switch to my EU3000is. Inspecting the inside of the Yamaha reveals also they could have gone to little more design effort and probably squeezed another gallon of fuel capacity in there without increasing the outside size. A $2 switch, $2 worth of additional plastic in the fuel tank and Yamaha would have really had a winner with the EF2400iSHC! ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2014 at 7:15pm
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We just finished our first camping trip. What a blast! Everything in the Pod worked perfectly, and we had a great time. We went to the Coeur d'Alene National Forest and camped in the Kit Price campground right next to the north fork of the Coeur d'Alene river. The water was cold but made for an invigorating swim (for me; my wife wimped out).
This trip did teach me something. I will DEFINITELY be modding the Yamaha 2400iSHC to take an external fuel tank. The generator would run our air conditioner, with a slight pause (1.5 seconds) when the compressor kicked on, for about 4-5 hours. That's fine for an afternoon but not if you need AC to sleep at night, which we usually do at home. I know, we're spoiled, but that's why we got the generator in the first place! If not for the AC, my Renogy 100 watt solar panel would keep us charged up with no problem at all. Speaking of which, with the Battery Tender plugs I picked up at Camping World for $8, I was able to connect my solar charge controller to the Zamp solar port. I'll be mounting the charge controller at the rear-left of the exterior storage and posting some pics shortly. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 1:18am
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I'm really surprised it only lasted 4-5 hours. ------------- 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: Budward
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 5:39am
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It is disappointing Yamaha didn't do a better job on the fuel capacity- I mean they kinda market that unit as able to start most RV aircons- but then it won't run one long enough to get a good nights sleep. I mentioned above it appears they could have squeezed more capacity in with better design. Of course FR would have been fine with an 11K AC on the rpods too instead of the 13.5K, maybe even a 9k...thereby needing less fuel. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 5:01pm
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Yes, I have wondered why the 13.5k ACs are so popular with so many small travel trailers. With the stock AC on the Pod, you could literally hang meat inside after the compressor has been running for a half hour in the middle of the summer. Not only would a 9k or 11k be easier to start, it would use much less fuel too.
That being said, using Budward's mod should make it easy for me to hook up one of my 5 gallon gas cans to the Yamaha and run the AC most of the day off one fill up. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 5:13pm
I think FR buys the 13.5k units in such bulk they get a very low price on them- just stick 'em on everything and never mind what would be a better engineered match.
------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2014 at 11:46pm
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Ongoing discussion of replacement options for the A/C here (below), with my latest favorite the Coleman Mach 8 (9 k btus). http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1433 - www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1433 ------------- 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: GingerPod
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 8:20pm
I new hear as well and was looking into the solar options.I just purchased the same Renogy solar kit as you did except I went with the 50 watt model. I plan to utilize the factory Zamp port as well,but I would be careful using a Battery Tender plug at that port.The Battery tender Plugs are only 16ga wire and could very easily overheat since the 100 watt system could easily pull close to 6 amps if the batteries were really low. The Pod itself runs 10ga from the port all the way to the front battery mount area,so it's already quite a distance from the controller which will be at the rear. I think Zamp rates the POD to 100 watts max anyway in it's current configuration regardless of Solar kit manufacture. I went with the 50 watt unit as a safety margin and recommended for a group 24 battery.I belive a group 27 and larger can handle more.In any case I would get the 10ga quick disconnect Zamp port plug so the weak link would be eliminated. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057ZQJ12/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I am defiantly no expert ,but spotted that in your post and thought I would share my thoughts on the subject. ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 12:57pm
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I hadn't really thought about the Battery Tender cables being 16 gauge. However, since the cable is so short, and only 7 amps or less of current will be passing through it, it should be fine.
If you refer to this website, it states that 16 gauge wire 15 feet long can handle 5 amps of 12 volt power. Since the cable is only 2 feet long, it should easily be able to handle 7 amps or less. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html Thanks for the warning though! I'll still keep an eye on it just to be sure. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |