New R178
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4977
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 3:26pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New R178
Posted By: GingerPod
Subject: New R178
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 7:34pm
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Hello all, We jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a new RPOD 178.We had a Class C years ago when our 3 boys were growing up. Now that there out on their own we decided to get back into camping  .Perfect size for the 2 of us and easy to tow around.Love the retro look as well. This forum looks cool....Already have a mini 50 watt solar charger on the way (not a Zamp) and threw on a 3" mattress topper as this was mandatory for our backs  .http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DCDZOI0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 7:45pm
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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: GingerPod
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 7:45pm
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http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DCDZOI0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 This should be the link...great reviews and should keep the batteries going good. ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2014 at 10:04pm
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Welcome. ------------- 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: 15 Jul 2014 at 5:53pm
 Thanks everyone!We had been looking at all kinds of TT 20 feet long or less for months. What sold me is the fact I don't need mirror extensions on my Truck along with the kitchen slide out. We also wanted a model that doesn't require the main Bed to folded down and made up each night along with the wrap around front dinette. By the way,probably been covered here before,but found the EXACT same cover Forest River offers for $150.00 on Amazon.FR wants $400.00 and our local Dealer wants over $500.00  Size 3 fits the 178 perfectly....... ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2014 at 9:50pm
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We have a 2014. 178 coming home from Alaska. Having problem keeping fridge cool in this 85 degree weather. Seems to cool well at night plugged into power but won't hold the cool. We bought a temp monitor that mounts inside with the reading on the outside and we see temps in the upper 40' and low 50 degree range. We have even bought bags of ice but they don't seem to make a difference. Anyone experience this? Any ideas? ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 12:28am
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Use propane mode going down the road. Too many variables when using DC mode for it to work right for many people. ------------- 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: Marx
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 7:23am
| Very nice, welcome! |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 4:55pm
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We have heard that using propane while traveling is verrrry dangerous!!! I am surprised this is an option! Please advise..... ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 5:33pm
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I run our fridg on propane all the time, traveling and camping. Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 6:20pm
Not dangerous. Propane bottles have safety devices to limit flow. Most larger RV fridges only have 120V/gas modes. No problem. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 7:10pm
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With our camper we have no option but to use propane as well as many other campers. I think its only the smaller refrigerators that are able to work on 12 volts. I wish ours could I miss our r-pod's refrigerator that had the option of 12 volts. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 7:25pm
David, Tell me again you miss that 3.7- cu.ft. fridge...  One of the three main reasons I upgraded to the CL. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 8:13pm
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Even while going down the road in traffic???? Im finding this hard to believe.... ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 9:14pm
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There are many cars and truck up here that are powered with propane. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: GingerPod
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2014 at 10:15pm
Most people use propane mode while traveling down the road.Trailer life Magazine even did a unofficial survey years ago. The problem is ,theoretically, when refueling at a gas station the small open flame could cause a problem.....big Boom. I personally have never heard of that happening.I'm sure it would make the 5 o'clock news. If in doubt just turn off the fridge as you refuel.I try to fill my tank before we hook up. ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2014 at 12:41am
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Thanks for all the input. I guess we were behind onour info.
We also talked to seversl people in the campground and they said the same thing. This forum is great and so helpful! Like a campground full of friendly campers!! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:43pm
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Ok gang tried to turn the propane on to the fridge. Disconnected the electric and pressed the flame icon. After a few seconds the beeping and flashng started and the warning symbol was flashing. No clicking trying to ignite anything. We did have the stove running so the propane was flowing. At a loss. The book is no help. Can someone give the sequence of lighting the refrigerator? We have another week of traveling in this hot weather! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 12:49pm
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We hauled our Pod almost 4400 miles on our 2 week Colorado vacation, stopping many, many times for gas. I never once turned off the propane refrigerator. Never did we set a gas station on fire either. YMMV. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: GingerPod
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 9:27pm
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I wish I could help....not sure what is going on but probably something simple. Maybe try to start a new thread,in the Tech section, on your issue so more people will see it. Good luck! ------------- FOUND OUR NEW-RETRO TEARDROP!!! |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 10:26pm
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ANGCHIEF , I ALWAYS USE PROPANE WHILE TRAVELING, THERE IS A RESTRICTOR VALVE ON YOUR TANK/REGUALATOR THAT WONT ALLOW LARGE AMOUNTS OF PROPANE TO ESCAPE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. YOUR FUEL TANK ON YOUR T.V. HAS ABOUT 15 TO 24 GALLONS OF GASOLINE IN IT AND A LOT OF THEM ARE MADE OUT OF PLASTIC AND CAN RUPTURE EASILY IN AN ACCIDENT. TURN ON THE GAS AND GO CAMPING AND HAVE FUN. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2014 at 9:43am
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Just a point of reference for other new owners like us... During our recent cross country podyssey we dry camped exclusively the first two weeks of the trip and left the fridge on propane 24/7 for 4000 miles except for one night (New Jersey to Olympic National Park by way of Big Sur). We also ran the furnace quite a bit in the chilly mornings or evenings and took two hot showers (propane hw) every night. We ran out @ Kalaloch campground which happened to have propane fills. I do carry a one gallon tank for grill which could easily be hooked up as a spare. ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2014 at 7:41pm
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What did you do to disconnect the electricity from the fridge? The controls are electric and so is the igniter I think. Leave the power hooked up (12 volts) and toggle the front switch to gas if it is like mine and lp will keep your fridge cool. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 23 Jul 2014 at 11:36pm
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Think we got it figured out; driving with the propane on now but fridge still warms to almost 50. Of course it has been almost 90 out the last few days. Thanks everyone!!! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 12:40am
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I just finished a 6K+ trip to Nashville, TX from Bainbridge Island, WA and back. Ran the frig on 12V when driving, propane when stopped and on shore power when available. I don't have a problem with leaving the propane on while driving. But the idea of a flame, even enclosed does excite me. So I usually run on 12V while moving. My truck is big and has two batteries. The truck charged the two Rpod batteries and ran the frig plus everything else. All batteries where fully charge by the end of the day and the frig made ice cubes. ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2014 at 8:23am
This is consistent with what I remember from my Pod. The fridge would only maintain about 40 degrees below outside ambient temperature. This is further degraded by sun on the fridge side of the Pod, internal temperature rise in a closed up Pod, and opening the fridge door many times. Cooling seems best on gas or shore power; not so good on 12 volts. I traveled on propane and generally left it on propane to protect against campground power failures. Got to protect that ice cream!  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 25 Jul 2014 at 9:26pm
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That's for sure!!!! Thanks everyone!!! ------------- Jan and Dean 2014 178 |