First Time R Pod Owner
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=4981
Printed Date: 17 May 2025 at 10:35pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: First Time R Pod Owner
Posted By: RKTodd
Subject: First Time R Pod Owner
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 7:38pm
Hello everyone! just joined the community of posters and podders  Took possession of our first R Pod 179 this past Saturday. Looking forward to some short trips to get acquainted with this new trailer. We are coming from a Forest River Rockwood 1809s. Basically the same size unit only a little heavier. I have tons of questions but for now, I'm trying to decided if I need a weight distribution hitch or not. I am using one with the Rockwood but the 179 is a bit lighter and less tongue weight. I'm towing with a 2009 Tacoma 4 door, and my current hitch is a bit too high, and the 100 lb. bars are little too much. How does the 179 tow with just a basic class III hitch? Also, if I keep my current hitch, I think I might want the 3" lift kit for the trailer. Another thing...how in the world do you get to the water bypass and shut off valves for the water heater?  Any, and all advice is welcome Thanks, Randall
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 7:51pm
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Welcome to the group. I would definitely recommend getting the risors for the trailer, that will save your rear stabilizers from getting damaged or ripped off. In my 171 the bypass valve is under the bed on the right side. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: RKTodd
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 8:06pm
| Thanks Leo! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 8:11pm
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Glad to help. It doesn't take much to for the stabilizers to hit bottom. A speed bump, a pot hole, we even scraped going into a mini-mart parking lot because of the slope. Enjoy your pod! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 9:02pm
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RK Todd, Welcome to POD land and the forum. I think you'll find this is one of the best camping trailer forums around. I started with a 172 towed by a Honda Pilot 4WD rated at 4500# towing. I used a 600/6000 E2 WDH and it really helped the Pilot. I moved up to a Camplite 21RBS, 3500# empty, and a 2013 Tacoma. I still use the E2 and consider it an essential. You;re going the opposite way, but I still recommend the WDH. Technically you may not "need" it with the Tacoma, but you will "want" it for the ride improvement. As others have stated you should get the risers. I don't know why they aren't standard on all RPODs. The only advantage I can see to not having them is getting into a lower garage. The added ground clearance when encountering bumps, dips, and gas station entrances far outweigh any disadvantage. The TV/TT height can easily be accommodated with the WDH shank. All that said, I'm curious what caused you to change from the Rockwood Mini to the Pod? They're very similar, but the Rockwood has a dry bath and, I think, a bigger fridge. ------------- 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: RKTodd
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2014 at 9:51pm
The main thing that got me looking at Pods was, more aerodynamic shape for easier towing (being narrower helps too), and a floor plan that lets us take our son's family with us on occasion. There's no way of sleeping 4 adults and a toddler. The convertable couch in the Rockwood is a nice couch but when made into bed mode, the couch back slopes downward toward the outside wall...not very comfortable,plus it's just too small. I figure my wife and I can take the dinette bed and the three of them can have the Queen bed. We are very fond of the Mini, and it's perfect for two. I guess that's what grandkids and do to ya  I have a counter top issue that the dealer is going to address. I'm going to have him add the lift at that time. Randall
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2014 at 10:38am
Welcome to your Pod and the group. Whereabouts in Indiana are you folks? ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: RKTodd
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2014 at 10:54am
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We are 4 miles west of Bargersville, which is southwest of Greenwood. Thank you!
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Posted By: RKTodd
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2014 at 8:25am
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I found a local dealer that sells the E2 600/6000 hitch, so that's what I'm going with. I think after adding the lift kit, I'll be set for towing. I'm looking for a diamond plate tool box that will fit behind my stock propane tank setup, if anyone cares to share what they are using, that would be great. I assume most people are then putting the battery inside the tool box? ------------- Randall & Rhonda 2014 RP-179 |
Posted By: travelksjt
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2014 at 8:36am
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Hi - test post - seems to be working! |