FRAZZLED
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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=5300
Printed Date: 18 May 2025 at 2:47pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: FRAZZLED
Posted By: lillypad
Subject: FRAZZLED
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 1:16pm
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She arrives this afternoon!
My Rpod 179 should be here after 5pm today!!! I'm so excited, but nervous at the same time! Im looking into sway bars before I take her on her first journey and I need advise. First off, I'm a small woman who will be traveling with her teenagers. So before you experienced travelers start tossing out info, dumb it down a bit! 
What are the best sway bars for the Rpod? I've looked into the weight distribution hitches and I am hoping not to have to spend $450-$500. Im pulling with my 350 GLK MB. The hitch is 3500lbds with 350 hitch weight. Thank you! |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 1:18pm
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Congrats on your 179 and 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 2:02pm
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Welcome.Wheel base is a little on the short side but ok. Horsepower and torque are ok. Unfortunately I see it requires high octane gas due to the high compression ratio, which will hurt when towing when it is time to fill up (we had to use premium gas in our prior TV so I've been there), but it is what it is. 7 speed tranny, that is good. 3.27 final gear ratio isn't good, but you'll get by if you don't do too many mountains, and expect to be passed a lot at stop lights and on hills. As for the hitch, with a maximum 350 pound hitch weight for your TV you need a WDH. The 179 has a 285 pound hitch weight - when dry. That means no battery, no propane in the tank, no water in any tanks, none of your stuff packed inside, and it doesn't count the weight of the A/C. Add in all of that stuff and you will be right on your limit. Whichever WDH you get, make sure it includes sway control since some don't. E2 (which I've used for years with our pod) and Equalizer are two good choices, although the hitch itself is very heavy which may be a consideration for you. I now have a little experience with a Reese WDH and it has excellent sway control. The hitch is much lighter, although the bars are a little heavier than the E2.
------------- 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: lillypad
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 2:38pm
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Thanks!!! Ordering the WDH!!!
So your telling me my treck through Hwy 64/74 Tennessee and western Carolina is gonna be a slow one? My Dad lives up that way and we meet and camp in Asheville NC quite often. I've given up my tent camping after hitting 40 it hurts! This afternoon can not arrive fast enough! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 3:25pm
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Having decent torque and a "low" (high number) final gear ratio are the most important things for getting it moving from a stop, and keeping it moving up a hill w/o having to run your RPMs above 4000. I would have to look yours up again for the exact number, but I believe yours was around 285 ft/lbs. That isn't bad, but with that matched up to a final gear of 3.27 you will find on the big hills you just need to get into the right lane and accept you'll be passed. Much better for towing is something above 3.7, with the best just above 4.0. ------------- 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: lillypad
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2014 at 3:27pm
Thank you for your input!! I truly appreciate it! My speed demon days are now behind me. 
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Posted By: lillypad
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2014 at 7:54pm
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I got the WDH and I made it up to Asheville NC from Alabama.
Last night was our first night to sleep in "Lilly". I love her!!! I'm am troubled because today after rinsing off I noticed that the door to the bath is slightly warped at the bottom. The curtain was pulled and I even wiped it down with a towel. Any advise is welcome! 
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2014 at 8:22pm
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Congrats on the new pod and your first trip/night! Not sure I understand about the door. If the pod is new it might be a warranty issue. You had a beautiful route for your trip! I spend a lot of time in the Smokies and in North Carolina. My last night in the pod was in Asheville a few weeks ago. Ready to go again.... If you have time and especially if you haven't done it before, any part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Cherohala Skyway are well worth doing if you can fit them into your plans especially right now with the colors. TT TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: lillypad
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2014 at 8:56pm
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Thanks!! I'm a Carolina girl that moved to Alabama. My Dad is still here, so I visit often. This is just my first visit in my very own camper. :-)
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