Newb
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=5308
Printed Date: 07 May 2024 at 1:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Newb
Posted By: Podster
Subject: Newb
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2014 at 11:32am
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Hello, I just want to introduce myself...my name is Cliff and I live in San Antonio. I'll be picking up a new RP-178 next week. I'm towing with a Ford Ranger Super Cab 4.0 V6 equipped with a factory tow package rated at 5,800 lbs. I'll be using a Resse WDH, 800lb sping bars with double sway control. I don't expect to be able to tow the R-pod like it's not there, but I do expect the Ranger will get the job done, safely. I look forward to reading and hearing more about all of your experiences. I''m a long time camper, but this is my first travel trailer. One of my first questions is...since the dealer does not recommend using a cover for the pod, what do you all do to keep your camper looking good? Thanks and have a great day and Happy Camping! Cliff
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2014 at 1:25pm
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Congrats 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: 17 Sep 2014 at 1:26pm
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Welcome. Considering that Forest River sells covers for the R-pods, your dealer is incorrect. They are designed to "breathe", unlike a tarp, so there isn't anything to worry about. Personally I don't use one at all and just give it a good scrub every spring. They scrub to bright white w/o much problem. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Sep 2014 at 1:48pm
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Ok, thanks! Yep, this was the dealer's response when I asked about a cover for the pod. "we do not stock or recommend covers as our experience with them has not been good.
· They never seem to fit properly · They retain moisture and promote mold and mildew · They tear and fail prematurely · They tend to rub off the finish on the corners of the campers"
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2014 at 9:24pm
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I pick up my 178 next Friday, but what I'm really dying to know now is, is the bathroom accessible when the slide is in?
Thanks for taking the time to respond, I really appreciate it. |
Posted By: svskier
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2014 at 9:55pm
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Newb
I have a 178 and yes the bathroom is accessible when the slide is in.  ------------- Mark 09 silverado 2500 hd 2013 pod 178 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2014 at 10:14pm
| Yay! Thanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2014 at 10:25pm
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Definitely a plus. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 4:48am
Another newbie question. On the PR-178, do you think its safe to store a couple of sport bags with clothes in this area if they don't make direct contact with the heater? If not what a terrible waste of space. What do you folks out there with 178's do with this area? |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 5:13am
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Just found a pretty good video on how to set up the R-Dome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq9TRVFPZrY
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 8:13am
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I would be worried about the "what ifs". What if the bag(s) has shifted towards the front of that area during travel, and you forget to check when you get into camp and turn the furnace on? What if you fill that area up with stuff and forget to remove some/all of it before turning the furnace on? What if you accidentally bump the switch for the furnace on your way out the door (probably only an issue for the older manual thermostats)? I've done that last thing several times in our pod, although always in the other direction, turning the A/C on. This past Sunday I walked out to our driveway and was surprised to hear the pod's A/C running. We bumped the switch as we were unpacking and it has stayed cool over the last 2 weeks, until Sunday when it got into the 80's. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 8:47am
If you're not using the heater by all means fill that space up, a lot of owners do. But if you're using it you really should mind the warning sticker and not use that area. Forest River is very adamant that we tell people to never put anything there. Just be careful however you proceed!! ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 9:16am
Hmm, I'm thinking that heater may just have to go! I'm having a vision that includes a nice set of deep over and under drawers in that space. 
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 9:40am
seen similar mods done to that space, someone did some long drawers on rollers that slid out. very nice idea if you know you'll never use the heater. most of us use small electric heaters anyways. ------------- 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: 2dogseniors
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 10:28am
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good question that we have been asking ourselves. Following this post with interest. ------------- 2dogSeniors 2004 Ford Expedition 2015 R-Pod 178 with risers |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 10:34am
I'm not sure I like the idea of have a 20,000 BTU heater under my behind while I'm sleeping, anyway.  |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 12:58pm
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What is to the right of that picture? Would it be possible to turn the heater around so it is on the "wall" that is just barely visible in that pic? ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 1:15pm
| That would be awesome, but I think the slide module is just out of the frame. I will certainly take a closer look. Thanks! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 3:04pm
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Another newbie question: Is there a way to secure the POD in my driveway? Assuming I can get it in there, my drive way has a considerable up grade. There is no parking brake to how to I secure it? Chalks only? That's not enough. Anchor a 10,000lb rated D ring to the garage floor and run a cable to the frame of the POD to ensure it doesn't crush my neighbor Better on her evening walk? Is that crazy? Is there a tech trick or hack that I can use to lock the breaks in this situation? What do others do in this situation? I have storage, but it would be nice to be able to prep for trips and work the mods in the driveway. Thanks for taking the time to respond, your feedback is very appreciated. I have already learned a ton from you folks here on the forum.
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 3:34pm
maybe some sort of a wheel lock device? ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 5:37pm
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Even on fairly steep inclines I've only used a sturdy set of chocks (I like the ones made out of recycled tires). There is no way to engage the brakes permanently - they are electric and intended just to stop the pod. One idea for an emergency backup, something usually used to prevent theft, is to wrap a heavy chain through a wheel and around the axle. In the worst case that will stop it dead within a foot or two, depending on how much slack was in the chain. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 6:40pm
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Tech, that's a great solution! I like it, it's not expensive and WILL get the job done. Thanks!
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 7:21pm
We use laundry baskets that fill the area. No problems. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 7:40pm
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We use plastic tubs (for that area) from CTC with wheels on the bottom to store our clothes and then put smaller ones on top for our unmentionables... We also use a small ceramic heater and don't/haven't used the heater yet. If we do then we'll just slide the tubs out to the table. Welcome to the wonderful world of podding. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 7:53pm
| Thanks for the feedback, it's really appreciated. I start the trek to go pick up the POD tomorrow. We are going camping shortly thereafter so I really appreciate you'all sharing and getting up to speed. Still have tons to learn, but, I fell like I have a good start. Cheers! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Sep 2014 at 7:30am
I'm BaaaaaAAAaack. Wow what a trip. Left San Antonio at Noon last Wednesday, arrived the dealer in Wescott Iowa the next morning at 9:30am. Left the dealer before noon and then back to San Antonio by Noon yesterday (Saturday). My biggest discovery on the trip was the Kansas Turn Pike, OMG, what a beast! Once I found the sweet spot on the tachometer, the Ranger pulled it real nice, it just won't do it a 70mph. Its like to pull at 2,800 rpm (12mpg). I wonder how that RPM compares with others pulling with a V6. Yep watching the world go by at 70-80 MPH on such a long trip gives you the sensation from time to time that your're going backwards, but that's OK, I'm perfectly content at 60-65 MPH. I can't say enough about the buying experience, for me, it was perfect all the way around and worth the drive. Send me an PM if you want details. Thanks again to everybody that helped with all the questions to help me get ready for the trip and get this done. I'm now a bonafide RP-178 owner. 
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