Maiden Voyage
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 8:41pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Maiden Voyage
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: Maiden Voyage
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:08pm
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Well it only took 4-1/2 months but we got in our maiden voyage this weekend to East Bank Army COE park on Lake Seminole on the Florida/Georgia line. I am extremely happy with this forum as I put to use a lot of the things I have been reading about during the winter. Some of the more important lessons learned are;
1. Windy as all get out the day we left, am definitely investing in WDH with anti sway. Sway wasn't bad but wasn't comfortable either. 2. Pretty chilly the first nut so I think the heater buddy or some other electric heater is in our future. 3. As previously posted definitely taste the water before it goes in anything. All in all it was a good trip that answered a lot of questions as well as raised a lot of ideas. Got a lot of looks and compliments on the pod. Standing on the hill overlooking the sea of white RV's it kind of stood out. Thanks everyone for all the informative posts it made the trip a big success. We will try to give our positive input as much as possible as well. Was going to post a pic but after a couple hours of trying to upload a pic to the forum from this new dreaded windows 8.1 the forum decided to deny access to do such a thing so I give up. The dang computer wins again! ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:18pm
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Congrats on the trip. A small electric cube heater is the way to go if you have electric hookups. Are you sure your pictures weren't too big? ------------- 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: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:46pm
Yes they were to big and it was taking a while to figure out how to make them smaller and I think maybe I timed out or something. I think I have figured it out though so I am trying again. I must say I am really struggling to figure out Windows 8. My DW captured the 2 Honkers.  ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 6:42am
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Nice photos! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 6:51pm
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Thanks, it was a really nice campground. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 9:18pm
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Leo B, I notice your tow vehicle is a Caravan, I am also planning on using my Town and Country with tow pkg to pull the 179. Do you use a WDH and if so do you recommend one over another? I am looking at the new Anderson no sway for the weight and the ability to back up with it but it looks like it could be a pain if you have to disconnect when the plate is not straight with the trailer. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:35am
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As far as I know all WDHs don't need to be disconnected to back up (sway bars do). Defintely true for the friction types (Equalizer, E2) and cam types (Reese Dual Cam). ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:43am
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Joe & Terri We tow with our 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, we have a regular Reese hitch. no WDH or sway bars. We have towed from Vermont to Florida/ North Carolina multiple times and have not had any handling or sway problems. We travel with 5 gallons of water in the tank and clothes, pots&pans and all in the camper. WE usually get between 13.5 and 15.5 mpg depending on the wind. We usually drive between 50-65. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:46am
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Definitely concur with Techntrek. I have towed two trailers, including a 172 Pod, with two different TVs using the same E2 WDH and never disconnected for backing. As far as I know only the friction type sway bars are troublesome when backing. The Equalizer and E2 hitches have the advantage of not requiring any special alignment when hooking up. If you can get the ball under the coupler you can hook up.
------------- 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: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:51pm
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Thanks everyone for the replies, After a lot of googling last night I am starting to understand the whole wdh sway bar concepts. That said after looking at the several installation videos of the wdh units I was interested in they advised to disconnect or deflate the load leveling suspension prior to use. After my maiden voyage I was convinced I needed a wdh for my T&C but I think since LeoB's setup is as mine I am going to try a few short trips giving the Mopar factory tow package a chance. The day that wasn't comfortable in my Ram 1500 was pretty windy so I think at minimum I may need an anti sway bar for the truck. Just curious LeoB, do you have a factory tow package on your Caravan? Thanks again all. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2015 at 5:23am
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Yes, we have the factory tow package. Last November we came back from Cape Hatteras in the really windy storm that New England had. Kept our speed at 50-55 and had no problems . ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Patti'sPod
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 2:15pm
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Congrats! Wishing you many happy trips! This past October I boondocked off the 395 (near Lee Vining, CA) for 31 days. It got down to 16 degrees at night, which kept my RP 178 heater going on & off all night long....keeping me awake. I bought the Mr Heater Big Buddy and BOY, what a nice difference! Sound like a recommendation? 'Tis ------------- Patti & Lilah (the dog-child) 2014 RP178 04 Dodge Dakota 4.7 V8 4WD |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 7:47am
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Thanks for the feedback on the heater. Curious what you did for power while bondocking that long? ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 5:22pm
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New here. Plannin our maiden voyage next month. I missed previous post about water tasting? i scrolled back but could not find the discussion, Just wondering what the issue with the water was? Congrats on your 1st trip! Glad I lurked around here long enough that i went with the WDH right away even tho the dealer tried to talk me out of it? |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 6:11pm
What route do you take? I95? It seems like such a crazy interstate that I am petrified to even think of pulling a TT at 60-65 mph! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 6:35pm
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Yes, we drive down I-91 to I-95 in Connecticut then 95 right through NYC right over the George Washington, then down the Jersey Turnpike. It is not that bad, I stay to the right mostly and drive at my pace. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Rouge1953
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2015 at 12:00pm
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Nice looking unit and campground. Hubby and I will be frequenting the US Military campgrounds. I will add this location to our must visit list.
Happy podding! ------------- Linda and Al Brody and Bailey - our fur babies 2015 Rpod 179 2013 F150 |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 11:33pm
Jamie&Nicole, The water discussion was just do a taste test before trusting it to taste good. Even with a filter it was not good and I didn't realize it till sinking into morning coffee.  ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 11:39pm
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Rouge 1953, Thanks and we plan on doing the same, just have to get retired, again. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 4:18pm
Did you ever get an answer on the deflation of the air bags? I just purchased a set of firestone air bags that fit inside the coils but have not yet installed them. Even with the WDH, the weight of the stuff I put in the back of my Pathfinder still bring the headlights up enough for oncoming vehicles to flash me. |
Posted By: Joe-n-Terri
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 12:12am
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No I haven't but I have not pursued it hard. Haven't had a chance to road test the Town and Country yet between work, getting the garden in and trying to build a patio. Starting to get people knocking on the door wanting to look at the 179, I don't mind showing it, just wish I was doing it in a campground. ------------- Joe & Terri 2015 179 2015 Ram 1500 crew cab/ eco diesel 2005 Ram 1500/ Tekonsha Controller Lovestarved Pom/Demanding Chihuahua |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 9:09am
Your WDH is not adjusted right. Simple as that. With no camper hooked up, on flat level ground, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom lip of your front and rear wheel openings. Now hookup the trailer and load the truck with the WDH installed. Now adjust the tension on your WDH, either by changing chain links or moving the perch, (I don't know what style you have) until the wheel arch measurement is the same as it was when you were not hooked up and loaded. Done. One note.. if you are seeing this much "squat" in your truck, make sure your total rig weight is under the GVWR rating for your truck. ------------- |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 4:06pm
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Thank you for that information. I know that I am under the GVWR, but since I load most of my clothes, food, toiletries, gear, etc. in the back of the SUV to keep the TT light, I am thinking that may increase the tongue weight over the 500 lbs limit..... The dealer installed the WDH and I have not had an opportunity to take any measurements since (due to my HOA rules), I have to store my TT at a storage lot; And the lot is gravel :( |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 4:43pm
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If the dealer installed it, it isn't installed right. Often the problem is because they do it when you buy it so the pod is still empty. It must be loaded up like you are ready for a camping trip (including water in the fresh water tank if you usually travel like that, battery, propane). Some go as far as having their family sit in the truck, or adding weight to simulate them. This is the most comprehensive instructional on how to set up a WDH I've ever seen. I used it to tweak my current WDH. http://www.rv.net/FORUM/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17730894.cfm - http://www.rv.net/FORUM/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17730894.cfm ------------- 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: Pod People
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 6:30pm
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I would add to Tech n Trek 's post that another important thing to check regarding the weight distribution set up is your tongue weight. I loaded the trailer just as if we were heading out. I set up my wdh and measured and changed it and measured again and changed it until I thought it was right. Then I went to our local landfill and weighed ervrytything only to find out that my tongue weight was way too low. so while at the weight station, I repacked the trailer, moving more weight in front of the axle and then reweighed it. this time, the tongue weight was good, but the measurements showed too much weight on the rear. After readjusting the wdh, it now tows beautifully with no sway and no rear sag. Correctly packing the rpod has just as much or more to do with sway control as the wdh does . Its really important to have 12-15% tongue weight in order to tow properly. Too little or too much can create real problems . Vann Evans ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 8:36pm
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Good point! ------------- 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: Ontheedge
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 9:48pm
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I have a blue ox sway pro on my 2008 edge towing the rp179. I only had to back up a few times but have not had to disconnect yet. 2008 Ford Edge RP 179
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