New RP-178 Owner
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Topic: New RP-178 Owner
Posted By: Don Halas
Subject: New RP-178 Owner
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 5:38pm
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My son and I picked up our new 2015 RP-178 on Wednesday. Following are observations, opinions and questions. First though, my wife and I have been tent campers for over 35 years, and we’re pretty good at it. Unfortunately at mid 50’s getting in and out of a tent has become difficult so we decided to trade up rather than forgo camping.
That said, my perspective regarding the trailer is that compared to tent camping versus many critiques I read where people are attempting to replicate the comforts of home. We purchased the trailer from Stoltzfus RV in Adamstown, PA. Simply, a good experience. Good price, good guidance, accommodating and professional. I would highly recommend them. Ask for Lee, he took good care of us. The initial inspection of the trailer I was a little disappointed by the craftsmanship. While the design is well thought out there are a few rough edges and it is most likely not built with the highest quality components. None the less, a good value for what we paid and our anticipated use of it. Also, quite comfortable for the anticipated two occupants with occasional guests. We towed with a 2014 Mazda CX-9 from Pennsylvania to our home in Connecticut. I had been apprehensive about the ability of the car to handle this trailer but was assured by the Mazda dealers Service Manager it was capable. The car performed admirably on our drive home with the exception that our fuel economy dropped from 18 mpg to less than 11. We’ll have to do a few more trips and then see if any issues arise when we have the car serviced later this year. Having already researched and reviewed a lot of blogs including this site I already had some idea of what to expect, modifications and considerations. We spent two nights at a campground near the dealer to be sure that any problems or issues could be resolved before we travelled home. We had none. I’m 6’3” and was not uncomfortable in the Queen bed. I’ll have to see if that changes when my wife joins me on that limited space. My son, also my size said sleeping on the dining table conversion was not that comfortable so we are considering buying a mattress top which we’ll use on the bed and then when necessary we’ll transfer for our guests use on the conversion bed. Cooking area is crowded, but we’re used to camping on the fire and using a single Coleman propane cooker. I’m not sure what to use to compliment the cooker in the trailer, perhaps a small charcoal grill. We’ve still got the wire grates to use over the camp fire so might just continue with that. If I get something it must be small, lightweight and easy to transport without making a mess. Suggestions here are appreciated. I like the mod of the cutting board over the cook burners, but would also like that mod to have a dish drying rack. Insights and links on accommodating that would be appreciated. I don’t anticipate using the microwave/convection oven very often. We don’t even have a microwave at home and if it had been an option I would have taken the extra space vrs. the oven. Air conditioner is LOUD. It was very humid on the trip and it made us more comfortable but it is loud. When the humidity dropped and it got cooler at night we opened the windows. In seconds, the roof vent fan did a fantastic job of drawing the cool air in and the hot air out. It’s much quieter than the AC so I’d anticipate we’ll only be using the AC only in extreme conditions. We didn’t have the opportunity to try the heater, but it seems a bit curious and perhaps unsafe to have a heater under a bed. Does anyone else have any thoughts or concerns about this? The entertainment center works well, but you need to be conscious of the volume when changing sources. The volume my change considerably so it’s best to lower the volume before changing the source. We also had a ghost encounter when the entertainment center, presumably on its’ own came on and blasted an AM broadcast. My son say’s it was entirely on its own, and not the result of inadvertently hitting a remote control. The entertainment center provides the audio for everything (dvd) except broadcast television, so you’re not using it watching the TV in broadcast mode. If this is not the case someone correct me, but that’s the conclusion we came to. Our campground provided cable so we used it and it gave us lots of viewing options. We didn’t try to see how the external antenna worked for local broadcasts, but I’m curious how the source is changed from cable to external antenna or if it is done automatically. Insight here is also appreciated. Hot water heater worked well, but we were not sure if we should turn it on and off or bring it to temp and then leave on. It seems to me since it was so quick it would best be used on demand. Also it did a good job of holding the water at a pretty decent temperature for a good deal of time. We didn’t fill the black\gray tanks much and drained all including the fresh water before leaving. No problems there but was slightly concerned using the fresh water hose on the black tank spray inlet. I wouldn’t want to carry another hose for that purpose only but thought it’s probably not an issue and most likely remedied by a little bleach and water on the couplings. Probably a non-issue. We’ve already decided the toilet will not be used for solid waste unless it is a critical situation. We don’t expect to be camping outside of campgrounds and if we should do and pull-over overnight somewhere I’d expect there would be a lavatory in reasonable proximity, if not we’ll deal with it. I also don’t anticipate using the shower much. Probably more likely to use the external shower when necessary due to my size and the size of the bathroom. Curious where people keep the toilet paper when showering so it doesn’t get wet. Even the toilet will be quite tight in those situations that it might be necessary for me to sit on it. Once again we expect to use campground facilities, but nice to have the options available. Also considering a small nylon cord to suspend in the bathroom for hanging wet towels bathing suits. There’s already a couple of eye hooks on the shower curtain that look accommodating. Insight or ideas on this are appreciated. The wood trim on the one of seats in the dinette has already ripped away partially. I’ve tried to screw it back in, but it won’t hold. I’m considering taking it off and replacing the screw fastening with Velcro or taking the trim off all together since it doesn’t appear to have a function and is purely decorative. I think it will continue to be an issue if I leave it the way it is now. Again, any insight or recommendations are appreciated. Speaking of Velcro, we are using that on the remote controls and have them hung on the small wall to the right facing the kitchen. This helps keep the table and the shelf under the TV clear or available for more important things, but still keeps them hand when using the TV. I’m apprehensive about drilling any holes for shelves or anything else right now, but will inevitably need to. I’m hoping that at least a paper towel holder and some hooks and such will be double stick tape. I may add two small shelves over the bed near the hangers to store toiletry bags and such. I expect to store the tire in the rear storage compartment so I can use my Thule Helium bike rack on the back. I don’t expect any issues here with two or three bikes. I’m a little concerned about mice and their ability to destroy the bedding and cushions. I’ve already put mouse poison in the trailer and will also distribute some moth balls when I winterize it. So there’s my observations and concerns, at least for now. Any insight from the group is appreciated. |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 5:43pm
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You might want to grab a can of spray foam and crawl under to spray around any gaps you see under there. Will help keep the mice out. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 6:00pm
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Good Advice, thanks Leo.
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Posted By: CoastalCal
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 6:26pm
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We also have a new 2015 178 that has been out on two 4-5 day trips so far. Except for the deadbolt failing and requiring a locksmith, all has been great. In my newbie opinion, I would suggest taking a few trips before adding too much storage.....shelves,etc. see what you can do without. We really like the openness of the pod as is and have added only a few small things, paper towel holder (the hubby was excited about that since I have never allowed one in my kitchen, but hey, we're camping!) I hung a multi compartment organizer-thing purchased at Home Goods on the clothes rack and it holds a ton of stuff - it's two sided and only about 5 inches wide fully loaded with iPods, makeup, sunscreen, etc. There really is lots of storage under the pod. Happy travels!! ------------- 2015 178 R-Pod Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel 2014 Indian Vintage 2010 HD Ultra Classic |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 7:14pm
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Hello Don welcome to the group-there are a lot of good people here with a lot of experience and knowledge. everybody has a different pod because they become personalized. check out the past posts throughout the forums and you will see lots of good ideas. just to address a couple of your questions- you can easily remove the microwave in most units by simply unscrewing the outer trim ring from the cabinet surround. Our microwave just sits on a little shelf and is plugged in to a regular outlet. Several people have done this and used the space for storage. the space is considerably larger than the microwave. We added a simple bathroom shower rod in our bath. We mounted the end brackets on the front to back walls so as to make it as long as possible. We hung it as high as possible with enough room for a coat hanger or towel to fit over it. I cut the top of one end bracket so we could easily remove the rod if we wanted. We carry a small 14x24)propane grill with us. It is powered by a 1 pound disposable gas cylinder. We use it almost every night for cooking dinner. enjoy your new pod travel safe Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 7:56pm
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Hi Don, I second Leo's comment on spray foam. I first purchased stainless steel wool and inside and out stuffed as much around any openings as possible. Then I used the great stuff foam to seal under the carriage. A couple of comments: "We purchased the trailer from Stoltzfus RV in Adamstown, PA. Simply, a good experience. Good price, good guidance, accommodating and professional. I would highly recommend them. Ask for Lee, he took good care of us". - Good to hear you had a pleasant experience. When I was in the market, they wouldn't negotiate very much lower than the MSRP, so I ended up traveling from MD to OH and saved a lot of $. "The initial inspection of the trailer I was a little disappointed by the craftsmanship. While the design is well thought out there are a few rough edges and it is most likely not built with the highest quality components". - Agree. YouTube the mfg plant video and watch how the Amish throw these things together. They must be paid by the number of TT's they assemble, and they can assemble in no time flat. "We towed with a 2014 Mazda CX-9 from Pennsylvania to our home in Connecticut. I had been apprehensive about the ability of the car to handle this trailer but was assured by the Mazda dealers Service Manager it was capable. The car performed admirably on our drive home with the exception that our fuel economy dropped from 18 mpg to less than 11. We’ll have to do a few more trips and then see if any issues arise when we have the car serviced later this year". - I get almost exactly the same mpg with my 2013 Pathfinder. "I’m 6’3” and was not uncomfortable in the Queen bed. I’ll have to see if that changes when my wife joins me on that limited space. My son, also my size said sleeping on the dining table conversion was not that comfortable so we are considering buying a mattress top which we’ll use on the bed and then when necessary we’ll transfer for our guests use on the conversion bed". - We also sacrificed having a queen size walk around bed in another model to have an easier towing trailer. 18 ft vs 22+ "Cooking area is crowded, but we’re used to camping on the fire and using a single Coleman propane cooker. I’m not sure what to use to compliment the cooker in the trailer, perhaps a small charcoal grill. We’ve still got the wire grates to use over the camp fire so might just continue with that. If I get something it must be small, lightweight and easy to transport without making a mess. Suggestions here are appreciated". - We cook everything outside on a Coleman Triton Stove (the Mrs. hates the smell of food in the trailer). "I don’t anticipate using the microwave/convection oven very often. We don’t even have a microwave at home and if it had been an option I would have taken the extra space vs. the oven". - We are always boondocking and have appreciated the simpler things. Lots of recipes for campfire foil cooking: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50-things-to-grill-in-foil.html "Air conditioner is LOUD. It was very humid on the trip and it made us more comfortable but it is loud. When the humidity dropped and it got cooler at night we opened the windows. In seconds, the roof vent fan did a fantastic job of drawing the cool air in and the hot air out. It’s much quieter than the AC so I’d anticipate we’ll only be using the AC only in extreme conditions". - I equate the Dometic brand for RV's as Roper is to home appliances; Not top of the line. Ours is also noisy and shakes the trailer. Used it once and could not get any sleep, and have not used again ever since. "Hot water heater worked well, but we were not sure if we should turn it on and off or bring it to temp and then leave on. It seems to me since it was so quick it would best be used on demand. Also it did a good job of holding the water at a pretty decent temperature for a good deal of time". - I believe the specs are 6 gl and 12 minutes to heat it up. Unless we're showering, we shut it off. JD |
Posted By: DebbieHM
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 11:01pm
| We bought one of those pocket hoses to use to flush out the black water tank. Hangs over the shower head to dry. Goes back to almost nothing for storage. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2015 at 11:58pm
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Welcome. A few more comments. First, Stoltzfus was willing to almost match Couch's when we bought from them in 2009. However, after 2 service disasters in the last year or two and complete nonsense coming from the mouths of their lead service tech and their service manager, I recommend using someone else for any service work. Maybe - maybe - any warranty work the first year (or two, if you bought the $150 one-year extension), but otherwise stay away. I have a long post around here somewhere about my experiences. I also have a post detailing 5 things I did which made my A/C quieter. I am low on battery on my computer so I can't look up these posts right now, sorry. Just leave the water heater on. It is so well insulated it will use very little propane to keep the water warm. I confirmed this on our popup years ago when I spent an entire day sitting near the water heater (it was shady on that side). I used to turn it off all the time but left it on accidentally that day and never got around to turning it off, and only heard it come on for a few minutes a few times. Also just yesterday I forgot to light mine after getting into camp (our "new" camper doesn't have electronic ignition like the pods have) and there was enough hot water left from the morning that my wife got a shower and then I did and I still got lukewarm water with the hot tap on full. ------------- 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: Don Halas
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2015 at 6:58pm
Thanks all for your assistance and support. I found this in the fridge when we got home. Must have fallen from somewhere inside of the fridge, but I can't figure out where. Can anyone identify this part. Its a Dometic, and I've looked in the manual but don't see the part anywhere. Thanks again. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2015 at 8:56pm
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not sure, might be a do hicky ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2015 at 9:16pm
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It's a woolly mammoth flea comb! The Duggar family uses it to hold tooth brushes. It's really a flexible fiddle rail. Used to secure small items on fridge door shelf. Hope that helps. ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 7:19am
 that's funny!!------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: CoastalCal
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 6:09pm
Same here.....have no idea where it goes! ------------- 2015 178 R-Pod Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel 2014 Indian Vintage 2010 HD Ultra Classic |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 6:35pm
Here ya go. It's technical name is "door bottle holder". ------------- 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: Don Halas
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 7:11pm
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Again, thank you all.
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Posted By: CFWARREN
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 7:26pm
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Huh, wondered what that thingy was for....mine also had a couple blue plastic things, sorry no pic, that I haven't been able to figure out what they're for.
------------- 2016 179 - Hood River Edition 2008 Nissan Xterra |
Posted By: Retiree-Pod
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 3:50pm
| I had 2 plastic pieces that fit as vertical dividers in the bottom drawer. Divides bottom drawer into thirds. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2015 at 9:18pm
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Good to know. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 8:32am
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Yup, that worked. It even has the slots for the pegs in the top of the piece. I'd never have figured that one out. Makes sense now that I see it assembled. |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2015 at 8:11am
| Went shopping yesterday to get the trailer to our liking. Mattress cover, pots and pans, utensils etc. There is a large interior access only storage area under the left hand side of the dinette. 3 Sterilite 50 Qt. #1435 storage containers fit wonderfully in that space. Purchased at Walmart for less than $8.00 each. Now to keep the wife from filling up every inch of available space. |
Posted By: Nanc
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2015 at 5:37pm
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the plastic picker fence thing hangs in the middle door shelf of the fridge providing a spacer to compress things into the door so they don't move
(one newbie to another) Nanc ------------- Namaste |
Posted By: DebbieHM
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2015 at 3:45pm
| Drawer? There's a bottom drawer in the fridge? 2013 Rpod 177. Am I missing something? |
Posted By: Nanc
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2015 at 4:15pm
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Sorry i wasn't clear . I have a 179 and in the fridge DOOR there are shelves. The midfle one has that plastic picket installed inside the shelf, solid side to the inside wall of the shelf itself, pickets facing inside of fridge door ------------- Namaste |
Posted By: DebbieHM
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2015 at 10:13pm
| I do have the finger looking thingys. But no spacers for the other shelf. Thanks for the explanation. |
Posted By: Retiree-Pod
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2015 at 10:29am
| My 2015 177 has a bottom drawer in the refrigerator. Laying in the bottom were the gray plastic comb like bottle holder that worked on the door shelf. Also had 2 plastic pieces that slide in vertically to divide the bottom drawer into thirds. |
Posted By: DebbieHM
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2015 at 6:07pm
| Another improvement! In a few years when we're ready to trade in, that's something I'll be looking for! |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2015 at 6:40pm
| That's the same that I have. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:13pm
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My 2010 had a bottom drawer, with the 3-part divider mentioned above.
------------- 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: vivian
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2015 at 1:08am
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That bit goes into a slot on the the largest of the door shelves in the fridge. It keeps things from moving around too much. We bought ours used and I almost threw it away, but took a good look at it and figured it could be a fridge part. I can send a pic of you need it. It's too late right now, but tomorrow...... ------------- viv |
Posted By: kindell
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2015 at 6:15am
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The "do hickey" fits on shelf inside door of fridge. Holds mayo, soda, etc. ------------- Art & Kindell Cooper the Super Dog 2017 Keystone Bullet 265 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton Former 2015 RPod 179 |
Posted By: kindell
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2015 at 6:18am
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I have 2015 179 with bottom drawer in fridge. I took the spacers out and find its more convenient for storage that way. ------------- Art & Kindell Cooper the Super Dog 2017 Keystone Bullet 265 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton Former 2015 RPod 179 |
Posted By: kindell
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2015 at 6:26am
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Thanks for all the mod ideas. I really like the shower rod idea to hang damp towels. Right now we are using 3MM hooks that we put on outside of bathroom door. Looks tacky and a nuisance because we're constantly bumping and knocking towels to floor. We will install a rod before our next outing! ------------- Art & Kindell Cooper the Super Dog 2017 Keystone Bullet 265 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton Former 2015 RPod 179 |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 7:10pm
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Completed all the mods on my list today. This should be it for a while, until we do some camping and find things we need. I'll post the list and some photo's soon.
Thanks to all for suggestions, guidance and links. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 8:54pm
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Happy podding!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 11:07am
Paper Towel Dispenser and Cutting Board. We also have a collapsible dish drying rack which fits nicely under the sink with other dish washing materials. 
Toilet paper roll under the sink which can be tucked up when showering to keep dry. 
Soap tray. Double stick tape with pvc tube support. Will mount permanently once we know this fits our needs. 
Several storage bins fitted for under benches. 
Battery shut off and moved the spare tire to the front of the hitch... 
...to allow my Bike Rack to be mounted on the back. 
We thought the storage area over the microwave would make a good place for a bar, but realized the height was too small for most bottles. So we created our own carafes using canning bottles. 
Remotes stay handy and out of the way with Velcro. Also added a second piece of Velcro near the bed for nighttime TV watching. 
Removed screws from seat ends and replaced with Velcro. 
This is a clock with internal/external temperature and voltmeter. Mounted near the bed a little lower than I wanted, but got access to 12v power and was able to mount the external temp sensor without drilling a hole. That's most of the major stuff. Thanks again for good guidance. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 9:50pm
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I like the custom jars. ------------- 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: Nanc
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 12:17am
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the pictures really help to visualize thank you
for the TP- what is the elastic cord attached to under the sink? and when you say "tucked up", do you mean in the under side of sink? what holds it in? and what about spray bouncing off your body? where di you get the battery cut off and is it easy to install Nanc ------------- Namaste |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 3:33pm
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The toilet paper is on pvc tubing suspended by a cord. It is hanging from a double stick tape hanger mounted up and underneath the sink and hung with metal S-hooks.. I have not yet done it, but a second smaller chord (or bungee) could be placed under the sink opposite the other and then looped around the TP roll pulling it back and up. It will work, just don't if it makes sense to do that, or just pull the TP and hanger out of the shower in the few times I expect to use the shower. The battery cut off is a Hella I purchased from Amazon. Not much room to mount on the battery case, but I got it to work. |
Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 9:38pm
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Just completed a 16 day trip to Colorado in my new RP-178. I stayed in a couple of Walmarts and one Cracker Barrell going and coming. Dry camped (boondocked) near Silverton for 13 nights. I didn't use the AC or the furnace but everything else worked well. I used more water than I thought I would and had to fill up a couple of times. I ran a Yamaha 2400 generator for around an hour every other day to keep my battery charged. It towed easily behind my Chev Silverado. I did break on of the safety chains(?) and bent the plate that holds the small ball for the sway bar; not sure when, where and why but fortunately I was able to get a link and repair and keep going. A couple of concerns inside: 1) the queen bed is not level. It bows higher toward the rear of the trailer. 2) a screw came out of the bathroom light switch and won't hold when I try to put it back. 3) A sort of fine sawdust appeared on the ledge underneath the television and on the mattress at the back of the trailer. I borrowed a handvac and cleaned it up but it reappeared under the tele. I'd appreciate any comments about the crooked bed. And I think I'm going to invest in a memory foam mattress although I slept pretty well on the stock. ------------- MICK |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 10:34pm
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Most likely you backed up with the sway control bar still engaged. It should be loosened up and removed from one of the 2 balls. Not sure how you broke a safety chain, unless it bound up on something during a turn. For the screw, an old carpenter's trick, glue a wood match (or other slim piece of wood) into the hole. Once it dries break it off, smooth it out, and the screw will hold again. Lots of sawdust ends up in all the cracks during manufacture, it should go away for good after a few trips. Lots of podders end up with memory foam mattresses.
------------- 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: CFWARREN
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 11:09pm
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"Most likely you backed up with the sway control bar still engaged." Never heard this before, what's wrong with doing this? ------------- 2016 179 - Hood River Edition 2008 Nissan Xterra |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:08am
| The mod I forgot to mention was the additon of a Serta 3" memory foam cooling bed top. Comfortable, but what a pain in the ass to try and make the bed. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:30pm
See item 4 on page 1 (unrelated to backing up, but good to know), and item 2 C on page 2 (link below). Plus it can just bind up even without direct contact and bend. http://hitchpro.com/application/support/instructions/N26660.pdf - http://hitchpro.com/application/support/instructions/N26660.pdf
------------- 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: CFWARREN
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:39pm
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With that brand and model of sway control, avoiding backing with it attached might be a good idea. Personally, I wouldn't have mine attached if I had to back uphill, I can see where that might cause a problem. But on smooth level ground over a short distance, I see no problem with leaving it attached, just go slow and don't jack-knife....!
------------- 2016 179 - Hood River Edition 2008 Nissan Xterra |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2015 at 9:45am
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If you've read or been following this topic you might remember that we bought the R-Pod because we wanted something that would be towable with our 2014 Mazda-CX9 which is rated at 3,500 lbs. max tow weight. We towed the trailer home from Pennsylvania to Connecticut when we bought it. We also did a short weekend two weeks ago about 60 miles from home. The CX-9 did an admirable job and seemed to handle the load without issue. In both situations the drive was in an optimal conditions, no traffic, moderate changes of elevation, mostly highway and a conservative load. I realized that the tow weight limitations would mean I would not be able to carry anything but a small amount of water/waste and also would be limited in any additional weight I added to the load. Most of all I worried about the cars capability in less than ideal travel situations; bad weather, heavy traffic, long trips or extended travel. So, I moved up to an F-150 and more than doubled my tow capability (7,200 lbs.) We still love the CX-9 and would probably still tow with it for short hauls and limited loads. We have no interest in a larger trailer, but the F-150 gives me peace of mind and greater confidence of an enjoyable trip. Also now we might be able to have another couple join us on our trip.  |