Soon-to-be new owner
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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=7255
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 4:57am
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Topic: Soon-to-be new owner
Posted By: StephenH
Subject: Soon-to-be new owner
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2015 at 10:44am
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Hello from a soon-to-be 179 owner. We expect to pick it up on December 7th. We looked at a number of different campers, including models from Starcraft, KZ, and Coleman. I wanted something that would be towable by our Escape (2016 SE, 2 L EcoBoost engine with factory towing package, rated at 3,500 lbs). After getting scammed on a non-existent Casita, I found an R-Pod dealer not too far away from us. We decided that the layout of the 179 was the best for us. While I would have preferred a walk-around queen (or even double) bed, we will adapt to this one. The thing that sold us on the 179 is the kitchen and storage space. Having the dinette in the slide-out seemed to make more sense. We hope to get many years of enjoyment with this R-Pod. It will make possible some of the "We ought to stop and see this sometime" travel that we have not done because motels and meals would just cost too much. Admittedly, the R-Pod isn't inexpensive, but being able to eat our own cooking is a big plus. I plan to add a picture if it is possible once we pick up our R-Pod. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Replies:
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2015 at 8:19pm
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Congratulations on your new purchase. There don't seem to be too many unhappy 179 owners out there so you're joining a pretty good club. You're at the light end of the tow vehicle spectrum and many out there will say bigger is better, but if you drive right and don't try to race any hemi-pickups, you should do fine. You might also want to check the threads about weight distribution hitches. Lots of good facts and some religion too. For anyone who tows, I recommend "The Long Long Trailer" with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball as an excellent primer. Have fun. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2015 at 10:13pm
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Thanks Shroomer. I remember seeing "The Long Long Trailer many years ago. I also remember the camping trailer my parents had. I have a lot of good memories from camping in that trailer. I realize that the Escape is on the small size, but I will be driving much more without the R-Pod than with it. I am not one to race anyway. I will be getting an Equal-i-zer hitch with the trailer. That will give me sway control as well as equalization. This Escape replaced one that had a larger, but less powerful engine. My original choice for a camper would have been a Casita. Since that was not an option for the timeline I had, the R-Pod is the best alternative. In many cases, I expect it to be better. Since I expect to be off grid on our first trip, l am thinking of buying and installing a second battery to install with the one that will come with the R-Pod. However, I need to get it first so I can get the same type battery. I also need to wire in a 12 volt outlet and figure out how to put a small shelf in for my cpap machine. I have a lot to do in a very shot time before we leave to see our chlldren and grandchildren. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 6:23am
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There are a lot of good conversations on the forum about batteries. Do a search and you'll find a lot of good information. I happen to use 2 Marine Deep Cycle AGM's since I already owned one. It's a pricey way to go. Most cost effective way seems to be to get 2 6V golf cart batteries and wire them in series. The battery provided doesn't provide a lot of juice and two may not keep your cpap running that long. I checked our cpap and found that it runs native on 12v and the AC adapter simply makes 12v dc. I put an DC outlet by bed and we were good to go. I've spoken to others who weren't as lucky though and needed AC inverters. Battery life will depend on lifestyle. The new led lights don't use anything, but the gas heater will draw them down quickly. The more electronic goodies you hook up, the faster you'll drain. If you're going out more than 4 days, you'll want to look at charging methods: generator, tow vehicle, solar. Again, lots of discussion on these. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 9:23am
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Thanks for the advice. I would like to go the 6 volt route, but will initially need to go with a second battery like the first. If batteries hold overnight, that will be adequate for the first trips. While we are at our daughters' houses, we should be able to hook up to AC and while we are on the road, they will get a T.V. charge during the day. My CPAP does use 12V. The power brick supplies that 12V but battery supply should be fine as long as I don't try to power the humidifier also. The concern, of course, is the furnace. If we keep the temperature setting low, it should reduce the power needed We will just have extra blankets. Other than that, we will need to charge cell phones, but again, that can be done during the day while we are travelling. If I were to get two 6V batteries, what could be done with the 12V battery that will come with the R-Pod? I don't have a boat with which to use it. It would be too good to recycle. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 9:52am
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Using two 6V golf cart batteries will provide 30%-40% more capacity than two Gp 24 twelve volt batteries. The battery is usually a dealer installed item and is the cheapest one from his stock. If you can contact the dealer before you pick up the camper you may be able to negotiate a swap for two good 6V golf cart batteries. Many dealers supply Interstate batteries and they make a good golfer. He should give you some credit for the 12V battery you paid for and you don't have to dispose of the new/unused battery. In any case make sure the rack on the RPOd will accomodate two 6V golfers with cases.
------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:58am
Thanks. I would not have thought about that. I'll contact them soon as I finish this message. 
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:12pm
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Welcome. Hopefully you didn't lose any money on the Casita that wasn't. If you already had the 12 volt battery I would say just get another like it and use it for the next 5-6 years. ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:46pm
Unfortunately, I did lose money.  I should have seen the red flags, but I didn't. I contacted the dealer (Country Roads RV Center in Lexington, NC). It is not too late to get the battery upgrade, and the preliminary quote I got sounds reasonable. This way too, I should get the proper size cases for the six-volt batteries. I'm glad I didn't wait until we got there to pick it up to ask. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 7:45am
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Stephen, Ford Motor Company has a tow "rating", for their vehicles, that refers to total frontal area as well as weight, you might want to look at it before you pull the trigger. I considered a Escape, I really liked the "high tech" aspect of the EcoBoost, but went home with a hemi powered Grand Cherokee instead. ------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:07am
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With the factory towing package, the frontal area consideration is 30 sq. ft. The base vehicle area is 20 sq. ft. Ford's towing guide says that exceeding the frontal area specs may decrease performance of the tow vehicle. While the R-Pod specifications indicate that the frontal area is > 30 sq. ft, the shape should help. It isn't a vertical slab like some of the other options we looked at such as the Starcraft AR-One or the KZ Spree Escape, which while not vertical were much more so than the rounded shape of the R-Pod. This seems to be the best option for now, especially since we just upgraded the Escape and are in no position to trade vehicles. I will certainly keep an eye on things and report how it works once we pick it up and get some real-world experience. Ford does recommend using premium gasoline when towing. I have been filling with premium in preparation for picking it up so the engine can develop the maximum power instead of being down tuned for regular gas. I think if I can watch the weight, that will also help. The RP-179 has a dry weight of 2,630 lbs. If I can keep the loaded weight under the 3,500 lbs (well under, I hope), that should also help. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 8:57pm
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We are also in North Carolina-Chapel Hill actually. We also bought from Country Roads RV-Jeff Zimmerman was very fair and honest with us. Tell him I said "Hello" when you pick up your new unit. We also looked at Casita and Scamp and decided on the RPod-so glad we did. Its been a great trailer for us. Let me know if I can help with local questions. There is a lot of great info on this forum-read it and ask questions. travel safe Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:33pm
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Vann, Thanks. We go to Chapel Hill when my wife has appointments at the UNC Medical Center. It will be good to compare notes. Edit: I just looked at some of your mods. I have some ideas, but will need to get the R-Pod first and see what ideas I can use. I already know I need to add a 12 volt outlet. I also would like a shelf above the bed to hold things like my CPAP machine, our cell phones, etc. I need to find out how to mount a shelf. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:55pm
FR likes to infer it is an advantage, but we've all learned that isn't true. Once you get above 50-55 mph you hit a brick wall.
No need to buy premium until the tank that you will tow with. The variable valve and knock-sensing systems are constantly checking for and adjusting for multiple variables including the fuel.
I always throw up a big warning for 3500 pound rated vehicles that will be towing the heaviest pods like that one. Pack light and do not tow with any of the tanks full. Maybe a few gallons of water to wash hands and flush while you are on the road but that's it. Rule of thumb is with your stuff and a full tank of water you'll add 1000 pounds, and you need to stay below that. Put some heavier things in the TV if you can. ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 10:01pm
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We'll have to see how it performs. I appreciate the advice about the tanks. I was thinking of going light on the first trip. I already was thinking about using the T.V. for items. With an equalizer hitch, I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 9:57am
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Be careful of overloading the tow vehicle also-check the sticker on the driver's door to find out the total weight allowed and weight of cargo. remember that anything you put in or on the vehicle (people, fuel, luggage, tongue weight,etc) are all part of the gross vehicle weight. It's not hard to overweight the vehicle pretty quickly. Before any trip, we go to the county dump and weigh our rig completely. a set of scales is the only way to really know what we are doing. Let me know when you will be be in Chapel Hill Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9">
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 10:26am
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Thanks. I was planning on hitting up scales at the first opportunity after we pick it up.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 5:56pm
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Before you decide to buy a jeep, take a look at Consumer Reports. They were not overly fond of the Jeep. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 7:48pm
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I personally never gave much weight to Consumer Reports automobile evaluations ever since they rated the diesel powered Oldsmobiles of the '70s over the Mercedes 300D and the Peugeot 604 for both value and reliability. I've had no problems with my several Jeeps dating back to 1976. IMHP Consumer Reports should stick to toasters. ------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 8:42pm
LOL, I don't think they have been that bad over the years. I'm sure the crew that did reviews in the 70's is long gone...  ------------- 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: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 12:01am
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It's what makes this country great. We are all entitled to our opinion. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 9:57am
Not surprising they are gone. Look what they were eating...and driving!!   ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 10:31am
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Ford Pinto I had one of those. I got it around the same time as one of my classmates got a Chevy Vega. Within a few months, his Vega was covered with rust spots (western New York). My Pinto did quite well until our honeymoon, when we had a close encounter of the wrong kind with a flat bed semi, which shaved the front end off (in front of the radiator) and bent the front from the windshield on forward. We thank God that we survived to tell this story. We were shaken up, but not injured. Nothing inside the car was damaged, but the car was totalled. If we had gotten to that intersection a second earlier . . . . Things are falling into place for us to pick up our R-Pod on Monday. I purchased the 6V batteries and the boxes along with the jumper cable needed to connect them in series. The credit for the 12V battery will pay for the upgrade. It is definitely less expensive for me to supply the batteries than to have the dealer get them. I could get a 10% military discount at Batteries & Bulbs (AKA Batteries +) that I wouldn't have been able to get at the dealer. (U.S Army Retired, 26 years). ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 3:44pm
Yeah, those sewing machines are a bit chewy and don't go down very well. ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 5:34pm
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I use my Mom's old Singer Sewing Machine to break rocks! I'm sure Binford stole the idea for the 25HP Binford 5000 Hammer Drill!! HRRRR - HHRRRR - HRRRRRRRRR fred ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 9:55am
Consumer reports killed a product we manufactured for problems we could not duplicate, no owners ever reported, and they would not tell us how they tested it to give the symptoms. I lost respect for them and still don't give them much attention. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 11:53am
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They certainly sell a lot of magazines and have a very big following. There is a saying about opinions and everyone having one. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 12:25pm
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However, Consumer Reports (or opinions about them) is not the purpose of my original post. Since this has wandered far afield, it would be best to continue those type discussions separately in the appropriate forum. Things are shaping up for us to pick up our R-Pod on Monday. I already have purchased two six-volt batteries, two boxes, and the jumper cable needed to replace the single twelve-volt battery. I will get a credit for that which will pay for the battery upgrade. Additional items purchased in anticipation are a memory foam mattress topper and a ten piece set of Magma nesting cookware. We got the induction cooking version as we do have a small induction cooktop purchased when it was on sale at Aldi's. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B99RJS2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B99RJS2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00 Also purchased a proper drinking water hose, Andersen 3604 camper leveler, and some other miscellaneous parts. First thing after we get home will be to add a 12 volt outlet and to try to put in a shelf above the bed. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 1:00pm
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Stephen, posts here are a conversation, and frequently have information and opinions that are not strictly on point with the original post.That is part of the charm of this community. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 1:13pm
Okay. I have been in other forums where opinions ranging too far from the topic of the forum ended up having to be locked by the moderator(s), especially when it got into opinions.  As long as it is okay then, I withdraw my suggestion. Thanks. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 4:43pm
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May I suggest a water pressure regulator and a filter. Campground water can very from 1 to 160 psi.. and it's often a bit funky tasting.. We set up with a WYE, then the pressure regulator, filter, and then hose to the pod.Using the WYE means we can still get water from that tap for dog bowls or what have you.. Edit.. also, yes, as long as things stay civil, many a thread has wandered with no issues. Heck the facebook group has a name for it when it happens..  ------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 6:10pm
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The filter and pressure regulator were two of the miscellaneous items already purchased. Since we don't have pets, I will probably not need the extra tap. If I need it really bad, I guess I could use the outside shower for that purpose. Would that facebook name by any chance be rabbit chasing? ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 8:41pm
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Nope.. it's "SQUIRREL!!" In fact at one of the big rallies a couple years ago, all the podders who frequent FB, brought stuffed squirrels, so they could interrupt conversation at any time, by throwing down their squirrel.. LOL Now.. if some one drops a question about lug nut torque, 3 pages into a discussion about dual propane tank mods and Ford Mustang suspension, they will usually be asked to start a new thread, mostly because non-interested readers will stop once the torque question is answered, and not see the later pod question.. and most pods built to date, don't have an outside shower.. That's a new option, started in 2015 models. We actually this year, have put a pressure gauge on the free side of the WYE, since I added an outside shower to our pod. ------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 9:47pm
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I should have thought of that. After watching "Up," it was logical.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |