Winterization - exterior and interior
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8822
Printed Date: 26 Jun 2025 at 8:26am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Winterization - exterior and interior
Posted By: HeyCampers
Subject: Winterization - exterior and interior
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2016 at 11:23pm
|
After only two glorious fall weekends using our new 178, it is time for us to put it away for the Colorado winter. Unfortunately, the R-pod will be in a storage lot and not at home where I can monitor its condition. In preparation, I plan to take these steps. The guidance of longer time Podders will be appreciated.
|
Replies:
Posted By: sean p
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2016 at 5:44am
|
everything sounds great you are planning.We still plan on more trips till nov.1st. And we are lucky to store in our yard. Maob calls for the end of october and plenty of free camping spots around jefferson county . Happy winter to you.. ------------- 2016 179pod--BETTY 2010 nissan frontier Sean and Doug Butchie the morkie touring the west |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2016 at 7:02am
|
Thom, we put dryer sheets everywhere inside the pod and put some cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil in dishes covered with saran wrap with a couple small holes in the wrap. These we also put everywhere including the storage areas. We then place on the ground some moth balls under the pod as a first line of defence against mice etc. Starting our 5th winter and so far so good. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2016 at 8:41pm
|
No need for antifreeze in the gray and black tanks. Also no need to store the battery on a board, that solves an old problem from way back in the days when battery cases were slightly conductive so storing them on a concrete floor caused them to discharge. No problem with the modern plastic cases. See the link in my signature for a winterization checklist. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: HeyCampers
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 12:40am
|
This is all very helpful. In fortunately my travel schedule this year won't let us camp ithrough October, like Sean P. One question that hasn't been answered is a recommendation for a finish coating (wax). And one that I didn't ask: do I need to cover the air conditioner?
Thanks all, Thom |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 7:13am
|
I've been using Turtle Wax Ice. It is a synthetic polymer wax, and seems to work well. It can be applied in the full sun. I've been using it on my car (and previous car) for years. As for covering the air conditioner, while probably not required, it would not be a bad idea if you are not using a full cover on the R-Pod. I've seen a picture of a cover made just for RV air conditioners. One of those would probably be best as it would fit the shape. I have a full cover (Classic Accessories) on our EscaPOD. It has two straps that run underneath to keep it in place. Since it is made for the R-Pod, I would expect it to stand up, even if it does get windy. ------------- 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: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 7:18am
|
As for wax. I have used Nufinish for all my vehicles and also now on the pod. Love it. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 9:18am
|
We had our pod 5 1/2 years, never covered it but it did need a heavy wash every spring due to tree sap. Can't hurt to cover part or all of it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Jewel59
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 8:24pm
| I live in SC, my Rpod is in covered storage. I have a trip to FLA planned in mid December (dog show of course 😊). It won't be below freezing Florida and only a slight chance of below freezing up to December in SC. How much winterization is needed before that trip in December (it "might" get briefly below freezing by mid December, as in maybe - couple hours over night). It will be winterized fully after the December trip. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 9:14pm
|
Overnight brief freezes which are in the 30's, and high 20's should be okay, especially if you have some form of heat running inside the Pod and leave cabinet doors open where there is plumbing. Extended freezes would, or course, require proper winterization. When we went out west last winter, we had some overnights in the low 20's. It was above freezing during the day though. and when it was coldest, we were running the furnace. ------------- 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: jato
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 10:03pm
|
A couple things to add: Either purchase a screen cover for your two exhaust holes coming from the furnace to keep mice from building a nest OR (this is what we do) cover the holes with steel wool, that will keep them out as well. Secondly, we don't do the antifreeze thing, just use compressed air to blow out your lines, takes about a minute at most. That way you won't get that nasty antifreeze taste in the spring when you get a drink of water out of your cold water line. I will use about 1 pint of the pink antifreeze to put in the shower drain and two sink drains.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2016 at 10:08pm
|
A lot of excellent waxes on the market to choose from. We have used MeGuiar's ultimate liquid wax on our pod since 2013, and on our auto as well. Gives a finish that is baby butt smooth. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |