Need Help! 179 or 180
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Topic: Need Help! 179 or 180
Posted By: Ave8ter
Subject: Need Help! 179 or 180
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:24pm
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I know this might not be the best forum to post in, but I need help and though this was close.
We are going to buy an R-Pod, but are torn between the 179 and 180. I realize it is a mater of taste, but I wanted to hear your experiences to help us decide. We are a mid 50s couple that are soon going to be empty nesters. We are buying this for the two of us to use and not considering the kids. For next couple years we will go to state forests (off-grid)fore weekend and then want to start travelling distances for 7 - 10 days. We will tend to stay at unimproved locations. We have previously been tent campers but want to have a few more comforts. I am a great cook with my wife usually getting clean-up duties. I do like the idea of a separate bathroom like the 180, but am torn because of the cooking area for the 179. We also like the more open look of the 180 and it appears that getting in and out of bed is slightly easier in the 180. Soooooo, what are your experiences and suggestions. Thanks, Scott |
Replies:
Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:36pm
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Ave8ter Like you said....personal taste. The 180 has an excellent bathroom but is not all that big counter wise. The 179, which we have, is great with the rear kitchen area. We really like it and find that unlike our previous experience with tent trailers this space is actually useful. The 179 has excellent storage as well. We are campground types so the shower wasn't really a consideration because like many on this forum we don't use it......so back to personal taste and what you feel you will get the most bang for your RV buck. Best wishes for whatever you decide and welcome to the Pod family. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: Ave8ter
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:44pm
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Seems like the 180/179 debate is a common one.
I am leaning towards the 180, but could be talked into the 179 really easy. I do like that big back window when cooking. |
Posted By: M&M
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:52pm
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Ave8ter, My wife and I picked up our 179 in August. We love it. Much like you, we are soon to be empty nesters. We love the storage and the counter space. Good luck with whatever you choose! Happy Travels! ------------- 2017 179 "Big Sexy" 2012 Honda Pilot |
Posted By: blimey
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:57pm
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We just bought our 180. The spacious bathroom was the hook for us. My wife felt like she was standing in the closet in the wet baths. I have admit I really like it as well . We too are empty nesters and the 180 is perfect us. We will rarely cook in the camper,preferring to grill out, so the kitchen wasn't a priority . To each his own but we reeeeeeeeaaaaaalllly like our 180.
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Posted By: Ave8ter
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 2:59pm
| I realize we cannot go wrong either way......... |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 3:09pm
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The kitchen in the 179 was the deciding point for us. We both like the space and the additional storage of the 179. As for getting into and out of bed, we at first had our heads toward the dinette. We have switched and now our heads are at the wardrobe end. It has two advantages. First is that it blocks some light and noise, especially that of the AC unit. Second, it is easier for me to climb over my wife's feet than it was over her hips. We are 63 years old. We use the shower some, but will take advantage of a campground shower if available. As we age, having a seated shower isn't a bad thing. I may put a second shower head bracket in so that we can place the shower head high or low, depending on how we want to use it. ------------- 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: densmorema
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 3:38pm
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We have a 2015 179 and we like it but after a couple years now my wife would really like the dry bath, storage is pretty close when you figure the extra cabinets in the bath room but if you take alot of extra kitchen things like we do the 179 has more room.I think the bottom line is how mama wants a bathroom.Personally if the 180 would have been out when we bought ours we would have bought that one. Good luck.! ------------- Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado |
Posted By: mooremg1
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 3:45pm
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We went through the same dilemma and finally settled on the 179. Although having more kitchen work space was a big factor it was the increased overall cabinet and drawer space that the 179 has over the 180 was the clincher. The small size of the wet bath and the step into and out of it were concerns but I installed a grab handle just inside the door which helps steady things and sitting down for a shower works surprisingly well. I personally think the table in the 179 is too big and heavy for our needs and is in the way when you're not using it so we're exploring our options with that. The two person dinette in the 180 would fit nicely in place of the U shaped dinette so I may look at building something like that. ------------- Sue and Mike 2022 Grand Design 23LDE 2017 Ford Expedition Platinum 2017 r-pod 179 (for sale) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT (sold) |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 4:07pm
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I've had our 180 for 6 months. The full bath was our deciding factor, having a small room for personal space while using it makes my wife happy! First trip was 4 days way off grid (no water/no toilet)and a hot shower and changing room with elbow room was so nice. Second trip was state park with no showers and just a pit toilets. 180 was nice. Third trip, 9 nights, was full hookups every other night, and state parks with baths/ Showers on the other nights and she used the park showers and bathrooms. Cooking full meals IS challenging in the 180 and the 179 wins hands down. We use the dinette table as additional prep space. The floorplan of the 179 with rear kitchen and larger dinette makes it feel lots bigger with room to dance. The dinette slideout is bigger than the kitchen slideout in the 180. In my opinion it comes down to; How you cook, indoors or out and how large are the meals. How,when and if you use a bathroom. Where you camp or stay. Parks w/showers?,Bathrooms?, off grid? how big ( Tall and wide) you are. We looked at a new blue 179 on our way home yesterday and it feels so much more usable inside, but she had to have the bath..... Good Luck! (this didn't help at all,huh?) rgds John ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 4:30pm
| So, your decision is perfectly clear, right? :) |
Posted By: Bama Pod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 4:48pm
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IMHO with respect to all Pod models, none are perfect but all are great. ------------- Bama Pod Huntsville, AL 2017 Ford F250 2017 Airstream 26U |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 5:02pm
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We have the 179, love the large kitchen counter and extra storage,
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Ave8ter
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 5:04pm
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First off, thanks everyone, I cannot believe all the responses. My only concern is that John was not sure IF we use the bathroom. Won't even touch the HOW we use it.......😜
Next, I hate to say it but I am the one who probably likes the idea of the nicer toilet/shower more than my wife. FYI-neither height or width is an issue. At this point, leaning slightly to the 180. So keep the comments coming. I really appreciate the input. |
Posted By: NickLPod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 5:57pm
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We (the boss & I) had the same discussion & bought the 180 over the 179 this summer. The 180 dry bathroom just beat the nice wide kitchen counter space in the 180. We do use the bathroom features: toilet at night, the shower to wash feet & ankles, and as a change room. (This latter is important for my wife, who believes I should not change in full view of others). Storage for short trips is fine and we eat at the dinette or outside in the dome when possible. As suggested & implemented by many others in this forum (cool!), I made a Costco tray into a cover for the 2 burners to extend cutting board space (is also the location for the drying rack after washing up). ------------- 2016 R-Pod 180 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 V6 Wife Carole Dog Corra |
Posted By: Bama Pod
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 6:37pm
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For the two of us, the dry bath was the clincher. Love the galley and closet in the 179, but the bathroom space won over the galley space and bigger dinette. Plus the storage in bathroom for chemicals, toilet paper, etc is a huge feature. Do wish a window was in there though. So the 180 tipped the scale albeit not by much, but enough. ------------- Bama Pod Huntsville, AL 2017 Ford F250 2017 Airstream 26U |
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 7:09pm
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There was a discussion on this topic a few weeks back when some chimed in that they do not like using public restrooms and showers and for that reason chose the 180 for the larger shower. We did as well. Also we are getting a washing machine and that will store nicely in the bathroom and just roll it out when showering. Lastly we plan on making simple meals or grilling outdoors and eating out often so it was a no brainer to pick bath over kitchen. Forest River sells many more 179 than 180's. It is their most popular model. ------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 8:05pm
[QUOTE=Ave8ter]First off, thanks everyone, I cannot believe all the responses. My only concern is that John was not sure IF we use the bathroom. Won't even touch the HOW we use it.......😜
 If You camp and stop at places with toilets and showers, And you use them, and they are clean, and there is still hot water, and those kids get out of the shower. I know someone who uses it as a closet, really, never used it. How, You only use it to maybe pee in the middle of the night, Someone has to have a bathroom with a mirror, You need privacy for changing and stuff, There are people showering daily and using all it has to offer. When, You only use it to maybe pee in the middle of the night, Stopping along the road, any time,anywhere. So convenient! All day every day, nonstop like it's your second home,  rgds John Yesterday south of Eureka  ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 8:08pm
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Hi there! Ditto on all of the things said about the 179. We are really happy with ours. We had been full-timing in a Teardrop and stumbled upon Rpods which met our needs for more space without going to large. So we upgraded in June to a 179 and love it. Even the tiny wet bath! You're bound to love either! Happy trails! ------------- Diane and Michael 2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 9:18pm
We added a spring-tension shower rod and a set of curtains by the bed. If need be, we can move those. If the bathroom door is open, it also acts as a visual block for the other end of the R-Pod so if the dinette window cover is closed, one has a significant amount of space in which to change that is not visible to someone at the kitchen end. We use our bathroom in our 179 at night also and have showered in there, not just washed our feet and ankles. In the end, each of us will choose the one he/she feels is the right one for him/her. In this case, the rule, "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" applies. ------------- 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: 09 Nov 2016 at 9:24pm
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We have a 177 that we purchased in January 2011. Much good wisdom and advice above. Let me add this to the mix. Go to the dealer you plan on purchasing your 179 or 180 from. Spend at least an hour or two or more in each, make notes on your likes/dislikes and discuss your results with each other. Am sure you will reach a consensus and be happy with it. We are still really happy with our 177, been a great, dependable TT for us.
------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2016 at 9:58pm
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The only thing that keeps our 179 from being perfect is the same thing that would apply to the 180. That is, the lack of a walk-around bed. Given the space constraints, it probably could not be done in a trailer the width of the R-Pod. I would take a smaller dinette and move the wardrobe to small ones on either side of the bed if there were enough room to do so in the 179. Given that there would only be 7-1/2" of space on either side if the mattress were rotated 90 degrees, it would not give sufficient space to maneuver along the sides. RV Queen is 75" long X 60" wide. Rotating it gives 15" of space. 15" / 2 = 7-1/2". So, we will continue to have me climb over my wife until we can't do so any more. Then (probably me) one of us will use the dinette area while the other uses 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: TheBum
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 11:48am
My wife and I already use separate beds in our 179. She suffers from frequent insomnia and I have to use a CPAP, so the near side of the bed would be the best place for both if we both slept there. So, she sleeps on the dinette (she's shorter than I am). Before we put in the futon, she was using an air mattress that we had to inflate every night and deflate every morning. With the futon, converting from bed to sofa and vice versa is very fast. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 12:17pm
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The CPAP machine is why my first modifications were a 12V outlet and a shelf above the bed to hold the CPAP machine. Thank you for the additional information. I will keep the futon in mind for the future.
------------- 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: 10 Nov 2016 at 1:49pm
I think I was parked close to there this past summer.
------------- 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: densmorema
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 7:24pm
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We keep our table at home and replaced it with one from amazon,it's almost the same size and adjusts to three different heights folds flat and u can put it almost anyware,sometimes we take it outside to use because it's so light.We also took our seat cushions and had the foam replaced in them,wow what a difference no more sinking down very firm.
------------- Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado |
Posted By: mooremg1
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 9:05pm
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Mike and Cherie, Which table did you choose from Amazon? We have a couple of roll-up tables we use outside in the R-Dome but we haven't tried them inside and they're not height adjustable either. ------------- Sue and Mike 2022 Grand Design 23LDE 2017 Ford Expedition Platinum 2017 r-pod 179 (for sale) 2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT (sold) |
Posted By: Vector1952
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 9:29pm
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We just picked up our 179 10/24/16...we were like you the 180 bathroom but the dinette we use as a couch, the table goes on the bed....the countertop in the kitchen and the storage made up our minds...hope this helps ------------- Xxxx7 |
Posted By: densmorema
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 8:18am
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We chose the ancher 20 ×30 inch table which adjusts from 21-28 inches high,I just went to amazon and they don't show that same brand with that size table right now however they do have it in a lifetime brand same size and the same price I paid which is 33.44. It looks like the same one we bought.It's the closest thing I could find to the original table size which I think was 36×21 and about 29 inches high.by the way the model no.on that lifetime model on Amazon was 28241, hope that helps. We really like it, its so light and you can lay it on the bad or put it between the bed and the cushion on its side.
------------- Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado |
Posted By: Ave8ter
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 11:47am
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WE HAVE DECIDED.
I want to thank everyone for their input on this and after careful reflection and discussion, we have decided to go with the 179. Pick it up on the 19th. Thanks again. PS - The table from Amazon looks exactly like one we picked up from Costco. |
Posted By: scott59
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 1:31pm
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Where do you spend most of your time?
The kitchen or the bathroom? |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 2:18pm
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Regarding tables for the 179, we picked up this table from our local Walmart. It's 10" longer than the Amazon one (20" x 40") but still folds up very compactly.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-20-x-40-Table-Black/54571383 - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-20-x-40-Table-Black/54571383 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 2:30pm
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your 179 as much as we are enjoying ours. ------------- 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: densmorema
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 2:58pm
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Congrats and have fun. ------------- Mike and Cherie Michigan 2015 R179 2016 silverado |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 6:34pm
Nickl Do you have a picture of the stove cover/ tray you got at Costco, i went and looked around and coundn't find anything. rgds John
------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: NickLPod
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 7:12pm
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Hi John, First, Congratulations on your purchase - look forward to years of enjoyment ! - I checked my iPhone archive, no pictures, sorry - As we live in the frozen North (Canada), our Pod is now in winter storage - I searched Costco.ca for 'serving tray' & found more expensive examples. It is a solid black rectangular tray with 4 equal height sides and a knife & fork pattern (from memory). Was on sale for $10 or less at that time. BTW I also bought 4 thin flexible cutting mats for different foodstuffs in Costco that fit the tray nicely Hope this helps ! ------------- 2016 R-Pod 180 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 V6 Wife Carole Dog Corra |
Posted By: CampCat
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 8:02pm
Congratulations on your purchase.  ------------- Patrick&Deanna, Scion xB, Clark Vertex Hammock "PuppypPod", crosswind kayak Starting from scratch😄 |
Posted By: Weekend Warrior
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2016 at 12:54pm
| Just curious what material you used to replace the foam inside the cushions? |
Posted By: Vector1952
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 10:17pm
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Congrats, happy camping for years to come ------------- Xxxx7 |
Posted By: Wnewman1
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2016 at 10:46pm
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We picked the 180 for two reasons. First the full bath is a plus over the small bath in 179 for us. We use the campground showers if they are available. The second reason was sitting at the dinette you feel a bit more room and can look out both sides. The down side is less storage room. We haven't had a problem yet with storage. Whatever you pick you will love it. I know we do. ------------- Pat & Bill Upstate New York 2017 R Pod 180 2016 Honda Pilot |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 11:47am
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Wnewman1, I agree on the lack of storage in the 180 so much, that yesterday I ordered 40"" full extension drawer guides and built his and hers drawers, 5 " deep 18" wide and 48" long. This is where most of the day to day clothes will go. I found interior matching shelf material at Home Depot for the face frame and drawer face material.  ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: Weekend Warrior
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 11:57am
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So cool. The ingenuity Americans come up with. No wonder we're the greatest country on planet earth. ------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 12:32pm
It looks good. However, how will you get to the hot water heater and water pump? Even with the drawers out, it looks like it will be a problem getting to them through the top. The water heater can be accessed through the panel under the bed, but the water pump may be more problematic. I see you still have the original mattress. I replaced ours after the third trip with the 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 |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 1:44pm
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I kind of went nuts with this mod, I took pictures and plan to post the how to after the drawers are built.(if it all works out) The whole thing is built with screws so it can all be put back to stock,and the top plywood comes off just like the original,so I can pull off the mattress and take off some screws and access it all.
I actually moved the pump 12" remounted with noise isolater pad ,and made the storage compartment up front deeper to hold my large easyup awning. And made the space just inside the outside access panel 6" taller inside so I can fit bins stacked up in there. The drawers will be able to pull out 36" (with the slide out out) and you can stand to one side or the other for access. The only issue my wife has is pillows next to the bottom of the window when the shades are down. ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 3:04pm
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I'd like to see to where you relocated the water pump also. Enlarging the underneath storage would be nice. I mounted a 5x5 post inside my compartment for a ladder. This has proved to be very useful. However, it might not allow me to do any relocating of the pump. You can see this in my mods. The link is in my signature below.
------------- 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: Douglas J
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 5:12pm
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I'd forget both. My wife and I, both in our 60's, and 1st timers, bought a 183G. It has the larger bathroom and the outside kitchen which we both believe is a huge plus. The only drawback is having to convert the table to the bed. I'd also suggest getting the R-Dome as it effectively doubles the usable space you have when the weather is good.
Douglas and Michele |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 7:53pm
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But it (an R-Dome) is not so convenient when one is traveling and stays are overnights and not extended. We did that last year, and plan on doing it again. Our first long trip was in the winter. Our next one will be also. Outside cooking is not necessarily going to take place, so we appreciate the inside kitchen. Ultimately, each one will decide what works best for his or her circumstances. In our case, it is the 179. ------------- 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: Wnewman1
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2016 at 11:16pm
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I like the mod. When you finish it please post your material list. Thanks for sharing. ------------- Pat & Bill Upstate New York 2017 R Pod 180 2016 Honda Pilot |