What should we ask/check when picking up RP-180?
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Topic: What should we ask/check when picking up RP-180?
Posted By: TylerK9
Subject: What should we ask/check when picking up RP-180?
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 8:12am
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Last summer, we rented an RP-171 for three weeks touring around the northwest (Oregon coast, Seattle, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Yosemite). We fell hard for the R-Pod, and for this forum, which was super helpful troubleshooting some issues with our TV (a 2006 F-150). Fast-forward nine months, and we've just put down a deposit on our very own brand new RP-180, which we are picking up in Colorado on Thursday! Hoping this group can give us some advice on what we should ask/check with the dealer before hauling 3 hours back to home in New Mexico? Would prefer not to have to haul right back for any service issues we could have found at pick-up, or for additional prep work we could have asked the dealer to help with. I've read about some seemingly widespread issues with things like plumbing connections. Anything else about the 2017 models that we should be giving extra scrutiny before we sign the check and hitch up? Thanks!
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 8:29am
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My advise is to do a complete walk thru, to include setting up and turning on everything from the fridge to the furnace, the a/c the stove, set up the r-dome, the tv and entertainment system. check the water flow in all the faucets.
I also suggest that you video as much as possibly, there is so much info, there is a chance you will forget a lot. Could take a while, but it is worth it.
Also document any problems with the tech that gives you the tour so you get get any warranty work set up quickly ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Pete Brayton
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 8:49am
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Any chance you could camp out here in Denver for a night or two to check things out before heading home? Chatfield State Park and Cherry Creek State Park are two places you could stay. Let me know if you need some help. ------------- 2021 Rpod 196 2013 Ford 150 V8 |
Posted By: Lear111
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 9:15am
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My cold water hot water was reversed in the kitchen and outside shower. I also recommend they show you the water pump and hot water bypass valves under the bed. Not fun getting to but you need to fully understand the valve positions for winterization. Obviously the best thing to do is to camp for a night as suggested. Have them roll out the awning if equipped and put it away again. There are a few you tube videos for walkarounds that will familiarize you so not completely unfamiliar when you arrive. Picked my 180 up in October and absolutely love it. If you are getting a weight distribution hitch if nothing else pay attention to the procedure. Congratulations. ------------- Steve Lexus GX460 R-pod 180 2017 1 black lab |
Posted By: TylerK9
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 9:43am
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Thanks for all the info so far! LEO: Great suggestion about videoing the walk-thru. I'll see if I can convince my wife to play cameraman while we get our overview. PETE: We're actually picking up the trailer about 3 hours south of Denver, in South Fork, CO. But we have family in Denver, so maybe we'll make that our first real trip later this month and have the option of stopping back at the dealer if we need to for anything. Thanks for the suggestions and offer of help! LEAR111: Thanks for pointing us toward some things to look out for. I've watched every R-pod YouTube video I could find, and am eager to get my hands on our new RP-180 for real!
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Posted By: texman
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 10:07am
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So it is March in Denver and the Pod will be winterized i assume. If they have winterized with air blow out, you definitely want to have them use some antifreeze and pressure up the system. Check all the water connections (lift up the beds and seats as needed to see the plumbing and wiggle them a bit and look for drips) Keep it pressured a while and check back if possible. Have them get liquid to the holding tanks and check for leaks in the cleanout lines. I would run all of the propane appliances and have them test the frig on all three operating modes (12v, 110v and propane) check the windows and make sure they open and close as they should. Look at the fit of the major stuff like countertops (see my post on my rear kitchen 182g) I am not suggesting this because the pods are inferior in any way. The reason is that Forest river doesnt make all these appliances and temperature extremes and transit change things since these units left the factory. And, find it now or you will be taking care of it later or driving back to denver. ------------- TexMan 2015 182g 2018 Sequoia http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9122&title=texman-182g-mods - TexManMods |
Posted By: pedalho
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 12:27pm
And take notes, lots of notes. I found that when we received our 179, I was on information overload and with that and a touch of CRS, the struggle has been real. A local overnight trip near the dealer is highly suggested. Congratulations on the purchase.
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Posted By: TylerK9
Date Posted: 07 Mar 2017 at 1:13pm
| Thanks Texman and Pedalho! I'm expecting it to be already winterized, but like the idea of having them pressure up the system with antifreeze to show me how it works (although I have watched MoosePod's videos on YouTube!) |
Posted By: ArenaBlanca
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2017 at 10:20am
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We got our RP-179 from that dealer in South Fork last July. This is the sixth camping trailer we have purchased from various dealers. These have included pop-ups and fifth wheels. The walk-through in South Fork was the best and most thorough of any dealer. They welcomed all questions and answered them. |
Posted By: SC for Huskers
Date Posted: 08 Mar 2017 at 3:49pm
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Trying to get ready for first outing with RP 172. About Black Water Tank. Is it below the toilet, or located somewhere where I need more than a Wand to clean it out "just incase I have a bad day" and this talk about a check valve being installed backwards. Has that problem been fixed on all 2017 units? Can anybody help? I have it parked in the HOA lot and will bring it to the house this weekend for a shake down cruse and power mod. ( TEX, got my 3 way switch in the mail but found out my solar panel puts out 24vdc not 12. So have to figure a way not to use battery during day, and put the batteries in series for charge) Thanks ------------- Happy Traveling, Tom 2017 172pod 2011 F150 STX |