New Guy with a 179
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
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=9464
Printed Date: 25 May 2025 at 4:56pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New Guy with a 179
Posted By: deebeetn
Subject: New Guy with a 179
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 9:38pm
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Hello! First let me say that I've found a lot of useful info on this forum, as others have stated. I pick up a brand new 2017.5 179 at 1pm tomorrow. I'm overly excited about it. This will be my first travel trailer as I have always been a tent camper. I never imagined I'd be a "glamper"  . I'm still 20+ years from retirement so I'll be limited to a weekend warrior and week long trips but looking forward to it. I had shipments of 25+ items show up today with everything from leveling blocks to shelving rods. That was part of the fun! I've got some electronics that I want to add; 12v sockets, bayite display to start. Again, thanks to this forum for info that I found on these. I mountain bike and the pod is taking my hitch so need to come up with a different way to haul it, without breaking the bank, the pod or the bike. A Renogy solar system connected to the Zamp SAE plug isn't too far off! I'm looking forward to some boondocking. It's cold again here in East Tennessee but I'm off to Big South Fork on Friday for the first trip. Decided to go with hookups for the first trip but may run on batteries for a while with the shore power "safety net". |
Replies:
Posted By: Steve 911
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2017 at 10:27pm
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Congratulations...we are new 2017.5 179 owners also, and so far, it has been a pleasant experience. Right now, we keep it on our driveway and at least 2 or 3 times a day someone driving by stops to ask questions and remark how nice it looks. Forest River should be paying me advertising royalties...lol My recent mods. were, adding a voltmeter and a 120 watt suitcase solar pkg., and purchased a cover. You are correct, this forum is a wealth of information and friendly people... Good luck, Steve ------------- Firefighter Steve (retired) 2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Mar 2017 at 9:21am
A few days ago, I saw a couple of women stop and take pictures of our 2016 RP-17. I stepped outside and offered to give them a tour. They were surprised, but happy that they could take a look at it. I gave Forest River's R-Pod web site information so they could look up more. Even with our R-Pod emptied out in preparation for going to the factory for repair, they were impressed. Who knows? It may lead to another R-Pod owner in 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: jillanmike
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 12:00am
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I just got one last week, it's my first trailer too, I've always been a tent camper as well. Have fun ------------- -Mike |
Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 6:45am
It will be a change but one I'm certain I can get used to. There's lows of around 30 and a bit of overnight rain forcast for this weekend. That would have kept me from going in a tent. Not in the camper though! Enjoy! |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 6:56pm
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Welcome and Congrats!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: bikeella
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 8:25pm
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Hi New Guy! I just bought a 2017 178 model. I live in Colorado now and just moved from Knoxville TN last year. I have been to Big South Fork on mountain bike trips and slept in a tent. I just found this forum today , so will have a bunch of questions I'm sure. I bought my 178 on ebay from Iowa. I am now arranging to have it transported to me. I need to buy some anti sway bars cause the wind out here is insane! I want to buy a solar panel as well , so will be looking for some advice. I kind of miss east TN, but don't miss the winters and summers! Much nice out here with the sun shining all the time.
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Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 8:37pm
I'm itching to ride Grand Gap this weekend but hiking it and relaxing around a fire may have to do. I'm hoping I can talk a buddy in to coming up and bringing my bike though. I'll get the bike thing figured out promptly. |
Posted By: silva75
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 8:27am
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We take delivery of our 179 today! My wife and daughters are super excited, we are not retired but we aren't waiting any longer. Bike Rack: I believe the spare tire releases from the 1" receiver hitch already on the Rpod. I believe you can find a 1" to 2" adapter to fit any existing bike rack you already have. I will do some searching and get back to you. ------------- 08 Tundra 5.7 4x4 with Cap 15 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Max Tow |
Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 8:37am
Congrats! I loved using mine this weekend. Didn't dewinterize but I stayed dry in an inch of rain and warm on a 30 degree night. I have a 1up rack that will fit but I fear the warnings from both the Forest River and 1up. The rack is very stable so no bouncing and I have no doubt it would work but don't want to risk damage to a rack, bike, or people following from a cracked weld or frame. I've considered trying it and getting a friend to follow but haven't had the chance yet. |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 2:52pm
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Big South Fork River. I grew up in Oneida. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 3:06pm
Hey, cool! Small world. |
Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 3:07pm
Maiden voyage
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 3:42pm
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Did you get sway control and load leveling for you hitch? If not you might want to consider it. Nice rig. Looks exactly like mine. We are using ours for the first trip this coming weekend.
Like you I have order all kinds of stuff. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2017 at 3:48pm
I didn't get sway control yet but I'm considering it. It towed fine even a little over 70. A little bit of wobble through rough construction on 75 coming up the mountain but no real issues. It actually sits pretty level. That picture is a bit deceiving. |
Posted By: Irish Tom
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 12:22pm
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I use the receiver on the back of my 178 RPOD to carry two bikes and have never had a problem. I do not have the "recommended" bike rack that Forest River pushes. Have had several people look at the construction and welding of the receiver and all felt it was adequate to carry two bikes. I have recently purchased a BAL under carriage RV rack to carry the spare tire. Irish Tom 2015 178 RPod 2014 Ford Explorer
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Posted By: deebeetn
Date Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 12:30pm
Good to know. Thanks. I've read of others having no issues either. I've actually convinced myself to give it a shot with my cheaper greenway bike. It's just a single bike carrier so I don't expect problems. I may throw a gopro up and see how much it bounces just for piece of mind. |