R-pod Owners Forum : Frame replacement? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Frame replacement? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 20:47:26 +0000 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:17:15 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15611 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Frame replacement? : Did a little run today from College... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151243#151243 Author: mackjames
Subject: 15611
Posted: 15 Mar 2023 at 4:17am

Did a little run today from College and the 95 through the mountain to the dry lakebed as you’re going to Laughlin. Pretty cool little trail.]]> Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:17:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151243#151243 Frame replacement? : Originally posted by StephenHWe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151175#151175 Author: jato
Subject: 15611
Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 12:32pm

Originally posted by StephenH

We are getting a 2018 Ford F150 XLT with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine. It is 4WD and has the max tow package. With this configuration, it should be a 12,000 lb tow rating. I think it will tow the Grey Wolf with no problem.


Great choice!  We enjoy ours, seats are great and lots of storage compared to our Explorers that were used for the first 8 years towing a 177.
]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 12:32:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151175#151175 Frame replacement? : +1i think you will really like... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151173#151173 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15611
Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 10:38am

+1

i think you will really like that truck.
]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 10:38:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151173#151173 Frame replacement? : Originally posted by StephenHWe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151169#151169 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15611
Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 8:26am

Originally posted by StephenH

We are getting a 2018 Ford F150 XLT with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine. It is 4WD and has the max tow package. With this configuration, it should be a 12,000 lb tow rating. I think it will tow the Grey Wolf with no problem.

Excellent choice! Many happy travels with your new rig.

Be safe


]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 08:26:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151169#151169 Frame replacement? : Congratulations on the new TV.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151164#151164 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15611
Posted: 28 Feb 2023 at 5:54am

Congratulations on the new TV.  Hope you enjoy it.]]> Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:54:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151164#151164 Frame replacement? : We are getting a 2018 Ford F150... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151162#151162 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 27 Feb 2023 at 10:43pm

We are getting a 2018 Ford F150 XLT with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine. It is 4WD and has the max tow package. With this configuration, it should be a 12,000 lb tow rating. I think it will tow the Grey Wolf with no problem.]]> Mon, 27 Feb 2023 22:43:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151162#151162 Frame replacement? : Beats me! My friend did not say... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151139#151139 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 10:19pm

Beats me! My friend did not say anything about new trucks.

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 22:19:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151139#151139 Frame replacement? : whats the prediction for new trucks!!??... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151138#151138 Author: hogone
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 1:12pm

whats the prediction for new trucks!!??  jon]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 13:12:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151138#151138 Frame replacement? : Used vehicle prices have started... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151137#151137 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 12:59pm

Used vehicle prices have started coming down. Maybe not as fast as anyone wants, but they are coming down.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 12:59:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151137#151137 Frame replacement? : Congrats, StephenH. Can't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151136#151136 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 7:48am

Congrats, StephenH. Can't wait to hear about your new travels in the Grey Wolf and your quest for a TV. 

Take care.

]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:48:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151136#151136 Frame replacement? : Thanks. A friend said that soon,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151135#151135 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 7:29am

Thanks. A friend said that soon, used vehicle prices should start coming down, but he said about 5 months due to what he said would be a glut of used vehicles. I wonder if we can hold off that long.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:29:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151135#151135 Frame replacement? : Congratulations on your new trailer!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151134#151134 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15611
Posted: 24 Feb 2023 at 5:50am

Congratulations on your new trailer!  I'll bet over the years, you'll find plenty of mod projects that'll be fun to do.  Best of luck on your TV search.]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:50:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151134#151134 Frame replacement? : Okay, the transaction is done.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151133#151133 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 23 Feb 2023 at 9:06pm

Okay, the transaction is done. We bid farewell to our EscaPOD with a bit of sadness. We have had many fun (and a few not so fun) adventures with it. We have many great memories. However, the time came for a change. A lot of my mods remained with the RPod, but things related to the LiFePO4 battery were removed as were my HAM radio mods. The dealer, A&L RV Sales in Chocowinity, NC was very helpful. I think the fact that they wanted to close out sales from the RV show in Raleigh before the end of February helped.

We brought home the Grey Wolf today. It tows nicely with the Frontier, but we will be looking for a half-ton pickup in the near future. I can now say for sure that it is not just equipped for solar, but it does have a 50w panel on the roof and a PWM charge controller. That is likely to be upgraded to an MPPT controller when I install the LiFePO4 battery. The big question is where to mount it.

It does also have the on-demand (tankless) water heater. The ducted AC is quiet. We can carry on a conversation with it running. and don't even have to raise our voices. It has a battery cut-off switch. It is not next to the battery, but is inside next to the power center. I think I like that as it will be out of the weather. The down side is that it is one of those with the big key that sticks out and is likely to be a place to catch one unawares. I may switch it out to the flatter one I was using in the RPod (see my mods). 

One thing I found surprising is that with the on demand water heater, it does not have the shower saver. I may be investigating that as a modification. I won't need to make too many mods as many of the things I did with the RPod already are present with the Grey Wolf. Of course, it is early and I may wind up doing more than I think that I will at this point.

With this, I will wind this topic down and go back to other areas to post. Thanks everyone for your friendly advice.
]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2023 21:06:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151133#151133 Frame replacement? : The higher the ratio, the more... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151129#151129 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 6:57am

The higher the ratio, the more power can be transferred. Lower ratios are better for mileage. See the chart above. The Heavy Duty Payload package gets a 3.73:1  axle. Otherwise, it is a 3.55:1 axle.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2023 06:57:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151129#151129 Frame replacement? : one more question? what axle is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151128#151128 Author: hogone
Subject: 15611
Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 6:15am

one more question?  what axle is better/heavier duty I guess.  jon]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2023 06:15:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151128#151128 Frame replacement? : Our towing package came with the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151127#151127 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15611
Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 5:35am

Our towing package came with the back up assist and integrated brake controller.  The break controller is nice because it's built into the dash and doesn't get in the way of things like the add-on's can do.  The back up assist is not as useful as I had thought it'd be.  As long as the camera has a good view with adequate light of the little checker board pattern that you mount on the tongue rail, it works nicely once you get the hang of it.  But it stops working the second the checker board pattern is obscured or is in low light.  I find it easier to just not use it. ]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:35:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151127#151127 Frame replacement? : Oddly enough, the max tow package... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151125#151125 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15611
Posted: 21 Feb 2023 at 7:18pm

Oddly enough, the max tow package for the F150 does not come with tow mirrors! I ended up getting some aftermarket ones that look just like the Ford OEM ones. Love 'em.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 19:18:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151125#151125 Frame replacement? : We don't have the max tow,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151124#151124 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15611
Posted: 21 Feb 2023 at 6:45pm

We don't have the max tow, but we did get the 36 gallon tank and the heavy duty frame. It was nice when we went up to my sister-in-law's place a couple months ago. 279 miles each way, and we never stopped for gas.]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:45:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151124#151124 Frame replacement? : Our 200AH LiFePO4 battery is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151117#151117 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 10:58pm

Our 200AH LiFePO4 battery is going to get transferred over to the Grey Wolf along with the DC to DC charger. As far as solar prep or solar, I don't remember. We looked at so many. It would not be a deal breaker. I have the Renogy Solar Suitcase and a generator.

https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2023/2023cherokeetrainingmanual.pdf

This seems to indicate that solar prep at least is present. I think the I-beam frame with outriggers will perform well. If the cargo capacity listed is any indication, it is a much sturdier build than the RPod's box frame.
]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 22:58:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151117#151117 Frame replacement? : Originally posted by hogonei... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151116#151116 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 8:42pm

Originally posted by hogone

i prob could look it all up, but since you actually have it gpokluda; exactly what does the "max tow package" include/mean?  im going to be in the market over the next year or so.  jon

GlueGuy pretty much covered it. It does have something called a Trailer Backup Assist which I have yet to use, but the built in brake controller is really nice. 
]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 20:42:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151116#151116 Frame replacement? : Originally posted by gpokludaWe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151115#151115 Author: jato
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 7:15pm

Originally posted by gpokluda

We have the 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package so our TC is 14,000lbs. Like GlueGuy said, it is very comfortable. The MTP includes a 36gallon fuel tank. It's nice to be able to get gas when you want to and not when you have to.


I do miss the 36 gallon fuel tank.  On my '94 F-150 with 322,000 miles and a 2011 F-150 - both had 36 gallon fuel tanks.  On the 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 EB, it has a skimpy 23 gallon tank.  Kind of a bummer, it was nice to be able to travel a much longer distance with the larger fuel tank.  Does anyone have an idea if it is possible to change the 23 gal. to the larger 36 gallon tank?
]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 19:15:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151115#151115 Frame replacement? : I don't see any mention of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151110#151110 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 11:30am

I don't see any mention of solar panels, or even solar prepped. With a DC fridge, that has to be a concern I would think. My surveyor came with 80 watts of solar, But i'm adding another 100 watts, and a second battery  as soon as it's nice enough outside. Going from the pod to this model is going to be game changing. So much more storage, the fridge is huge, the north and south bed, the moride stairs, and I see you have the rear cargo rack. My rear rack is rated at 200 pounds of cargo, pretty useful, but I wish it could do 300. Good luck with your new camper. 


]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:30:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151110#151110 Frame replacement? : The MTTP is a bit of a unicorn.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151109#151109 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 10:47am

The MTTP is a bit of a unicorn. It can be built, but mandates restrictions on several things. That said, you can get pretty close with an "ordinary" F150. Here is what Ford posts on their web site about the max tow package:

]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 10:47:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151109#151109 Frame replacement? : i prob could look it all up, but... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151108#151108 Author: hogone
Subject: 15611
Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 5:40am

i prob could look it all up, but since you actually have it gpokluda; exactly what does the "max tow package" include/mean?  im going to be in the market over the next year or so.  jon]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:40:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151108#151108 Frame replacement? : We have the 3.5 Ecoboost with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151105#151105 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 4:35pm

We have the 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package so our TC is 14,000lbs. Like GlueGuy said, it is very comfortable. The MTP includes a 36gallon fuel tank. It's nice to be able to get gas when you want to and not when you have to.]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 16:35:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151105#151105 Frame replacement? : 2023 Ford towing capacities:Ford... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151104#151104 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 3:12pm

2023 Ford towing capacities:

Ford Ranger:  7500 lbs tow capacity
Ford F-150:  Up to 14,000 lbs with the 3.5.L Ecoboost, depending on configuration
Up to 12,300 for the F150 Powerboost and up to 10,000 with the F150 Lightning.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r1_Dec1.pdf


The F250 SuperDuty (Diesel) can tow when properly equipped a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer up to 22,300 lbs!
]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 15:12:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151104#151104 Frame replacement? : Yes! StephenH, there is no reason... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151103#151103 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 2:38pm

Yes! StephenH, there is no reason to leave this board.  You are a very important contributor and the board would not be the same without you.]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 14:38:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151103#151103 Frame replacement? : glue guy.....whats the tow capicity... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151102#151102 Author: hogone
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 1:49pm

glue guy.....whats the tow capicity on that machine........ford rocks!!!   jon]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:49:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151102#151102 Frame replacement? : Given that I have not found a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151101#151101 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 1:42pm

Given that I have not found a Grey Wolf forum except on Facebook, which I mostly avoid, I will likely be here. This is a community that I enjoy.]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:42:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151101#151101 Frame replacement? : +1 (or 2) on the F150 with either... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151100#151100 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15611
Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 10:55am

+1 (or 2) on the F150 with either of the EcoBoost engines. We love ours, even when not towing it is our goto for road trips. It is just so quiet and comfortable.]]> Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:55:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151100#151100