R-pod Owners Forum : First trip http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : First trip Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:23:34 +0000 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:22:03 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3572 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ First trip : Very helpful Charlie, thanks. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34300#34300 Author: hogone
Subject: 3572
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 8:22am

Very helpful Charlie, thanks.  ]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:22:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34300#34300 First trip : I've actually observed this... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34298#34298 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3572
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 7:24am

I've actually observed this in the process of measuring the capacity of my tanks. The gray water will begin to drain slowly and back up into the shower. You may also hear some gurgling in the kitchen sink drain as the air attempts to escape. For the black water the back up will be into the toilet bowl. Fortunately you can see this coming if you look down the toilet as you flush. You will have some warning when it's getting full.

All in all real messes can be contained, but it's really worth some effort to keep the gauges working by back flushing and cleaning. I have used the Geo Method with some success. And, if you're into such things, it helps to run a test to see how the gauges respond to varying fill levels. This can be done with a known 5 or 6 gallon bucket. The gauges are not linear. I have an additional 10 gallons of capacity after the top light comes on. Good to know what that top light really means.


]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:24:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34298#34298 First trip : curiosity question............if... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34296#34296 Author: hogone
Subject: 3572
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 6:53am

curiosity question............if for some reason they weren't accurate what would happen, let's say on the gray tank.  Would the water just back up or not drain?  Am I to assume it would be pretty obvious?  My gauges seem to be fairly accurate as well.  ]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:53:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34296#34296 First trip : Never have had any issue with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34295#34295 Author: Goose
Subject: 3572
Posted: 13 Jun 2013 at 12:00am

Never have had any issue with our gauges either, they seem to be accurate. Goose]]> Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:00:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34295#34295 First trip : Maybe I am just lucky but my gauges... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34291#34291 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 3572
Posted: 12 Jun 2013 at 10:07pm

Maybe I am just lucky but my gauges seem to be pretty accurate on our 2011 RP-172. fresh water gauge is very accurate and the black and grey seem to be very close also. I am going to keep my mouth shut so I don't jinx myself ]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 22:07:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34291#34291 First trip : Charlie M, Prior to the pod we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34283#34283 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 3572
Posted: 12 Jun 2013 at 9:28pm

Charlie M, Prior to the pod we had a 34 ft Cedar Creek 5th wheel. Also a Forest River product. Those indicator lights were never accurate either. It was easier just to keep track and empty as needed. Really don't plan on using the tanks on the pod, but I'll definitely pass along the info to DH. Thanks!]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:28:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34283#34283 First trip : Originally posted by francoisfrogpodA... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34231#34231 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3572
Posted: 11 Jun 2013 at 10:11pm

Originally posted by francoisfrogpod

A side note about the tank indicators ALWAYS reading full...
We've had our pod for 4 months.  We've spent many nights sleeping in it, but we have never put water into our holding tank. We have never used the gray tank or black tank due to personal preference. Last time we were camping, just for fun I pushed the black tank indicator button. FULL!!! Never believe the indicator lights. Proof positive.


If you bought the Pod new and have NEVER put water in the tanks, there is a defect. Sometimes the sensors get clogged with use, but new ones should work. Looks like Forest River owes you a fix.
]]> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 22:11:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34231#34231 First trip : The gray and fresh tank indicators... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34227#34227 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3572
Posted: 11 Jun 2013 at 9:59pm

The gray and fresh tank indicators usually work.... usually.]]> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:59:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34227#34227 First trip : A side note about the tank indicators... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34219#34219 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 3572
Posted: 11 Jun 2013 at 5:36pm

A side note about the tank indicators ALWAYS reading full...
We've had our pod for 4 months.  We've spent many nights sleeping in it, but we have never put water into our holding tank. We have never used the gray tank or black tank due to personal preference. Last time we were camping, just for fun I pushed the black tank indicator button. FULL!!! Never believe the indicator lights. Proof positive.
]]> Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:36:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34219#34219 First trip : I did a quick check online and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34174#34174 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3572
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 4:49pm

I did a quick check online and found this link showing putting one back together. It's a different camper but the valve looks very similar. Looks like you have to get at the back of the valve so it means taking it out. 
http://www.sunlineclub.com/forums/f71/fresh-water-inlet-valve-repair-11736.html

If you have to replace the whole valve they are only about $20.00
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:49:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34174#34174 First trip : Originally posted by Seanlyes... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34173#34173 Author: Zag
Subject: 3572
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 4:10pm

Originally posted by Seanl

yes check valve failure is my guess as well. This is what the check valve looks like with the screen removed. That little white pin is the the back of the check valve. My guess that the spring and plastic were part of of the valve that came apart. There is normally a screen over the check valve so it looks like the bottom picture.  

That's it for sure.  Clap Glad my buddy saw and picked up the piece of plastic and spring from the push.

Anybody know what the process is to fix/replace the check valve?
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:10:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34173#34173 First trip : yes check valve failure is my... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34172#34172 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3572
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 4:05pm

yes check valve failure is my guess as well. This is what the check valve looks like with the screen removed. That little white pin is the the back of the check valve. My guess that the spring and plastic were part of of the valve that came apart. There is normally a screen over the check valve so it looks like the bottom picture.  




]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:05:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34172#34172 First trip : Originally posted by ZagAny... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34156#34156 Author: bhamster
Subject: 3572
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 2:18pm

Originally posted by Zag

Any thoughts on what might have happened based on the symptoms?

Sounds like your check valve failed. The check valve allows water to flow into the city water connection, but not out of it. You should be able to replace it fairly easily.

On a related note... this is why I never leave my pump on. Even something like a leaky faucet (or something bumping the faucet handle) will cause the tank to drain without you knowing it. Leaving the water heater on won't hurt water or electricity consumption much, but will use extra propane.
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:18:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34156#34156 First trip : Hey Pod Owners,Here's a little... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34153#34153 Author: Zag
Subject: 3572
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 1:20pm

Hey Pod Owners,

Here's a little story about my first outing with 'Cutie-Pod'.

I had a 7-pin connector and brake controller installed the day before and took the TV and trailer out to the local Costco after hours to set the controller and get comfortable with backing up (thinking about the tight camp site entrances). For other first time RV owners, this is a great tip!

The next day I left with a buddy on the inaugural journey. We pulled in to the nearest gas station to fill up and I didn't approach the entrance at an angle so ended up scraping the back end of the trailer. Looks like I took a bit of the underlay off  where I touched so I'll have to figure out how to patch that up.

Otherwise a comfortable 90 minute road trip to the campground. The road had some dips that made the trailer bounce a bit but it seems no worse for wear and everything in the trailer survived. Managed to back up into my space on my first attempt (with the guidance of my buddy).

Followed the many tips and posts on the forum and had the Pod all set in under 15 minutes.  It took us a little longer to figure out how to switch the fridge from battery to propane. By chance I tried resetting the power with the fridge set to propane and that initiated the pilot light; after that it was all good.

Had a strange thing happen on day two. I had been turning the water pump and water heater on and off as I needed it (thinking about battery conservation(. As the day progressed and I saw we still had plenty of battery I turned on the pump and heater and kept it on. After a while I hear water gushing out of the side of the RV and see water (clearly under pressure) coming out of the city water intake. It was the fresh water and the tank emptied. We found what looks like some sort of spring and piece of plastic on the ground afterwards which might be part of the pressure valve? I spoke to a couple of RV'ers at the waste station and I don't think I did anything wrong by leaving the pump and heater on so I'm assuming I had some sort of failure with the water system. 

Any thoughts on what might have happened based on the symptoms? I'll post a pic of the piece I found on the ground later.

Otherwise it was all good. Actually it was great! Hopefully my two incidents won't be too costly to address. Can't wait for the next outing!
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:20:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34153#34153 First trip : Originally posted by Outbound...BTW:... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34015#34015 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3572
Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 9:36pm

 
Originally posted by Outbound

...

BTW: your black tank gauge WILL gum-up and constantly read full.  Don't worry about it.  Don't spend endless hours with a spray wand down the toilet trying to clean them off.  Just live with it.  It'll take two people over 10 days to fill your black tank.

Good point, completely true.  The best indicator that your black tank is full is when you start seeing fluid come back up the tube when you flush!  Dead  (not kidding)

]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:36:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34015#34015 First trip : Originally posted by Kickstart Don't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34014#34014 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3572
Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 9:29pm

 
Originally posted by Kickstart

Don't forget to chock your trailer wheels...

Dang, I did forget that very important step!

]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:29:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=34014#34014 First trip : Yes, the coiled hose works well... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33999#33999 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3572
Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 1:19pm

Yes, the coiled hose works well IF someone has put a standard male garden hose connector on it. Some I've encountered had a short wand installed; probably from the original installation before newer campers had the black water flush connection.

Also, I like to close the dump valve and let the black tank fill about 1/2 so there is a lot of water to flush out. However, you have to watch the tank level carefully or you'll understand why the caution on keeping the dump valve open is pasted on the side. Censored
]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 13:19:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33999#33999 First trip : I have noticed at several dump... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33994#33994 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 3572
Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 11:28am

I have noticed at several dump stations a coiled, extendable hose long enough to reach the black water
tank flush input.  As long as your dump hose is in place and your black water valve is open, you can run
fresh water into and out of the tank until you're satisfied it has been well purged.
]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:28:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33994#33994 First trip : Originally posted by KickstartI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33993#33993 Author: bhamster
Subject: 3572
Posted: 05 Jun 2013 at 9:59am

Originally posted by Kickstart

I always carry two pair of cheap plastic chocks-always use one pair, and sometimes both if necessary.

I'd recommend getting and using two pairs. They're cheap and easy to use. That way you don't have to guess which way everything will roll. I had one time where it moved unexpectedly and after that I always used all four.
]]> Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:59:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33993#33993 First trip : With levelling, pick your poison.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33974#33974 Author: Outbound
Subject: 3572
Posted: 04 Jun 2013 at 8:45pm

With levelling, pick your poison.  I suggest that you go with either a Bal leveller or with Lynx Levellers (legos) and stay away from wood (sorry guys) or those step-like all-in-one levelling blocks.  Personally, I use legos.

For the black tank, as I'm packing up the trailer before pulling out of the campground, I'll run water into the toilet and fill it to at least the 2/3rds mark.  A well positioned soap/shampoo bottle in the corner will keep the toilet flush pushed in.  As tech said, the volume of water will help completely empty the tank.  Also, after visiting the dump station, I'll fill the toilet with water, add some toilet treatment and flush (leaving it in the black tank).  The sloshing water/chemicals will work on the sludge as you drive down the road to your next stop.

BTW: your black tank gauge WILL gum-up and constantly read full.  Don't worry about it.  Don't spend endless hours with a spray wand down the toilet trying to clean them off.  Just live with it.  It'll take two people over 10 days to fill your black tank.
]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:45:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33974#33974 First trip : Don't forget to chock... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33973#33973 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 3572
Posted: 04 Jun 2013 at 8:45pm

Don't forget to chock your trailer wheels--especially if your campsite is even a little off level. Single axle trailers can do some pretty strange rolling, even sometimes when your stabilizers are down. I always carry two pair of cheap plastic chocks-always use one pair, and sometimes both if necessary. They're available at all RV stores, Amazon, and Wally World. Also, I notice you have a 2009 Pod. I don't think they came with front stabilizers, so if you don't have any installed up front, Camco makes some cheap portable stabilizers. They work well, but are not as handy as installed ones. ]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2013 20:45:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33973#33973 First trip : Leveling - first you need to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33966#33966 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3572
Posted: 04 Jun 2013 at 7:49pm

Leveling - first you need to level side-to-side by raising one tire or the other.  Some people use boards (2 x 6s) of various lengths with the ends cut at 45 degree angles so you can stack them like a triangle at various heights.  Some people buy "legos", orange blocks which stack like legos.  Since you need to pull/push the trailer onto these things you do this before you unhitch.  Then after unhitching you level front-to-back using the tongue jack.  Once it is leveled you lower the stabilizers on the corners until they touch the ground, then crank it one or two more times - max.

Don't empty the black tank until it is at least 2/3 full.  If you do it with less water you risk getting the "triangle of death", where the solids in the tank don't empty correctly and build up.  If you must dump before you are 2/3 full, add water by flushing the toilet until it is.  Empty the black tank first, then the gray tank.  This flushes out the sewer hose.  Since the gray tank often fills before the black one, you can empty just that one w/o a problem - and even empty it if it isn't full.

]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2013 19:49:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33966#33966 First trip : Taking my recently acquired 152... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33957#33957 Author: Zag
Subject: 3572
Posted: 04 Jun 2013 at 6:34pm

Taking my recently acquired 152 (and TV) out for a 'test' camp with a couple of friends before I bundle up the wife and new-born for an outing.

Really excited (this has been a long time dream coming to realization) and have been scouring the forum and elsewhere on tips&tricks to make sure my trip goes smoothly. I have my checklist app that I will review before I hit the road and will spend a couple hours the day before making sure I'm comfortable towing and moving the trailer.

A couple of areas I'm still in doubt about are:
- Stabilizing and leveling the trailer at the campground.
- How to flush the grey/black water at the end of the trip.

If anyone has any first-time outing advice they would like share I would love to hear it!

Thanks.

PS - Will post a pic of my trailer and TV once it's in the right setting; a campground on the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada Tongue
]]> Tue, 04 Jun 2013 18:34:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3572&PID=33957#33957