R-pod Owners Forum : New from West Virginia without an r-pod http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New from West Virginia without an r-pod Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 16:03:35 +0000 Wed, 21 Aug 2013 22:02:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3838 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by GA_RPOD_178I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37072#37072 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 10:02pm

 
Originally posted by GA_RPOD_178


I was always "geographically challenged" in school.  I told WV that you stayed on Jekyll Island, which is what he was asking about.  I forgot that you stayed on Tybee Island, not Jekyll.  I was just reading your review until I got to the part about Savannah being "20 minutes away".  My bad.  

My bad, too.  I was only half-thinking too.  I saw GA and "island" and was thinking Tybee...

]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 22:02:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37072#37072 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Thank you for the insight,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37071#37071 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 9:37pm

[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the insight, CharlieM. The bulk of our excursions will be on the east coast with a few trips to TN thrown in. With our current schedules heading west isn't an easy trip to plan. I'm going back and forth on the WDH. Honda doesn't recommend, but I know of several folks towing with a WDH and the Ridgeline. It's yet another conundrum I find myself in. Sway control is a definite, however.[/QUOTE]

I don't have my Honda book handy so I can't quote exactly, but Honda doesn't "recommend" a WDH because an improperly adjusted WDH can cause problems. That's absolutely true! Improper adjustment can cause a dangerous situation. I've been there thanks to a lazy dealer. That's why I always recommend reading and understanding the adjustment instructions. Go through it yourself; don't trust a dealer. A properly adjusted WDH greatly increases comfort AND safety. I highly recommend, and use, WDH with sway control.
]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 21:37:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37071#37071 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Savannah is worth the trip. WE... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37069#37069 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:17pm

Savannah is worth the trip. WE visited there a few years ago, and want to go back.]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:17:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37069#37069 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : GA_RPOD_178 and techntrek, thank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37067#37067 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:10pm

GA_RPOD_178 and techntrek, thank you for the thoughts on Jekyll and Tybee. I confess I am not familiar with Tybee, but it sounds like a place worth visiting. I think the family would enjoy a tour of Savannah.]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:10:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37067#37067 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by P&MWelcome. ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37065#37065 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:05pm

Originally posted by P&M

Welcome.  It is nice to see that you are doing a thorough research on all of your options before making a decision.  There is a lot of really great information to be found in the forums here on the Pods.
 

I do have a question out of pure curiosity though ... why does your wife hate the antenna so much? 


Ah, there's a question, P&M. I know she doesn't like the appearance, and she worries about the thing being ripped off by who knows what. Beyond that I'm not sure, but she truly does seem to detest an antennae on any trailer. Truly, I am not fond of it either. It's not a deal breaker for me, but if I can get a pod without I will definitely go that route. ]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:05:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37065#37065 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by CharlieMRPods... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37064#37064 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:00pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

RPods can and are being towed by Hondas. We tow our 172 with a 2010 4WD Pilot, the same power train as the Ridgeline. The Hondas have an advantage with their 4.375 differential. So far it works very well in the mountains of Florida and Alabama Big smile, but next month will be the test. Weight was the prime factor in our selection of the 172 since we will spend a lot of time in Colorado. Mountain passes are rough on tow vehicles, but altitude saps an engine's performance. Most of WV is below 3000 feet; all except one point is below 4500 feet. So if you plan to spend most of your time in the East you should be fine with the 172. On flat roads you can't even tell the Pod is back there unless you look at the gas gauge Unhappy. The 178 is bigger and roomier, but also heavier, so consider where you will drive and camp. Regardless of which model you chose you should include a weight distributing hitch (WDH) and a ScanGauge to monitor transmission temperature.Hope to hear soon that you have joined us in Podding,





Thank you for the insight, CharlieM. The bulk of our excursions will be on the east coast with a few trips to TN thrown in. With our current schedules heading west isn't an easy trip to plan. I'm going back and forth on the WDH. Honda doesn't recommend, but I know of several folks towing with a WDH and the Ridgeline. It's yet another conundrum I find myself in. Sway control is a definite, however.]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 20:00:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37064#37064 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by techntrekYes,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37058#37058 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 7:15pm

Originally posted by techntrek

Yes, we were there for 2 nights in July.  The sites are a bit close, and the ones that are along the road are right on the road.  Not a big deal, most of the traffic is people and bicyclists.  Decent amount of trees around but not all shaded, and the pool is acceptable.  Laundry room if you need it.  I forget if we were told there or by someone here that the city is working to upgrade most/all of the sites to full hookups.  10 minute walk to the beach and we were told its the same to the river going the other direction.  We loved the area and would love to go back, but with a 12 hour drive its a bit far for a yearly visit.  Which we would do if it were closer.  We didn't even get the chance to explore the rest of the island since we spent our full day there exploring Savannah which is 20 minute away.

Doug,

I was always "geographically challenged" in school.  I told WV that you stayed on Jekyll Island, which is what he was asking about.  I forgot that you stayed on Tybee Island, not Jekyll.  I was just reading your review until I got to the part about Savannah being "20 minutes away".  My bad.  

WV, sorry for my error.  Jekyll is a nice place to camp.  But based on Doug's comments, you should surely also check out Tybee Island.
]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 19:15:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37058#37058 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Yes, we were there for 2 nights... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37049#37049 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 5:07pm

Yes, we were there for 2 nights in July.  The sites are a bit close, and the ones that are along the road are right on the road.  Not a big deal, most of the traffic is people and bicyclists.  Decent amount of trees around but not all shaded, and the pool is acceptable.  Laundry room if you need it.  I forget if we were told there or by someone here that the city is working to upgrade most/all of the sites to full hookups.  10 minute walk to the beach and we were told its the same to the river going the other direction.  We loved the area and would love to go back, but with a 12 hour drive its a bit far for a yearly visit.  Which we would do if it were closer.  We didn't even get the chance to explore the rest of the island since we spent our full day there exploring Savannah which is 20 minute away.]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 17:07:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37049#37049 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by The West... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37029#37029 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:34am

Originally posted by The West Virginians

GA_RPOD_178 - I am jealous of you, I swear.    You have the same TV as we do, and have the pod I'm most interested in. We're hoping to be down in GA next spring as we're wanting to try Jekyll Island. By any chance have you visited there? If so, what do think of it?

Great, come on by.  Techntrek, who has already posted on this subject, stayed there during his recent cross country vacation tour.  He is very helpful about all things Rpod, and I'm sure he can give you a lot more details on the campground on the north end of the Island.  Jekyll is more of a throw back to "old beach" settings.  It is owned by the state of Georgia and does not have the hi rise condo look of some many beach communities.

We enjoy the extra space the slide out gives us (we usually have a couple of grand kids with us) and while there are always potential issues with slide outs, they are so common now that its not like you are a guinea pig for the concept.  So far, no issues.


]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:34:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37029#37029 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : GA_RPOD_178 - I am jealous of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37028#37028 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:22am

GA_RPOD_178 - I am jealous of you, I swear.    You have the same TV as we do, and have the pod I'm most interested in. We're hoping to be down in GA next spring as we're wanting to try Jekyll Island. By any chance have you visited there? If so, what do think of it?]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:22:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37028#37028 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Originally posted by The West... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37027#37027 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:18am

Originally posted by The West Virginians

techntrek - The Ridgeline packs a 5000 pound tow limit, and we have never traveled with anything in the freshwater tank in the Westlake. I am still leery, however, of the weight of the 178. Of the two models I am considering it is my favorite, but saving 500 pounds by going with the 172 may be the better option for now.

I have had no issues pulling a 178 with my Ridgeline.  I use WDH and trailer brake package and of course no extra water weight.
]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:18:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37027#37027 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : techntrek - The Ridgeline packs... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37026#37026 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:15am

techntrek - The Ridgeline packs a 5000 pound tow limit, and we have never traveled with anything in the freshwater tank in the Westlake. I am still leery, however, of the weight of the 178. Of the two models I am considering it is my favorite, but saving 500 pounds by going with the 172 may be the better option for now.]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:15:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37026#37026 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : kymooses - I am really torn between... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37025#37025 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:10am

kymooses - I am really torn between the 172 and 178. The bunks are pretty neat on the 172 and DD really wants them. Also, the 172 comes in just over 500 pounds less than the 178. That's pretty significant. The 178, however, has the permanent bed and big front dinette. Slides tend to worry me due to possible mechanical issues, but there is no doubt it really opens up the living space. Also, the price difference between the two models seems to be fairly minimal. With all that being said I am no closer to making a decision. Sigh. I just sent a join request to the Facebook page.     ]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:10:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37025#37025 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Good morning, all. I apologize... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37024#37024 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 21 Aug 2013 at 8:10am

Good morning, all.

I apologize for not replying to your posts. It has been quite hectic lately.

First and foremost thank you all for the salutations. This seems to be a very welcoming and helpful community and has helped galvanize my belief that an r-pod is a solid option for our family.    ]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2013 08:10:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=37024#37024 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : I have to agree with Techntrek.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36862#36862 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 3838
Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 12:10am

I have to agree with Techntrek.  Minimum of 5 K towing capacity.  I know many pull with less capacity but for me a much larger concern is safety in maneuvering and stopping.  But thats's me.  I ordered ours with out and antenna.  Happy camping and Safe Travels.]]> Sat, 17 Aug 2013 00:10:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36862#36862 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : We have put on 10,000 miles towing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36861#36861 Author: Thredbende
Subject: 3838
Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 11:13pm

We have put on 10,000 miles towing our 171 with a Ridgeline over the last year. We can pass other vehicles if necessary at 70 on flat road, although that speed is 15 miles faster than the owner's manual recommendation. We weigh 350 pounds live weight. Our Pod weighed 2750 pounds loaded with food, no water, with propane and 2 batteries at the Goshen rally. So perhaps this is of use in comparing different options. I believe a slide out weighs about 250 pounds.
I love being able to have dinner started in a 36 degree bleak November rain 2 hours after dark at a deserted campsite 15 minutes after pulling in. And being warm, dry and well fed.

]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2013 23:13:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36861#36861 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : It isn't the altitude its... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36858#36858 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3838
Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 10:39pm

It isn't the altitude its the grade.  We were just in WV a few weeks ago including Spruce Knob at 4863 feet.  We were over 7000 feet in Albuquerque but the grade wasn't too bad.  It was in the East in KY and WV where we hit spots of over 10% grade which were grinds to get up.  That's where the horsepower and torque are needed.  Granted, there are some big grades in the Rockies too, but there are some in the Appalachians too. ]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2013 22:39:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36858#36858 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Welcome. It is nice to see that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36825#36825 Author: P&M
Subject: 3838
Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 9:12am

Welcome.  It is nice to see that you are doing a thorough research on all of your options before making a decision.  There is a lot of really great information to be found in the forums here on the Pods.
 
I do have a question out of pure curiosity though ... why does your wife hate the antenna so much? 
]]> Fri, 16 Aug 2013 09:12:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36825#36825 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : RPods can and are being towed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36816#36816 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3838
Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 10:04pm

RPods can and are being towed by Hondas. We tow our 172 with a 2010 4WD Pilot, the same power train as the Ridgeline. The Hondas have an advantage with their 4.375 differential. So far it works very well in the mountains of Florida and Alabama Big smile, but next month will be the test. Weight was the prime factor in our selection of the 172 since we will spend a lot of time in Colorado. Mountain passes are rough on tow vehicles, but altitude saps an engine's performance. Most of WV is below 3000 feet; all except one point is below 4500 feet. So if you plan to spend most of your time in the East you should be fine with the 172. On flat roads you can't even tell the Pod is back there unless you look at the gas gauge Unhappy. The 178 is bigger and roomier, but also heavier, so consider where you will drive and camp. Regardless of which model you chose you should include a weight distributing hitch (WDH) and a ScanGauge to monitor transmission temperature.

Hope to hear soon that you have joined us in Podding,]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 22:04:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36816#36816 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : I tow a 178 with a Ridgeline.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36809#36809 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3838
Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 8:23pm

I tow a 178 with a Ridgeline.  It has a 5000 lb rating.  Granted the Georgia mountains don't compare with WV, but we get there.  Mileage sucks, but it does with most TV's.]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 20:23:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36809#36809 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Welcome. I agree that the 178... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36806#36806 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3838
Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 8:04pm

Welcome.  I agree that the 178 is on the heavy side if you have a 3500 pound tow limit.  It is one of the heavier pods.  You might get away with it if you keep all of the tanks empty (except the propane) and pack light.  Personally I wouldn't do it w/o a 5000+ tow limit vehicle.]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 20:04:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36806#36806 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Welcome soon to be possible Podders!The... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36804#36804 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3838
Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 7:56pm

Welcome soon to be possible Podders!

The 178's are popular this year, nothing but great things to say about that floorplan.  But as you mention bunks are pretty cool in some of those models as well.  So you have a lot of options in floorplans like you said.

I think you'll find that a lot tow with less beefy v6's than your Ridgeline.  But with as many occupants and accessories for 4 people I get what you're saying about weight and hills.  Tough choice for sure but I know plenty of us tow with less.  That being said, those of us who realize that usually end up upgrading eventually.  As is the case with us!   Big smile

Very cool to have you here with us though and looking, be sure to check out the facebook page if you're so inclined and use it already.

Other than that, enjoy your thread reading and let us know anything you come across that you have questions on.
]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:56:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36804#36804 New from West Virginia without an r-pod : Good evening, all. I am coming... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36801#36801 Author: The West Virginians
Subject: 3838
Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 7:39pm

Good evening, all.

I am coming to you from The Mountain State with no r-pod to my name. Working on changing the "no r-pod" part.

We are a family of four that is considering a move from our Fleetwood Westlake pop up to something with hard sides and less set up time. We (I, really) have done a great deal of research on a great many trailers in this quest. I have looked at Aliners (family of four? Only if you're a family of Smurfs) and TrailManors. I have perused with much interest the fiberglass "egg" trailers (love them, love how you can customize, but they are simply more money than I wish to invest). Standard travel trailers hold little appeal for a variety of reasons. Hybrids were in the running but we want away from as much canvas (Sunbrella) as is humanly possible.

I like the r-pod because of its retro look and the variety of workable floorplans to choose from. DD (8) likes it because it can be had with bunk beds. Wife is not as keen as DD and I. I know the antennae is part of the problem. Her animosity for the antennae is somewhat frightening. I saw on the Forest River website that the antennae is a standard feature. On a whim I contacted a couple of dealerships and was advised by both that it could actually be ordered without the antennae. Groovy. Point in my favor.

If I can convince DW to give the r-pod an honest look we may have one by the time spring rolls around. Sooner would be nice but with DW and the kids now back in school our camping times are pretty limited so it's probably best to just give it a few more months.

We will be towing with a Honda Ridgeline. Not the best for a TV, but there are worse rigs. I prefer the 178 but given the power limitations of the Ridgeline combined with West Virginia hills I think the best floorplan for us is the 172. Regardless of which model is chosen the wind resistance will be the same but I can at least keep the weight as low as possible.

I'm sorry for the long post.

I wish you all well, and look forward to (hopefully) becoming a podder.    ]]> Thu, 15 Aug 2013 19:39:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3838&PID=36801#36801