R-pod Owners Forum : which r-pod should I buy? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : which r-pod should I buy? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:57:16 +0000 Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:19:34 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3954 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ which r-pod should I buy? : Thevideo on the Couchsite for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83759#83759 Author: Bama Pod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 20 Oct 2016 at 3:19pm

The video on the Couch site for the new 2017.5 180 claims that new Pods come with a different setting on the axle which raises the camper up higher.  There is no longer an option for an axle riser, it's now a standard feature.]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2016 15:19:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83759#83759 which r-pod should I buy? : So you are saying your has front... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83733#83733 Author: ricon
Subject: 3954
Posted: 19 Oct 2016 at 10:37am

So you are saying your has front rock guard too? That's the only reason I wanted HRE rpod. If all of them have front rock guard then you made my decision easy. I can get tires for it for $300 and riser for 200. 

How you like your 180? I was going to get 178 but 180 looks good too
Thanks for your advice.

]]> Wed, 19 Oct 2016 10:37:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83733#83733 which r-pod should I buy? : Originally posted by riconI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83711#83711 Author: Luv2Q
Subject: 3954
Posted: 18 Oct 2016 at 1:47pm

Originally posted by ricon

I have similar problem. I'm in Colorado and dealer here wants 17800 for Hood river Rpod 178. I found a dealer from Ohio He has Rpod 178(non hood river) for 14610. It is  17 hours drive from Denver but 3k less. Is the Hood Fiver Edition worth 2k more(i calculated 1000 for gas my time etc).


We're in Central TX (16.5 hours from Couch's in Ohio) .. It was worth it to us to save the 3K.  We spent the first night on their lot (they generously provided water & elec) which allowed us to find a couple of problems which they fixed the next morning.  Plus, it made a nice familiarization trip on the way home.

As to the Hood River Edition:  Unless things have changed, the HRE gives you a front rock guard (they all have them), risers (you can get 'em from FR for ~$155), and knobby tires (you maybe can use 'em or maybe not).  So, getting a non-HRE isn't much of a big deal (IMHO).  You can easily add the risers (or have someone else install them for 150-200).  And you'll likely want to upgrade tires before many miles are on them; I'll go with a Load Range 'D' when I replace those on our 180.  You can put the mud-grips on then if you want the HRE 'look'.  Just my two pesos' worth.  Hope it helps.
]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2016 13:47:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83711#83711 which r-pod should I buy? : I have similar problem. I'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83694#83694 Author: ricon
Subject: 3954
Posted: 18 Oct 2016 at 10:40am

I have similar problem. I'm in Colorado and dealer here wants 17800 for Hood river Rpod 178. I found a dealer from Ohio He has Rpod 178(non hood river) for 14610. It is  17 hours drive from Denver but 3k less. Is the Hood Fiver Edition worth 2k more(i calculated 1000 for gas my time etc).

]]> Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:40:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=83694#83694 which r-pod should I buy? : My earlier comments were primarily... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39599#39599 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3954
Posted: 14 Oct 2013 at 12:24pm

My earlier comments were primarily for newbies that may not be experienced in knowing which position the bypass valves should be in when filling their water system.  In those cases, the safest and easiest method is to flip the pressure/temperature release valve.  What I failed to say is that there should be no pressure in the system, otherwise you will receive a bath when you flip the valve. 

This is the same method you use to re-establish the water pocket, which is the space in the tank above the valve.  And, as you mentioned, it does exercise the valve.  The air pocket will eventually diminish just through use of the hot water system.  When we were full-timing, I found this out.

If you are not familiar with the position the bypass valves should be in and you fill the system, I don't know of any way you can be certain that the hot water tank is filled.  Why risk burning out your electric heating element should there not be water in the tank. 
]]> Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:24:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39599#39599 which r-pod should I buy? : In the owners manual for the water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39598#39598 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 14 Oct 2013 at 12:11pm

In the owners manual for the water heater, they give a procedure for reestablishing the air pocket with the relief valve. They (Suburban) say the procedure should be used if you have a "weepy" valve. And repeated as often as needed...

On the flip side, I was taught by my plumber uncle to exercise the relief valve from time to time, to make sure it moves freely..

So I guess you do one, then the other.. lol. ]]> Mon, 14 Oct 2013 12:11:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39598#39598 which r-pod should I buy? : I tried to find a diagram showing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39523#39523 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3954
Posted: 12 Oct 2013 at 8:59pm

I tried to find a diagram showing the outlets/inlets, etc. but instead found this useful guide.  See page 19.

 http://manuals.heartlandowners.org/manuals/Plumbing/Wtr_Heater/Troubleshooting/Water%20Heater%20Troubleshooting%20-%20Suburban%20V1.1.pdf

]]> Sat, 12 Oct 2013 20:59:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39523#39523 which r-pod should I buy? : I may be wrong, but in my past... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39512#39512 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3954
Posted: 12 Oct 2013 at 2:19pm

I may be wrong, but in my past RVs the pressure/temperature relief valve was wet and the air pocket was above it, similar to my home system.  In my home, the expansion tank is piped in above the water heater and the relief valve is located on top of the water tank itself.  My old school method at home is to periodically drain a few gallons from the bottom of the tank to remove sediment and to exercise the relief valve to remove any deposits and to assure that it is operational.

Again, I am old school and could be wrong about the valve but here in Florida, where we do not drain/winterize our RV water systems although sanitation is still required. Please note that I said that I am old school and could be wrong.

Bob
]]> Sat, 12 Oct 2013 14:19:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39512#39512 which r-pod should I buy? : I recommend against that. Modern... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39506#39506 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3954
Posted: 12 Oct 2013 at 1:20pm

I recommend against that.  Modern code now requires home water systems to have an air bladder (mounted above the water heater) which allows for expansion as the water is heated, since water doesn't compress.  There is an air pocket at the top of camper water heaters which serves the same purpose and opening the overpressure valve can remove it.]]> Sat, 12 Oct 2013 13:20:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39506#39506 which r-pod should I buy? : I take one other precaution if... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39485#39485 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 10:58pm

I take one other precaution if I am not sure if the bypass valves are in the correct positions.  I use the pressure release valve to assure that the hot water tank is full of water and not being bypassed.

Bob
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 22:58:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39485#39485 which r-pod should I buy? : Originally posted by SchipperPodCould... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39482#39482 Author: SNO4ME
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 10:39pm

Originally posted by SchipperPod

Could someone confirm how you fill the hot water heater?  Is it either having water in the fresh water tank and the water pump on, or having an external water source hooked up - then simply turning the hot water faucet on?  When the air is removed from the hot water faucet line, does that mean your hot water tank is then full??


Either way works, just run the hot water faucet till all the air is bled out.
THEN turn on the water heater. 
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 22:39:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39482#39482 which r-pod should I buy? : Originally posted by furpodAlso..... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39468#39468 Author: sammycamper
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 9:34pm

Originally posted by furpod

Also.. just a hint.. as you have thses questions, if you can't find an answer with the search function, start a new topic with the question in the title, so threads stay on track, and so people later, can search and find answers.. Wink

(this thread is getting really long.. and a lot of it is useful info, but won't be stumbled upon unless the next person has a question about which pod to buy.. rather than how to dump..)
Thank you...Thankyou, Furpod, and bless you.]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 21:34:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39468#39468 which r-pod should I buy? : Thanks for all the great advice,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39439#39439 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 9:50am

Thanks for all the great advice, furpod!!  I wasn't sure how best to use this forum for questions; what you say makes perfect sense!  My first camping trial run in the pod is tonight and tomorrow night at Utah Lake.  I'm a bit nervous - but mostly excited!]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:50:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39439#39439 which r-pod should I buy? : Also.. just a hint.. as you have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39438#39438 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 9:40am

Also.. just a hint.. as you have thses questions, if you can't find an answer with the search function, start a new topic with the question in the title, so threads stay on track, and so people later, can search and find answers.. Wink

(this thread is getting really long.. and a lot of it is useful info, but won't be stumbled upon unless the next person has a question about which pod to buy.. rather than how to dump..)
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:40:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39438#39438 which r-pod should I buy? : Both the black and gray tanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39437#39437 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 9:34am

Both the black and gray tanks flow out by gravity. The BT flush is just to rinse the black tank, helping to dislodge "debris" that maybe didn't just flow out on it's own. The gray water tanks don't have this... "debris" issue.. else they would also be black tanks. Wink

Two things.. don't use your drinking water hose for flushing or rinsing.. Carry an extra regular hose for that. Most times the water hookups at the dump station are not potable water. You don't need a regulator for hooking up to the flush, and in fact if you do use one there, you need to make sure you ONLY use that one for flushing for the same reason.

Your instructions tell you to never use the BT flush with the dump valve closed.. Only YOU can make the decision on that. BUT if you do decide to "fill and dump" rinse method, DO NOT let yourself get distracted in ANY way. Having black water spew out the top of your camper is really not a good thing... and it has happened.

I have mentioned this before, but here is a hint.. Sunday morning, get up early, and spend a few minutes watching the early birds at the dump station.. you can learn a LOT that way.. see things to do.. and not to do..
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:34:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39437#39437 which r-pod should I buy? : Thanks, furpod! Also, if I hook... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39436#39436 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 9:23am

Thanks, furpod!  Also, if I hook a hose up to the inlet for the black tank flush, do I need the water regulator valve for that?  Or can I hook a hose up directly and not worry about excess pressure?  Also, to empty the grey water tank since there's no flush, how does it flow out?  Is it just gravity?]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 09:23:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39436#39436 which r-pod should I buy? : Originally posted by SchipperPodCould... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39434#39434 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 8:24am

Originally posted by SchipperPod

Could someone confirm how you fill the hot water heater?  Is it either having water in the fresh water tank and the water pump on, or having an external water source hooked up - then simply turning the hot water faucet on?  When the air is removed from the hot water faucet line, does that mean your hot water tank is then full??


Either works.. I know it's confusing, but you have two ways to get water into your plumbing.. the city water hook up / or / the fresh water holding tank and pump.

After that, the system works the same. In order to fill your HW tank, you turn on a hot faucet until water comes out. one caveat is the WH baypass valves must be set to "use", and not bypass.

Then you have two ways to heat the water.. At home you either have a gas water heater or an electric water heater. In the pod, you have a WH that works on both. In general, when camping with hook ups, you use electric, and when boondocking, gas. You can use both at the same time, if available.

Also, most people leave the WH full all camping season, only draining for the winter to prevent freeze damage. If you live where it never freezes, (like my parents) you never have to winterize.

.
]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 08:24:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39434#39434 which r-pod should I buy? : If the bypass valves are in the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39430#39430 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 4:58am

If the bypass valves are in the correct positions yes. I let it run until it stops spitting for a few seconds.]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 04:58:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39430#39430 which r-pod should I buy? : Could someone confirm how you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39424#39424 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 11 Oct 2013 at 12:49am

Could someone confirm how you fill the hot water heater?  Is it either having water in the fresh water tank and the water pump on, or having an external water source hooked up - then simply turning the hot water faucet on?  When the air is removed from the hot water faucet line, does that mean your hot water tank is then full??]]> Fri, 11 Oct 2013 00:49:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39424#39424 which r-pod should I buy? : I'm looking at the EcoSmart... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39215#39215 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 1:53pm

I'm looking at the EcoSmart holding tank products vs. Aqua-Kem.  I prefer something that's more natural for the environment, but I also want it to work well.  Has anyone used the EcoSmart line?  Do you think the Aqua-Kem works better?

Thanks for everyone's responses to my questions above!  It's a relief to know I don't have to fiddle with the water heater all season long; once a year sounds much better!
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:53:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39215#39215 which r-pod should I buy? : When we lived in the Midwest,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39200#39200 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3954
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 8:39am

When we lived in the Midwest, I would remove the anode only when it came time to winterize my RV.  Here in Florida, where we can use an RV all year, I don't remove the anode or drain the water heater.  We normally use facilities with full hookups, and I use only the electric element to heat our water.  Since the heater is always filled with water, I keep the element switch turned on all the time since it is a pain to use. Instead, I use the breaker when I have the pod hooked to shore power at home.  When on the road, I keep the breaker in the on position. 

In 40 years of camping, I have never replaced an anode.  But, maybe I should check it every few years or so.

Bob
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 08:39:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39200#39200 which r-pod should I buy? : If REPLACING the mattress, we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39196#39196 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 8:20am

If REPLACING the mattress, we highly reccomend the Euro Top from CW.

I have never read to remove the anode rod after every trip. That is, just as Tech said, a recipe for disaster, and a whole lot of fiddling that does nothing but give you a little back of the brain reason not to use your trailer. Remove the anode at the end of the season to drain the tank. Remember where you put it so you have it for next year.... (ask me why I have 2.. LOL)
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 08:20:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39196#39196 which r-pod should I buy? : Keep your water heater full all... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39173#39173 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3954
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 5:46pm

Keep your water heater full all camping season, you won't save much of the anode by draining and refilling it each time.  You will increase the "fiddle factor" and the chance you'll burn out the electric element by leaving it on with an empty tank.

We only have a 3 or 4 inch memory mattress on top of the factory mattress.

The Equalizer and E2 are designed to stay on while backing.  Stand-alone friction sway bars must be removed.  No worries, leave yours on.

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 17:46:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39173#39173 which r-pod should I buy? : And another question: my brother... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39172#39172 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 5:37pm

And another question:  my brother said I should remove the stabilizing bars from my hitch before backing at an angle.  He said straight backing wouldn't hurt them, but if I have to back the pod at an angle - which I do to get it onto the apron at the side of our house - to remove the bars first to avoid any damage.  Just wondering why I can pull and turn at an angle but not back up?  I can remove them ok with a bit of (grunting) effort, but it's not super easy to get them on and off.]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 17:37:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39172#39172 which r-pod should I buy? : Also, in replacing the mattress,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39171#39171 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 5:32pm

Also, in replacing the mattress, would you recommend a 10" or 12" memory foam?  Will the 12" be too tall?]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 17:32:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39171#39171 which r-pod should I buy? : My new baby! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39168#39168 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 4:53pm

My new baby!

]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 16:53:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39168#39168 which r-pod should I buy? : Well, I've got my 178 home!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39165#39165 Author: SchipperPod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 4:12pm

Well, I've got my 178 home!  I pulled it 860 miles and through some high winds and snow through WY.  It was my first time pulling a trailer, but everything went well.  Thank goodness for the e2 with stabilizer bars!  Although I could feel the wind trying, the pod never once waggled; it stayed straight and true behind me the entire way.  I have it set up at the side of my house.  Tested the water heater, microwave, furnace and A/C unit; turned on the fridge today.  Will check it before leaving for work tomorrow to make sure it's cold, then shut it down.  We hope to take it camping this next weekend for our first outing!  I'm excited.  We'll try to set up our R-dome then. 

A question:  I've read to not let the anode sit in water and to drain the water heater when not in use.  Is it ok to let it sit in water for the week until we go next weekend for a camping trip?  Just wondering if even a week is too long.

I'll attach a picture of me pulled over in Kearney, NE, for breakfast last Wednesday, headed for Utah - once I figure out how to upload a picture.  Boy, I got through NE just in time.  They had awful storms there the next day!
]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 16:12:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=39165#39165 which r-pod should I buy? : Just a point of possible interest.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38770#38770 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3954
Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 8:52am

Just a point of possible interest.  My wife and I went on a 6000 mile trip in May-June, staying only at campgrounds with full hookups.  We kept the 110v on all the time, and never found a need to supplement it with the LP. 

In past trailers, we did the same thing, electricity only.  For heating, portable heater(s) only.  One tank of propane will last us at least 2 seasons.  But that is just our preference, and there are only 2 of us so hot water has never been a problem.

Glad you found that switch. 

Bob
]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2013 08:52:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38770#38770 which r-pod should I buy? : A note that you can use both at... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38767#38767 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3954
Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 8:42am

A note that you can use both at the same time, and since the thermostat for the electric element is set slightly higher than the propane's thermostat it will keep the water hot all day while in camp.  The propane burner won't kick on until you take a shower or wash dishes.

I'll reiterate the warning that you must make sure there is water in your hot water tank, or the electric element will burn out instantly.  Best bet is to leave the hot water tank full all the time, only draining it when you winterize.
]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2013 08:42:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38767#38767 which r-pod should I buy? : Originally posted by sammycamperThanks,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38766#38766 Author: furpod
Subject: 3954
Posted: 27 Sep 2013 at 8:33am

Originally posted by sammycamper

Thanks, Bob; and thanks to Marwayne for identifying the switch for me by private message.


Smile Glad you found it! It's much better to heat water with their electrons rather than your gas..
]]> Fri, 27 Sep 2013 08:33:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3954&PID=38766#38766