R-pod Owners Forum : Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 00:51:36 +0000 Sat, 28 Dec 2013 10:28:43 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4276 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Sounds like you know your water!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41463#41463 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4276
Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 10:28am

Sounds like you know your water!  Most I do is check our pH every 3-6 months.  Ours is slightly acidic so we have a calciumtreatment system to neutralize it. ]]> Sat, 28 Dec 2013 10:28:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41463#41463 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Also.. if you live where the water... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41460#41460 Author: furpod
Subject: 4276
Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 9:07am

Also.. if you live where the water is soft.. like Florida, an anode doesn't have much to do. If you live where I do, and the "water" is really just very very fine rocks, the anode does a whole lot. In our home water heater, I change out the anode every 4 years. The box stores don't have them, because most home owners do no PM on their homes. They would rather just buy a new WH when the old one fills with scale. But ALL the plumbing supply houses have them. No confusion about it when you walk up to the counter either.

For my reef aquarium, make up and top off water quality is very important, so I monitor our water. "Hard water" starts at 121mg/L, "very hard" is above 181mg/L. Ours fluctuates a bit through the year, and right now it's a bit "softer" than normal, when proccessing water Monday, my incoming water was around 385mg/L. I run a 6 stage RO/DI system I custom built to bring it down to 0-2mg/L. (my meter has a 2 point measurement.)

Monthly I open the flush valve on our WH and get a 1/2 cup or so of scale out. It used to be worse, but I lowered our tank temperature from 140F to 120F and that helped some.
]]> Sat, 28 Dec 2013 09:07:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41460#41460 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by hogoneconfused...............what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41459#41459 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 4276
Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 8:36am

Originally posted by hogone

confused...............what electrical connection on a anode rode is there............at least mine doesn't have one......maybe im missing something


The connection is made through the plumbing threads on the plug.  Teflon tape fills the gaps but wears away where metal to metal contact is good making the connection.  My concern with one not connected is that it will not make a connection and just get covered with the sediment that forms in the heater.
]]> Sat, 28 Dec 2013 08:36:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41459#41459 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by hogoneconfused...............what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41453#41453 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 8:39pm

Originally posted by hogone

confused...............what electrical connection on a anode rode is there............at least mine doesn't have one......maybe im missing something

It isn't 12 or 120 volts, it is a microvolt flow of electrons from the chemical reactions taking place between the anode rod, the water, and the walls of the water heater.

]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:39:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41453#41453 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by Tars... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41451#41451 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 8:37pm

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas

You must be right about the electrical connection, else why call it an anode, but then what about teflon tape around the threads?  Interesting question.

I haven't checked the anode in my home water heater since it was installed.  Not sure how long that's been.  A while...  I have thought to look at Lowe's, where I got the WH, and they either don't have any anodes or a very limited selection that doesn't include the one I need.  They seem to be a very low priority item in the big box home DIY stores.  Makes one wonder how important they really are.  I'm sure the stores would rather sell water heaters than anodes, so there's that too.

TT

Very good question.  Will have to do some research.

As for the big-box stores carrying anode rods for home heaters, they don't.  I tried to get one for my own heater just a few weeks ago and even had an employee walk down the aisle with me.  However, I do see one on HD's website, and they'll ship it free to your local store.  Cheaper than one I found on Amazon, too.

]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:37:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41451#41451 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : We are back to the manufacturer's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41450#41450 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 8:27pm


We are back to the manufacturer's claim that the reducer has a built-in anode.  Hott Rods have been around for a few decades so they should have perfected the anode portion of their product. 

Tars Tarka brings up another good point about household water heater anodes seem to live forever. I have experienced the same thing.  I might add that I have been RVing for about 50 years and have never had to replace an anode.  I guess the life of an anode varies greatly depending on the water used in an area.

I think the manufacturer is the best source of detailed information about their built-in anode.
]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:27:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41450#41450 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : confused...............what electrical... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41449#41449 Author: hogone
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 8:19pm

confused...............what electrical connection on a anode rode is there............at least mine doesn't have one......maybe im missing something]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:19:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41449#41449 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : You must be right about the electrical... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41443#41443 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 6:23pm

You must be right about the electrical connection, else why call it an anode, but then what about teflon tape around the threads?  Interesting question.

I haven't checked the anode in my home water heater since it was installed.  Not sure how long that's been.  A while...  I have thought to look at Lowe's, where I got the WH, and they either don't have any anodes or a very limited selection that doesn't include the one I need.  They seem to be a very low priority item in the big box home DIY stores.  Makes one wonder how important they really are.  I'm sure the stores would rather sell water heaters than anodes, so there's that too.

TT
]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 18:23:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41443#41443 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by techntrekI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41442#41442 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 6:10pm

Originally posted by techntrek

I suppose you could cut the threaded end off of an anode rod and just shove it inside, but you wouldn't be able to check how much of it is left.


Would that work?  You need the electrical connection for it to erode (electrolysis) , and without the threads I don't think I would trust it.
]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 18:10:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41442#41442 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : I suppose you could cut the threaded... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41441#41441 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4276
Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 5:48pm

I suppose you could cut the threaded end off of an anode rod and just shove it inside, but you wouldn't be able to check how much of it is left.]]> Fri, 27 Dec 2013 17:48:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41441#41441 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : I suppose the thing to do is to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41426#41426 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 9:35pm

I suppose the thing to do is to follow the hott-rod link, but first, I'm confused about the drain plug.  I suspect Techntrek is correct to interpret that as anode.  Taking that out is probably not the best idea, but I wonder if the hott-rod could include an anode as part of the package.  Smaller, certainly, than the one that was removed, but still workable at least in theory.

TT
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 21:35:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41426#41426 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : That is a very good point, one... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41422#41422 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 7:00pm

That is a very good point, one that I had not considered before.  I checked the manufacturer's web site and it states that "The Suburban reducer includes a built-in anode."  I did not check any further, so that is all I know about the anode.    http://dg-usa.com/hott-rod/

Bob
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 19:00:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41422#41422 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : One downside with that solution... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41420#41420 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 6:45pm

One downside with that solution is you are removing the anode rod, so you'll be cutting down on the life of the tank.]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 18:45:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41420#41420 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Sleepless,Very interesting. I've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41415#41415 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 3:16pm

Sleepless,

Very interesting. I've never heard of the Hott Rod. I was able to request a WH transplant from the factory because I special ordered the Camplite. But, for those not so able, your solution is great. Thanks for the info.

Charlie
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 15:16:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41415#41415 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Charlie, I have only had one travel... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41414#41414 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 2:59pm

Charlie,  I have only had one travel trailer that came with a propane only water heater.  One of my negotiation points with the dealer was the installation of a Hott Rod.  You are probably familiar with them, but for those who are not, it is an electric  element that screws into the tank's drain plug opening.  They ran the 120 volt line into the cabin along with a 120 volt receptacle near the bottom of a cabinet.  I had to install a switch with an "on" light after I took possession.  The Hott Rod is an efficient accessory items sold in most RV supply stores for under $100.00.  I never had to use the propane heater all the time I owned that trailer.

Bottom line: You can convert any heater to use an electric element.  No big deal.
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 14:59:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41414#41414 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Mark,You are correct but I spend... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41413#41413 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 11:37am

Mark,

You are correct but I spend a lot of time at home solving problems I don't even have yet. Just the engineer in me. And it even helps sometimes.

The stock WH is gas only. No real issue except for added redundancy and the cost of propane vs "free" electricity already paid for at the campground. And the gas and electric can run simultaneously for faster shower recovery.

I don't think there is any satisfactory internal probe solution. The Horst probes claim to be better, but marginally I think. The SeeLevel system works on a totally different principle and is entirely external to the tanks. More $$ but I think it is technically better and it's easy to retrofit, especially since you have the wiring in place.

http://www.rvgauge.com/products/model_709RP.shtml

The city and fresh water filler ports are on the right (curb) side as is the backflusher if ordered. No problem. Just carry more hose and snake it. The shore power, cable TV and dump connections are on the left side.

Camp on,

Charlie
 
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 11:37:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41413#41413 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Charlie,Thanks for your notes..... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41411#41411 Author: furpod
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 10:03am

Charlie,

Thanks for your notes.. I bet the more you camp, the more you notice..

So the "stock" WH is gas only? We could live with that no problem, but good to know to ask for a 2-way.

Interesting the no tank probes.. That has surely been an industry standard for a long long time.. I know for sure Airstream had them as far back as '69.. We have done a bit of research on them, my dad says he has never had a camper with "reliable" gauges.. we plan to switch to these.. LINK

I meant to ask.. is your city water inlet on the street side? It appears you have a hose and filter hooked up on the curb side??

Mark
]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 10:03:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41411#41411 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by furpodLooks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41408#41408 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4276
Posted: 26 Dec 2013 at 8:49am

Originally posted by furpod

Looks Good!

Our dealings with the factory have all been positive.. If I may ask, how much was the shower skylight option? That is the one and only thing not in the regular factory options list we want..


Furpod,

Coming from the RPOD world, a few other convenience items you may want to consider:

Gas/electric water heater: The Suburban SW6DE is a drop in form/fit replacement and just requires 120V wiring. Livinlite even installs a lighted toggle switch inside the camper.

Black tank backflusher: This is a real convenience. For some reason LL is reluctant to provide this as a standard, but almost all other camper lines are going this way. LL did an excellent job installing one for me.

And a not so obvious item: Water tank gauges. The Camplite has no tank level gauges. Even though the ubiquitous internal probe tank sensors are a pain, they are sometimes useful. I am looking at adding the SeeLevel gauge system. It uses external glue on sensors that should be more reliable and can be added without tank removal or drilling.

Enjoy campling,

Charlie


]]> Thu, 26 Dec 2013 08:49:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41408#41408 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Originally posted by furpodLooks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41372#41372 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4276
Posted: 22 Dec 2013 at 1:13pm

Originally posted by furpod

Looks Good!

Our dealings with the factory have all been positive.. If I may ask, how much was the shower skylight option? That is the one and only thing not in the regular factory options list we want..


Furpod,

I can't say on individual options. I didn't break them out individually. I think the factory charges a one time engineering charge, but that may include all the requested changes. The skylight was so big and well done that I suspect they had engineered this mod before. It really makes a difference when standing in the shower. The folks at Littel Campers were so impressed that they decided to order all future units with that mod.

Charlie
]]> Sun, 22 Dec 2013 13:13:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41372#41372 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : Looks Good!Our dealings with the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41371#41371 Author: furpod
Subject: 4276
Posted: 22 Dec 2013 at 1:01pm

Looks Good!

Our dealings with the factory have all been positive.. If I may ask, how much was the shower skylight option? That is the one and only thing not in the regular factory options list we want..
]]> Sun, 22 Dec 2013 13:01:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41371#41371 Upgraded to Camplite 21RBS : We brought our new 2014 Camplite... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41370#41370 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4276
Posted: 22 Dec 2013 at 12:55pm

We brought our new 2014 Camplite 21RBS home this week. Webought it from Little Campers Direct in Aberdeen, MS. Salesman Tommy was greatand the deal was great. They only sell direct so they didn’t take a trade in,but they agreed to take the RPOD on consignment. They felt they could get agood price for it and they have a large area from which they draw.

The factory options ordered included: U-shaped dinette, sprayon chassis insulation, A/C, microwave, entertainment package, awning, off-roadtires and axels, LED light pkg, dual propane tanks.

The factory was very accommodating on mods I requested: Customdesigned 4x4 inch rear bumper, black tank back-flusher, added 12V socket inbath, added skylight in shower, dual battery holder, gas/electric water heater.These were all installed with excellent engineering and workmanship. Unexpectedupgrades were a ceiling light above dinette and a real 8 inch mattress. Thatwas a real surprise.

We spent one night out on our way home and everything workedfine. One thing that needs work is the cold floor. The temperature got down to32F and the aluminum floor was COLD! Even with the sprayed on insulation, whichdoesn’t really insulate but does block airflow, the bare floor is tough on barefeet. The included rug helped, but more floor covering is needed to keep thecold out. Think rugs and Yoga mats. On the plus side the walls and ceiling are wellinsulated and the windows are double pane. Also the dual battery rack will holdtwo golfers, but not in cases. I’ll rebuild the rack and fix that.

Overall I’m very pleased with the upgraded camper and LittleCampers Direct. The walk-around bed, dry bath, and 7cu.ft. fridge, and slideout dinette make all the difference in the world.  It’s better than a Hampton Inn!  The new TV (supercharged V6 Tacoma) seemed towork fine, but the real test is Colorado next year.





So here are the pictures to prove it really did happen. The only thing I could add is a picture of my check! That would really prove it happened LOL

Enjoy camping,



]]> Sun, 22 Dec 2013 12:55:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4276&PID=41370#41370