R-pod Owners Forum : Soon to be new Rpod Owners

R-pod Owners Forum : Soon to be new Rpod Owners http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Soon to be new Rpod Owners Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 17:17:15 +0000 Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:59:30 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4343 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Thank you for this, I am somewhat... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43134#43134 Author: HPY CMPR
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 11:59am

Thank you for this, I am somewhat still pulling my hair out. I have a Lab Retriever so I need to get leather which means all my choices are very expensive. Cant wait to make a decision and then move on to planning on where to go. Your post has been very helpful. I was just about to start looking up the Highlander. So far I have priced out the Santa Fe 3.3 V6..Ford Explore Ltd 4WD

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:59:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43134#43134 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : I guess I'll throw in my... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43131#43131 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 11:20am

I guess I'll throw in my two cents worth. Currently we tow with a 2005 Chev. Tahoe with a tow capacity of 6,800 lbs. Perfect except the age and mileage. I like the handling up hills and lots of stopping power. I recently received the Trailer Life guide to towing for 2014 listing all the vehicles and their towing capacity. After reading lots of posts, I've decided for us to look at vehicles with 4WD and a minimum towing capacity of 5K lbs. I find that at the 5K mark, all the vehicles provide AWD only. I like the Tahoe's 4WD selectivity but alas, it's is not available in the 5K range. So what to buy? After a lot of research, I have selected the Toyota Highlander with 5K towing capacity. Far better city mileage than our Tahoe but with adequate towing capacity for those big hills we seem to have here in Oregon. There are three versions of the Highlander depending on your wants and checkbook. Hope that helps. We are having a Roundup this September at Charleston, Oregon. Have reserved 40 full hookup spaces and after only a week have about 20 left. So far we have 12 Rpods registered. Marwayne, who I consider personally to be truly the master modder of Rpods, is joining us from Alberta. Being able to see his mod's is reason enough to come and join us. We are right on the beach and a great time should be had by all. Hopefully you can join us. All the details can be seen under the Camping Adventures forum. Safe Travels.

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 11:20:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43131#43131 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : We were driving a 2006 Chevy 1/2... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43128#43128 Author: Craneman
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 10:46am

We were driving a 2006 Chevy 1/2 ton with a 4.3 V/6 about 190 hp and We towed the 2010 174 and it did ok till you came to much of a hill and it would star shifting up and down. Also ok on the flats up to 50 mph then it struggled till we hit 60mph. Towing at about 10 miles per gallon.Soooo it forced me to upgrade to a 2011 ford F150 with a v/6 ecoboost it has 365 hp and no problem towing now and much better fuel economy . But mostly I was just looking for a reason to justify a new to us truck,at least that's what my wife thought.

Moe

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:46:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43128#43128 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Well, since you've selected... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43127#43127 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 10:29am

Well, since you've selected the trailer you're half way there and used to the back and forth decision process Smile

. AWD is really full time 4WD under the control of the car's computer. It's fine for the majority of road conditions. The Pilot was really AWD under normal conditions, but can be locked up with a switch. I may be a control freak and an engineer, but I like to have some options. If you're stuck in sand or snow (think Canada Wink

) you want the option of firmly engaging all wheels and limiting all slip. For me, I've always had 4WD vehicles. I live in Florida but I call Colorado home. Lots of snow. Try buying a 4WD in Florida LOL

.

Selectable 4WD is an advantage if you can buy it. Good luck and keep us posted.]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:29:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43127#43127 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : This is great information, thank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43126#43126 Author: HPY CMPR
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 10:10am

Smile

This is great information, thank you all so much for your quick replies. Selecting a vehicle has been quite the chore. One other quick question...what is better FWD or AWD. I should have also mentioned that I am from Ottawa Ontario Canada.

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 10:10:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43126#43126 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : This from my personal experience:... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43125#43125 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 9:52am

This from my personal experience: I towed a 172 with a Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD rated at #4500. My last trip was 5000+ miles including the Colorado mountains. The Pilot was adequate on the flat lands but struggled up the mountains. OK if you go slow; 10-20 MPH on some grades. Note the 4WD version of the Pilot includes the towing package with transmission oil cooler so it is rated #1000 higher than the 2WD model. My new Camplite trailer is about #1000 heavier than the Pod so I moved up to a 4.0L Tacoma. My preference was a small V8, but that was not available in a small pickup. Bottom line, a #3500 rated vehicle would be marginal even on flat terrain. Your 178 starts at #2500 plus some options. By the time you add people, battery(s), full propane tank(s) and "stuff" you'll easily exceed #3500.Since you have the luxury of selecting a new TV my suggestion would be at least a #5000 rated 4.0L vehicle.
]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 09:52:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43125#43125 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : In our person experience, we wouldn't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43122#43122 Author: bodie55
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 9:26am

In our person experience, we wouldn't pull the pod without a V8. The power necessary to perform emergency evasive maneuvers in traffic with poor drivers is important for us. We also tow over high mountain passes. We previously had a V6 Ford Escape when we began Pod shopping. Our research led to purchasing a bigger TV before buying the pod. One CAN town with a lower weighted vehicle. Think about where you drive, the weight you will be carrying, and what type of driving environment you are likely to be in. Yes, you will use more gas but safety and power have their advantages.

We love our 178 and hope you will too!]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 09:26:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43122#43122 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Originally posted by HPY CMPRHi,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43111#43111 Author: kymooses
Subject: 4343
Posted: 03 Mar 2014 at 7:03am

Originally posted by HPY CMPR

Hi, I just purchased a RPod 178 this weekend. Now looking to purchase a vehicle to tow it with. I am so confused as to what I should be getting. I don't really want to buy a large SUV or Truck. I was told by the dealer that I bought the trailer from that all that is required is a TV that can handle 3500 lbs. Reading all the forums, I am getting nervous that I will have to buy a larger vehicle. Any insight on this would be appreciated. I am not picking my unit up until May so I do have some time to get a vehicle.
Thanks

If I were getting a TV for the Pod I would not get something with only 3500#, I'd go for something that can do 5000#.

Most anything will pull a Pod around, and "MOST" folks can still stay under a proper loaded vehicle weight, although I don't doubt for an instant that a lot of owners are overweight when towing.

Just mentioning because there have been a LOT of people over the years start off with a 3500# TV and eventually move to something larger. This is not to say you have to or that they couldn't tow their Pods they way they, only that for how they liked to tow and how it felt for them that they are now happier in something bigger. Presented with the choice of TV ahead of you a personal opinion would be to tow with 5000#. However that opinion varies widely amongst all members of these forums, and it does have a lot to do with where you tow, how far you tow, how often you tow, and quite honestly how much stuff you try to drag along with you. Passengers and and all the stuff you bring with you will count against your limits and towing experience.

Congrats on the 178 though, it is a wonderfully popular model and has a lot of nice space to it!

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2014 07:03:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43111#43111 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : To: Happy Camper We have one... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43109#43109 Author: HavaPod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 02 Mar 2014 at 11:29pm

To: Happy Camper

We have one of the smaller vehicles out there, but so far we've run into no difficulties in the five trips we took our first year. We haven't though done any substantially high mountain passes though. Although we will likely get a bigger rig before doing a cross country type trip, we have felt comfortable so far for shorter, not terribly mountainous trips. We have though done a few thousand feet in elevation gains on several trips so far an as I said, we've had no problems. ]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2014 23:29:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43109#43109 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Hi, I just purchased a RPod 178... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43105#43105 Author: HPY CMPR
Subject: 4343
Posted: 02 Mar 2014 at 10:43pm

Hi, I just purchased a RPod 178 this weekend. Now looking to purchase a vehicle to tow it with. I am so confused as to what I should be getting. I don't really want to buy a large SUV or Truck. I was told by the dealer that I bought the trailer from that all that is required is a TV that can handle 3500 lbs. Reading all the forums, I am getting nervous that I will have to buy a larger vehicle. Any insight on this would be appreciated. I am not picking my unit up until May so I do have some time to get a vehicle.
Thanks
]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2014 22:43:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=43105#43105 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Colorado is the most wonderful... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42839#42839 Author: barring
Subject: 4343
Posted: 20 Feb 2014 at 11:24pm

Colorado is the most wonderful place to have a small trailer. There are so many boondocking opportunities here, you don't even really need campgrounds. ]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2014 23:24:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42839#42839 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome! You've come to the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42477#42477 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 07 Feb 2014 at 12:09am

Welcome! You've come to the right place for advice, encouragement and all around great fun]]> Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:09:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42477#42477 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : I advise people to try the mattress... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42469#42469 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 4343
Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 6:21pm

I advise people to try the mattress before buying a new one. We still have and enjoy ours in our 2011 Pod. Some try it and get a new one, others don't try it, get a new one, and tell people how bad it is. Some of us tried it and like it.]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2014 18:21:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42469#42469 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Our new 178 was delivered in late... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42464#42464 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 4343
Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 3:09pm

Our new 178 was delivered in late November. We, too, can not find fault with the queen mattress and have no plans for replacing it. ]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2014 15:09:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42464#42464 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : When we bought our 178 last October... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42463#42463 Author: The Pod Couple
Subject: 4343
Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 2:46pm

When we bought our 178 last October it came with a nice mattress. We had bought one through Camping World before we actually had the trailer. We ended up returning the mattress because we didn't need it. I would advise you to hold off getting a new mattress until you see what your trailer comes with. And welcome to Podding!]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2014 14:46:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42463#42463 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome and congrats. Don't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42455#42455 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 4343
Posted: 06 Feb 2014 at 8:25am

Welcome and congrats. Don't forget to reassess that mattress. A backbreaker. Safe Travels.]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2014 08:25:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42455#42455 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome fromWashington State!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42451#42451 Author: HavaPod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 10:55pm

Welcome from Washington State! We were about where you were (with newness of R-Pod, but a few years older) last year this time. Our first year we went on five trips and I hear you about the need to make reservations early. We're sure you will enjoy this first year very much!]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 22:55:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42451#42451 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : No doubt an early camping adventure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42450#42450 Author: bodie55
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 10:47pm

No doubt an early camping adventure means burn restrictions may not yet be in effect. A nice way to keep warm on a late spring night!]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 22:47:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42450#42450 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : After the wife made the 3rd or... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42449#42449 Author: COSPod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 10:28pm

After the wife made the 3rd or 4th set of reservations, figured I should probably make it official Smile

Shakedown trip also booked. Thankfully Cheyenne Mountain state park is only about 20min drive away. Very happy to have full hookups first time out and in particular to practice my first tank dumps on site.

Was amazed though that the park is basically fully reserved up for the whole summer already, weekends in particular. Had to go early may to get a weekend site, hopefully it's not snowing.. this Winter means business (but if it means less fires, I won't complain).

]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 22:28:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42449#42449 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : welcome to podding, sounds great... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42440#42440 Author: kymooses
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 4:44pm

welcome to podding, sounds great that you already have some trips set up!!!

]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 16:44:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42440#42440 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome. Now the real fun begins.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42439#42439 Author: Goose
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 2:54pm

Welcome. Now the real fun begins. Goose]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:54:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42439#42439 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Official owners now. Put deposit... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42438#42438 Author: COSPod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 05 Feb 2014 at 11:51am

Official owners now. Put deposit down on the 172.. now to just wait for it to show up at the dealer in a few weeks.

Already have 5-6 trips planned, including a nice ~2 week excursion here in Colorado.

]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2014 11:51:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42438#42438 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Beautiful sights to be seen in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42161#42161 Author: bodie55
Subject: 4343
Posted: 27 Jan 2014 at 1:53am

Beautiful sights to be seen in your neck of the woods. Enjoy!]]> Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:53:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42161#42161 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42053#42053 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4343
Posted: 23 Jan 2014 at 12:16pm

Welcome.]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2014 12:16:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42053#42053 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Welcome to the group! Great... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42047#42047 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4343
Posted: 23 Jan 2014 at 9:40am

Welcome to the group! Great place to share and learn.]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:40:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42047#42047 Soon to be new Rpod Owners : Been reading the site for some... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42046#42046 Author: COSPod
Subject: 4343
Posted: 23 Jan 2014 at 9:27am

Been reading the site for some time but finally getting close to being an Rpod 172 Owner. We've considered owning an Rpod for about ~3 yrs after a 20day excursion with my Parents and their 5th Wheel back in 2010. However a house, Tow Vehicle, and 2nd child delayed the purchase just a bit. Looking forward to this summer though and hitting up the vast camping opportunities in Colorado (with some NM and WY likely mixed in).

Thanks to all the posters here, this site has been extremely helpful already and I'm certain will continue to be great source of info.

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2014 09:27:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4343&PID=42046#42046