R-pod Owners Forum : New 178 HRE Owner http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New 178 HRE Owner Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 21:10:33 +0000 Tue, 20 May 2014 08:17:10 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4655 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ New 178 HRE Owner : We crossed the border coming and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46173#46173 Author: ANGCHIEF
Subject: 4655
Posted: 20 May 2014 at 8:17am

We crossed the border coming and going at Sweetwater in Montana, so can't tell you anything about the prairie; the farthest east we were was Edmonton.  Upper midwest is beautiful (and of course Northern Michigan is gorgeous!).  Our trip to out we left on I-94 around the southern edge of Chicago and that was such a rat race; we came back through the UP of Michigan and down the center of the state and that was better.  On the way out we stopped at Mt. Rushmore as we had never been there.  Don't forget to get a Next Exit, Trailer Life Campground Directory and Milepost (a must for Alaska) so you don't miss anything!  We are prior military so stayed at as many military base Fam Camps as we could and there is a directory for them, also.  Should be the trip of a lifetime for you and something to write about in your daughter's Baby Book.  Keep posting!]]> Tue, 20 May 2014 08:17:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46173#46173 New 178 HRE Owner : ANGCHIEF, Thanks! I think my wife... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46165#46165 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4655
Posted: 20 May 2014 at 1:07am

ANGCHIEF, Thanks!  I think my wife is starting to realize this is more road trip and less hiking trip...and my 1 year old is already starting to freak out! ha We are working to mitigate some of the longer stretches by flying the wife and kid to Seattle so I can bust it out the first 1300 miles in a couple days (this trip is not about the West Coast...).  Between Banff area and then across southern Canada prairie land is there anything to do (no offense to those that live in the area, just dont know)?  Moving to NC, so tentatively planning to head across southern CA then down thru your neck of the woods on my way South.  And noted for the second nod to skip the haul road...]]> Tue, 20 May 2014 01:07:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46165#46165 New 178 HRE Owner : We took a truck camper to Alaska... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46156#46156 Author: ANGCHIEF
Subject: 4655
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 10:54pm

We took a truck camper to Alaska in 2012 and our 2014 178 Pod will make the trip in a couple of weeks. It took us 16 days to get to Fairbanks, and that was with a 2 day layover in Ft. Nelson, BC because of Alaskan Highway washouts. You have an ambitious plan for 2 months, as it took 16 days to get home to Michigan from Valdez, down the Cassair Highway and over to Banff and Jasper (which shouldn't be missed!!). 2 months was really pushing it and we didn't stay long in any one place. Distances between places are long and the driving is slow most times with frost sinks/construction. Make sure to stop and see the sights. Don't count on driving the Haul Road; even the locals will advise against it!!Make sure to keep in touch. We'll watch for you and you watch for us!!! Pods are hard to miss!! ]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 22:54:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46156#46156 New 178 HRE Owner : Yup, we've had a winter pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46004#46004 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4655
Posted: 15 May 2014 at 10:37am

Yup, we've had a winter pod campout in January the last few years (although for various reasons the most recent one was cancelled), with temps down to around 10 F each time.  I stay comfortable with a small electric heater (there are electric hookups).  The campground also has a heated bath house, so that solves many problems.  I only use the pod's bathroom in the middle of the night and keep a jug of RV antifreeze in there for flush water.  What ends up in the black tank stays there until spring.  I keep several jugs of fresh water in the pod for drinking, brushing teeth, washing hands, and any water used ends up in a dish pan sitting in the sink.  That gets dumped in the bushes.]]> Thu, 15 May 2014 10:37:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=46004#46004 New 178 HRE Owner : P&M,It was my first real road... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45995#45995 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4655
Posted: 15 May 2014 at 12:44am

P&M,
It was my first real road trip with the Pod, and spent the night in it.  I was nervous because it was not winterized and it got down into the high 20s the second night, but had no problems.  It seems to have decent insulation so far, there are inches of foam in the floor if nothing else.  I plan to use it in the future for base camping at the mountain, even had a buddy give me his old set of chains!  It is not rated "4 Seasons" like some, but as long as you can live without running water, shouldn't have any problems at all! You can find some folks on here who talk about using these all winter long including some good pointers...Cheers!
]]> Thu, 15 May 2014 00:44:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45995#45995 New 178 HRE Owner : Congrats and welcome! Quick question... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45735#45735 Author: P&M
Subject: 4655
Posted: 08 May 2014 at 11:15am

Congrats and welcome!  Quick question on the Mammoth pic ... did you just take it up for the day, or did you spend the night in it also?  As we are moving back to WA state and looking forward to getting more skiing in, we are thinking about going the Pod route so I am curious ... thanks.]]> Thu, 08 May 2014 11:15:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45735#45735 New 178 HRE Owner : furpod, the Southern Sierras... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45325#45325 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 7:27pm

furpod, the Southern Sierras are absolutely spectacular; I will probably miss them more than anything else about living in Southern California; so much variety and something for every season!]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 19:27:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45325#45325 New 178 HRE Owner : freezingalaskan, Thanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45324#45324 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 7:24pm

freezingalaskan, Thanks for the thoughts...was alreadyfiguring out where to add 3 jerry cans to the car/pod, maybe now only needone!  Already planning for spare tires onthe roof (silly Ford only putting a mini on something as big as theExplorer).  I am used to camping in thedesert for days, so no water/pump station/cell/help isn’t really a major concern.  Having a trailer for a hard shell to sleep inis already a luxury!  The silt in the car/traileris more concerning...my goal is at least to the Arctic Circle and may be toColdfoot...there is gas there.

This will probably will be my only chance to getup that far north, and north of the Arctic is a strange fascination of mine.  In reality, knocking off that extra coupledays to get all the way to Prudhoe Bay and back will provide more time to getother places.  Homer is on my list, the Parks/RichardsonHwy loop, including Denali is as well.  I'vegot several friends in Kodiak, so I may try and get a ferry down for a couple days(if I can get a reservation).  Regardlessof how it works out, it's going to be an adventure!

 
Another reason why I like this forum...thereare people willing to help from all over the country!  Thanks!
]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 19:24:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45324#45324 New 178 HRE Owner : Congratulations on your purchase.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45305#45305 Author: freezingalaskan
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 1:29pm

Congratulations on your purchase. I have a 172 and we had a great first season last year. I do have to comment on your travel plans..."We bought a trailer because we are moving this summer and have almost 2 months off...so our goal is from San Diego to north of the Arctic Circle (Prudhoe Bay hopefully) then across Canada".

I cannot say for sure if you plan on using your own car or tow the RPod up to Prudhoe Bay, but I would not recommend driving up to Prudhoe Bay with anything you own. Especially not your nice car and trailer. You are looking at mud, fine silt-type sand that will find each and every nook on your car/trailer. You have no services along the road, so you will have to haul gasoline with you. No water to fill the tanks, and no dump stations. No cellphone coverage. You would have to bring two spare tires for your car and two spares for the RPod.

Car rental companies won't let you drive that road either. A motorcycle rental place in Anchorage will rent a motorcycle to you if you pay extra to drive that road due to the wear and tear on the motorcycle. Or, you could join a group ride that they organize. Sorry to tell you this, but it is the reality. I have lived in Alaska for 20 years and have no desire to go that road due to the troubles once may find oneself in....

However, drive north to Fairbanks and then north east to Chena Hot Springs. Great place! I recommend taking the Parks Highway up from Anchorage, and then return back on Richardson Hwy (or reverse it). Glenn Hwy is beautiful as well (between Anchorage and Glennallen), but you will work your vehicle hard going up long hills.

Anchorage to Seward and or Homer is great. Seward is a favorite of mine and you can camp right by the ocean....

I do hope you make it to Alaska.

freezingalaskan
]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:29:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45305#45305 New 178 HRE Owner : Welcome, and nice pics. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45300#45300 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 1:08pm

Welcome, and nice pics.]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 13:08:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45300#45300 New 178 HRE Owner : Welcome!! Long time since I was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45293#45293 Author: furpod
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 11:17am

Welcome!! Long time since I was in the southern Sierra, beautiful part of the country for sure. ]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 11:17:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45293#45293 New 178 HRE Owner : Welcome. Safe Travels. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45286#45286 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 10:10am

Welcome. Safe Travels.]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 10:10:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45286#45286 New 178 HRE Owner : Welcome and Happy Camping. Nice... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45284#45284 Author: CasaJack
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 9:35am

Welcome and Happy Camping.  Nice Pics!]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 09:35:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45284#45284 New 178 HRE Owner : The pictures look great & it sounds... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45282#45282 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 7:12am

The pictures look great & it sounds like you are going to get a lot of use & enjoyment from your Pod in a short amount of time!
Be safe out there.]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 07:12:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45282#45282 New 178 HRE Owner : welcome to the group! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45281#45281 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 6:25am

welcome to the group!]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 06:25:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45281#45281 New 178 HRE Owner : Hello All!! We picked up a 2014... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45277#45277 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4655
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 1:05am

Hello All!! We picked up a2014 178HRE in late March and are really excited!  Taken 3 trips so far;one to our favorite beach camping in San Onofre, a 50 hour 1,000 mile road tripto Mammoth (for 2 days of skiing of course!) and a quick one night in Coronadoat our first ever real "RV Park" (no picnic tables, cable hookupsetc...blah).  We have a 9 month old and are still in the process offiguring out the best sleeping arrangements and finding a tension rod that islong enough to hold a blackout curtain across the dinette.  We bought atrailer because we are moving this summer and have almost 2 months off...so ourgoal is from San Diego to north of the Arctic Circle (Prudhoe Bay hopefully)then across Canada, eventually ending up in North Carolina; sounds easy exceptour son will turn 1 about a month into the trip!

On a whim, we stopped byan RV dealership and was amazed to learn you can actually tow a trailer withour 2013 Explorer 4WD, so the search was on. Thanks to this page (and that other one), I saw that there are loads ofgood people and info on what appears to be a quality product so we tracked downour local dealer, saw the 178 and the new 179 and determined the 178 dinettewas far superior (ie more suitable for us) and here we are.  The dealer had 2 on the lot, we chose a colorand it came with “all the options” since “that’s the way they order them” andupgraded to a dual 6V battery.  I havedone 1,500 miles or so with the combination and it held over 50MPH without muchtrouble clearing the Sherman Grade (to over 7,000ft leaving Bishop in theEastern Sierras) and managed to pass some other less formidable RVs on a 2 laneroad.  So far, gas mileage has been rightat 10MPG overall with the cruise at 60MPH, including significant mountains and elevationchanges.

There are several podmodsforthcoming, first up is going to be 2 additional 12 volt adapters and then ashelf over the bed.  Hope to get time to get in an outdoor shower before leaving in June.  Will post more as we go along!

Three pictures, one “in its home”, another in the parking lot at Mammoth on a beautiful day and the 3rd at dawn in the hills outside of Bishop.



]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 01:05:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4655&PID=45277#45277