R-pod Owners Forum : Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:20:11 +0000 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 07:31:31 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4771 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : I'm not surprised of the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46662#46662 Author: retireclose
Subject: 4771
Posted: 02 Jun 2014 at 7:31am

I'm not surprised of the difference between our two model 179s.  We use to own a Forest River Wildcat 5th wheel.  There were slight differences between the ones built on the west coast as opposed to the east coast.]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2014 07:31:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46662#46662 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : My mistake, there is a small wall... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46661#46661 Author: retireclose
Subject: 4771
Posted: 02 Jun 2014 at 7:26am

My mistake, there is a small wall there.  My water pump is also between the furnace and water heater.]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2014 07:26:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46661#46661 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Originally posted by Budward Interesting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46628#46628 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 5:59pm

Originally posted by Budward

[QUOTE=J-Cat]

Interesting how the placement can vary between the west and east factories....


FR's motto: Let no two pods be built the same.
]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:59:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46628#46628 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : My bad, as you indicated the water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46627#46627 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 5:42pm

My bad, as you indicated the water pump in my photo is indeed near the front of the pod and not the back.  It is odd how the placement of the equipment would vary like that.  It would be nice to have the space you do to expand your storage area.]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:42:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46627#46627 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Originally posted by J-CatOn... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46625#46625 Author: Budward
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 5:14pm

Originally posted by J-Cat

On my 2015 179 HRE the water pump is between the water heater and the back of the Pod. 


Your picture shows your water pump toward the front of the pod. 
Mine is on the other side of the water heater, between it and the furnace.

Interesting how the placement can vary between the west and east factories....
]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 17:14:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46625#46625 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : To winterize the 177 (to get at... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46617#46617 Author: ron_whitt
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 3:06pm

To winterize the 177 (to get at the pump) I removed the 4 screws that hold the panel on (after a couple of times the holes are useless.) I then glued cork plugs over the holes, and color matched them to the panel. I put Velcro strips on the 2 sides and bob's your uncle.. looks good and the Velcro holds and reattaches every time. The winterizing valves for the water heater are another matter.. still thinking about that one.
]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 15:06:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46617#46617 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : On my 2015 179 HRE the water pump... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46614#46614 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 11:04am

On my 2015 179 HRE the water pump is between the water heater and the back of the Pod.  I plan on using some of this space but I need to organize and protect the wiring and tubing.  You can see my R-Dome poles are already invading this space.


]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 11:04:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46614#46614 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : You sure? I looks like it... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46608#46608 Author: Budward
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 8:35am

You sure?   I looks like it is full width but there is another foot or so available on mine.
I too carry long stuff in there but not quite as long as the trailer is wide.

Just in front of the water heater, under the bed.  Front left corner.



]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 08:35:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46608#46608 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Budward -- Our 179 already has... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46606#46606 Author: retireclose
Subject: 4771
Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 8:23am

Budward -- Our 179 already has access to the full length of the space under the bed from the outside access door.  Right now we have a broom and long handle brush there.  I think we will make an entry point from inside by creating an access door under the mattress.]]> Sun, 01 Jun 2014 08:23:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46606#46606 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Originally posted by ahefnerI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46553#46553 Author: Budward
Subject: 4771
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 6:47pm

Originally posted by ahefner

I discussed this with a friend of mine that has multiple slide outs on his fifth wheel camper and he said that the slide out awnings aren't worth the money he spent on them. A simple broom to knock off anything on top and your good to go. He wishes he had his money instead of the awnings.


He is either 9 ft tall or carries a ladderLOL   Not much room for a ladder in an r-podWink

Been pondering what I plan to do with mine.....


]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 18:47:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46553#46553 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Originally posted by J-CatAnother... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46552#46552 Author: Budward
Subject: 4771
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 6:43pm

Originally posted by J-Cat


Another solution I may still do is to install a small door or removable panel just to the right of where the furnace grill is under the bed inside the trailer.  This will also give you access to the valves on the end of the hwh and the water pump.


My 2014 179 came with just such a removable panel.  4 short screws hold it on, of course you have to belly crawl up under the bed to get to it but all the valves water pump etc are accessible through the panel...


For any 179 owners who have ventured into the compartments-   did you notice the good size compartment between the water heater and the front that is not accessible at all?   I have plans for that space...haven't decided yet to remove the wall thereby letting long items extend into it from the front right compartment, which could be the full width of the trailer, or to maybe make a lift off lid under the mattress and store rarely used items there.  Maybe both.
]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 18:43:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46552#46552 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : techntrek -- Thanks, I will keep... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46547#46547 Author: retireclose
Subject: 4771
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 2:58pm

techntrek -- Thanks, I will keep that in mind.]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 14:58:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46547#46547 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : retireclose - it is best to wait... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46541#46541 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4771
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 2:16pm

retireclose - it is best to wait for every other day, or even every 3rd day (whenever you get down to the 50% mark) to recharge from a generator.  Due to something called the Peukert Effect, you'll get more amps back into the battery per gallon of gas burned by doing that, vs. doing it every day when the battery is only down to 80%.  The battery accepts a charge much faster between 50% and 80% SOC, than it does between 80% and 100%.
 
You also do not want to shoot for 100% over any given week.  At the end of the week you need to get it back to 100%, preferrably from an outlet at home after a week on the road.  However, your goal should only be to get it up to 80% max every 2-3 days.  Again, this saves a lot of gas w/o doing any damage to the battery... as long as you get it up to 100% once a week.
]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 14:16:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46541#46541 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : First trip with our R-Pod 179... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46532#46532 Author: retireclose
Subject: 4771
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 10:28am

First trip with our R-Pod 179 was to the smokies over memorial week-end.  Very nice trip, we got 13.7mpg to smokies and 12.8mpg on the way home(Michigan).  What a difference pulling the R-Pod compared to the 5th wheel we use to have. We dry camped used the lights, water pump and furnace sparingly.  Charged the (1) battery a couple of hours a day with our generator.  Shower was a liitle hard to get use to.  But everything else worked fine.  

We have a couple more trips already planned.  Muskegon State Park, MI and later this summer to Yellowstone and the Tetons.


]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 10:28:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46532#46532 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Took our 177 out for first time... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46520#46520 Author: shroomer
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 6:59pm

Took our 177 out for first time over the long weekend. I installed LED's and it made a huge difference in electric consumption. I carry a lot of AH onboard, but cutting consumption is a huge part of the equation in how long batteries will last. With rainy days and grandchildren, we had lots of lights on lots of hours. Ran a CPAP two nights. Lots of water pumping. No furnace this Memorial Day though. If you're concerned about battery life - get LED's.

Also ran the fridge on propane when on the road instead of DC from the TV. I held my breath every time I passed a gas station but we made it safely :)
]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 18:59:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46520#46520 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Spoke to the dealer and we are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46506#46506 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 3:51pm

Spoke to the dealer and we are going to buy one guess they are a couple hundred, but will keep water and leave etc off the top of the slide out. Will allow us to pack up even if it is raining out without water getting in etc.]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 15:51:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46506#46506 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : I'm with TT 100%. For me,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46502#46502 Author: fwunder
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 3:04pm

I'm with TT 100%. For me, it just took practice. I ended up going with a couple of large (230AH) 6 volts batteries. My single 12v. barely got me through two days, but we're rather liberal with power. Now, I just don't worry about it. I carry a genny too, but really have only used it for wife's hair dryer. Smile

Oh, and I am sure Mr. Electric (Techntrek) will weigh in on this, but you might consider carrying a set of good jumper cables. I have turned my TV around and put some amps back in my prior single 12v. battery with my TV. Much more efficient than trailer harness and a cheap safety margin.

Yes, you will find a lot of threads on the subject. I am convinced the subject is almost as much religion as it is science. Smile

fred

Edited to add: Nice campsite! What did you catch?!
]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 15:04:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46502#46502 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Welcome. Did you plug in the pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46501#46501 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 2:59pm

Welcome.  Did you plug in the pod (and have the battery connected to the pod) at home, overnight, before the trip?  This needs to happen once a month to keep lead acid batteries charged.  I would expect more than 3 days with a new battery, although as mentioned, the furnace fan is a huge energy hog.]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 14:59:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46501#46501 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : There are a lot of variables,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46495#46495 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 2:08pm

There are a lot of variables, but I'm not sure you should expect the battery to last more than 3 days without some supplemental charging.  Replacing interior lights with LEDs will help, but the fridge draws 12v even when running on propane and the water pump, of course.  There are other little things.  The furnace fan for sure, if you were using that.  Two 6v batteries will last longer but a generator or even solar will help more than anything other than shore power.

TT
]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 14:08:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46495#46495 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : I too am a new 179 owner and this... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46492#46492 Author: Nomad2010
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 12:57pm

I too am a new 179 owner and this being my first trailer or RV of any kind I am in a steep learning curver. I noticed the poor picture on the TV and when I tried to put the sewer hose in the holder it proved to be inadequate.
I took it out for a long weekend and while I conserved the power, I still ran out of battery on the third day. I may have to get a generator and check the plug trailer connection on the truck. Something is not working right. I am considering changing to 2 6 volts as some of the treads discuss. I am just glad I had others there that had a generator.
The door design has been a problem but so far I haven't torn it off.
]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 12:57:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46492#46492 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : I discussed this with a friend... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46488#46488 Author: ahefner
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 11:35am

I discussed this with a friend of mine that has multiple slide outs on his fifth wheel camper and he said that the slide out awnings aren't worth the money he spent on them. A simple broom to knock off anything on top and your good to go. He wishes he had his money instead of the awnings.]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 11:35:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46488#46488 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : We did not get an awning for the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46485#46485 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 11:20am

We did not get an awning for the slide out and this option was not discussed with the dealer.  Are you getting one with yours? ]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 11:20:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46485#46485 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Nice job on the door installation.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46483#46483 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 10:35am

Nice job on the door installation.  The layout on the 179 is a little different but that is what I had in mind in the last sentence of my post and this approach will work well. Thanks.]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 10:35:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46483#46483 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Did you get the roll out awning... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46479#46479 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 8:44am

Did you get the roll out awning to cover the top of the slide out? or did it come with one?]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 08:44:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46479#46479 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Welcome to the group!! We are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46477#46477 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 8:28am

Welcome to the group!! We are waiting for delivery on our 2015 179, supposed to be in around the 1 st of July.]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 08:28:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46477#46477 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Welcome. Here is one option for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46476#46476 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 8:01am

Welcome.  Here is one option for a larger hose container:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3588&PID=34108&title=mounted-a-long-sewer-hose-tube-and-cleaned-up]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 08:01:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46476#46476 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : If you are going through all that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46474#46474 Author: marwayne
Subject: 4771
Posted: 28 May 2014 at 12:33am

If you are going through all that trouble, just put in a door.

]]> Wed, 28 May 2014 00:33:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46474#46474 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Sorry I didn't take any photos... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46471#46471 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 27 May 2014 at 10:14pm

Sorry I didn't take any photos (plus I am new to forum and will have to figure out how to post photos).  But this was a simple mod so here goes.  With the two plywood sections removed from the bed floor you will be able to see the L shaped storage area and the equipment section for the furnace, hwh, and  water pump.  The end of the L shaped storage area is a thin plywood wall panel which has the water pump on the other side.  This thin wall is stapled to a 3/4" sq wood floor cleat.  The floor cleat is screwed to the floor with two screws (note - the screws are not Phillips but have the square insert).  Since I didn't want to deal with these cleat screws while crawling in that small storage space, I removed these screws, installed a small cleat on the backside of the wall to keep the wall bottom from being pushed back and installed a small screw with wing nut end in the top of the wall into the existing horizontal brace.  In addition I drilled a 3/4" finger hole near the top for grabbing the wall and had to do a little trimming on the wall ends since it was really jammed in there.  I should be able to clear out the storage area, reach in, remove the wing nut, pull out the wall and access the valves.  

Another solution I may still do is to install a small door or removable panel just to the right of where the furnace grill is under the bed inside the trailer.  This will also give you access to the valves on the end of the hwh and the water pump.
]]> Tue, 27 May 2014 22:14:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46471#46471 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : Congrats from another fellow rpod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46466#46466 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4771
Posted: 27 May 2014 at 9:03pm

Congrats from another fellow rpod 179 owner. Can you share a photo of the access panel you made so you don't need to remove the mattress to access water heater, etc?  Thanks. ]]> Tue, 27 May 2014 21:03:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46466#46466 Another New 2015 RP-179HRE (They are everywhere) : I'm newly retired and the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46465#46465 Author: J-Cat
Subject: 4771
Posted: 27 May 2014 at 8:59pm

I'm newly retired and the wife and I picked up our 2015 179HRE last week.  We are new to TT's so we have spent the last week learning how much we don't know and this forum has been a tremendous help in trying to get us up to speed.  Thanks to all the folks who take their time to assist others in this forum.

I was amazed at how little the FR owner's manual really tells you about your specific TT.  The new owners walk through at the dealer seemed sufficient at the time but boy was I wrong.  I spent yesterday taking the queen bed floor off so I could locate how the furnace, hot water heater, and water pump can be accessed.  While I was there I made a quick mod so I could more easily access the pump and HW valves from the storage compartment without having to remove the bed.

We really like the layout of the 179 with the extra storage and kitchen space.  I have only towed the trailer a few times to set up my Prodigy P2 brake controller but the Tacoma V6 SR5 4x4 seems to have no trouble with this trailer.  

I have run across some problems with this 179 most of which are common with other threads I have read on this forum:
  • The poorly designed exterior door holding latch damaged the door before we even took delivery.  The dealer made a temporary fix and has a new door on the way from FR but I am not going to have them put this latch on the new door.  
  • When the dinette table is lowered, it is 1" higher than the surrounding couch surface making it impractical to truly use as a double bed.
  • I am looking at adding more sewer hose storage carriers since the single 26" unit provided on the tongue is not sufficient.
  • Found out today that the space around the recessed lug nuts on the custom wheels is so tight that my deep impact sockets will not fit.   In addition, both of my "x" style lug wrenches were too thick to fit.  (Off to the store to get a 13/16" deep socket with thinner walls)
  • I ordered a new television support arm that will have tilt adjustments in addition to the pan adjustments the current support arm has. The Jensen 19" tv picture has all kinds of ghosting with dark background scenes unless you are looking directly in line with the screen.  This makes it very annoying unless you are standing.
Well enough of the negatives since I think that overall this is a good trailer that we will enjoy for years to come.  We live in SE Washington and our maiden trip next week will be to the Hell's Canyon area.  
]]> Tue, 27 May 2014 20:59:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4771&PID=46465#46465