R-pod Owners Forum : Maiden Voyage https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : Maiden Voyage Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:41:34 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2015 21:48:39 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5925 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Maiden Voyage : I have a blue ox sway pro on my... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=59806#59806 Author: Ontheedge
Subject: 5925
Posted: 07 May 2015 at 9:48pm

I have a blue ox sway pro on my 2008 edge towing the rp179. I only had to back up a few times but have not had to disconnect yet.

2008 Ford Edge
RP 179
]]> Thu, 07 May 2015 21:48:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=59806#59806 Maiden Voyage : Good point! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58230#58230 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 8:36pm

Good point!]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 20:36:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58230#58230 Maiden Voyage : I would add to Tech n Trek 's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58223#58223 Author: Pod People
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 6:30pm

I would add to Tech n Trek 's post that another important thing to check regarding the weight distribution set up is your tongue weight.  I loaded the trailer just as if we were heading out. I set up my wdh  and measured  and changed it and measured again and changed it  until I thought it was right.  Then I went to our local landfill and weighed ervrytything only to find out that my tongue weight was way too low.  so while at the weight station, I repacked the trailer, moving more weight in front of the axle and then reweighed it.  this time, the tongue weight was good, but the measurements showed too much weight on the rear.  After readjusting the wdh, it now tows beautifully with no sway and no rear sag.

Correctly packing the  rpod has just as much or more to do with sway control as the wdh does .  Its really important to have 12-15% tongue weight in order to tow properly.  Too little or too much can create real problems .

Vann Evans
]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 18:30:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58223#58223 Maiden Voyage : If the dealer installed it, it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58217#58217 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 4:43pm

If the dealer installed it, it isn't installed right.  Often the problem is because they do it when you buy it so the pod is still empty.  It must be loaded up like you are ready for a camping trip (including water in the fresh water tank if you usually travel like that, battery, propane).  Some go as far as having their family sit in the truck, or adding weight to simulate them.

This is the most comprehensive instructional on how to set up a WDH I've ever seen.  I used it to tweak my current WDH.  http://www.rv.net/FORUM/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/17730894.cfm
]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:43:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58217#58217 Maiden Voyage : Thank you for that information.I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58215#58215 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 4:06pm

Thank you for that information.
I know that I am under the GVWR, but since I load most of my clothes, food, toiletries, gear, etc. in the back of the SUV to keep the TT light, I am thinking that may increase the tongue weight over the 500 lbs limit.....
The dealer installed the WDH and I have not had an opportunity to take any measurements since (due to my HOA rules), I have to store my TT at a storage lot; And the lot is gravel :(
]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 16:06:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58215#58215 Maiden Voyage : Originally posted by johnmaci Did... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58197#58197 Author: furpod
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 9:09am

Originally posted by johnmaci


Did you ever get an answer on the deflation of the air bags?
I just purchased a set of firestone air bags that fit inside the coils but have not yet installed them.
Even with the WDH, the weight of the stuff I put in the back of my Pathfinder still bring the headlights up enough for oncoming vehicles to flash me.



Your WDH is not adjusted right. Simple as that.

With no camper hooked up, on flat level ground, measure the distance from the ground to the bottom lip of your front and rear wheel openings. Now hookup the trailer and load the truck with the WDH installed. Now adjust the tension on your WDH, either by changing chain links or moving the perch, (I don't know what style you have) until the wheel arch measurement is the same as it was when you were not hooked up and loaded. Done.

One note.. if you are seeing this much "squat" in your truck, make sure your total rig weight is under the GVWR rating for your truck.
]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 09:09:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58197#58197 Maiden Voyage : No I haven't but I have not... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58190#58190 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 28 Mar 2015 at 12:12am

No I haven't but I have not pursued it hard. Haven't had a chance to road test the Town and Country yet between work, getting the garden in and trying to build a patio. Starting to get people knocking on the door wanting to look at the 179, I don't mind showing it, just wish I was doing it in a campground. ]]> Sat, 28 Mar 2015 00:12:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58190#58190 Maiden Voyage : Originally posted by Joe-n-TerriThanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58164#58164 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 5925
Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 4:18pm

Originally posted by Joe-n-Terri

Thanks everyone for the replies, After a lot of googling last night I am starting to understand the whole wdh sway bar concepts. That said after looking at the several installation videos of the wdh units I was interested in they advised to disconnect or deflate the load leveling suspension prior to use. After my maiden voyage I was convinced I needed a wdh for my T&C but I think since LeoB's setup is as mine I am going to try a few short trips giving the Mopar factory tow package a chance. The day that wasn't comfortable in my Ram 1500 was pretty windy so I think at minimum I may need an anti sway bar for the truck. Just curious LeoB, do you have a factory tow package on your Caravan? Thanks again all.


Did you ever get an answer on the deflation of the air bags?
I just purchased a set of firestone air bags that fit inside the coils but have not yet installed them.
Even with the WDH, the weight of the stuff I put in the back of my Pathfinder still bring the headlights up enough for oncoming vehicles to flash me.

]]> Fri, 27 Mar 2015 16:18:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58164#58164 Maiden Voyage : Rouge 1953, Thanks and we plan... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58128#58128 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 11:39pm

Rouge 1953, Thanks and we plan on doing the same, just have to get retired, again.]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:39:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58128#58128 Maiden Voyage : Jamie&Nicole, The water discussion... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58127#58127 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 11:33pm

Jamie&Nicole, The water discussion was just do a taste test before trusting it to taste good. Even with a filter it was not good and I didn't realize it till sinking into morning coffee. ]]> Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:33:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58127#58127 Maiden Voyage : Nice looking unit and campground.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58073#58073 Author: Rouge1953
Subject: 5925
Posted: 25 Mar 2015 at 12:00pm

Nice looking unit and campground. Hubby and I will be frequenting the US Military campgrounds. I will add this location to our must visit list.
Happy podding!
]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:00:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58073#58073 Maiden Voyage : Yes, we drive down I-91 to I-95... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58027#58027 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5925
Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 6:35pm

Yes, we drive down I-91 to I-95 in Connecticut then 95 right through NYC right over the George Washington, then down the Jersey Turnpike. It is not that bad, I stay to the right mostly and drive at my pace.  ]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:35:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58027#58027 Maiden Voyage : Originally posted by Leo BJoe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58025#58025 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 5925
Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 6:11pm

Sleepy
Originally posted by Leo B

Joe & Terri 
We tow with our 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, we have a regular Reese hitch. no WDH or sway bars. We have towed from Vermont to Florida/ North Carolina multiple times and have not had any handling or sway problems. We travel with 5 gallons of water in the tank and clothes, pots&pans and all in the camper. WE usually get between 13.5 and 15.5 mpg depending on the wind. We usually drive between 50-65.

What route do you take? I95?
It seems like such a crazy interstate that I am petrified to even think of pulling a TT at 60-65 mph!
]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2015 18:11:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58025#58025 Maiden Voyage : New here. Plannin our maiden voyage... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58021#58021 Author: Jamie&Nicole
Subject: 5925
Posted: 23 Mar 2015 at 5:22pm

 New here. Plannin our maiden voyage next month. I missed previous post about water tasting? i scrolled back but could not  find the discussion, Just wondering what the issue with the water was? Congrats on your 1st trip! Glad I lurked around here long enough that i went with the WDH right away even tho the dealer tried to talk me out of it?
]]> Mon, 23 Mar 2015 17:22:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=58021#58021 Maiden Voyage : Thanks for the feedback on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57833#57833 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 7:47am

Thanks for the feedback on the heater. Curious what you did for power while bondocking that long? ]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2015 07:47:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57833#57833 Maiden Voyage : Congrats! Wishing you many happy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57800#57800 Author: Patti'sPod
Subject: 5925
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 2:15pm

Congrats! Wishing you many happy trips!  This past October I boondocked off the 395 (near Lee Vining, CA) for 31 days.  It got down to 16 degrees at night, which kept my RP 178 heater going on & off all night long....keeping me awake.  I bought the Mr Heater Big Buddy and BOY, what a nice difference!  Sound like a recommendation?  'Tis 
 
  ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:15:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57800#57800 Maiden Voyage : Yes, we have the factory tow package.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57684#57684 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5925
Posted: 12 Mar 2015 at 5:23am

Yes, we have the factory tow package. Last November we came back from Cape Hatteras in the really windy storm that New England had. Kept our speed at 50-55 and had no problems .]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2015 05:23:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57684#57684 Maiden Voyage : Thanks everyone for the replies,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57668#57668 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:51pm

Thanks everyone for the replies, After a lot of googling last night I am starting to understand the whole wdh sway bar concepts. That said after looking at the several installation videos of the wdh units I was interested in they advised to disconnect or deflate the load leveling suspension prior to use. After my maiden voyage I was convinced I needed a wdh for my T&C but I think since LeoB's setup is as mine I am going to try a few short trips giving the Mopar factory tow package a chance. The day that wasn't comfortable in my Ram 1500 was pretty windy so I think at minimum I may need an anti sway bar for the truck. Just curious LeoB, do you have a factory tow package on your Caravan? Thanks again all.]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2015 20:51:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57668#57668 Maiden Voyage : Definitely concur with Techntrek.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57653#57653 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5925
Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:46am

Definitely concur with Techntrek. I have towed two trailers, including a 172 Pod, with two different TVs using the same E2 WDH and never disconnected for backing. As far as I know only the friction type sway bars are troublesome when backing. The Equalizer and E2  hitches have the advantage of not requiring any special alignment when hooking up. If you can get the ball under the coupler you can hook up. ]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2015 08:46:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57653#57653 Maiden Voyage : Joe & TerriWe tow with our... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57652#57652 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5925
Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:43am

Joe & Terri 
We tow with our 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan, we have a regular Reese hitch. no WDH or sway bars. We have towed from Vermont to Florida/ North Carolina multiple times and have not had any handling or sway problems. We travel with 5 gallons of water in the tank and clothes, pots&pans and all in the camper. WE usually get between 13.5 and 15.5 mpg depending on the wind. We usually drive between 50-65.
]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2015 08:43:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57652#57652 Maiden Voyage : As far as I know all WDHs... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57651#57651 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5925
Posted: 11 Mar 2015 at 8:35am

As far as I know all WDHs don't need to be disconnected to back up (sway bars do).  Defintely true for the friction types (Equalizer, E2) and cam types (Reese Dual Cam).]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2015 08:35:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57651#57651 Maiden Voyage : Leo B, I notice your tow vehicle... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57646#57646 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 9:18pm

Leo B, I notice your tow vehicle is a Caravan, I am also planning on using my Town and Country with tow pkg to pull the 179. Do you use a WDH and if so do you recommend one over another? I am looking at the new Anderson no sway for the weight and the ability to back up with it but it looks like it could be a pain if you have to disconnect when the plate is not straight with the trailer. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:18:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57646#57646 Maiden Voyage : Thanks, it was a really nice campground.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57640#57640 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 6:51pm

Thanks, it was a really nice campground.]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:51:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57640#57640 Maiden Voyage : Nice photos! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57626#57626 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5925
Posted: 10 Mar 2015 at 6:42am

Nice photos!]]> Tue, 10 Mar 2015 06:42:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57626#57626 Maiden Voyage : Yes they were to big and it was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57614#57614 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:46pm

Yes they were to big and it was taking a while to figure out how to make them smaller and I think maybe I timed out or something. I think I have figured it out though so I am trying again. I must say I am really struggling to figure out Windows 8. My DW captured the 2 Honkers.]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:46:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57614#57614 Maiden Voyage : Congrats on the trip. A small... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57609#57609 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5925
Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:18pm

Congrats on the trip.  A small electric cube heater is the way to go if you have electric hookups.  Are you sure your pictures weren't too big?]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:18:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57609#57609 Maiden Voyage : Well it only took 4-1/2 months... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57606#57606 Author: Joe-n-Terri
Subject: 5925
Posted: 09 Mar 2015 at 9:08pm

Well it only took 4-1/2 months but we got in our maiden voyage this weekend to East Bank Army COE park on Lake Seminole on the Florida/Georgia line. I am extremely happy with this forum as I put to use a lot of the things I have been reading about during the winter. Some of the more important lessons learned are;
1. Windy as all get out the day we left, am definitely investing in WDH with anti sway. Sway wasn't bad but wasn't comfortable either.
2. Pretty chilly the first nut so I think the heater buddy or some other electric heater is in our future.
3. As previously posted definitely taste the water before it goes in anything.
All in all it was a good trip that answered a lot of questions as well as raised a lot of ideas. Got a lot of looks and compliments on the pod. Standing on the hill overlooking the sea of white RV's it kind of stood out. Thanks everyone for all the informative posts it made the trip a big success. We will try to give our positive input as much as possible as well.
Was going to post a pic but after a couple hours of trying to upload a pic to the forum from this new dreaded windows 8.1 the forum decided to deny access to do such a thing so I give up. The dang computer wins again!]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:08:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5925&PID=57606#57606