R-pod Owners Forum : Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 13:10:30 +0000 Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:49:33 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5994 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : It would seem (http://www.rpod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58467#58467 Author: DataSquid
Subject: 5994
Posted: 02 Apr 2015 at 7:49pm

It would seem (http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4924&PN=1&title=lost-wheel-while-driving) that a torque wrench is also essential day-1 equipment. Haven't decided on what exactly, but will be picking one up.

I also decided on the 400 / 4,000 lb. Equal-i-zer Sway Control Hitch. Seems to offer the right mix of capacity, control, cost, and ease of install (no drilling!).

In case anyone's keeping score :)]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2015 19:49:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58467#58467 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Hello DataSquid, As Ron mentioned,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58274#58274 Author: DavidW
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 6:16pm

Hello DataSquid,

As Ron mentioned, we are having a FROG Rendez-vous at Ferris Prov. Pk. nr. Brighton ON from June 4-7th. It's a relatively easy and shortish drive from Waterloo and would be a great opportunity for you to meet other R-Podders and other Forest River Owners. Of the 43 campsites about 14 are filled by R-Podders.

If you hurry, you should be able to snag an electrical site #12 which just became free and which is for "under 25 ft" trailers. That's why some of the bigger RVs on the waiting list have been unable to book it.

I think that you will find that the back-in sites at campgrounds actually are properly oriented for your door. It's usually the drive-through sites that cause difficulty when you pull in from the wrong direction.

Hope to meet you in June. For more information check out the Events/Campout page or email me at rpod@wray-canada.com]

Cheers and welcome,

David
]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 18:16:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58274#58274 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : My VISA is melting... OK, I think... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58272#58272 Author: DataSquid
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 5:38pm

My VISA is melting... OK, I think this should be the end of it for day-1 prep:

BAL Light Trailer Tire Leveller
15/20A->30A dogbone
50A->30A dogbone
25' 30A extension cord.]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 17:38:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58272#58272 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Originally posted by ron_whittDon't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58271#58271 Author: DataSquid
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 4:13pm

Originally posted by ron_whitt

Don't use the 4 stablerizers to level the pod, these are only for keeping the trailer from rocking. We started with the lego blocks for leveling, and this year I have bought the BAL leveler, some folks use the Anderson leveling system.


Ah, because if you're using the stabilizers to level you're just compressing the axel springs. Which probably isn't good. Thanks, I'll look into this, and the rally!]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:13:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58271#58271 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Thanks for all the tips. Have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58270#58270 Author: DataSquid
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 4:05pm

Thanks for all the tips. Have my orders into a localish online autoparts place and Amazon for everything suggested plus:

levelling jack pads
a water bandit
fresh water pressure regulator
small dish rack+tray
water tank filler tube/valve.

I don't feel so unprepared now :) If I understand correctly, battery/tray/box is all dealer-supplied, so I'll wait and see what's needed in terms of a terminal fuse/disconnect (didn't think to look closely yesterday).

I've given up the idea of manoeuvring the R-Pod into position at site by hand; if it doesn't look like I can drive it into the correct orientation, we'll pass on the site.

Glad there's been no reaction to my not going with the weight distribution/anti-sway hitch day-1. It's the decision giving me the most stress.]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 16:05:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58270#58270 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Dan, we are from Ottawa, congrats... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58269#58269 Author: ron_whitt
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 3:54pm

Dan, we are from Ottawa, congrats and welcome you'll love this forum. We went from tent/canoeing to podding/canoeing. Also first time travel trailer. I know where your coming from. Don't use the 4 stablerizers to level the pod, these are only for keeping the trailer from rocking. We started with the lego blocks for leveling, and this year I have bought the BAL leveler, some folks use the Anderson leveling system. Go online, ask here or the facebook page what folks use and the pros and cons then decide for yourself, that's what I did.
Also there is a FROG rally at Ferris Prov park near Cambellford On. Check it out and come visit us. David Wray is hosting you can get in touch with him. Most of the pods are in the valleyview campground, but there are 2 of us in the bedrock campground.. come visit. :)
]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 15:54:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58269#58269 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Originally posted by DataSquidHello... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58264#58264 Author: Guests
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 2:03pm

Originally posted by DataSquid

Hello from glorious Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

This site has been a great resource (and also great for buyers remorse, reading about all the issues/shortcomings of the product line, but that's true for every consumer forum). One thing I haven't seen in terms of a checklist yet is a "beginners guide" for things to buy. Would rather get advice here than from the dealer so I can get the essentials online in advance. E.g. is it going to come with chalks?

Another quick question: We're browsing parks/sites to plan our summer. Some of the sites fit for an 18' trailer don't really seem to be feasible, e.g. if you back in, you're going to have the door on the wrong side. I've seen a picture or two of people setup on site here where it looks almost like they hand-positioned the trailer. Is that feasible?

Thanks! Dan and Anik.


I second the motion of not trying to move the camper. I can envision bad things, maybe hurtful things happening.

A lot of Dealers offer a "starter kit". However, you can get most everything you need at Walmart:
wheel chocks - 4 are best
fresh water hose (usually white in color) - at least 25'
waste (dump) hose
black tank chemical/deodorant
RV bathroom tissue

You'll need some things that you probably already have, like cookware, towels, etc. A good suggestion that I have heard is to "camp" in your driveway for a night and you will find out all of the stuff that you will need.

Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of RVing/camping!
]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 14:03:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58264#58264 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Welcome. You must be very careful... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58260#58260 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 1:47pm

Welcome.  You must be very careful when moving a trailer by hand.  The surface needs to be perfectly level or it will quickly get away from you.]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 13:47:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58260#58260 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : I was the same way. When we got... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58251#58251 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 10:46am

I was the same way. When we got our first trailer we towed it to our mall parking lot an practices for an couple of hours. After that we haven't had any problems with backing or towing. The trailer is light enough so if I have to move it by hand ,I can .
The thing I like is when towing the pod follows the track of the vehicle nice and tight, as we tow down I-95 a lot through NYC etc, 
My suggestion is when you pick up your pod, make sure they show and demonstrate everything from the fridge and stove to the heater and ac, the tv and radio systems, water system, inspect the interior for dings and damage.

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 10:46:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58251#58251 Diving in to travel trailers with a 179 : Hello from glorious Waterloo,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58250#58250 Author: DataSquid
Subject: 5994
Posted: 29 Mar 2015 at 10:32am

Hello from glorious Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

My wife and I are less-frequent-than-we'd-like-to-be tent and portage campers. We're just not built/up to it as much anymore, but do like to travel.

About 2 years ago we selected our latest vehicle (Audi Q5 TDI) with the hope of one day getting a trailer. That day was yesterday. (Well, yesterday we put down the deposit on a 2015 179; it was on the lot, in the colour we liked, had all the options she wanted [and I didn't], so it was a done deal).

The tow package is being installed by the Audi dealer next week, and we'll probably do PDI and take delivery of the trailer early May. A Tekonsha 90250 Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control is on the way to help make things stop :)

I have no experience with trailers. I'm not particularly looking forward to driving it. I've got a hunch we'll probably want a weight distribution/anti-sway thingy before we go cross-country, but I figure we'll make it through the first few in-province trips without issue.

This site has been a great resource (and also great for buyers remorse, reading about all the issues/shortcomings of the product line, but that's true for every consumer forum). One thing I haven't seen in terms of a checklist yet is a "beginners guide" for things to buy. Would rather get advice here than from the dealer so I can get the essentials online in advance. E.g. is it going to come with chalks?

Another quick question: We're browsing parks/sites to plan our summer. Some of the sites fit for an 18' trailer don't really seem to be feasible, e.g. if you back in, you're going to have the door on the wrong side. I've seen a picture or two of people setup on site here where it looks almost like they hand-positioned the trailer. Is that feasible?

Thanks! Dan and Anik.]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2015 10:32:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5994&PID=58250#58250