R-pod Owners Forum : 4 Tongue mods on 178 https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : 4 Tongue mods on 178 Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 30 May 2026 15:07:21 +0000 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 19:31:35 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=6202 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Did you have to move the dual... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=102246#102246 Author: Tripper
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 7:31pm

Did you have to move the dual propane tank holder closer to the tongue to miss the levelers bracket on the frame? I am going to do this to mine and cut the welds on the single tank holder. ]]> Fri, 17 Nov 2017 19:31:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=102246#102246 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I was considering adding a tank... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=95745#95745 Author: rawest50
Subject: 6202
Posted: 30 Jun 2017 at 7:52am

I was considering adding a tank but never researched how. Thanks for the link. Looks like a pretty simple mod.

Did you purchase the two tank regulator?]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2017 07:52:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=95745#95745 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Originally posted by Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=95742#95742 Author: bigcat
Subject: 6202
Posted: 29 Jun 2017 at 6:13pm

Originally posted by

Originally posted by J-Cat

Really nice job. It may just be the perspective of the photo but it looks like the Equalizer torsion bar under the spare tire would be a pain to access to get in place. 

It's actually not bad at all. 

I like this option for the spare tire mount. Do you need to remove the spare tire from the holder when hooking up the Equalizer bars? 
]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2017 18:13:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=95742#95742 4 Tongue mods on 178 : How do you access the load leveler... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66743#66743 Author: Duag
Subject: 6202
Posted: 05 Oct 2015 at 11:05am

How do you access the load leveler bars with the spare installed? It seems like it would be difficult?


TIA]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2015 11:05:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66743#66743 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Welcome J. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66140#66140 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6202
Posted: 19 Sep 2015 at 8:38pm

Welcome J.]]> Sat, 19 Sep 2015 20:38:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66140#66140 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Can you attach the sway bar when... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66100#66100 Author: mcclurey
Subject: 6202
Posted: 18 Sep 2015 at 2:32pm

Can you attach the sway bar when the tire is mounted? Is their enough room if you have to use tool?]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:32:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66100#66100 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Thanks for including all the parts... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66090#66090 Author: jeffp1105
Subject: 6202
Posted: 18 Sep 2015 at 12:51am

Thanks for including all the parts on Amazon.

What's your new tongue weight with the tire and full propane tanks?

Thanks
J
]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:51:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=66090#66090 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Nice job. I mounted mine in the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=64117#64117 Author: mcclurey
Subject: 6202
Posted: 31 Jul 2015 at 9:42pm

Nice job.  I mounted mine in the bed.  My wife likes to sleep with it. LOL]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2015 21:42:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=64117#64117 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I added 1-½ block of PT wood... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=63131#63131 Author: Guests
Subject: 6202
Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 9:09am

I added 1-½ block of PT wood and that gave enough room for my Equalizer 4point Wdh anti sway bar. 
The bar actually is under the tire mount. 
 


]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2015 09:09:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=63131#63131 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Nice work! Do you know how much... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=63128#63128 Author: hammockmadness
Subject: 6202
Posted: 10 Jul 2015 at 8:45am

Nice work!  Do you know how much room there is between the inside of the spare and the frame?  I have a Blue Ox hitch which may make it a little more difficult to operate.  I suppose you could add a thicker spacer to bring it out a little further from the frame.]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2015 08:45:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=63128#63128 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Hello Techntrek, I like it that... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61974#61974 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 11:41am

Hello Techntrek,
I like it that we both can be right. As far as my wife is concerned I am never right--but then again if something goes wrong, it is always her fault.   Our unwritten pact has been working for almost 25 years, so I am not going to mess with it.
Thank you for calling FR for verification.   I have the 178 on hold pending the final inspection, which will include weighing and a tongue weight. FR doesn't weight the tongue at the factory. Interesting tidbit on the RDome, but I can understand their reasoning. It is just good to know the parameters. I will report back on my weight findings next week after the final inspection and hopefully purchase.
Armed with this knowledge, I will feel comfortable on the field of battle.   Why do I say that?   After a life in the marine industry with occasional crossovers into the RV industry and due to my initial buying experience, I do not trust any RV manufacturers. This is not saying they are dishonest, but I do think they are at least sloppy, in their procedures. Seems though, that FR is better than most and by a large amount.
Thanks again for your help.
PODSKI]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:41:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61974#61974 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I'm surprised to see... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61971#61971 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6202
Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 11:11am

I'm surprised to see that camper is still intact.  Usually in roll-overs the camper shreds like toilet paper and it - and your stuff - gets strewn like confetti all over the road.]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:11:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61971#61971 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I called FR and the answer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61970#61970 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6202
Posted: 18 Jun 2015 at 11:08am

I called FR and the answer is "it depends".  If certain options are part of the original order from the dealer they will be included in the UVW on the placard.  This can include the A/C, risers and microwave.  But, all of those items can be installed at the dealer post-order and then they won't be in the UVW (by ordering a pod "naked"). 
 
The propane tank is installed at FR but w/o propane so only the tank itself is in the UVW.  The battery and propane is done by the dealer.  Other options such as the bike rack and Dome aren't considered to be part of the camper so aren't in the UVW.
 
Bottom line, the UVW is a rough estimate and you really need to weigh it to be sure what your starting point is.
 
So, I'm right and you are right - depending.  Wink
]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:08:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61970#61970 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Maybe an Xterra or a Pilot?Uh... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61958#61958 Author: Meerpod
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 8:14pm

Maybe an Xterra or a Pilot?
Uh oh I have an Xterra
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 20:14:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61958#61958 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Wow! Ouch! big trailer with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61952#61952 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:29pm

Wow! Ouch! big trailer with weight distribution hitch and what kind of TV. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 19:29:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61952#61952 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Originally posted by bobditch Damn!!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61951#61951 Author: Pooterpod
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:22pm

Originally posted by bobditch

Damn!! I hate it when that happens. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 19:22:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61951#61951 4 Tongue mods on 178 : https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61945#61945 Author: Guests
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 4:00pm

]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:00:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61945#61945 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Unless they are added at the factory.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61943#61943 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 3:33pm

Unless they are added at the factory.]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:33:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61943#61943 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I'm not sure what I got... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61942#61942 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 3:24pm

I'm not sure what I got wrong.  Yes the sticker shows you the weight at the factory, but I have always seen agreement that the items I listed are added at the dealer.]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 15:24:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61942#61942 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Hello fwunder, I also use a bath... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61927#61927 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 1:04pm

Hello fwunder,
I also use a bath scale. One that has a max of 400 lbs works and I can use the "lever" method if the tongue weight goes over that. But I do not plan on exceeding 400 lbs. tongue weight.
PODSKI]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 13:04:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61927#61927 4 Tongue mods on 178 : High Podski,It's pretty... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61926#61926 Author: fwunder
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 12:49pm

High Podski,

It's pretty easy to accurately measure your your tongue weight with an inexpensive bathroom scale.

This was my experiment and results.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6228&KW=scale&PID=60128&title=tongue-weight-redux

fred
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:49:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61926#61926 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Hello again Techntrec, Please... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61925#61925 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 12:25pm

Hello again Techntrec,
Please disregard my request for information on the standard. I searched for it and found SAE J2807. So far voluntary and while for all tow vehicles, it looks like the Big Three are only doing it for trucks thus far. Still this is a step in the right direction, but I doubt it will give impetus to US manufacturers applying it to all vehicles they build at least not in the US. Why bother rating a car for towing, when you can sell a more expensive truck or suv.
My opinion of course,
PODSKI]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:25:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61925#61925 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Hello Techntrek, I was wondering... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61923#61923 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 12:03pm

Hello Techntrek,
I was wondering when you would jump in on this one. What you have stated is not quite accurate. The weight on the trailer as shipped from the factory is reflected in the weight sticker on each trailer. The one I am considering has a weight posted of 2632 which is unique to that trailer an unlike the other ones on the dealer's lot. I made it a point to check this as I my present trailer is over the certified weight. This weight sticker is required by 49CFR and includes the options from the factory but not any dealer installed items. Of course the trailer is dry no water.   I believe that this weight is also to include the full load (20 lbs.) of propane, but there seems to be some confusion on that issue. In the comments to the proposed rules in 49CFR the RV industry seemed to indicate that the propane should be included. Whatever the propane is only 20 lbs.
As far as the tongue weight, that is not mentioned. I weighed the tongue on an alike equipped 178 on the dealers lot and it weighed in at 271 lbs and the weight sticker was 2638. These weights are without battery, propane, water, or owners gear but do include options which were AC, TV, Microwave.
I don't know about other folks, but in my experience we carry with water in the tank and heater (300 lbs.), about 900 lbs. That puts my total weight just over 3500 lbs for the trailer.   I have calculated where I plan to put weight and conservatively estimate that my tongue weight will be about 350 lbs. Without any fresh water that tongue weight would rise to more than 450 lbs because all of the fresh water would be located behind the axle. As we would use water enroute to our destination (we dry camp at WalMart enroute)we would transfer water to just behind the axle (grey tank) and just in front of the axle (black tank). This is all assuming a 178. So as we travel our tongue weight would increase slightly over our approximate 350 lbs assuming most of the solids would go into the black tank and the liquids into the grey.
Anyway, that is my story so far and I am sticking to it.
Can you enlighten me on the new tow rating standards? Are these federal or RVIA. Any links to this info?
Thanks for your input and the forum. It has helped me make a decision and I will soon own an RPOD 178.
PODSKI]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:03:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61923#61923 4 Tongue mods on 178 : I've said here before,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61919#61919 Author: techntrek
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 9:44am

I've said here before, if you have a TV with a 3500 pound tow rating the heavier pods like the 178 are extremely marginal.  Don't carry water in any of the tanks (maybe a gallon or two for on-the-road bathroom use) and keep heavier stuff like antigravity chairs in the TV.
 
Remember that the actual weight (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) shown on the pod is the weight at the factory before add-ons - for the 178 that is 2535 pounds.  A/C, propane tank, battery, Dome, sewer hose, water hose aren't included and add several hundred pounds.  Then add  clothes, food, drinks, camping accessories like chairs and you have hundreds more.  With your typical camper you can expect to add 800-1000 pounds above the UVW.  Which is why carrying tanks full of water can never happen with a 3500 tow rating.
 
I agree that US tow ratings (and even the ratings in other countries) are much too low compared to actual capability and safety.  Hopefully the new tow rating standards that just went into effect for all manufacturers will fix that.  Until then, loading above your listed ratings can leave you with no insurance payout and lawsuits if you get into an accident.
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 09:44:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61919#61919 4 Tongue mods on 178 : Podders, And as the debate rages... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61908#61908 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 8:56am

Podders,
And as the debate rages on, I add this link. http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2008/02/the-great-american-anti-towing-conspiracy/
PODSKI]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 08:56:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61908#61908 4 Tongue mods on 178 : looking great. pictures very helpful... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61892#61892 Author: D. K. CAMPERS
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 7:08am

looking great. pictures very helpful]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 07:08:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61892#61892 4 Tongue mods on 178 : A good inspiration for me, thanks! ... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61889#61889 Author: Marx
Subject: 6202
Posted: 17 Jun 2015 at 6:53am

A good inspiration for me, thanks!
]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2015 06:53:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61889#61889 4 Tongue mods on 178 : BobDitch, An interesting calculator... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61865#61865 Author: PODSKI
Subject: 6202
Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 7:46pm

BobDitch,
An interesting calculator and fun to use. I don't agree with the safety factor entry as I believe the ratings provided for both TT's and TV's already have a safety factor built in. A class II hitch therefore is rated at 3500 max and 350 tongue.   As far as the weight capacity of the trailer goes it does not matter if that exceeds the tow capacity of the TV as long as the trailer is only loaded to the TV's capacity considering both tongue weight and pulling weight. ]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2015 19:46:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61865#61865 4 Tongue mods on 178 : This may help:Travel Trailer Weight... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61856#61856 Author: Guests
Subject: 6202
Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 5:28pm

This may help:


Travel Trailer Weight Calculator



The primary purpose of this calculator is to answer the question: "How heavy a travel trailer can I tow?"


http://changingears.com/rv-sec-calc-trailer-weight-tt.shtml

]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:28:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61856#61856 4 Tongue mods on 178 : My concern would be your tow capacity... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61855#61855 Author: Guests
Subject: 6202
Posted: 16 Jun 2015 at 5:19pm

My concern would be your tow capacity of 3500 lbs and the GVWR of the 178 is 3745 lbs.]]> Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:19:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6202&PID=61855#61855