R-pod Owners Forum : Soon-to-be new owner http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Soon-to-be new owner Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 00:43:10 +0000 Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:47:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7255 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Soon-to-be new owner : I should have thought of that.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68285#68285 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 9:47pm

I should have thought of that. After watching "Up," it was logical.]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 21:47:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68285#68285 Soon-to-be new owner : Nope.. it's "SQUIRREL!!"... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68281#68281 Author: furpod
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 8:41pm

Nope.. it's "SQUIRREL!!"

In fact at one of the big rallies a couple years ago, all the podders who frequent FB, brought stuffed squirrels, so they could interrupt conversation at any time, by throwing down their squirrel.. LOL

Now.. if some one drops a question about lug nut torque, 3 pages into a discussion about dual propane tank mods and Ford Mustang suspension, they will usually be asked to start a new thread, mostly because non-interested readers will stop once the torque question is answered, and not see the later pod question.. and most pods built to date, don't have an outside shower.. That's a new option, started in 2015 models. We actually this year, have put a pressure gauge on the free side of the WYE, since I added an outside shower to our pod.
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 20:41:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68281#68281 Soon-to-be new owner : The filter and pressure regulator... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68280#68280 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 6:10pm

The filter and pressure regulator were two of the miscellaneous items already purchased. Smile Since we don't have pets, I will probably not need the extra tap. If I need it really bad, I guess I could use the outside shower for that purpose.

Would that facebook name by any chance be rabbit chasing?
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 18:10:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68280#68280 Soon-to-be new owner : May I suggest a water pressure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68279#68279 Author: furpod
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 4:43pm

May I suggest a water pressure regulator and a filter. Campground water can very from 1 to 160 psi.. and it's often a bit funky tasting.. We set up with a WYE, then the pressure regulator, filter, and then hose to the pod.Using the WYE means we can still get water from that tap for dog bowls or what have you..

Edit.. also, yes, as long as things stay civil, many a thread has wandered with no issues. Heck the facebook group has a name for it when it happens.. Wink
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 16:43:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68279#68279 Soon-to-be new owner : Okay. I have been in other forums... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68276#68276 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 1:13pm

Okay. I have been in other forums where opinions ranging too far from the topic of the forum ended up having to be locked by the moderator(s), especially when it got into opinions. Shocked

As long as it is okay then, I withdraw my suggestion. Thanks.
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:13:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68276#68276 Soon-to-be new owner : Stephen, posts here are a conversation,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68275#68275 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 1:00pm

Stephen, posts here are a conversation, and frequently have information and opinions that are not strictly on point with the original post.That is part of the charm of this community. 
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 13:00:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68275#68275 Soon-to-be new owner : However, Consumer Reports (or... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68274#68274 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 12:25pm

However, Consumer Reports (or opinions about them) is not the purpose of my original post. Since this has wandered far afield, it would be best to continue those type discussions separately in the appropriate forum.

Things are shaping up for us to pick up our R-Pod on Monday. I already have purchased two six-volt batteries, two boxes, and the jumper cable needed to replace the single twelve-volt battery. I will get a credit for that which will pay for the battery upgrade. Smile

Additional items purchased in anticipation are a memory foam mattress topper and a ten piece set of Magma nesting cookware. We got the induction cooking version as we do have a small induction cooktop purchased when it was on sale at Aldi's.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B99RJS2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Also purchased a proper drinking water hose, Andersen 3604 camper leveler, and some other miscellaneous parts. First thing after we get home will be to add a 12 volt outlet and to try to put in a shelf above the bed.
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 12:25:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68274#68274 Soon-to-be new owner : They certainly sell a lot of magazines... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68272#68272 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 11:53am

They certainly sell a lot of magazines and have a very big following.  There is a saying about opinions and everyone having one.  Safe Travels.]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 11:53:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68272#68272 Soon-to-be new owner : Originally posted by Old Dingo&Mrs.DingoI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68270#68270 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7255
Posted: 05 Dec 2015 at 9:55am

Originally posted by Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo

I personally never gave much weight to Consumer Reports automobile evaluations ever since they rated the diesel powered Oldsmobiles of the '70s over the Mercedes 300D and the Peugeot 604 for both value and reliability.  I've had no problems with my several Jeeps dating back to 1976.  IMHP Consumer Reports should stick to toasters.  


Consumer reports killed a product we manufactured for problems we could not duplicate, no owners ever reported, and they would not tell us how they tested it to give the symptoms.  I lost respect for them and still don't give them much attention.
]]> Sat, 05 Dec 2015 09:55:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68270#68270 Soon-to-be new owner : I use my Mom's old Singer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68249#68249 Author: fwunder
Subject: 7255
Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 5:34pm

I use my Mom's old Singer Sewing Machine to break rocks! I'm sure Binford stole the idea for the 25HP Binford 5000 Hammer Drill!! HRRRR - HHRRRR - HRRRRRRRRR

fred
]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2015 17:34:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68249#68249 Soon-to-be new owner : Originally posted by fwunder Not... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68242#68242 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7255
Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 3:44pm

Originally posted by fwunder


Not surprising they are gone. Look what they were eating...and driving!


Yeah, those sewing machines are a bit chewy and don't go down very well.]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2015 15:44:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68242#68242 Soon-to-be new owner : Ford PintoI had one of those.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68235#68235 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 10:31am

Ford Pinto

I had one of those. I got it around the same time as one of my classmates got a Chevy Vega. Within a few months, his Vega was covered with rust spots (western New York). My Pinto did quite well until our honeymoon, when we had a close encounter of the wrong kind with a flat bed semi, which shaved the front end off (in front of the radiator) and bent the front from the windshield on forward. We thank God that we survived to tell this story. We were shaken up, but not injured. Nothing inside the car was damaged, but the car was totalled. If we had gotten to that intersection a second earlier . . . .

Things are falling into place for us to pick up our R-Pod on Monday. I purchased the 6V batteries and the boxes along with the jumper cable needed to connect them in series. The credit for the 12V battery will pay for the upgrade. It is definitely less expensive for me to supply the batteries than to have the dealer get them. I could get a 10% military discount at Batteries & Bulbs (AKA Batteries +) that I wouldn't have been able to get at the dealer. (U.S Army Retired, 26 years). Smile
]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2015 10:31:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68235#68235 Soon-to-be new owner : Originally posted by techntrek...I'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68234#68234 Author: fwunder
Subject: 7255
Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 9:57am

Originally posted by techntrek

...I'm sure the crew that did reviews in the 70's is long gone... Embarrassed

Not surprising they are gone. Look what they were eating...and driving!! LOL


]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2015 09:57:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68234#68234 Soon-to-be new owner : It's what makes this country... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68233#68233 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 7255
Posted: 04 Dec 2015 at 12:01am

It's what makes this country great.  We are all entitled to our opinion.  Safe Travels.]]> Fri, 04 Dec 2015 00:01:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68233#68233 Soon-to-be new owner : LOL, I don't think they have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68231#68231 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7255
Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 8:42pm

LOL, I don't think they have been that bad over the years.  I'm sure the crew that did reviews in the 70's is long gone... Embarrassed]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 20:42:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68231#68231 Soon-to-be new owner : I personally never gave much weight... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68230#68230 Author: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Subject: 7255
Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 7:48pm

I personally never gave much weight to Consumer Reports automobile evaluations ever since they rated the diesel powered Oldsmobiles of the '70s over the Mercedes 300D and the Peugeot 604 for both value and reliability.  I've had no problems with my several Jeeps dating back to 1976.  IMHP Consumer Reports should stick to toasters.  ]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 19:48:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68230#68230 Soon-to-be new owner : Before you decide to buy a jeep,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68228#68228 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 7255
Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 5:56pm

Before you decide to buy a jeep, take a look at Consumer Reports.  They were not overly fond of the Jeep.  Safe Travels.]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 17:56:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68228#68228 Soon-to-be new owner : Thanks. I was planning on hitting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68227#68227 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 10:26am

Thanks. I was planning on hitting up scales at the first opportunity after we pick it up.]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 10:26:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68227#68227 Soon-to-be new owner : Be careful of overloading the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68226#68226 Author: Pod People
Subject: 7255
Posted: 03 Dec 2015 at 9:57am

Be careful of overloading the tow vehicle also-check the sticker on the driver's door to find out the total weight allowed and weight of cargo.  remember that anything you put in or on the vehicle (people, fuel, luggage, tongue weight,etc) are all part of the gross vehicle weight.  It's not hard to overweight the vehicle pretty quickly.  Before any trip, we go to the county dump and weigh our rig completely.  a set of scales is the only way to really know what we are doing.

Let me know when you will be be in Chapel Hill

Vann
]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2015 09:57:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68226#68226 Soon-to-be new owner : We'll have to see how it... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68223#68223 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 10:01pm

We'll have to see how it performs. I appreciate the advice about the tanks. I was thinking of going light on the first trip. I already was thinking about using the T.V. for items. With an equalizer hitch, I'm not sure how much of a difference it would make.]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 22:01:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68223#68223 Soon-to-be new owner : Originally posted by StephenHWhile... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68222#68222 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:55pm

Originally posted by StephenH

While the R-Pod specifications indicate that the frontal area is > 30 sq. ft, the shape should help. It isn't a vertical slab like some of the other options we looked at such as the Starcraft AR-One or the KZ Spree Escape, which while not vertical were much more so than the rounded shape of the R-Pod. 

FR likes to infer it is an advantage, but we've all learned that isn't true.  Once you get above 50-55 mph you hit a brick wall.

Ford does recommend using premium gasoline when towing. I have been filling with premium in preparation for picking it up so the engine can develop the maximum power instead of being down tuned for regular gas.

No need to buy premium until the tank that you will tow with.  The variable valve and knock-sensing systems are constantly checking for and adjusting for multiple variables including the fuel.

I think if I can watch the weight, that will also help. The RP-179 has a dry weight of 2,630 lbs. If I can keep the loaded weight under the 3,500 lbs (well under, I hope), that should also help.

I always throw up a big warning for 3500 pound rated vehicles that will be towing the heaviest pods like that one.  Pack light and do not tow with any of the tanks full.  Maybe a few gallons of water to wash hands and flush while you are on the road but that's it.  Rule of thumb is with your stuff and a full tank of water you'll add 1000 pounds, and you need to stay below that.  Put some heavier things in the TV if you can.
]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 21:55:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68222#68222 Soon-to-be new owner : Vann,Thanks. We go to Chapel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68220#68220 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:33pm

Vann,

Thanks. We go to Chapel Hill when my wife has appointments at the UNC Medical Center. It will be good to compare notes.

Edit:  I just looked at some of your mods. I have some ideas, but will need to get the R-Pod first and see what ideas I can use. I already know I need to add a 12 volt outlet. I also would like a shelf above the bed to hold things like my CPAP machine, our cell phones, etc. I need to find out how to mount a shelf.
]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 21:33:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68220#68220 Soon-to-be new owner : We are also in North Carolina-Chapel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68219#68219 Author: Pod People
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 8:57pm

We are also in North Carolina-Chapel Hill actually.  We also bought from Country Roads RV-Jeff Zimmerman was very fair and honest with us. Tell him I said "Hello" when you pick up your new unit.

We also looked at Casita and Scamp and decided on the RPod-so glad we did.  Its been a great trailer for us.

Let me know if I can help with local questions.  There is a lot of great info on this forum-read it and ask questions.
travel safe
Vann
]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 20:57:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68219#68219 Soon-to-be new owner : With the factory towing package,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68215#68215 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 9:07am

With the factory towing package, the frontal area consideration is 30 sq. ft. The base vehicle area is 20 sq. ft. Ford's towing guide says that exceeding the frontal area specs may decrease performance of the tow vehicle.  While the R-Pod specifications indicate that the frontal area is > 30 sq. ft, the shape should help. It isn't a vertical slab like some of the other options we looked at such as the Starcraft AR-One or the KZ Spree Escape, which while not vertical were much more so than the rounded shape of the R-Pod. This seems to be the best option for now, especially since we just upgraded the Escape and are in no position to trade vehicles.

I will certainly keep an eye on things and report how it works once we pick it up and get some real-world experience. Ford does recommend using premium gasoline when towing. I have been filling with premium in preparation for picking it up so the engine can develop the maximum power instead of being down tuned for regular gas.

I think if I can watch the weight, that will also help. The RP-179 has a dry weight of 2,630 lbs. If I can keep the loaded weight under the 3,500 lbs (well under, I hope), that should also help.
]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 09:07:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68215#68215 Soon-to-be new owner : Stephen, Ford Motor Company has... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68213#68213 Author: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Subject: 7255
Posted: 02 Dec 2015 at 7:45am

Stephen, Ford Motor Company has a tow "rating", for their vehicles, that refers to total frontal area as well as weight, you might want to look at it before you pull the trigger.  I considered a Escape, I really liked the "high tech" aspect of the EcoBoost, but went home with a hemi powered Grand Cherokee instead.]]> Wed, 02 Dec 2015 07:45:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68213#68213 Soon-to-be new owner : Unfortunately, I did lose money.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68211#68211 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:46pm

Unfortunately, I did lose money. Angry I should have seen the red flags, but I didn't.

I contacted the dealer (Country Roads RV Center in Lexington, NC). It is not too late to get the battery upgrade, and the preliminary quote I got sounds reasonable. This way too, I should get the proper size cases for the six-volt batteries. I'm glad I didn't wait until we got there to pick it up to ask. Smile
]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2015 22:46:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68211#68211 Soon-to-be new owner : Welcome. Hopefully you didn't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68205#68205 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7255
Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:12pm

Welcome.  Hopefully you didn't lose any money on the Casita that wasn't.  If you already had the 12 volt battery I would say just get another like it and use it for the next 5-6 years.  ]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2015 22:12:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68205#68205 Soon-to-be new owner : Thanks. I would not have thought... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68195#68195 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 10:58am

Thanks. I would not have thought about that. I'll contact them soon as I finish this message. Smile]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2015 10:58:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68195#68195 Soon-to-be new owner : Using two 6V golf cart batteries... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68194#68194 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7255
Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 9:52am

Using two 6V golf cart batteries will provide 30%-40% more capacity than two Gp 24 twelve volt batteries. The battery is usually a dealer installed item and is the cheapest one from his stock. If you can contact the dealer before you pick up the camper you may be able to negotiate a swap for two good 6V golf cart batteries. Many dealers supply Interstate batteries and they make a good golfer. He should give you some credit for the 12V battery you paid for and you don't have to dispose of the new/unused battery.  In any case make sure the rack on the RPOd will accomodate two 6V golfers with cases. ]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2015 09:52:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68194#68194 Soon-to-be new owner : Thanks for the advice. I would... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68193#68193 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7255
Posted: 01 Dec 2015 at 9:23am

Thanks for the advice. I would like to go the 6 volt route, but will initially need to go with a second battery like the first. If batteries hold overnight, that will be adequate for the first trips. While we are at our daughters'  houses, we should be able to hook up to AC and while we are on the road, they will get a T.V. charge during the day.

My CPAP does use 12V. The power brick supplies that 12V but battery supply should be fine as long as I don't try to power the humidifier also. The concern, of course, is the furnace. If we keep the temperature setting low, it should reduce the power needed We will just have extra blankets. Other than that, we will need to charge cell phones, but again, that can be done during the day while we are travelling.

If I were to get two 6V batteries, what could be done with the 12V battery that will come with the R-Pod? I don't have a boat with which to use it. It would be too good to recycle.
]]> Tue, 01 Dec 2015 09:23:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7255&PID=68193#68193