R-pod Owners Forum : Death Valley https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : Death Valley Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 14:19:40 +0000 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:48:00 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7313 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Death Valley : This is what it says on the Amazon... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68979#68979 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 13 Jan 2016 at 8:48am

This is what it says on the Amazon web site, (it’s Amazons best seller)
StowAway Hitch Tightener
Prevents hitch wobble for hitch racks, bike racks and trailer ball mounts
Easy installation - fits 2" and 1.25" hitches
Heavy duty stainless steel U-bolt and powder coated plate
Will work with most hitch racks, hitch boxes and trailer ball mounts
Made in USA

I have had no problem with mine, it’s very heavy duty. There are others that are only designed only for bike racks. It comes with a stainless steel 3/8" diameter, square bend U bolt

http://www.amazon.com/StowAway-Cargo-Carriers-Hitch-Tightener/dp/B0001CMUV4
]]> Wed, 13 Jan 2016 08:48:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68979#68979 Death Valley : Thanks JandL! I will make the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68969#68969 Author: Rockin the Pod
Subject: 7313
Posted: 12 Jan 2016 at 9:13pm

Thanks JandL!  I will make the time to go out there.  One other question.  I bought a hitch tightener similar to the one in your picture.  The instructions warned that it was only for accessories and not for towing.  I just wonder if it is particular to the one I bought and why it would not recommend it for towing.  Maybe the u-bolt is not of high enough grade material or something.  ???????]]> Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:13:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68969#68969 Death Valley : For Rockin the Pod the road from... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68896#68896 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 10 Jan 2016 at 11:36am

For Rockin the Pod the road from Pahrump Nevada to Death Valley Junction and them to Furnace Creek is a nice drive. Premium gas in Pahrump is $2.39 to $2.62.

For john in Idaho you can go to the Death Valley Natural History Association web site and see the 2 videos they put together about the Largest Flood Event Ever Recorded in Scotty's Castle Area. The road is washed out and they say it may take a year to fix.

http://dvnha.org/news/165-largest-flood-event-ever-recorded-in-scotty-s-castle-area
]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2016 11:36:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68896#68896 Death Valley : Too bad the road to Scotty's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68895#68895 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 7313
Posted: 10 Jan 2016 at 11:06am

Too bad the road to Scotty's castle will be closed for some time.]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2016 11:06:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68895#68895 Death Valley : Great pictures! I have wanted... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68890#68890 Author: Rockin the Pod
Subject: 7313
Posted: 09 Jan 2016 at 8:10pm

Great pictures!  I have wanted to go to death valley for years but never seem to make it.  I think early this spring I will get it done.  I am planning on taking some classes at the Frontsight Firearms school and Death Valley isn't too far from there.  I will be taking my pod to stay in.  Oh, and some extra cash for gas!]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2016 20:10:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68890#68890 Death Valley : Gas in California cost a little... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68818#68818 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 8:39am

Gas in California cost a little more than other states. When I am traveling I look to see if there are any Costco’s along my route, and they are usually close to the freeway. They have the lowest prices for Top Tier premium gas. I also have the app “Gas Buddy” on my phone so I can see where the best prices are. This trip gas was the highest expense because my average mileage was down because of the weather. With gas and overnight camping fees I spent about $62 a day.]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 08:39:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68818#68818 Death Valley : Wow!! Those gas prices are scary.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68785#68785 Author: Commander203
Subject: 7313
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 9:32am

Wow!! Those gas prices are scary. Around Central Texas at the local HEB, we are at $1.56 a gallon. I guess when we hit the road we'll need to prepare for the higher prices.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 09:32:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68785#68785 Death Valley : since buying our Pod. We have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68730#68730 Author: Unclewillis
Subject: 7313
Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 5:58pm

since buying our Pod. We have been enjoying going all over the mojave desert. What great pictures you have. We also wan to try pananmint springs!!]]> Sun, 03 Jan 2016 17:58:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68730#68730 Death Valley : When we were in Death Valley in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68689#68689 Author: Kokopod
Subject: 7313
Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 10:52am

When we were in Death Valley in 2012, we paid $5.65 a gallon for gas at Furnace Creek. We have the picture to prove it!]]> Sat, 02 Jan 2016 10:52:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68689#68689 Death Valley : Great pictures! When we go to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68662#68662 Author: kylekai
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 11:42pm

Great pictures!  When we go to Death Valley, we always camp at the Texas Spring campground.  The reason is "generators are prohibited in Texas Spring Campground."]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 23:42:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68662#68662 Death Valley : I do not have a sway bar or a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68660#68660 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 10:28pm

I do not have a sway bar or a load lifter. I have a StowAway Hitch Tightener that prevents hitch wobble on the trailer ball mount and I drive slower when I am getting a lot of wind on the side of the trailer. I just posted this evening under Topics - “Reviews and General Information” - “Dynamics of Towing” web sites that had some technical articles on Sway (yaw), center of gravity and the distribution of weight in a trailer. They explain why you don’t want to travel with your fresh water tank full in the rear mounted tank in the 177

]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 22:28:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68660#68660 Death Valley : Gas at Costco on the way down... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68659#68659 Author: shroomer
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 10:17pm

Gas at Costco on the way down was $2.48 for premium and in the park it was $4.06 per gallon.

43 years ago, my wife and I drove our VW bus from Mass to LA and back at this time of the year. Gas was $.25/gal in Oklahoma and $.50/gal in Death Valley. I swore I'd never pay that much again!
]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 22:17:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68659#68659 Death Valley : Oops, I tow a 2014 179 pod. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68658#68658 Author: Grayotter
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 9:34pm

Oops, I tow a 2014 179 pod.]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:34:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68658#68658 Death Valley : That is not a friendly slot for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68657#68657 Author: Grayotter
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 9:33pm

That is not a friendly slot for pulling trailers. I'm betting you had a sway bar hooked up. What about a load lifter.  I have a 2014 Ridgeline and it seems like Honda owners manual suggests none be used. What do you think?
Gar
]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 21:33:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68657#68657 Death Valley : Great pictures!! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68655#68655 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 7:52pm

Great pictures!!]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 19:52:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68655#68655 Death Valley : We slowed to 45 MPH because it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68654#68654 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 7:29pm

We slowed to 45 MPH because it was the safe thing to do, even the big rigs slowed down. As we drove farther south the wind shifted more to the west and was blowing on the side of the trailer. After we got by Fresno late in the afternoon the wind was not as strong.

From NOAA for Sunday 13 Dec - Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before 10am, then rain between 10am and 4pm, then a chance of showers after 4pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. High near 55. Windy, with a south wind 29 to 34 mph becoming west 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Here is the link to the big rigs that got blown over on Tuesday 22 Dec, and a screen shot of a travel trailer that got blown over
http://abc7.com/weather/high-winds-topple-big-rigs-on-mojave-desert-freeways/1132371/

]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 19:29:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68654#68654 Death Valley : I had a similar experience when... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68646#68646 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 1:40pm

I had a similar experience when I realized my prior TV (minivan) wasn't going to cut it for long trips across the US. We were driving from MD to FL and encountered many hours of a strong head wind. Could barely do 50 with it floored, and mpg dropped from 12 to 8.]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 13:40:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68646#68646 Death Valley : Those are some wonderful pictures!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68639#68639 Author: kymooses
Subject: 7313
Posted: 30 Dec 2015 at 10:31am

Those are some wonderful pictures!]]> Wed, 30 Dec 2015 10:31:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68639#68639 Death Valley : The third week of December my... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68628#68628 Author: JandL
Subject: 7313
Posted: 29 Dec 2015 at 10:23pm

The third week of December my wife and I headed to Death Valley, in southern California. When we left on Sunday it was raining and we had a 20-30 mph head wind all the way south on Highway 99 to Bakersfield where we spent the night. At times I was driving 45 MPH. My MPG when towing averages 12 MPG but with the head wind I was getting 8 MPG. I had to make an extra stop to fill up, I usually can make Bakersfield with one stop. We stayed at the Orange Grove RV Park with electricity and water for $30 a night. You can pick all the oranges you want. Before heading out the next morning we were watching the morning news and the weatherperson said that school had been canceled in Tehachapi Ca. because of snow. We had to drive thru their on Highway 58 so I checked with Caltrans to see if the pass was opened and their web site said that there were no restrictions, so we took off. Once we got to the other side heading toward the town of Mojave we had sun. From there we headed to Barstow to take Highway 15 to Baker, Ca and then north on Highway 127 (Death Valley Rd). I wanted to try this way into Death Valley even though its 75 miles longer than taking Highway 14 north from Mojave. (We took 14 back). The winds finely died down and at least we had a tail wind. We arrived just as the sun was going down. The Furnace Creek campground is very nice, with my senior discount card you get in to the park for free and full hook ups were only $21 a night (They have 18 full hook up sites). We stayed 6 nights and did a bunch of hikes. It was cold in the morning, usually 35-40F. There are 2 Furnace Creek campgrounds in Death Valley, one is private and it is called Furnace Creek Ranch. The private one is more expensive. Gas at Costco on the way down was $2.48 for premium and in the park it was $4.06 per gallon. We had planned to spend one night at Red Rocks State Park, Ca. off of Highway 14 but decided to drive one more hour to Bakersfield to spend the night. We headed back on Monday with a 10 MPH tail wind for the drive home. On Tuesday my sister sent me this head line from an L.A. news station, LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) At least half a dozen big rigs were knocked over by high winds on Highway 14 Freeway in the Mojave Desert Tuesday morning. (They had gust to 60 MPH).

Orange Grove RV Park, Bakersfield, Ca.


Tehachapi Pass Monday morning Highway 58


Baker Ca., world tallest thermometer off highway 15


Heading north from Baker, Ca on Highway 127 (Death Valley Rd)


Death Valley


Dante's View


Natural Bridge Canyon hike


Harmony Borax Works


Furnace Creek Campground
]]> Tue, 29 Dec 2015 22:23:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7313&PID=68628#68628