R-pod Owners Forum : Black tank fell from r-pod http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Black tank fell from r-pod Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:28 +0000 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 21:04:17 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7558 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Black tank fell from r-pod : I believe weight is a VERY minor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105081#105081 Author: furpod
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 9:04pm

I believe weight is a VERY minor issue. Aerodynamics is THE issue. When we got the Lance, we towed over a couple of long trips we had detailed numbers for from the previous couple years. The Lance, which weighs almost twice as much as the Pod, we got about 1-2% different, calculated MPG. That's easily within the weather/traffic variable.

The best mileage towing a TT we ever got was the Airstream, and at 34 feet and 7000lbs, it was also the largest/longest/heaviest of our 3 TTs. But it was the best, aerodynamically. We averaged about 2 MPG more then either the Pod or the Lance.
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 21:04:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105081#105081 Black tank fell from r-pod : Totally agree with ronahue and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105080#105080 Author: jato
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 8:34pm

Totally agree with ronahue and geewizard.  We boondock most of the time so 300 lbs for good well water is a given.  As far as mileage is concerned, I have recorded a 5 hr trip in Michigan where one way I carried 300 gallons of water and on the way home, returned empty.  Zero difference in mileage and as far as elevation goes, no difference there either.]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:34:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105080#105080 Black tank fell from r-pod : Originally posted by ronahueI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105074#105074 Author: geewizard
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 2:32pm

Originally posted by ronahue

I usually travel with a full fresh water tank and an empty black water tank. I learned while travelling through Alberta, BC, Yukon and Alaska last year that potable water and dump stations can be difficult to find at state, provincial and some national parks.   


Same reason for me.
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 14:32:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105074#105074 Black tank fell from r-pod : Originally posted by mcarterGeewizard, To... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105073#105073 Author: geewizard
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 2:31pm

Originally posted by mcarter

Geewizard,

To me it's just a matter of haulin around extra weight. I don't travel with waste and I don't travel with 300 lbs of water. I'm already getting crummy gas mileage. As far as using them like intended, they HOLD water and waste, they put drains on them for a reason. Also I don't have facilities at house to dump black and gray tanks. End of the day, to each their own. My choice is not to travel with tanks loaded. As always there will be a lot of opinions.


I think we do different types of camping.  I do a fair amount of boondocking so hauling 300 lbs of water is just part of the deal.  And hauling black and gray water back to the nearest dump facility is also part of the deal.

Yessir, lots of options and thankful for that.
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 14:31:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105073#105073 Black tank fell from r-pod : What? Me worry? NahhhI just see... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105072#105072 Author: lostagain
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 1:56pm

What? Me worry?  Nahhh 

I just see so many with newer Pods fighting tanks, warranty issues, leaks, etc. that it make me glad that our Pod had most of the bugs worked out before we got it.  I am getting new tires next week, though. Nine years is enough on the first set, though they're in pretty good shape with lotsa tread.  I'm getting new rims too so I can mount the old ones whenever needed.
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 13:56:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105072#105072 Black tank fell from r-pod : Originally posted by lostagainHearing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105071#105071 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 1:51pm

Originally posted by lostagain

Hearing all the problems people have had, I'm sure glad I have an older Pod.  


Idon't think that this was a problem for a lot of people.  Good old internet takes a problem and quotes, re-posts, examines and brings it up again.  Check the mounting, but don't worry about it.
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 13:51:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105071#105071 Black tank fell from r-pod : I usually travel with a full fresh... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105067#105067 Author: ronahue
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 9:53am

I usually travel with a full fresh water tank and an empty black water tank. I learned while travelling through Alberta, BC, Yukon and Alaska last year that potable water and dump stations can be difficult to find at state, provincial and some national parks.   ]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:53:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105067#105067 Black tank fell from r-pod : I've gotten to where I travel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105064#105064 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 9:00am

I've gotten to where I travel with more fresh water than I used to, especially if I'm going to be on the road for more than a day.  I haven't tried to measure the effect of more weight on gas mileage or towing up a long hill.  There has to be some effect, but as a practical matter, it doesn't seem like much.  So, all depending, I might have 10 to 20 gallons on board.  I top off when I get to where I'm going.

As for waste, I dump it as soon as I can.  If the campground has a dump station, it will be my last stop on the way out.  It's totally unnecessary to haul that stuff around if you don't have to and you have to dump it sometime.  I think the risk of a tank falling out is minuscule, but who would want to deal with that on the road!?  And if you use the facilities while travelling you don't want that to be the time you find you've reach capacity.

TT
]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 09:00:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105064#105064 Black tank fell from r-pod : http://www.rvdumpstations.info/Handy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105063#105063 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 8:50am

http://www.rvdumpstations.info/


Handy site when looking for places to dump. We keep this in our camping file on my IPhone

]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 08:50:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105063#105063 Black tank fell from r-pod : +1 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105062#105062 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 8:42am

+1  ]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 08:42:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105062#105062 Black tank fell from r-pod : Geewizard, To me it's just... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105061#105061 Author: mcarter
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 8:29am

Geewizard,

To me it's just a matter of haulin around extra weight. I don't travel with waste and I don't travel with 300 lbs of water. I'm already getting crummy gas mileage. As far as using them like intended, they HOLD water and waste, they put drains on them for a reason. Also I don't have facilities at house to dump black and gray tanks. End of the day, to each their own. My choice is not to travel with tanks loaded. As always there will be a lot of opinions.]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 08:29:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105061#105061 Black tank fell from r-pod : We usually fill the water tank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105060#105060 Author: lostagain
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 8:14am

We usually fill the water tank when we arrive at or near our destination b/c the water usually has less calcium in it in the Sierra Nevada mountains compared to where we live.  Black and gray get hauled back home to dump in the nearby park dumping station.  Everything seems to work fine.  I checked the bolts once and they appear secure.  Hearing all the problems people have had, I'm sure glad I have an older Pod.  ]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 08:14:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105060#105060 Black tank fell from r-pod : Why not use both your black, gray,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105059#105059 Author: geewizard
Subject: 7558
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 7:42am

Why not use both your black, gray, and fresh water tanks like they're meant to be used? 
I fill the fresh water tank full before leaving and haul gray and black contents back when headed home.
And over some pretty rough roads.  Without problems.

I don't get it.....]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 07:42:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105059#105059 Black tank fell from r-pod : I have never used my black tank.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105036#105036 Author: henryv
Subject: 7558
Posted: 02 Mar 2018 at 11:46am

I have never used my black tank. If I did, I don't think I would go down the road with it full. If FR won't pay for it, maybe repairing would be cheaper.]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2018 11:46:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105036#105036 Black tank fell from r-pod : Thank y'all for all the great... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105018#105018 Author: jimhibb
Subject: 7558
Posted: 01 Mar 2018 at 5:20pm

Thank y'all for all the great responses, I will certainly be under my pod and beefing up the supports. ]]> Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:20:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=105018#105018 Black tank fell from r-pod : Thanks for reply - I really appreciate... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78846#78846 Author: WillG
Subject: 7558
Posted: 12 Jul 2016 at 12:17am

Thanks for reply - I really appreciate this community....
That is exactly what I did. It looked like NOT filling gap would cause additional stress by bending at weld/bend.
I used stainless hardware.
Prior to adding bolt,washers & lock nut area was sprayed w rustoleum. We were heading out for a back pack Sat but we were so swamped we didn't leave till earlier Monday so we are on our maiden voyage. So far so good.... we have an RV community online & on the road now! We are exhausted & are looking forward to a good night's sleep in the pod.
]]> Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:17:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78846#78846 Black tank fell from r-pod : Originally posted by WillGAnybody... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78795#78795 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7558
Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 2:11pm

Originally posted by WillG



Anybody have comments on the gap? It's not a gap from sagging. It is simply short by that much. I don't see any issue with filling the space to prevent additional movement.

It's important to eliminate the gap so the screws or bolts tighten completely. Use washers with large outer diameter and small inner diameter like fender washers if you can find suitable ones. Any gap allows a bending moment on the screws. Bending is the easiest failure mode for a screw.
]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:11:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78795#78795 Black tank fell from r-pod : I have a 2014 182G and our water... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78787#78787 Author: Jackdaddy
Subject: 7558
Posted: 11 Jul 2016 at 12:02pm

I have a 2014 182G and our water tank cross beam support bolt snapped and the tank fell to the ground while we were driving.  We had a repair guy fix it by replacing the bolt with two stronger ones.  It was within the first year so it was covered under warranty.  Definitely not built strong enough.  We no longer travel with more than a quarter tank of water.  It was only 1/2 full when it broke.]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2016 12:02:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78787#78787 Black tank fell from r-pod : I think someone on this post replied... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78752#78752 Author: WillG
Subject: 7558
Posted: 10 Jul 2016 at 3:33pm

I think someone on this post replied to me not to be alarmed most pods are fine & haven't had that problem. To that I say - I agree & I'm not alarmed but as a precaution I checked ours & there was a gap between the bracket and the 2 screws holding it in place of about 1/4 "....   I'm not sure if it is an expansion issue why the bracket was not flush with the trailer frame but regardless - I'll use the additional hole NOT used on the bracket to expand it a bit, drill into frame and install a bolt for precaution. I'll also use some spacers to be able to tighten it up a bit instead of leaving the gap....

Anybody have comments on the gap? It's not a gap from sagging. It is simply short by that much. I don't see any issue with filling the space to prevent additional movement.
]]> Sun, 10 Jul 2016 15:33:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78752#78752 Black tank fell from r-pod : Relax. Lots more good ones than... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78456#78456 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7558
Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 7:22pm

Relax.  Lots more good ones than bad ones.
]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:22:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78456#78456 Black tank fell from r-pod : Wow! pretty shocking! I think... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78445#78445 Author: WillG
Subject: 7558
Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 2:26pm

Wow! pretty shocking! I think I'll take up welding as an R-Pod owner now looks like it will come in handy fabricating things.....  I know you can't weld against plastic etc....
Thanks for heads up - I just picked up a 2014 with very little use & have not taken it out yet - still getting all the stuff together.... 
]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2016 14:26:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78445#78445 Black tank fell from r-pod : The tank support bracketsare fine....the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78099#78099 Author: frogpod
Subject: 7558
Posted: 28 Jun 2016 at 7:53pm

The tank support brackets are fine....the cheap screws that strip out to hold the brackets in place are the issue.  Extra straps would be more difficult thanjust securing the existing support brackets with bolts.  Smile]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2016 19:53:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78099#78099 Black tank fell from r-pod : Has anyone else put a brace or... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78097#78097 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7558
Posted: 28 Jun 2016 at 5:43pm

Has anyone else put a brace or strap across the bottom of the tanks?   Seems like this would add extra "insurance" against the tanks falling off.  I was initially thinking about this to help take out the distention when full.  My fresh tank drain is higher than the bottom of my tank, at least at time.]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2016 17:43:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=78097#78097 Black tank fell from r-pod : I'm glad your friend confirmed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77481#77481 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7558
Posted: 18 Jun 2016 at 2:07pm

I'm glad your friend confirmed that it wouldn't be a problem. As for a pillow, yes, I guess that would have been nice. You will probably be done when you read this. Isn't it nice not to have to worry about the tanks falling off? Thumbs Up
]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2016 14:07:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77481#77481 Black tank fell from r-pod : Not that I didn't trust you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77480#77480 Author: bluecatjudy
Subject: 7558
Posted: 18 Jun 2016 at 12:30pm

Not that I didn't trust you Steveh, but I consulted my friend who built 2 50 foot steel sailboats and recently an airplane.  He didn't think I would have a problem with the through bolts.  Half done already.  3 more to go. No problem but you forgot to mention a pillow would be helpful.]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2016 12:30:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77480#77480 Black tank fell from r-pod : I understand. I have recently... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77476#77476 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7558
Posted: 18 Jun 2016 at 9:16am

I understand. I have recently read where a BMW owner had to go the same route plus put in a "light out" device since the BMW didn't like the trailer's LED lights.]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2016 09:16:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77476#77476 Black tank fell from r-pod : I have a vw toureg. I had read... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77469#77469 Author: bluecatjudy
Subject: 7558
Posted: 17 Jun 2016 at 10:09pm

I have a vw toureg.  I had read it was difficult to connect up a brake controller to a Tourage.  Since I had never connected a brake controller I was trying to cover all bases without taking it back to the dealer.   ]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2016 22:09:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77469#77469 Black tank fell from r-pod : I think you will not have any... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77466#77466 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7558
Posted: 17 Jun 2016 at 7:54pm

I think you will not have any problems. What type of TV (Tow Vehicle) are you using that you got an RF brake controller? What made you decide on it instead of one like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 or (the one that I have) the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller? If you don't already have the connector, you will have to run wiring anyway and the two I mentioned cost much less than the RF model I saw on eTrailer.com.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:54:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77466#77466 Black tank fell from r-pod : You must be a genius. I was looking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77463#77463 Author: bluecatjudy
Subject: 7558
Posted: 17 Jun 2016 at 7:33pm

You must be a genius.  I was looking at a anti sway bar that required 4 self taping screws but I bought the prior owner's Anderson WD.  Yes with a set screw.  BUT I did get a RF brake controller that required 4 self taping screws to the tongue.  Oh well what's 6 more holes.😀]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2016 19:33:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77463#77463 Black tank fell from r-pod : Yeah, when I mentioned installing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77445#77445 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7558
Posted: 17 Jun 2016 at 2:16pm

Yeah, when I mentioned installing a window in the door when I called about trying to purchase fabric that matched the original kitchen curtain fabric, I was told that installing a window voided the warranty on the door. As if installing a window destroyed the latch or hinge. The benefit of installing a window and through-bolting the brackets for the tanks was much greater than the fear of the door or frame failing.

By "installing a WD" do you mean Weight Distribution Hitch? If so, why would you need to drill into the frame? The brackets for my Equal-i-zer hitch use bolts above and below the frame to hold them in place. The only one I know of that suggests drilling is the Andersen, and even then, drilling all the way through is probably not needed. Drilling a depression for the set screw to grip is probably just as helpful.
]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2016 14:16:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7558&PID=77445#77445