R-pod Owners Forum : Full-timing http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Full-timing Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 10:27:57 +0000 Sun, 27 Mar 2016 14:47:31 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7621 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Full-timing : The180 looks like a great floor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=72053#72053 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7621
Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 2:47pm

The180 looks like a great floor plan !]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2016 14:47:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=72053#72053 Full-timing : We finally made a DECISION!!!Toured... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=72049#72049 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 1:20pm

We finally made a DECISION!!!

Toured a dealer in Muskegon, Mi yesterday and we have settled on a rp 180.  We are both in agreement, and we can now turn our attention to finding the right tow vehicle.

We are so excited to join the ranks of rPod owners.


]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:20:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=72049#72049 Full-timing : We bought a small Edgestar ref/freezer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71952#71952 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7621
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 9:49am

We bought a small Edgestar ref/freezer that we use for extra room. It fits on the counter of our 179, holds quite a bit.
We also use a cooler for waters/condiments ect.
]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:49:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71952#71952 Full-timing : Originally posted by dbrownaliveHow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71951#71951 Author: furpod
Subject: 7621
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 9:40am

Originally posted by dbrownalive

How did you deal with the tiny refrigerator?  

Dan and Leeann
Stevensville, MI


We use a good ice chest/cooler. But you can get a week of "needs to be cooled" groceries in there.. We do it all the time.

For long trips, or trips where we need to take extra food for events, we use the cooler, with dry ice if needed, for that stuff.

A couple years ago when we hosted the ERU, we took a box of 100 Nathan's, couple of venison back straps, steaks, 6 thick cut pork chops, and some other assorted frozen stuff, all loaded frozen, 15 pounds of dry ice. Loaded on Monday, Yeti sat in the dome in hot weather the whole time.. on Saturday we had to hack the dogs apart, AFTER they sat in the box on the counter for 6 hours or so..
]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 09:40:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71951#71951 Full-timing : How did you deal with the tiny... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71945#71945 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 8:33am

How did you deal with the tiny refrigerator?  

Dan and Leeann
Stevensville, MI
]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 08:33:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71945#71945 Full-timing : There were 4 of us in our 171... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71937#71937 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 10:34pm

There were 4 of us in our 171 for years.  We spent most of the time when camping outside.  Only went inside to sleep/shower/toilet.  The problem came when we started touring and there were times at truck stops and Walmarts when we were inside for 10-12 hours.  Then it was too cramped.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 22:34:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71937#71937 Full-timing : Sounds like a Blast!! Our grand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71922#71922 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 6:17pm

Sounds like a Blast!! Our grand Caravan does pretty well towing in the Green Mountain of Vermont and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We usually get 13.5  coming out of Vermont and get 14.5-16.5 once we hit Massachusetts and below.
We have not tried our Grand Caravan out west yet. The mountains are significantly bigger.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 18:17:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71922#71922 Full-timing : Here's my quandary:If I go... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71921#71921 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 5:56pm

Here's my quandary:

If I go with a larger TT, I pretty quickly jump up to a truck to tow it.  MPG on larger TT and truck seems to be about 10.

If I'm only going to get 10 MPG, then why not get a 30' Class A (2004 or so) and tow my current vehicle, a 2009 Honda Fit.

With my desire to keep it simple, the rPod makes more sense.  (Less potential of mechanical problems.)

With my desire to keep my wife happy, the Class A makes more sense, but the risk of busting the bank is greater.

BTW,  we will be establishing a "home base" at my brother's house in Denver.  First trip will be to Moab, UT and then wherever the wind blows us.  We will touch base periodically in Denver, and then off to another adventure.  

Appreciate the input.

Dan and Leeann Brown
Stevensville, MI
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:56:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71921#71921 Full-timing : dbrownalive,We find that the Grand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71920#71920 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 5:34pm

dbrownalive,

We find that the Grand Caravan tows pretty well. The engine puts out 283  horse.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:34:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71920#71920 Full-timing : We tow with a 2000 Toyota Tacoma... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71919#71919 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 5:13pm

We tow with a 2000 Toyota Tacoma 3.44WD  with 5 speed manual transmission.  While we have camped in relatively cold weather--brief periods of night-time temps in upper 20s and 30s, our camping and boating goal is to escape winter, so we head south.  We haven't had to winterize while camping.  We like boondocking but have found few places where we could do that.  We find that State parks and COE campgrounds are usually better than privately owned ones.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:13:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71919#71919 Full-timing : Thanks, Sailor.We are pretty confident... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71917#71917 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 4:48pm

Thanks, Sailor.

We are pretty confident the small quarters won't be an issue.  We plan on getting the dome, and spending a little to make that very livable.  We are in our mid-fifties, relatively fit and healthy (knock on wood) and don't want to be limited by the size of our unit.  

Have you found some unique spots to set-up?  Have you had to adapt anything for cold weather?  What do tow your rPod with?

Thanks for the help.

Dan and Leeann Brown
Stevensville, MI
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 16:48:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71917#71917 Full-timing : The size of trailer is completely... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71911#71911 Author: sailor323
Subject: 7621
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 3:08pm

The size of trailer is completely dependent on your personal needs.  We routinely spend 5 months of the year on a small sailboat with living space comparable to the 179 pod.  We have been on an extended trip in the pod this year.  We began in November 2015.  It's now late March 2016.  We will probably get back home around the middle of April.  So that means 5  months in the pod.  We find that it is quite comfortable for the 2 of us and a small dog.  That said, our need for personal space might be different from that of other folks.  Also, having the dome or similar space outside the pod is really important.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 15:08:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71911#71911 Full-timing : Thank you, Furpod.I'll check... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71816#71816 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:03pm

Thank you, Furpod.

I'll check out the suggested TTs right now.

I appreciate the input.

Dan and Leeann Brown
Stevensville, MI
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:03:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71816#71816 Full-timing : Thanks for the welcome. My wife,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71814#71814 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 4:59pm

Thanks for the welcome.  My wife, Leeann, will retire after 30 years of teaching elementary school.  I'm a professional painter (of the house variety), so I will look for opportunities to workkamp, a bit.

So you find the Grand Caravan tows fine?  

Dan and Leeann Brown
Stevensville, Mi
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 16:59:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71814#71814 Full-timing : At this point, there are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71780#71780 Author: furpod
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 11:16am

At this point, there are only 3 TTs in this size range I would try to full time in. We love our Pod, have done +10 days with two adults and two large dogs. Bad weather gets old fast if the dome isn't up, and gets old slow if it is. But my main worry is that a Pod just isn't built to be, or meant to be, a full time rig. That said, I know several who do, or have, full timed, or at least been "out" for 6-9 months at a time in a Pod.. But I think it's asking a lot of the Pod, and most here, as much as we love our pods, want to see people happy in a rig that works for their uses, rather than unhappy with a Pod.

Our personal list of TT's in the size of the pod, but full-time-able is..

Camplite 16DBS

Lance 1685 or 1985

Airstream Sport 16


We have done a ton of research, and have been looking for as perfect for us, of a TT, for "near full timing".. we are getting ready to order a Lance 2285.

In the interest of full disclosure, I don't work for any of the companies listed, and have no vested interest of any kind. Also, we own a vintage 31 foot Airstream, and found it to large and ungainly for the COE, NP, and SP CG's we tend to frequent.

Oh, and Welcome to the group!!
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 11:16:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71780#71780 Full-timing : Originally posted by Leo BWelcome... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71772#71772 Author: Guests
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 9:18am

Originally posted by Leo B

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your upcoming retirement!



X2 - Welcome!

I am retired, but do not full time. I sometimes go out for a week or so at a time. I travel alone with my dog. Storage is an issue, even at that. Clothes storage and the fridge space gets maxed out. You have to get and stayed organized or things get out of hand in a hurry. (no leaving dirty dishes in the sink, etc.)

The interior space can start getting kind of small - if you are stuck inside all day, due to the weather.

I would suggest upgrading the mattress and doing something with the seating. The OEM seating gets uncomfortable quickly.

Nothing in this class of camper is designed for full time living. Everything is lightweight and not really heavy duty. Expect wear and maintenance.

Good luck and, again, welcome. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 09:18:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71772#71772 Full-timing : Welcome to the group! Congrats... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71769#71769 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 8:51am

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your upcoming retirement! We are not full-timers but do spend 5 weeks in our 179, on our yearly trip to Cape Hatteras. We find the pod easy to tow, and comfortable during our stay.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 08:51:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71769#71769 Full-timing : Hello rPod owners,My wife is retiring... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71767#71767 Author: dbrownalive
Subject: 7621
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:55am

Hello rPod owners,

My wife is retiring this summer, and we plan on a full-time traveling adventure.

We have spent months comparing rv/motorhome options, and we keep coming back to the rPod as the home with maximum flexibility.  We have determined that the mobility and the agility of the rPod outweighs the lack of storage space.

Here is our rationale:  If we are going to go sleek and small, the first year is the time to do it.  After that time, we will have met many friends, and toured many units.  At that point, we might want to upgrade to a larger unit. 

We'd love to hear positive stories from other rPod full-timers.  We've heard many stories from those that would not full-time in anything less than a 30' Class A, but are curious to hear from others that have adopted the tiny-trailer life style.

Are there such stories?

Thanks for the help.  

Dan and Leeann Brown
Stevensville, MI
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 06:55:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7621&PID=71767#71767