R-pod Owners Forum : Shake down cruise http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Shake down cruise Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 13:51:06 +0000 Sun, 08 May 2016 21:33:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7884 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Shake down cruise : Thanks so much, everyone. Your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74592#74592 Author: julieboyles
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 9:33pm

Thanks so much, everyone. Your posts have really helped me out. This forum has really been invaluable.]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 21:33:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74592#74592 Shake down cruise : Thanks for the suggestions Teton... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74571#74571 Author: Door Paddler
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 2:52pm

Thanks for the suggestions Teton Camper. We have reservations at Colter Bay and also have the bear spray! ]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 14:52:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74571#74571 Shake down cruise : Thanks for the suggestions Teton... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74570#74570 Author: Door Paddler
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 2:43pm

Thanks for the suggestions Teton Camper. We have reservations at Colter Bay and also have the bear spray!]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 14:43:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74570#74570 Shake down cruise : Originally posted by Tetoncamper -1... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74564#74564 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 12:55pm

Originally posted by Tetoncamper



-1 1/8" socket, 6" extension, and ratchet to put in and remove anode rod in water tank.




At least on my Surburban SW6DE the anode is 1-1/16, not 1-1/8.
]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 12:55:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74564#74564 Shake down cruise : I will do my best to give you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74563#74563 Author: Tetoncamper
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 12:41pm

I will do my best to give you some insight on my limited experience.  First of all I would recommend a weight distribution hitch and sway bar.  I had the same concerns and glad I got them if for no other reason than my piece of mind.  The hitch and sway bar I purchased was about $400 or so.

Other necessities:
- a power cord is included in the RPOD so no worries there.
- do purchase a surge guard protector (about $80)
- Need an electrical adapter (around $5-10)
- Sewer hose kit (~$40).  I purchased a 15 foot sewer hose and found that only about a 10 foot hose will fit in the installed container.  Don't really know how long a hose I will need so might want to research that.)
- Water filter (~$20)
-Water regulator (~$15)
- Fresh water hose (~$20)
- Holding tank deodorizers (~$10)

Might want to haves:
- I am a big believer in first aid kits.  I build my own rather than buy them.  Let me know if you want my first aid kit inventory list.
-1 1/8" socket, 6" extension, and ratchet to put in and remove anode rod in water tank.
- pair of vise grip pliers (especially to remove fresh water tank plug)
- 8X10 foot patio mat for just outside the camper door.  Keeps a lot of dirt out.

I decided to purchase a couple of portable generators.  Need generators or shore power to run microwave and AC.  Solar panels will help to recharge the batteries but won't have the juice to run other appliances.  I plan to do a lot of camping in national forests so don't know how effective solar panels would be.  I bought two Champion 200W generators to run in parallel.  The generators and the parallel operation kit cost around $1000 but I think it was worth it.

I will let others chime in about an awning.  After a summer of camping I will look at that option.  Don't know whether to get the attachable awning for the RPOD or a separate awning.

Fees and sales tax will depend on state.  Don't forget about insurance.  Insurance for my 178 runs around $200 a year.

Hope this helps your decision process.  I may have left out a couple of things but think I caught the major ones.  Enjoy.
]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 12:41:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74563#74563 Shake down cruise : Originally posted by julieboylesGlad... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74562#74562 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 12:24pm

Originally posted by julieboyles

Glad to read that your towing fears were unfounded as I, too, have this concern having never towed anything. I'm almost ready to take the leap of a new 178 as well, towed with an F150. In addition to the price I negotiate (I'm shooting for $18,500 or under), I'm wondering what other expenses will be justified:
  • Sway bar?
  • Do I have to buy a bunch of cables, tubes, hookup things, wheel blocks, that kinda stuff? Can someone tell me approximately what all of that will cost?
  • I'm guessing solar is worth it? Cost?
  • I want the R-dome or an easy-up but will test out the trailer before I make that decision, I think
  • There are a bunch of registration fees, etc, at purchase--any guess what all of that stuff adds up to?
I'm kinda into simplicity, so not looking for fancy extras, but am trying to get a realistic price on everything needed and required above the price of the trailer.

Some of these are situation dependent.
Sway bar? Yes. We tow with an Escape. The dealer installed an Equl-I-zer 4-way stabilization hitch. I would not tow without it. However, your F150 likely would not need the same setup. A sway bar is much less expensive, and would be good, especially if you get into a strong cross-wind situation.
Cables, etc? If you have the factory tow package, you may have the connectors needed to easily add an electrical brake controller. If your F150 has the 7-way (round) trailer connector, it will be simple. If it has the 4-way (flat) connector, you will need an additional part. Check out http://www.etrailer.com for more details. As for wheel blocks, you will want chocks and some way to level the trailer unless you are traveling to level sites all the time, That is unlikely, so do check out leveling and chocks. I ordered the BAL 28050 Light Trailer Leveler and the 28020 Single Axle Tire Chock, and am quite pleased with them. I tried the Andersen leveler and the Lynx levelers. The BAL leveler is more work, buit it is easier in the sense that one does not have to go through the gyrations of adjusting blocks, backing or pulling forward, moving off the blocks to adjust again and repeat. You can go cheap and get plastic chocks, but don't! They will shift and make for more shaking when you move around inside the trailer.
Solar? Are you planning on doing a lot of dry camping? If so, it might be worth it. With a pickup, you also would have room for a generator. Solar does not make noise, but some of the inverter generators are very quiet. Some places prohibit operation of them outside of specified hours though. Solar would not have that limitation, but if you get a spell of cloudy weather, you may find them to be inadequate. You can use your tow vehicle (TV) to charge the battery/batteries, but it would be under the same limitations as a generator. Cost is dependent on system manufacturer and system size/capability.
R-Dome? Up to you. I did not want to spend the money. I am in the process of building my awning. When it is done, I will post details in my mods (link below). I already built one for the slide-out. Pictures are there already for that.
Registration fees? Again, that is situation dependent. You will have the appropriate tax, title, and license fees for your state. In NC, I also had the property tax added on.

Hopefully, I've been able to answer some of your concerns.
]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 12:24:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74562#74562 Shake down cruise : The Tetons and Yellowstone are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74561#74561 Author: Tetoncamper
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 12:22pm

The Tetons and Yellowstone are fantastic.  The bad news is that they expect about one million MORE visitors this year than last.  Signal Mountain and Colter Bay in Teton National Park have campgrounds but I don't know if they are reservation or first come first serve.  I have heard to get there earlier in the day.  Closer to Jackson is the Gros Ventre campground.  It is a nice campground along the Gros Ventre river and just outside TNP.  I expect to spend some time there this summer.  Same goes for Yellowstone.  Will be a lot of people and not familiar with campground availability.  There are a number of RV campgrounds just outside West Yellowstone that would serve as a decent base for trips into Yellowstone.  

What to avoid??  Nothing.  You are about to enter (in my humble opinion) the most beautiful places in this country.

What to do?  Bring a good camera and take lots of pictures.  Especially in Teton National Park get off the roads and do some hiking.  Taggart Lake, Jenny Lake, Colter Bay, Rockefeller center are just a couple of areas for nice hikes of 3-6 miles.  Buy and carry bear spray.  We have black and grizzly out here.  I do a lot of hiking and have only had to pull the bear spray out once so far (didn't have to use it) but the cost (about$70) is worth it.

Hope this helps.  Let me know if you would like anymore info.  Enjoy the trip.
]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 12:22:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74561#74561 Shake down cruise : We just piced up our 182g in Oregon... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74560#74560 Author: Hour Pod
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 11:41am

We just piced up our 182g in Oregon and paid 312.50 in "other" charges like regisstration, title, etc.

Good luck.]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 11:41:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74560#74560 Shake down cruise : Hey Tetoncamper, we also purchased... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74559#74559 Author: Door Paddler
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 11:17am

Hey Tetoncamper, we also purchased 178 last year. We went on several trips last year, traveling from Wisconsin to Branson, Mo and another to Ontario, CN and we had a great experience and love the 178 model. It got even better after installing a friction-bar anti-sway device. We are also traveling from Wisconsin to the Tetons this June and are looking forward to it. We tow it with a Dodge Durango with a 3.6 and a factory tow package. I'm sure it won't climb mountain passes like your eco-diesel but we will get there. It does great in the "flat-lands". Not ever having been to the Tetons / Yellowstone area (Staying at Colter Bay Village RV Park)do you have any suggestions on anything we should seek out or try to avoid?

]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 11:17:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74559#74559 Shake down cruise : Did not know where you were traveling... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74552#74552 Author: Pnew40
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 7:38am

Did not know where you were traveling from.  Oregon is a little far from Ohio where we ate getting our 180.    Worth it for us from New York State.  Around $15,000. For the package ]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 07:38:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74552#74552 Shake down cruise : If you're talking about New... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74549#74549 Author: julieboyles
Subject: 7884
Posted: 08 May 2016 at 1:52am

If you're talking about New York, that'd be a long trip from Oregon. I wasn't willing to travel to Texas to get a Casita, so that's probably a "no," I'm not really willing to travel too far. My goal was under $18,000 for a new 178, but I may have to go over by a few hundred dollars. I just hope all of the other stuff doesn't add up to too much.]]> Sun, 08 May 2016 01:52:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74549#74549 Shake down cruise : Are you willing to travel to pick... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74547#74547 Author: Pnew40
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 10:16pm

Are you willing to travel to pick it up?  We are traveling to get our r pod and on was a very good price with the r dome included.]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 22:16:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74547#74547 Shake down cruise : Glad to read that your towing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74542#74542 Author: julieboyles
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 8:42pm

Glad to read that your towing fears were unfounded as I, too, have this concern having never towed anything. I'm almost ready to take the leap of a new 178 as well, towed with an F150. In addition to the price I negotiate (I'm shooting for $18,500 or under), I'm wondering what other expenses will be justified:
  • Sway bar?
  • Do I have to buy a bunch of cables, tubes, hookup things, wheel blocks, that kinda stuff? Can someone tell me approximately what all of that will cost?
  • I'm guessing solar is worth it? Cost?
  • I want the R-dome or an easy-up but will test out the trailer before I make that decision, I think
  • There are a bunch of registration fees, etc, at purchase--any guess what all of that stuff adds up to?
I'm kinda into simplicity, so not looking for fancy extras, but am trying to get a realistic price on everything needed and required above the price of the trailer.
]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 20:42:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74542#74542 Shake down cruise : Just a note for your consideration... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74527#74527 Author: Pod People
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 2:21pm

Just  a note for your consideration if thinking about a different tow vehicle--
I always read and hear about people wanting to tow with a F150 pickup or similar.  I always want to remind those same people that there are other options to a pickup.  We use a Ford Expedition  which has the same frame, same engine, same transmission, same tow capacity as the F150. Other manufacturers(Chevy, Dodge, GMC, etc) also have larger SUV type body styles with similar tow characteristics. I think the enclosed body style offers a lot of advantages over a pick up. Particularly if the tow vehicle also needs to be the daily vehicle or family auto.

We have towed our Pod cross country, east to west and south to north several times with our Expedition-it tows great, has all of the comfort factors, plenty of power, great transmission, reasonable gas mileage, good visibility and easy to find service.

Vann
]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 14:21:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74527#74527 Shake down cruise : Originally posted by P and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74526#74526 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 1:41pm

Originally posted by P and D Podders

Returned yesterday to Atlanta from Colorado with our 179. I towed it with a BMW X5 3.0. While it towed well it was underpowered going through the passes and returning home the TV was not quite heavy enough to deal with the constant cross winds that we experienced. The X5 will be fine for our travels around Georgia but my question is, will a heavier TV like a F250 make a significant difference when pulling with a cross wind?

P and D Podders
Dave


I'm going to assume that you have some sort of anti-sway device.  If not, get one (either friction anti-sway bar, or a WDH with sway control).

Your X5 has a longer wheelbase and is a bit heavier than my Grand Cherokee.  I just pulled our Pod from Colorado to Kentucky and back.  Had some very strong cross winds (and snow!) in Kansas and Eastern Colorado.  I have only a friction anti-sway bar, yet I didn't feel like there was that much wiggle.  Our GC has a 3.0 diesel, which has plenty of power for the mountain passes. 

I'd recommend considering the new Grand Cherokee Eco-diesels.  But an F-150 or similar would certainly give you the wheelbase, weight and power you're looking for.
]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 13:41:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74526#74526 Shake down cruise : Yes, a larger and heavier TV will... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74525#74525 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 12:53pm

Yes, a larger and heavier TV  will help. A longer wheelbase will help. No, you don't have to go all the way to an F-250.]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 12:53:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74525#74525 Shake down cruise : Returned yesterday to Atlanta... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74524#74524 Author: P and D Podders
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 12:04pm

Returned yesterday to Atlanta from Colorado with our 179. I towed it with a BMW X5 3.0. While it towed well it was underpowered going through the passes and returning home the TV was not quite heavy enough to deal with the constant cross winds that we experienced. The X5 will be fine for our travels around Georgia but my question is, will a heavier TV like a F250 make a significant difference when pulling with a cross wind?

P and D Podders
Dave]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 12:04:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74524#74524 Shake down cruise : I have been a Jeep Grand Cherokee... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74522#74522 Author: Tetoncamper
Subject: 7884
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 11:20am

I have been a Jeep Grand Cherokee fan for many years.  When I moved out to the Tetons two years ago I had a 6 cylinder Grand Cherokee and quickly realized it didn't have the muscle to tow anything around the mountains out here.  Went looking for a 8 cylinder Jeep and when the dealer initially mentioned the eco-diesel I immediately dismissed the idea.  Was still thinking of noisy, smelly diesels.  After several weeks of looking at Jeeps I was looking at on-line reviews and noticed all the positive things about the eco-diesel.  Went back to the dealer to test drive an eco-diesel and immediately fell in love with it.  When I purchased my new jeep I did up-grade to the Overland Edition and am glad I did.  It is a much more comfortable ride than the standard Grand Cherokee.  Drove it back east to visit family during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays and it was a dream.  Going thru eastern Wyoming with a tail wind averaged about 40 mpg.  Normally get about 30 which I think is pretty good.  To make things even better the RPOD easily tows behind it.  Since the RPOD is just about as wide as the vehicle I can use the Jeep mirrors with no modifications.  Glad this was my choice.  Hope this helps in your search and decision.]]> Sat, 07 May 2016 11:20:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74522#74522 Shake down cruise : Glad to hear about the Eco-Diesel.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74500#74500 Author: TheBum
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 6:28pm

Glad to hear about the Eco-Diesel. I'm seriously considering going that route when I replace my current TV.]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 18:28:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74500#74500 Shake down cruise : Sounds like a great trip! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74499#74499 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 5:33pm

Sounds like a great trip!]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 17:33:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74499#74499 Shake down cruise : Sounds like a great trip home.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74493#74493 Author: Pnew40
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 4:28pm

Sounds like a great trip home.  Glad to hear you found your r pod  easy to tow.  We are very anxious to go pick our 180 up .  Hope we have as positive a trip home as you had.]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 16:28:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74493#74493 Shake down cruise : Way to go! I've towed popups... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74492#74492 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 4:16pm

Way to go!  I've towed popups over Teton Pass, but I have yet to tow our R-pod over it.  10% grade.  Gotta love the Tetons!  And gotta love diesel Grand Cherokees (even though mine is the previous generation)!]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 16:16:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74492#74492 Shake down cruise : Welcome, glad all is working out... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74490#74490 Author: furpod
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 3:57pm

Welcome, glad all is working out for you.]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 15:57:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74490#74490 Shake down cruise : Finally picked up our 178 on Tuesday.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74488#74488 Author: Tetoncamper
Subject: 7884
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 3:30pm

Finally picked up our 178 on Tuesday.  Being inexperienced at towing a trailer I quickly found my fears were unfounded.  The trailer tows like a dream and my Grand Cherokee eco-diesel handled the mountains like they weren't even there.  My big test is still taking it over Teton Pass but coming home over Pine Creek Pass I had some grades equal to, but not as long, as Teton Pass and we went up and down the them easily.  I got the weight distribution hitch and sway bars and feel much more comfortable with them installed around here.  Most of the campgrounds around the Tetons are not open until Memorial Day but we did find a good campsite within about 15 miles from home for an overnight test.  Having fun getting used to all the features of the RPOD.  I am 6'3" and my wife is 5'10".  We were very comfortable in the RPOD with our Boxer and Beagle even tho the dogs insisted in spending the first night in the bed and I got the extra bed in the dining area.  Yesterday I parked the RPOD at the storage location and all the way home I was looking back missing my RPOD.  Did I mention it tows like a dream??  Looking forward to a summer of fun and travel in it.  I have already christened it as my mobile fishing camp.  My wife says all fish will be cooked and consumed outside.  Wonder why??  ]]> Fri, 06 May 2016 15:30:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7884&PID=74488#74488