R-pod Owners Forum : New Rpods

R-pod Owners Forum : New Rpods http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New Rpods Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 00:42:59 +0000 Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:08:12 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=8789 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ New Rpods : Originally posted by DavidI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82523#82523 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8789
Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 11:08am

Originally posted by David

I doubt that it would ever happen but, if it did, my comment to the LEO would be something to the effect "Well, I saw YOU and pulled over, didn't I?"

Roger that! Wink

]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:08:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82523#82523 New Rpods : David,Yes, where is Perry when... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82522#82522 Author: Guests
Subject: 8789
Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 11:01am

[QUOTE=CharlieM]
David,Yes, where is Perry when we need him? This reg is a prime example of a poorly written law by lawyers. It seems the phrase "minimum of 200 feet" means I would comply if I could see from 1000' to infinity, even if I could not see 200', 400', or 700'. Probably not what was meant. The worst part is this language has been copied almost verbatim by most other states. I go overkill with two side mirrors and a rear view camera on the trailer. However, the lawyers probably don't recognize the camera as a "mirror" and it doesn't "reflect". On second thought, maybe we don't need more Perry types................. Disapprove

As usual, I find myself in agreement with you. Funny, as I was writing the above, I was thinking that you are probably the last person that I would be worried about!

I doubt that it would ever happen but, if it did, my comment to the LEO would be something to the effect "Well, I saw YOU and pulled over, didn't I?"

]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2016 11:01:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82522#82522 New Rpods : David,Yes, where is Perry when... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82518#82518 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8789
Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 9:45am

David,

Yes, where is Perry when we need him? This reg is a prime example of a poorly written law by lawyers. It seems the phrase "minimum of 200 feet" means I would comply if I could see from 1000' to infinity, even if I could not see 200', 400', or 700'. Probably not what was meant. The worst part is this language has been copied almost verbatim by most other states.

I go overkill with two side mirrors and a rear view camera on the trailer. However, the lawyers probably don't recognize the camera as a "mirror" and it doesn't "reflect". On second thought, maybe we don't need more Perry types................. Disapprove

]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2016 09:45:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82518#82518 New Rpods : Originally posted by CharlieM Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82517#82517 Author: Guests
Subject: 8789
Posted: 19 Sep 2016 at 7:58am

Originally posted by CharlieM

Originally posted by ronahue

Link to AAA listing of Mirror Laws:

http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-mirrors/

Charlie, we need Perry Mason!!!

Let me give you this disclaimer: I am not an attorney, nor have I been admitted to the Bar in the State of Indiana, or any other State. As such, I may not give "legal advice".

That said, IMHO, your second "or 200' and closer?" is more correct. I interpret it to say that me must be able to see (or capable of seeing) a minimum of 200 feet behind us. If we can see more than 200 feet, that is great. However, we all know there is always a certain amount of "blind spot" immediately behind the trailer - even with the big rig semi trucks, with the big/wide mirrors.

In the "practical world" I think this would require two OUTSIDE rearview mirrors. With just an INSIDE mirror, about all we see is the trailer behind us. With just one (outside), as is with my old Chevy, well....that's where things might get a little fuzzy. Again, we need Perry Mason! ]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2016 07:58:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82517#82517 New Rpods : Originally posted by ronahueLink... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82479#82479 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:56pm

Originally posted by ronahue

Link to AAA listing of Mirror Laws:

http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-mirrors/

Can anyone interpret the phrase
"... located as to reflect to the driver a free and unobstructed view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet"?

Does that mean you can see objects 200' and further from the trailer bumper or 200' and closer? If closer, how close? What is meant by the 200' reference. Almost any side mirror could see to the horizon so does it mean 200' to the horizon?
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:56:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82479#82479 New Rpods : Originally posted by Richand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82478#82478 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:56pm

Originally posted by Richand Cindy

...Why would you buy a two way refrig when RPOD has a three way! ...

This is one thing I wouldn't call an advantage. 12 volt mode is useless in many cases because the charge line wiring on the TV is usually 12 gauge, and I've posted the numbers showing this will cause the pod's battery to discharge, then the fridge will quit and your food will warm up. Start off with a discharged pod battery after a weekend off-grid and you've lost the battle before you start.

Larger camper fridges only have 120 and LP modes.

]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:56:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82478#82478 New Rpods : Very Helpful !! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82476#82476 Author: Leo B
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:49pm

Very Helpful !!
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:49:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82476#82476 New Rpods : Link to AAA listing of Mirror... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82474#82474 Author: ronahue
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:10pm

Link to AAA listing of Mirror Laws:

http://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-mirrors/]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:10:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82474#82474 New Rpods : I did not know there were mirror... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82469#82469 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 2:52pm

I did not know there were mirror laws. I was automatically going to get them but then I found out there were no aftermarket ones designed for a Jeep. So the only ones available are generic strap ons which all have negative reviews that they slip off. So I thought I would be ok and not need them with the narrower RPOD.
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:52:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82469#82469 New Rpods : You should check the states that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82468#82468 Author: Leo B
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 1:58pm

You should check the states that you want to visit, quite a few require mirror extenders. A lot of the mirror laws are weird. In Vermont you would need mirror extenders it you vehicle mirror does not measure at least 5 1/2 inches in diameter.]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:58:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82468#82468 New Rpods : There is a price list for the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82458#82458 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 11:28am

There is a price list for the new RPODS in the Reviews section under "new 2017 colors". Basically the list price increased $1000 and the electric tongue jack adds $213 to the price. Options are the same price and the awning is priced the same as the R DOME. But this is still less than $2000 compared to the competition. The Winnebago Winnie is pretty much a clone and is not produced by the same manufacturer or even licensed. In fact Forest River has a lawsuit pending against them. The Jayco is not wider they just list the width as 8 feet while RPOD list them as 6.5 feet. They are both 6.5 feet (outer wall to outer wall) but if you measure from the wheels they are both 8 feet. We wanted the 6.5 foot width so that it would not be much wider than the TV so that we do not need to add rear view mirror extensions. The slide out makes the interior width the same size as a 8 foot trailer
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 11:28:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82458#82458 New Rpods : Welcome, as a 180 owner who towed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82452#82452 Author: voisj
Subject: 8789
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 4:29am

Welcome, as a 180 owner who towed with a highlander I can tell you it works well. you will need a weight distributing hitch and a trailer brake. Milage dropped down to 11-14 mpg. Also I would recommend load leveling for the suv as the rear sags a bit when loaded. But it hauled it well. I now haul with an f150 for bikes, kayaks and stuff,(and cause I have one) same mpg though.
The 180 was our choice due to the dry bath/changing room. The dinette size has never been an issue for eating and hanging out, and I sleep there because it's more comfortable than the crappy mattress that came with the coach,and dislike climbing over the wife to pee,(she insists on the isle side) I'm 5'10 and 180lbs.
The Winnebago 170s is an almost exact clone but comes with slide awning and main awning and skylights over the shower (rpod needs this)for $3k more. But I don't know what the prices of the new blue-awning equipped 180s will be.
The Jayco is wider but I like the smaller width for the kind of boonedock dirt road stuff we do in the desert out here in CA.
Best of luck to you!
Rgds John]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 04:29:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82452#82452 New Rpods : Bought my new 2016 180 in June,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82443#82443 Author: voisj
Subject: 8789
Posted: 17 Sep 2016 at 7:08pm

Bought my new 2016 180 in June, saw a Winnebago 170s yesterday at an RV dealer, it is almost a clone.

It's exactly the same floorplan from the slideout kitchen with the same cabinets and appliances, same dinette, drybath and bed. And the same width and length.

http://media.automanager.com/wmphotos/022738/70a78f7d16521c4c97624454041bc8ea/3b70b6441e_640.jpg

https://winnebagoind.com/binaries/content/gallery/wgohippoproject/products/2016/floorplans/_towables/wd-170s-16.jpg

Only upgrades i saw were the slideout awning as standard and an a full awning on the door side as standard

Are these two companies under the same umbrella?

]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2016 19:08:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82443#82443 New Rpods : Looks like you did your homework... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82431#82431 Author: jato
Subject: 8789
Posted: 17 Sep 2016 at 1:10pm

Looks like you did your homework and made the wise choice, given the alternatives. Ours was a much easier decision to make in 2011. We picked the 177 and still enjoy it immensely today.]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2016 13:10:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82431#82431 New Rpods : We just got back from the Hershey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82419#82419 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 8789
Posted: 17 Sep 2016 at 9:54am

We just got back from the Hershey RV show and walked back and forth through the RP180, the Jayco Hummingbird and the Winnebago WD170S. We have the say the RP wins hands down. Even if it wasn't $2000 cheaper. The RP has the most storage space. This is basically a couples TT. One cannot sleep on the converted dinette. For that reason the RPOD is narrow which gives it more open space. Look at the pictures and you will see very small space to get out of the bed due to the large dinette. Even with the larger dinette of the Jayco it is still narrow to hold more than a child. So no brainer for us we want the larger space. The Jayco has a curved rear which takes space away from the dry batch. The vanity has a small drawer due to it being cut and there is only a few inches of space at the floor between the back wall and the shower, hard to stand in front of the vanity and shave (or wait there is no mirror on the Jayco above the vanity!) there is also no closet when you first enter the Jayco RV on the left. Oh it must be in the bath. Wrong no closet here just a cabinet. The RPOD has both. The dealers are saying they are selling the Jaycos as soon as they come onto the lot. I do not see why someone would buy the Jayco for more money with less features (except the wider dinette). Why would you buy a two way refrig when RPOD has a three way! The Winnie also has no advantages and is also $2000 more. The next build date for RPODs will be a big one in Nov and Dec as the new models are selling well. Ours will be made then for a March delivery.
]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2016 09:54:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82419#82419 New Rpods : I think finances might be the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82348#82348 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 8:03pm

I think finances might be the determining factor for us as well since both units are so similar.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2016 20:03:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82348#82348 New Rpods : We looked at the Hummingbird as... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82343#82343 Author: Nittybelle
Subject: 8789
Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 5:26pm

We looked at the Hummingbird as well, I have to be truthful and tell you we simply bought the R Pod because of the better deal financially. Both are very similar in layout, different color schemes, I'm happy with our choice. You will be too! ]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2016 17:26:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82343#82343 New Rpods : Steve, I don't have the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82257#82257 Author: ron_whitt
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 8:04pm

Steve, I don't have the highlander but I tow with the Toyota FJ Cruiser and also has 5000lb towing + 5oolb tongue weight. The FJ tows our 2012 177 pod really well. I only have 1 sway bar and so far that is all I have needed. We are just finishing our 5th year with the pod. Hope this helps somewhat.]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 20:04:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82257#82257 New Rpods : That might work if I have the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82255#82255 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 7:07pm

That might work if I have the room. I mentioned a small platform outside the door but she's afraid she might trip on it in the middle of the night maybe half asleep and not seeing it in the darkened space. Her issue is not necessarily the height but stepping up and over and down on the inside. If the inside were up at a level similar to the dry shower then I think it might work..whew. Time for a glass of wine or a cold beer...lol

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 19:07:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82255#82255 New Rpods : why not add a flip down/up platform,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82253#82253 Author: furpod
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 6:40pm

why not add a flip down/up platform, outside the shower, to reduce the total step height?]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:40:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82253#82253 New Rpods : Thanks for your reply furpod.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82252#82252 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 6:23pm

Thanks for your reply furpod. I measured the dry shower height in a Hummingbird 179rb, it was 10 inches. The Rpod 180 was higher due to an added lip. Both less than the step up into a wet bath On either units. Unfortunate because my wife loves the rear kitchen model, as do I. But that extra height was hard for her. I was actually thinking perhaps I could cut down that step into the dry bath a bit, but looking at it closer, it would ruin the integrity of the shower and the door wouldn't fill that. Bad idea on my part..lol. ]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:23:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82252#82252 New Rpods : It looked to me like the step... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82251#82251 Author: furpod
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 6:10pm

It looked to me like the step into the 180 shower was just as high as the step into our 177 shower.. And yes, once production starts of the "blue" pods, that is all that is available. If you want green.. well.. when they are gone, they are gone. ]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 18:10:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82251#82251 New Rpods : There are others who tow with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82246#82246 Author: jato
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 5:31pm

There are others who tow with a vehicle like yours and from my recollection, all are positive. I would add a anti-sway bar to your Highlander. We did with our Explorer and it made a huge difference, wouldn't (and probably couldn't tow w/o it unless we were to tow at speeds under 40 mph.
]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 17:31:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82246#82246 New Rpods : Thank you http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82242#82242 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 4:28pm

Thank you]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:28:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82242#82242 New Rpods : Thanks for your reply. I kinda... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82241#82241 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 4:27pm

Thanks for your reply. I kinda have to stay with the 180 because of the dry bath. My wife has bad knees and the wet bath has that big step at the door.

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:27:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82241#82241 New Rpods : Welcome to the group!! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82239#82239 Author: Leo B
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 3:37pm

Welcome to the group!!]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:37:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82239#82239 New Rpods : you can get different configurations... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82237#82237 Author: darylboy
Subject: 8789
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 3:22pm

you can get different configurations in the r pod]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 15:22:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82237#82237 New Rpods : Hello all,I'm new here, and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82199#82199 Author: Steve 911
Subject: 8789
Posted: 12 Sep 2016 at 10:42pm

Hello all,

I'm new here, and this is my first message. I have enjoyed the comments I see on this forum and it has an influence on which unit we favor. Mainly because of the support system on here and the family atmosphere. I am a retired firefighter, and my wife and I are looking to purchase a small TT. We have been looking at a Jayco Hummingbird 17rb and a Rpod 180, and comparing the features of each.

There are things on each of these units we like. To bad we can't get all the things we like in one unit..lol.

We are leaning toward the Rpod because a little extra storage, and a fantastic fan, which the Hummingbird we looked at didn't have one. What I don't like in the pod 180 is the narrow dinette. The hummingbird is 10" wider, I measured both. Hummingbird dinette is 69" by 34", and Rpod 180 dinette is 69" by 24". It would be difficult for an adult to try to sleep in 24" width. This is close to being a deal breaker for me, but my wife likes the frog...lol. I do like the green/tan color. I contacted the Forest River West Coast Rep., and asked him if the green color would be available as well as the new blue for the new models, and his reply was no, the blue will be the only color available for the new run. I suppose we will wait to see the new units when they arrive to see if they changed the dinette. The Rep. Said the new blue units should be available soon as they are rolling out now. I like that they have added an awning and a window in the door. Out tow vehicle is a 2016 Toyota Highland with factory tow rated at 5k and 500 tongue weight.

I'm curious if anyone here tows a pod with a Highlander, and how it handles.

Any responses is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2016 22:42:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8789&PID=82199#82199