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Have You Done Any Mods?
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Poll Question: Have you done any mods to your R-Pod?
Poll Choice Votes Poll Statistics
686 [81.38%]
10 [1.19%]
135 [16.01%]
10 [1.19%]
2 [0.24%]
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cmrb View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 May 2014
Location: Newport OR
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Posts: 7 		Post Options Post Options   Quote cmrb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Have You Done Any Mods?
    Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 11:45am
On the 2014 177: took old cargo nets from pickup truck and strung them across storage area under bed secured with teacup hooks. Keeps 2 containers with clothes from sliding during travel. Also strung a second net in front of the dinette, securing to the faces of the seats. You can store a lot of miscellania there and it adds weight to the front of the trailer (specifically: 2 laptops, a Dreml kit, toiletries bag for showers. a medium sized container with paperbacks. Any help? Thanks. CMRG.
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mtbmitch View Drop Down
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Posts: 91 		Post Options Post Options   Quote mtbmitch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 11:22am
how about some better shocks for the TV. 
enjoy the fresh air
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Harry View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Harry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 9:25am
My (unprofessional) opinion would be a "no", especially if your GVW exceeds the limits specified for tow vehicle and trailer.   Suspension geometry on a vehicle won't permit a "teeter-totter" effect; adding weight to the front in an attempt to balance it will simply make everything lower.  Basically, you would have to add weight ahead of the front wheels; it's simply not practical.

If your tow vehicle's back end is getting too close to the ground, then all I can suggest is to reduce the tongue weight, or install an equalizer.  But even an equalizer is not necessarily a given fix.  It transfers weight from the back of your TV to the front of the TV and the trailer wheels by raising the back end of the TV.  You might be able to pack a lot of weight in the back of your 'pod to reduce tongue weight, but that's not a good idea because you might end up overloading the RV. 

If it's a truck or SUV you're using as a TV, then you might also reduce the load in the back of the truck, and make sure the truck suspension is stiff enough to support the loads you are putting on it.

You should also check the "traveling" weight of your trailer, and the weight on the tongue.  Usually the tongue weight runs around 10% of the trailer weight.  A heavily loaded trailer will naturally have a high tongue weight.  If you travel with a full water tank (which on my Rpod is located in the forward end of the RV), emptying it might be the first change you need to make to lighten things up.

To make a long story short, reduce your weight, and examine how your TV and RV loads are distributed.

2013 R-pod 176T 
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline 
3.5 L 4WD
2013 R-pod 176T
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
3.5 L 4WD
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Harry View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Harry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 9:19am
We bought our 176T last year (towed by a Honda Ridgeline).  The dealer actually recommended we DON'T use an equalizer hitch.  We went for two trips on two consecutive weekends, and I was not happy with the performance:  there was quite a bit of rear-end "floating", which also presented some some steering control issues on twisty roads, and we had no end of oncoming traffic flashing their lights at us because they thought we were not dimming our high beams.  Both of these we're signs that an equalizer was in order.  And, in other places I have read in this forum, if your RV weight exceeds your TV weight by 50%, then an equalizer should be used.  I have heard, although I haven't confirmed it, that some US states require an equalizer if the RV weight goes past 50% of the TV weight.  Perhaps another Forum member can validate the truth in this.

I lucked into a very good used Reese equalizer hitch after the second trip, took an hour to install it and do the initial set-up, and the change it made was remarkable.  First, when it's installed, it lifts the back end of the Ridgeline over two inches.  This has made for much much easier and predictable handling characteristics   I can actually relax while driving it.  And there are no more lights flashing at me.

Your Venza and my Ridgeline also have AWD, which means that the front wheels must have their proper 
loading on the ground for proper handling and performance.

As far as a heavy lift to hook up the bars - not so.  I've never measured it, but I doubt if it's no more than a 25 pound lift.  Even if that is too much, you can still wind down your front post after the ball is coupled and use that to raise the back end of the TV an inch or so, and the lift in the torsion bars drops to just a few pounds.  Once set up, both bars are installed in less than a minute.

Simply put, installing the equalizer has been the best single thing I have done to improve handling.  

Hope this helps.
2013 R-pod 176T
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
3.5 L 4WD
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Harry View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Harry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 8:51am
My (unprofessional) opinion would be a "no", especially if your GVW exceeds the limits specified for tow vehicle and trailer.   Suspension geometry on a vehicle won't permit a "teeter-totter" effect; adding weight to the front in an attempt to balance it will simply make everything lower.  Basically, you would have to add weight ahead of the front wheels; it's simply not practical.

If your tow vehicle's back end is getting too close to the ground, then all I can suggest is to reduce the tongue weight, or install an equalizer.  But even an equalizer is not necessarily a given fix.  It transfers weight from the back of your TV to the front of the TV and the trailer wheels by raising the back end of the TV.  You might be able to pack a lot of weight in the back of your 'pod to reduce tongue weight, but that's not a good idea because you might end up overloading the RV. 

If it's a truck or SUV you're using as a TV, then you might also reduce the load in the back of the truck, and make sure the truck suspension is stiff enough to support the loads you are putting on it.

You should also check the "traveling" weight of your trailer, and the weight on the tongue.  Usually the tongue weight runs around 10% of the trailer weight.  A heavily loaded trailer will naturally have a high tongue weight.  If you travel with a full water tank (which on my Rpod is located in the forward end of the RV), emptying it might be the first change you need to make to lighten things up.

To make a long story short, reduce your weight, and examine how your TV and RV loads are distributed.
2013 R-pod 176T
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
3.5 L 4WD
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Harry View Drop Down
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Posts: 38 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Harry Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 8:21am
On my 176T there's already a factory-installed bumber that sticks out a couple of inches to stop the door from doing this.  Integrated into this bumper is a manually operated latch that keeps the door from swinging back when you want to leave it open.  Check out your RV dealer and you can probably get the same or something similar.
2013 R-pod 176T
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
3.5 L 4WD
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Posts: 1230 		Post Options Post Options   Quote David and Danette Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 7:39am
   If possible could you move more weight to the front to add more tongue weight.
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025)              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
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cmrb View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Post Options Post Options   Quote cmrb Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Aug 2014 at 1:55am
In prep for our cross country trip to VA from OR for my 60th high school reunion, we livedin our 177 R-Pod while hosting at Ft. Stevens State Park near Astoria, OR. Every system worked except the spray on the extendable faucet at the sink. The dealer replaced it. Just recently, prior to our trip, I got some swaying while driving on the Central Oregon Coast. I installed a sway bar which had some effect, but have been advised by a hitch shop to go with my EZE Lift bars and chains. I really don't want to because of the weight of the bars and having to release them each evening before camping with a very bad back. What do you think? The 2013 Toyota Venza is rated for 3500 lbs. but doesn't have a very long wheelbase. I also have a Ford F-150 but it is a real gas guzzler (8-10 MPG). Any advice about the EZE Lift use? Thanks!
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Grayotter View Drop Down
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Posts: 60 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Grayotter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Aug 2014 at 7:52pm
I have a new 179. The entry door could slam into the right fender tail light. So I attached two 2" long strips of stickem weather striping on the door where the taillight would be connecting with the door. This should create a cushion. I'm looking for better ideas...
Gar
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4518 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Leo B Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2014 at 9:24am
Sounds like a great trip!!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2025 Ford Transit Camper van
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
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2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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