New 179 - First Mod
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6486
Printed Date: 22 Oct 2025 at 5:15pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New 179 - First Mod
Posted By: WAPODDER
Subject: New 179 - First Mod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2015 at 8:51pm
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We have taken 4 trips in our new 179, and quickly realized that we didn't like moving our cooler in and out of the door. Not only did it get the floor dirty, I could see it eventually dinging up the trim inside. I decided to try and mount it on the tongue as I have a WDH and figured it could take the extra weight.
I started with a hitch mounted aluminum cargo basket and mounted it through the existing support for the propane tank. This way I didn't have to drill into the frame, and can easily reverse the mod with minimal damage. http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150623_174359.jpg.html"> 
I used the stock propane tank holder and regulator and bolted them to the basket. http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150622_175813.jpg.html"> 
Then I added on the cooler - I will strap it on all 4 corners around the bottom of the basket - should hold it well and make it easy to remove if needed. http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150622_175733.jpg.html"> 
I used all stainless hardware so along with the aluminum basket, should hold up to our wet weather up here. Super easy mod and cheap at only $100 or so all in (except the cooler). Heading out this weekend close to home so we will see how it works! |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2015 at 8:59pm
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Nice Job!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2015 at 9:21pm
Party at WAPODDERS!!  You did test for tight turns with your TV, right? fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2015 at 9:50pm
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Looks good. I was going to mention sharp turns, too. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 1:47am
| According to my measurements, i should be able to get to 90 degrees, but then again, i have never been very good at geometry. Come to think of it, i should have test fit with it hooked up to the tv........fingers crossed.. |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 7:35pm
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Unless you are towing with a Gold Wing, no way in heck can you get 90 degrees. I strongly suspect you are going to need to invest in tail light stock.
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Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2015 at 9:15pm
Well - close but no cigar. I moved it back as far as I could, and it still is a little to close for comfort. I am sure it would be fine for 90% of situations, but not for those tight camp spots and u-turns. Back to the drawing board. http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150625_173230.jpg.html"> 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 10:47am
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If you can shave the corners of the tray you may be ok 95% of the time. Another option, look into mounting the tray so it can be slid side to side (but locked down the rest of the time). If you get into a situation where you must make a tight turn slide it to the side, then center it again when you are done. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 4:04pm
Good ideas! The only thing that is holding me back from tweaking that basket is that I can't weld aluminum. My TIG machine is only DC and I don't have a spool gun for my MIG. I think I may just build a tray out of angle for just the cooler and mount it where the stock propane rack is. I should be able to build a support for the propane tank to fit behind the cooler next to the battery. Have you ever seen anybody use a frame-mounted spare tire holder to hold a propane tank? I could make a protective cage that bolts to it for the tank - just worried about the weight on the frame with all that leverage going over bumps.
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Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 6:53pm
There are many things you can do without welding, no welding on my backend of the pod.
  ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2015 at 11:49pm
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Took another stab at this.
I cut down the basket to just fit the cooler - took about 6 inches off the depth, and 18 inches off the width. Also, moved the propane tank off to the side hanging off a spare tire mount. Still have room for dual batteries with this set up too. I just need to fab up a bottom pan and front shield for the propane tank to protect it from road debris. http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150630_185045.jpg.html"> 
http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150630_185731.jpg.html"> 
http://s197.photobucket.com/user/4Greggski/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20150630_185109.jpg.html"> 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2015 at 10:33pm
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Looks like you'll clear it now. Interesting using the tire mount for the tank. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2015 at 12:46pm
| Yeah - clears the rear bumper. The spare tire mount is rated at 100lbs, and the propane tank holder is 1/8th thick and lips up under the tank. Feels very solid - I am just a little concerned with it's exposure to road debris, and plan on making some kind of protection for it. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2015 at 2:31pm
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you can buy hard plastic slip-over covers which would work. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2015 at 2:39pm
| I thought the same thing and have been looking for a single tank, hard plastic cover, but have only been able to find double ones. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2015 at 9:37pm
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Dang, I only see plastic for doubles, too. Only see vinyl for singles. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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