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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
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
Nice Job!!

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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!! Thumbs Up

You did test for tight turns with your TV, right?

fred


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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
Looks good.  I was going to mention sharp turns, too.  

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


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
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
Originally posted by furpod

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.



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">


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 10:47am

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. 



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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


Posted By: WAPODDER
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 4:04pm
Originally posted by techntrek

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. 


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.


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.



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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
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">



Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2015 at 10:33pm
Looks like you'll clear it now.  Interesting using the tire mount for the tank.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


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
you can buy hard plastic slip-over covers which would work.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


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
Dang, I only see plastic for doubles, too.  Only see vinyl for singles.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual



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