Soon-to-be new owner

Hello from a soon-to-be 179 owner. We expect to pick it up on December 7th.

We looked at a number of different campers, including models from Starcraft, KZ, and Coleman. I wanted something that would be towable by our Escape (2016 SE, 2 L EcoBoost engine with factory towing package, rated at 3,500 lbs). After getting scammed on a non-existent Casita, I found an R-Pod dealer not too far away from us.

We decided that the layout of the 179 was the best for us. While I  would have preferred a walk-around queen (or even double) bed, we will adapt to this one. The thing that sold us on the 179 is the kitchen and storage space. Having the dinette in the slide-out seemed to make more sense.

We hope to get many years of enjoyment with this R-Pod. It will make possible some of the "We ought to stop and see this sometime" travel that we have not done because motels and meals would just cost too much. Admittedly, the R-Pod isn't inexpensive, but being able to eat our own cooking is a big plus.

I plan to add a picture if it is possible once we pick up our R-Pod.

Thanks Shroomer.

I remember seeing "The Long Long Trailer many years ago. I also remember the camping trailer my parents had. I have a lot of good memories from camping in that trailer.

 I realize that the Escape is on the small size, but I will be driving much more without the R-Pod than with it. I am not one to race anyway. I will be getting an Equal-i-zer hitch with the trailer. That will give me sway control as well as equalization. This Escape replaced one that had a larger, but less powerful engine. My original choice for a camper would have been a Casita. Since that was not an option for the timeline I had, the R-Pod is the best alternative. In many cases, I expect it to be better.

Since I expect to be off grid on our first trip, l am thinking of buying and installing a second battery to install with the one that will come with the R-Pod. However, I need to get it first so I can get the same type battery. I also need to wire in a 12 volt outlet and figure out how to put a small shelf in for my cpap machine. I have a lot to do in a very shot time before we leave to see our chlldren and grandchildren.

Thanks for the advice. I would like to go the 6 volt route, but will initially need to go with a second battery like the first. If batteries hold overnight, that will be adequate for the first trips. While we are at our daughters'  houses, we should be able to hook up to AC and while we are on the road, they will get a T.V. charge during the day.

My CPAP does use 12V. The power brick supplies that 12V but battery supply should be fine as long as I don't try to power the humidifier also. The concern, of course, is the furnace. If we keep the temperature setting low, it should reduce the power needed We will just have extra blankets. Other than that, we will need to charge cell phones, but again, that can be done during the day while we are travelling.

If I were to get two 6V batteries, what could be done with the 12V battery that will come with the R-Pod? I don't have a boat with which to use it. It would be too good to recycle.

Thanks. I would not have thought about that. I'll contact them soon as I finish this message. 

Unfortunately, I did lose money.  I should have seen the red flags, but I didn't.

I contacted the dealer (Country Roads RV Center in Lexington, NC). It is not too late to get the battery upgrade, and the preliminary quote I got sounds reasonable. This way too, I should get the proper size cases for the six-volt batteries. I'm glad I didn't wait until we got there to pick it up to ask.