Dano's 179 Jeep Edition - R-pod Owners Forum

Author

Share Topic

Topic Search

Topic Options

bjk

Groupie

Joined: 23 May 2016
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 65

Topic: Dano's 179 Jeep Edition
Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 9:13pm

It looks very nice!

2016 HRE R-179 "CapPODccino"
2011 F-150 SLX

DanoJKU

Newbie

Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 35

Posted: 13 Aug 2016 at 9:00pm

Thanks Leo! We did 2 camping trips already this month and really enjoyed it.

Now it's time to integrate a real awning and replace the RDome. It's ok but I want something easier, faster and more attractive.

And the best mattress ever...

Dano and Shell
2020 Imagine 2150RB \ 2019 F150 5.0

Leo B

podders Helping podders - pHp

Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4508

Posted: 23 Jul 2016 at 8:49pm

Nice set up!!

Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

DanoJKU

Newbie

Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 35

Posted: 23 Jul 2016 at 8:47pm

Equipment List

Forest River 3.5" Axle Risers

I don't see how it would be safe to run the P235 tires without the axle risers. Yes, there would be some fender clearance but not enough in my opinion. It have not flexed the RPod suspension off-road to be able to offer an opinion on that, but I like the fender clearance and the frame height that the axle risers provide.

Prodigy P3 Brake Controller

**You need to order the unit with the correct harness for your vehicle or buy the correct harness separately**

https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90195-Electronic-Brake-Control/dp/B000P17NXQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1471559192&sr=1-1&keywords=prodigy+p3+brake+controller

Anderson 3324 Hitch (2 inch ball, universal brackets, 4inch drop\rise)

**You may need 8 inch drop\rise version, measure for youself**

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009V70ZP8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Anderson 3604 Camper Leveler

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GC2LVM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

3 Nankang N889 Mudstar M/T LT235/75 R15 104Q C1 OWL (White Letters inboard)

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/nankang/size/viewProductDetail.do?ra=%2Ftires%2Fnankang%2Fsize%2FviewProductResults&pc=15437&ar=75&rd=15&cs=235

3 15x6 Black, Steel, 8 spoke Trailer Wheels

**I called them and asked them for a quote for 3 wheels (shipped) instead of 2. I asked for 3 valve stems and 15 lug nuts, the OEM lug nuts should work too. I already had chrome caps (I will paint black) but the wheels don't come with them so you can ask them if they offer them.**

http://www.ecustomrim.com/two-boat-trailer-rims-wheels-15-x-6-15x6-6-lug-hole-bolt-black-spoke-design/

Custom Backup Cam

Tools

I keep these tools in the RPod compartment in case they are needed for adjustment or repairs.

1/2" Drive Breaker Bar
1/2" Drive Socket Wrench
1/2" Drive Torque Wrench
1/2" Drive 6-Point Socket, 1-1/8"

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DKPTEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

15/16 Socket 6 Point 1/2" Drive
15/16 Wrench

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q01O126/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1-1/8 Wrench

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Q01O54U/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tire Spoon (it's not difficult to mount your own tires by hand, however, it's not easy if you don't have the feel for it. Watch YouTube for help or take them to a shop)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000J15LVS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Air Compressor required if installing the tires yourself, valve core removal kit might come in handy along with misc automotive tools.
Allen wrench for the Anderson hitch, see Anderson instructions download pdf.

Dano and Shell
2020 Imagine 2150RB \ 2019 F150 5.0

DanoJKU

Newbie

Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 35

Posted: 23 Jul 2016 at 8:45pm

And time passes... 10 weeks or so later and we finally get our 179 from the Dealer. FR delays, Holiday week delays and shipping delays made this project a little frustrating. The 179 did turn out exactly as I designed. This is the first pic I took with the P235 Nankang Mud tires on 15" steel trailer wheels, the same wheel as the R-pod spare, and also with the optional axle riser. I am also running the new Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch which has been very impressive so far. It is really easy to install, easy to use and connect and it functions exactly as I wanted. I can adjust it for the exact amount of sag on the rear of the Jeep. Very cool product.

So this makes me the first to build my own Hood River Edition with the new Axle clocking, but to me it's a "Jeep Edition." Big smile

I have a 24" coupler height which was right on the money for my Jeep and hitch. Pictures of the Axle Riser, Anderson 3604 Camper Leveler and Anderson 3324 Hitch which is prefect for lifted trailers and tow vehicles, (Anderson offers an 8 inch drop\rise shank that would be better suited for some tow vehicle trailer combinations.)

Dano and Shell
2020 Imagine 2150RB \ 2019 F150 5.0

xfitpanther View Drop Down

Newbie

Joined: 09 May 2016
Location: MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27

Posted: 10 May 2016 at 10:16pm

Originally posted by xfitpanther

Originally posted by DanoJKU

This was the picture I was somewhat concerned about with the 179 (2015 edition) that the owner had to add foam to level out the area due to the table being too high:

oh wow! When I looked at the 2016 179 a few days ago, it looked like the table was a little bit higher, but like you said, the thinner cushion would make it level. I'll go here in an hour and check it out to make sure.

Here is a 2016. Its pretty level.

David
2017 r-Pod 180

DanoJKU

Newbie

Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 35

Posted: 10 May 2016 at 9:00pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Remove the rounded end cushions and the flat back cushion, and the dinette area is a great size for one person. A friend slept quite comfortably there when we went on a trip recently. Depending on her size, you may only need to relocate one end cushion to the other end and move the center cushion.

Originally posted by Patriot Dave

Congratulations.
My wife and I this winter went through the very same discussions you did regarding which model to choose. We spent hours over many days at the dealer setting in models we liked.
We are long time tent campers, been married 48 years and have 4 season tent camped through all of those years.
This is our first RV and we chose the 179. For our style camping and since there will only be two of us we thought it would be our best choice.
I have personally messed around with the sofa bed set up and it works as pictured in ones of the posts.
Good Luck

Thank you and thanks for that feedback! I was hoping that sofa-dinette would be able to sleep 1 person comfortably with everything lining up appropriately. I don't know if FR made a wrong move in the earlier models or not, but it is reassuring to hear from you both it works as expected... and is comfortable.

Dano and Shell
2020 Imagine 2150RB \ 2019 F150 5.0

Patriot Dave View Drop Down

Senior Member

Joined: 06 Feb 2016
Location: LaSalle, Mi. 48
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 206

Posted: 10 May 2016 at 8:10pm

Originally posted by DanoJKU

Hi All! We are new, or more accurately soon-to-be-new-owners of a 2017 179, saying hello from PA with a customary forum first post introduction. I'm Dan, my wife is Michele and we are patiently\eagerly awaiting delivery of our R-Pod. This is our first TT and we are upgrading from tent camping. I'm anxious to post a few questions while we wait and dive into some of the tech and mods discussions.

This is what our camping rig will look like based on a picture I took while still deciding on what floorplan would work best for our needs. TV is a 2011 JKU Rubicon 6-speed with a few upgrades.

I must admit, it took a very long time (2 years) to finally decide which model to buy, plus we are new to the RV lifestyle. We think the 179 offers the best balance of features and comfort.

I'll come back to this thread over the next few months and add some pictures and feedback of our adventures.

Congratulations.
My wife and I this winter went through the very same discussions you did regarding which model to choose. We spent hours over many days at the dealer setting in models we liked.
We are long time tent campers, been married 48 years and have 4 season tent camped through all of those years.
This is our first RV and we chose the 179. For our style camping and since there will only be two of us we thought it would be our best choice.
I have personally messed around with the sofa bed set up and it works as pictured in ones of the posts.
Good Luck

Dave & Joyce
Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto.
Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter
Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday

StephenH

podders Helping podders - pHp

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6289

Posted: 10 May 2016 at 7:08pm

Originally posted by xfitpanther

Welcome. That awesome Jeep kind of steals the show from the RPod. :). I have been deciding which rPod for a year now. I like the 179 (EXCEPT the uneven dinette issue). I've been leaning towards the the 178, and I like the 180, but I don't think my daughter would appreciate such tiny sleeping spot. Anything that helped sway you one way or another?

Remove the rounded end cushions and the flat back cushion, and the dinette area is a great size for one person. A friend slept quite comfortably there when we went on a trip recently. Depending on her size, you may only need to relocate one end cushion to the other end and move the center cushion.

StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

johnmaci

Senior Member

Joined: 17 Jun 2014
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 202

Posted: 10 May 2016 at 6:26pm

Originally posted by DanoJKU

This is what our camping rig will look like based on a picture I took while still deciding on what floorplan would work best for our needs. TV is a 2011 JKU Rubicon 6-speed with a few upgrades

Now all you need is a set of wheels/tires like you have on the Jeep, and a black body wrap and you're all set :)