New tech for this trip - R-pod Owners Forum

I love hearing about new toys!

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

1. Laser temperature gun

2. Diablosport i2 tuner/programmer

3. New camper tires

I have to live up to my screen name, so I have some new tech on my current road trip.

First up is the temperature gun. I always check my tire and hub temps when I stop, now I can do it high-tech. The back of the hand works well, but now I can compare the actual temps from wheel to wheel. I even checked the temps for the guy parked next to me at a rest stop since he was having a hard time getting around with a bad hip. Any excuse to shoot the laser at something. Works on my forehead too. Tongue

I've mentioned the Diablo tuner in other threads because I've had it roughly 6 months, but this is the first hard test of the performance tune on steep, long grades. The biggest reason I bought it was to adjust the fan temperature settings. I now have it set to turn on the fans on high above 214 F, where the factory doesn't do that until 235. I'm still seeing a rise in engine temps on the harder grades, but the milder grades and flats it keeps the engine temp solid at 210 now. Less engine heat keeps the oil cooler, which keeps the oil pressure up. As for the tune, as I've noted before it is better than the stock tune. I haven't tried customizing the engine parameters yet other than the fan settings. I did try firming up the transmission shifting but didn't like it so that is back to stock.

Why are camper tires on the list? My camper came with bias tires. Last year I replaced them with bias tires since that is what it had before. Two of 4 failed on a trip last month, and this time it got radials. The difference in handling is huge. I actually feel like the WDH can keep it solidly straight in the best of conditions now, but before I was always fighting it. Today I encountered decent winds half the day but could keep my speed at 65 (where before I had to slow down) and fought it less than I did before at the best of times. I don't know why, since radials have more sidewall flex. I know my pod towed very comfortably with its radials. I'm happy to have the improvement, whatever the reason.

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

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Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508	Topic: New tech for this trip Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 10:02am
	I love hearing about new toys!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Posted: 02 Jul 2016 at 8:36am
	I love my temp gun! I always check my hubs and tires too when we stop. It's a good cautionary practice, but, like you say, mostly an excuse to shoot the gun. Someone told me that railroads use stationary laser temp guns to shoot the hubs on trains as the roll past certain points. A hot one gets flagged for quick service. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 01 Jul 2016 at 9:52pm
	1. Laser temperature gun 2. Diablosport i2 tuner/programmer 3. New camper tires I have to live up to my screen name, so I have some new tech on my current road trip. First up is the temperature gun. I always check my tire and hub temps when I stop, now I can do it high-tech. The back of the hand works well, but now I can compare the actual temps from wheel to wheel. I even checked the temps for the guy parked next to me at a rest stop since he was having a hard time getting around with a bad hip. Any excuse to shoot the laser at something. Works on my forehead too. I've mentioned the Diablo tuner in other threads because I've had it roughly 6 months, but this is the first hard test of the performance tune on steep, long grades. The biggest reason I bought it was to adjust the fan temperature settings. I now have it set to turn on the fans on high above 214 F, where the factory doesn't do that until 235. I'm still seeing a rise in engine temps on the harder grades, but the milder grades and flats it keeps the engine temp solid at 210 now. Less engine heat keeps the oil cooler, which keeps the oil pressure up. As for the tune, as I've noted before it is better than the stock tune. I haven't tried customizing the engine parameters yet other than the fan settings. I did try firming up the transmission shifting but didn't like it so that is back to stock. Why are camper tires on the list? My camper came with bias tires. Last year I replaced them with bias tires since that is what it had before. Two of 4 failed on a trip last month, and this time it got radials. The difference in handling is huge. I actually feel like the WDH can keep it solidly straight in the best of conditions now, but before I was always fighting it. Today I encountered decent winds half the day but could keep my speed at 65 (where before I had to slow down) and fought it less than I did before at the best of times. I don't know why, since radials have more sidewall flex. I know my pod towed very comfortably with its radials. I'm happy to have the improvement, whatever the reason.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual