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Topic ClosedShake-down cruise

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RichC View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Shake-down cruise
    Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 8:45am
Wife, dogs and I tried out the new 171 this week, Monday to Wednesday. Couldn't wait for warm weather.

We picked a Northern Illinois state park and one in Wisconsin so we could set up (hitch, unhitch, level, repeat) a couple of times. Pod did not roll down the hills.

The dogs don't like the steps yet, but we all had a great time.

Was 25 degrees Wednesday morning and the heater worked great. We are still winterized so we carried water and picked the parks for being open in winter and having pit toilets.

A friend, also R Pod owner (179) joined us for coaching. I was pleasantly shocked at the comfort of the dinette. I'm 6'1" 230. We loved the bed.

I installed a couple of mods. I put a cargo net across the front bulkhead for odds and ends -- nothing heavy -- and tried a shelf idea (worked but needs tweaking).

Main rookie mistake: we turned off refrigerator and LEFT DOOR CLOSED at the storage lot -- oops. It's 45 minutes from the house. Fortunately I'm headed that way Tuesday.

I'm going to try an old movers trick for the fridge -- paper towel with a dab of vanilla or a scoop of ground coffee in an open bag. Best fridge deodorizers ever.

Can't wait for next trip!
2017 RP171
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 9:00am
You don't need that trick. Just move the latch to the "storage" position. It will hold the door open about a 1/4 inch. Perfectly. Look at the fridge side of the latch, and you will see a little tab sticking out, push and pull forward.

And grats on the first run success. Smile
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 9:14am
Thanks.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 12:04pm
Congrats on the successful shake down!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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2010 Rpod 171
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RichC View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 3:05pm
Thanks

I must say, I anticipated liking it -- it was double my expectations
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Mar 2017 at 8:13pm
Great to hear on your successful shake-down cruise.  When we did our first it was in our driveway in March (northern Michigan) and there was a LOT of snow on the ground so we stayed real close to home.  I will wager you will replace that mattress before long, we did after 3 nights on ours.  Got a Euro-top mattress.  It is nearly 6 years old now, still a comfy as when we first purchased it.
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Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 10:19am
You might be right about the bed. We slept well but it felt like it could loose some firmness with use.
For years we've been very happy with w futon on ground in our tent when we camp -- that was very firm.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 9:38am
Just make sure you set the latch to the travel position when you turn the fridge on.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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