New RV'r -got an RPod 190
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Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13778
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 7:58pm
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Topic: New RV'r -got an RPod 190
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Subject: New RV'r -got an RPod 190
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 1:18am
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Hello everyone! My hubby and I may have gotten a little ahead of ourselves when we finally decided on the Rpod we wanted (the 190) and we found a great 2019 that was only used twice before the owners sold it (they had a baby). We are new to RVing but come from a lot of years camping in a tent. This feels like a 20,000 sf mansion! And boy, we feel like Lucy and Dezi with their long long new trailer! We have no idea what anything does, or how it works. Looks like we'll spend some time with the online tutorials for starters. It's nice to be with a group of owners that really sound nice and helpful. We can't wait to figure out how to turn this thing on and make it go so we can meet some of you out there. We are in Oregon and if there are any groups out this way, let us know. We would love to rub elbows with other owners. Happy trails everyone! |
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 7:56am
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Welcome. One must be of a certain age to even know who Lucy and Desi are these days. I recall the scene where Desi throws out all the rocks that Lucy had secretly been collecting in the back of their trailer.  To avoid that kind of situation, or worse, my first suggestion to you is to be sure you know your tow vehicle limitations and capacities are up to what they need to be for the trailer. Best thing is to weigh your trailer and full rig as you want it loaded for travel. The empty weight specs are highly optimistic and misleading. All that other stuff you will figure out given time and the opportunity to ask questions. Have fun! ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Woodmiester
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 8:53am
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Welcome to the forum. We have a 190 also and have done a ton of mods to it to fit our needs. It is the perfect trailer for two people and is an easy, easy tow and easy to modify. I am thinking of replacing the dinette area with a jackknife couch mounted on top of the storage area. I have already ditched the table that came with the unit and the replacement table I built will work nicely with a couch. I havent completely sold the wife on it yet, but working on it.  Have fun and feel free to ask any questions you may have about your unit. There are a lot of knowleable folks on here and together, they can come up with a solution to almost any problem. ------------- Swampfox |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 9:09am
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Welcome and congratulations! I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories with your RPod. We have a 2016 RP179 and have traveled many miles with it. I have made many modifications to it which you can see by going to the link in my signature. Some of them may be of use to you. In time, you will likely make modifications to make your 190 your own unique RPod and make it better suited to your use. The learning curve can be high. This forum has been very helpful to me and I think you will find it useful. One thing that will help with your searching for answers is how to effectively use the search function. By default, the search only looks at topics six months old or newer. You will need to use the advanced search to be able to expand the date range for your searches. That will make it more likely that you will find answers to your questions. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 10:19am
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Welcome to the forum 2TrvlMore! Please tell us more about yourself, like where you are, and what is going to be pulling your 190? ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: crw8sr
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 11:14am
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Love our 190, I'm sure you will too. Welcome to the forum. ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 11:53am
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lol...'long long trailer'... Next up on Netflix: Danny DeVito and Herve Villechaize in: "The Short Short R-POD"! ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2020 at 11:28pm
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Wow, Thanks everyone for the warm welcome! You are from all over the map out there! To answer some questions you all had... Well "OFFGRID", We are between the ages of 50 & 60... :) And love old movies! And yes, one of the 1st things Daniel said to me was "Christine...No! you are NOT going to collect rocks!!" Nice to "meet"you "GLUEGUY"....We have a choice between a 2004 Toyota Tundra, and 2004 Toyota Sequoia to pull the RPod. I prefer the Sequoia because we can get more in it and it's secure. They both have great pulling power. The Sequoia has disc brakes, the Tundra does not, so it's not as good. We are in Oregon, and as campers, have been ALL OVER the state. We love Montana and Wyoming, Idaho and some parts of Washington. We really liked the idea of being able to tow our portable room with us, dropping it off at a campsite, and still being able to drive and explore. Having a hard-sided trailer instead of a tent in Grizzly territory will be a real plus and allow for much more restful sleeping. I have been told that the trailer undergoes a massive earthquake each time it's hauled down the road, and so am agonizing over (of all things...) DISHES. Some that can go in the micro, and yet not be shattered to smithereens before we get to our first destination. Any suggestions? The other questions I have is spiders. I know, what a fraid-y cat. Really, I can sleep in the same bed with snakes and mice/rats. But if I know there is a spider in a 2,000 sf house, I will burn it down before I sleep in it. We have found 2 in the camper in a 15 minute period upon bringing it home. Is this going to be a regular occurrence? And if so, has anyone had this issue and conquered it? Thank you "STEPHENH" for explaining how to do an extensive search. I really appreciate knowing that and will definitely use it! Mr "WOODMEISTER" we took noticed the cumbersome awkward and possibly knee damaging table also and were thinking about modifying that first. Again, thank you all for the welcome hello! Looking forward to saying "hi" to you out on the road on some random trip! |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2020 at 6:44am
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Either of those tow vehicles are fine as long as all the stuff you want to put in the Sequoia doesn’t include too many rocks.... You might want to get a weight distribution hitch, most folks seem to prefer the ride and handling with one. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2020 at 8:48am
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I always suggest the first mod to be adding an EMS surge protector to protect your campers electronics. There are many options, but I think a hardwired unit is best. Never have to remember to use it, or forget it on the pole, or worse, find it missing one day. Second really nice addition is keyless entry on all doors. I use the rvlock keyless keypad on the front door, and combi cam locks on the storage compartments. No keys to worry about carrying, or losing. I usually recommend changing tires to something worth putting on, but, i'm going to stop beating that drum. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 12:28pm
Oh wow, I handn't even thought of a surge protector! Thanks MJLRPOD! We will look into that right away! I notice there are 2 keys to open the door, and yeah, that sounds great to have keyless. Tires are the 1st thing we replaced. :) Thanks for the excellent tips! |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 1:27pm
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The surge protector is not cheap, about 250.00 bucks. Don't waste time and money on analyzers, they only tell you if its good this very second. An EMS will monitor power before allowing it into your camper, and then keep monitoring it 24-7. I hate keys, I have had keyless entry for at least 10 - 15 years at home, and 5 years on my camper. It s*&ks carrying keys in your bathing suit. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 3:27pm
| Is there a particular surge protector you like or can recommend? |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 3:36pm
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You DO want the analyser function as that tells you whether you have an open ground, neutral, or line and neutral reversed before you connect. You also want the surge protector function to handle transient voltage surges in the campground power lines. So, get a device that has BOTH functions. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2020 at 5:04pm
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I think a non-contact voltage detector would suffice to be certain that there isn't some major wiring problem in the pedestal. That and a DVM and probably a AC test plug. I carry all three, and it only takes a couple of minutes to check that your power is good. As for keys, we got replacement locks for the storage access door and the outside shower door. That way, one key opens them all. I think the permanently mounted surge protector is a great idea. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 9:15am
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I use the Progressive EMS HW30C, (hard wired) unit in mine. As IMO incorrectly stated above, you DON"T need the analyzer, because the EMS will analyze the power BEFORE it allows it to enter the camper. Once you plug in, it takes about 10 seconds before you hear the power kick in. If there is any problems with the pedestal, open ground, reverse polarity, ETC. It will block the power and display and error code associated with the problem. Buying the analyzer would be repetitive and wasteful. I recommend "hardwired" because you only install it once, and it's always ready to go. No reason to hang a 250 dollar lure outside, or forget to take it with you. Remember, an analyzer only tells you if the power is good "before" you plug in, I want to know it's good " while " i'm plugged in. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 9:59am
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Let's get our definitions straight: While the surge protector only protects your appliances from sudden electric surges and high/low voltage spikes, an EMS offers you full protection against all power related issues including current surges, low and high voltage spikes, open ground, reserved polarity, high neutral, incorrectly wired power outlets, and more. So, let's see if we can reach agreement that a surge protector alone is not adequate and what we want is an EMS, a device that provides both for a circuit analysis and surge protection. Or, you can get individual devices as GlueGuy suggests and check the power at the pedestal that way, plus a surge protector for transient surges.
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 10:50am
Yes, I fully agree with this. This is partly my fault for sure, because I only consider an EMS, and when I say surge protector, I guess that's misleading. I would never recommend an actual surge protector, because it's more or less a false sense of security. Hence forth, I will be sure to say "EMS" and not simply a surge protector. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Jul 2020 at 11:14am
+1 ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2020 at 12:25am
Wow, we are learning A LOT from you guys! Thank you so much! I have been looking into the EMS and I see what you mean when you say it would be better than a surge protector. We had no idea they had such a device out there. We will be installing on before we leave on our next trip. THANK YOU so much for the very invaluable advise! We really appreciate the time you all took to help us understand why this is important. We are still feeling a little overwhelmed, but have been going through all the information that came with the RPod and are getting more familiar with everything. Can't wait to feel confident going on a trip someday soon. I feel like we should have a banner on the RPOD that says "Newbie or Rookie", like they do with "Student Driver's".
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Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2020 at 10:29am
The spiders found a food source, probably flying insects in the trailer when it was parked. Could have been parked near a security light, or maybe close to a dumpster, who knows. Sometimes they seem to be attracted to the smell of propane. I'm not sure why that is. Maybe the propane smell attracting mud daubers or mosquitos is what brings in the spiders. But, once you begin to use the trailer and make efforts (with sprays, flyswatters, etc) to keep flying insects out, and run off or kill the spiders, they will probably not bother you much in the future. Unless....well unless....they hatched a bunch of baby spiders!....lol....ooops....never mind.  ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2020 at 12:22pm
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As "rookies", might I offer you a list of things you might want to use as a checklist and make sure you are doing it correctly. First, make sure you turn on the fridge the night before you leave to allow it time to cool. Then you will want to go to the local grocers and get a few things, like eggs and bacon etc.. as well as a generous amount of your preferred adult beverages. Load up all the adult beverages in the fridge, and if theres any room left, put some food in, it's not important, theres always a pizza joint close by. Once you arrive, set up camp, light a camp fire, set up your chairs, and crack open one of those adult beverages. Repeat this step till bedtime. I hope you find this list helpful in having the most enjotable camping experiences. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Phill-n- Dawn W.
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2020 at 6:44pm
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This is too funny. I feel like I could have written this post.
Like you, my wife and I spent many years camping in tents. Like you, we just bought an RPod (2015 177) for our introduction to campers. Like you, we recently found this forum. And of course, the first thing did was I make my wife promise not to collect rocks. 
Happy camping. Here's to the start of a new adventure! |
Posted By: 2TrvlMore
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2020 at 9:43am
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Hi MJLRPOD and PHILL-N-DAWN W. - Thanks for the tips and for saying hi. We are sorry we didn't get back to you sooner. My dad had to go into the hospital and we had to run to California to assist. It is looking like we may not get to go on any trips this year due to needing to spend vaca time with him. How fun that someone else got their first RPod! We kept seeing them running up and down I-5. They were somehow going in age order past us... Green, then blue, then white.... It was like an RPod parade. You will have to tell us where your first trip is and we will live vicariously through you this summer! Happiest of travels to you, and maybe you can use the excellent arrival tips from MJLRPOD who makes camping sound so very easy!
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Posted By: sbeninga
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2020 at 1:38pm
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Hi everyone I just purchased a barely used 2019 R-Pod 190. I am towing it with a 2017 Toyota Highlander V6 AWD with the tow package. My plans are to travel from northern California down to Arizona (probably in mid-February) and meet up with a good friend of mine. She sold her house in this area a year ago and bought a brand new 24 foot RV. I plan to follow her to the southern coast and probably to Florida for a few months. Since I plan on traveling away from home for long periods of time and exploring the country I really need all the storage I can get. Because of that need for storage I want to temporarily remove the outdoor kitchen. It probably isn't that hard but does anyone have any tips on removing the outdoor kitchen on this model? Shelley
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