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Coast and Back March 2014

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Camping Adventures
Forum Discription: Post your camping adventures here for all to share
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4555
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 3:21pm
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Topic: Coast and Back March 2014
Posted By: Bred Flink
Subject: Coast and Back March 2014
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 6:59pm


Our maiden voyage, March 2014 in our new 178 HRE, 
towed from Calgary Alberta, over the Rocky Mountains, stopping at every gas station on the way to the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Two hours from Calgary, we need gas. And, in the beautiful mountain village of Field, it was only 50% more than it was in Calgary. Road guck encrusts the POD. the leading edge of the POD was solid muddy sandy ice from tire spray. 
Here's the view we were greeted by when we opened the door at our destination.



Our first sunrise by Jordan River on the west coast of the Island.



We had the beach all to ourselves. Copious amounts of cedar on the beach for firewood.



About 12 hours behind the wheel to get here, not including the 2 hour ferry ride from Vancouver to Sidney. 
Well worth the trip, as it was snowing when we left, and ten days later snowing in Calgary.
The weather was cool and we made good use of the heater/furnace. Skies were sunny so the solar panel had no trouble keeping the battery charged.
Our only issue was with the water heater, which thanks to this website, we figured out - contrary to the instructions of the RV dealership we bought from. I'll rant about them in the appropriate place. (Yes, the valves are under the bed, no they are not under the sink. Yes there are three valves to turn, not one)
Love the Pod, it performed as expected. The truck towed like a champ. Well, a champ that likes gas too much. Didn't use a WDH nor a sway bar. Logged 2400 KMs over crappy roads and good roads, encountered many big rigs and several irresponsible drivers, breezed through windy spots,  drove fast, slow, forwards and backwards. Drove over ice, snow, pooled hydro-plany water, ruts, pot holes, gravel, sand, bridges and twice crossed the Rocky Mountains in winter driving conditions. Loved it, will do it again next year, I hope.



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Sailing and camping Western Canada and US-NW



Replies:
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 7:09pm
A safe trip is always a great trip with plenty of good memories. Glad to hear that all went well. Goose

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Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee


Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 7:20pm
Really nice pics!

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


Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 7:50pm
Bred,

You took your Rpod on the ferry to the island. What did that cost? I boat the Gulf Islands and Victoria as much as I can. Those BC Ferries are really big and they have right away. Must have been fun. Did you make it to Tofino, BC? We have been there once. Did you have a famous Nanaimo bar?

Sounds like a fun trip.


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Cary
2014 RP-177


Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 8:26pm
Bred, Did you use your solar panel with the Zamp plug? Can you comment here?

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4477&PID=44319#44319 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4477&PID=44319#44319


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Cary
2014 RP-177


Posted By: Bred Flink
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2014 at 9:31pm
Ferry from Tswassen ( closest ferry to  US border) cost $194
Truck and pod is 38'

Didn't get up to Tofino, I don't like that switch back road. So, I go thru Victoria and around past Sooke to Jordan River and port Renfrew which are just across an inlet from Tofino. Same type of beach and village and experience except it is 6 hours less driving.
I've sailed and boated around Puget Sound and the San Juans and really miss that part of the world. Hope to move back there in retirement. I worked in Nanaimo years ago, attended the Nanaimo bar festival along with Bathtub races. 


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Sailing and camping Western Canada and US-NW


Posted By: danthoman
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2014 at 3:59pm
Sounds like a great trip. The photos were beautiful.

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Linda and Dan
Calley the golden retriever
R-pod 177 and a Tundra 8 cyl


Posted By: ANGCHIEF
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2014 at 1:16pm
So the trip to Vancouver Island is worth the cost? What did the ferry cost for the rig and Pod, and how long did it take to drive up the island and back down? We are contemplating the trip with our Pod soon.

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Jan and Dean
2014 178



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