Jayco Hummingbird r-pod clone
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Wish List
Forum Discription: Tell Forest River what you would like to see in the r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7626
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 3:02pm
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Topic: Jayco Hummingbird r-pod clone
Posted By: JohnBG
Subject: Jayco Hummingbird r-pod clone
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:13pm
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Looks like Jayco is following Winnebago with an r-pod knockoff in 2017 that they are calling the Hummingbird, but it includes a window in the door and electric retractable awning. (Stolen from the Facebook group.) Looks like they are cloning the 177, 179 and 180. Wonder what other nifty features they have that the r-pods don't? Looks like a nicer propane tank cover (dual tank?) and I can't tell if the hitch jack is electric or not, but it looks electric. 2-year warranty is nice.
 ------------- 2010 R-Pod RP-171 2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:31pm
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Boy they look really similar!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:44pm
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Forest River must have a winner. First the MPV, then the Winnie drop and now this.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Retroactive
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:14pm
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The RV dealer I bought mine from said the Rpod outsells every other single axle they carry. The 178's sell as fast as they hit the lot. The other manufacturers are desperate to glom on to the craze. It will be interesting to see if this is a blatant enough ripoff for FR to file a lawsuit. ------------- |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:39pm
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Notice that the wheels/fenders do not stick out from the sides. It looks like it's wider than the R-pod. That's a double-edged sword. More room would be nice, but I like the rearview visibility I have with the Pod. I don't need extra-huge towing mirrors to see behind it. Also, they seem to have full-size awnings on them. That would be nice. We miss that from our old popup. ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:46pm
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The 17RK is a dead ringer for the layout of the 179. I don't see Forest River letting this go unchallenged.
------------- 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: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:50pm
I noticed that, right down to the shape of the countertop. The 17RB is likewise for the 180. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 8:05pm
Good catch. I would prefer the wider stance on some pods and figured they would come out with an 8' wide floor plan eventually (surprised they haven't). That extra foot on either side is a big deal. Room for a dry bath, and a walk-around Queen bed. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 8:19pm
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That walk around queen bed would be nice!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 9:49pm
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Can't find much about it in the Internet ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 10:13pm
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The 179 clone sure does not look anything like a walk-around queen. I would prefer that. I'm not so sure that the wheels are just not showing how much they protrude in the side-on pictures. One would have to have front or rear shots to see for sure. Edit: I searched and saw a shot with more detail. It has fenders with running lights, just like the R-Pod. 2nd edit: http://www.rvt.com/Jayco-Hummingbird-17RK-2017-Winfield-BC-ID6745338-UX14262 - http://www.rvt.com/Jayco-Hummingbird-17RK-2017-Winfield-BC-ID6745338-UX14262 ------------- 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: john in idaho
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 10:07am
| Looks like they hinged the door on the other side, but no grab bar, which my old knees find necessary. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 10:29am
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The text described having a grab bar, but it is not pictured. Agreed, the door is hinged on the other side. It just means that it can bang into the awning support instead of the fender if someone opens it too far. There is also a slight change in the bottom of the front end but not enough to say it is a different design. Instead of just copying the design, maybe they ought to license it from Forest River. That would likely be cheaper than being taken to court and having to discontinue making them. ------------- 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: funks
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 8:27pm
| I have a 179, and looking at the Jayco Hummingbird it looks like Jayco is picking up were Forest River left off. There offering a full two year warranty, window in the door, retractable awning,and what ever else. There is always room for improvements. I really would like the awning but the door on the 179 swings the other way. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 8:34pm
I thought putting the door hinge on the aft side was verboten due to the danger if the latch opened during travel. I note that all three floor plan illustrations show the door properly hinged. I guess the picture is just a marketeer's dream. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 9:06pm
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I'm not so sure about the window in the door being standard. The picture I linked did not show a door window.
------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 8:06am
+1 ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 10:17am
It can go poorly, but even Airstream has a few models with suicide doors.. Ours came open at 65mph once.. it suxs. ------------- |
Posted By: podvader
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2016 at 3:02pm
| No garage, no r-dome, no sale. |
Posted By: CoosBayRPodder
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2016 at 10:24pm
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We checked out this unit when we were buying our 180. Nice, but they really lack interior storage. ------------- Roy & Dudi 2017 R-Pod 180 "PODdy Time" 
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Posted By: 4runninpod
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2016 at 6:52pm
We noticed the same thing, really liked the awning but that was about it. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2016 at 7:56pm
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Have seen a couple of these sitting on the lot in Traverse City for a lonnnnnnng time, still for sale. Hmm.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: BuckeyePod
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 12:03pm
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On the fence between the 179 and Jayco 17RK. Local dealer has the 17FD model and waiting to check out the RK in person before deciding. There really isn't anything that the Jayco has that the Rpod doesn't that is a deal breaker for us. However, we really like the awning. Jayco sway control is also very interesting, but I have not heard how much that option is. Here's a demo of the Jayco
http://youtube.com/watch?v=9x32vP9zB9Q - http://youtube.com/watch?v=9x32vP9zB9Q |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 7:19pm
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looks like an rpod.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: BuckeyePod
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 5:46pm
We ended up going with the R-Pod 179. Pick it up next Friday. In the end, the R-Dome and this community is what sealed it for us. Looking forward to breaking her in.
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2016 at 9:09pm
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The r-dome gives you some great extra space
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: ronahue
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 6:30am
The exterior width of the Jayco is 97" according to the Jayco web site the R-Pod 179 96" 17RK | 2017 HUMMINGBIRDWeights & Measures
------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 10:01am
I just looked at the video linked above. A big no-go on the Jayco is the location of the black water flush connection. It is right there with the city water and fresh water tank fill.  Whoever thought that was a good idea? It almost guarantees that someone will just use the fresh water hose to do the black water flush with the risk of contaminating the fresh water system.A plus is that it looks like the Jayco has a rear bumper that can store the drain hose. The double steps are useful. I removed the single step and installed double steps on our 179. The power jack, if indeed it is standard, is a nice feature also. The awning looked interesting. It uses a different air conditioner. The switches look like they are on the AC unit and not integrated into the same thermostat as the heater like the R-Pod I guess that would be a somewhat neutral difference. I disliked the lower-down location of the media unit. It is too likely to get bumped down there.. Other than some minor upholstery differences, it is essentially another clone. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2016 at 2:30pm
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It said in the video it has a 5/8" tongue and groove plywood floor that is good but wonder if the floor is insulated. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Jazz trumpet
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2016 at 7:42am
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Funny, nobody has posted the price difference. Does anyone know? ------------- John and Marilyn 2016 Rpod 180 2001 Chevrolet Suburban |
Posted By: JodyG
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2016 at 1:24pm
| I've been watching to see one of these come to a dealer nearby (Eastern PA). Closest to me so far is Erie. From what I gather, there is at least a $2k price difference so far on comparable units on RV trader (17RB vs RP-180). My local dealer says they have not even been given a build date for their first order yet...so it may be September until they see any come in. |
Posted By: SuperDudeAbides
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2016 at 4:45pm
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Lots of the Hummingbirds in stock in the Midwest, yet oddly, the 179 is tough to find, only 2 (new) in a 2-3 hours drive of KC area. From what I have seen here - the 2017 Hummingbird is priced near the 2017 R-Pod. (But that's not a real apples to apples) A loaded R-Pod is almost as much as a Hummingbird with Awing, power jack, and grill options that the Pod does not include. Additionally, the Pods TELL you they have R-9 roof and floor, the Hummingbird does not say what insulation is present but offers an OPTION of sealed underbelly with reflective insulation. So it's nearly impossible to compare one to the other because as similar as they are, they are very different.
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Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2016 at 1:41am
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Hello everyone,
New to the forum and have been doing a ton of research between the Jayco Hummingbird 17RB and the Rpod 180. First of all the Winnebago DROP is out. So the dealbreaker for me is the larger three way fridge and the new THULE awning that's in-closed on the Rpod versus the exposed awning which is electric on the Jayco Hummingbird. I don't need an electric awning. One thing that I looked very very closely at was the models and sizes of the refrigerators. There seems to be a huge difference in them and the models installed and the actual sizes and operations of the refrigerators. Depending on the production runs of certain refrigerators they can change them to others without notice. I do prefer the Dometic three-way approximately 4 cu ft. fridge. I also like to add thermostatically controlled cooling fans to the rear of my refrigerators for more efficiency. Also driving down the road on 12V letting my alternator help my battery system recover so I don't have a live propane tank system. I think it's just a bit safer. I do like the rear bumper on the Jayco, however the new Rpod has a full-size sewer tube mounted underneath. The new Rpods colors are gorgeous along with two aluminum steps that have been mounted on it. Also the thermostatic controls for heating and cooling being on the wall make much more sense. The Jayco "Optional Electronic Sway Control System" is now being recalled being disconnected. And with the whole Rpod support system forums community of thousands of people, Forest River Rpod is clearly my choice! I will be ordering one soon. I hope this helps thanks. Any other input would be welcome. Dan |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2016 at 7:28am
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As others have chimed in numerous times on this forum, there have been zero issues running propane while driving down the road or filling at the gas station while running the fridge. I remember the first time trying to cool down the fridge on my deep cycle battery that in less than 5 hours my battery was basically dead, so the battery option is something I never use. Guess it comes down to personal feelings/choice about this. We have thoroughly enjoyed our 177 for nearly 6 years now, and yes, those 2 group size 24, 12 volt batteries are still performing quite nicely as we boondock more than having electricity available. Yes, this is a fantastic forum, with a lot of very knowledgeable people here to help. My wife likes the facebook side of the RPOD owners group, same goes for that side as well ! ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2016 at 8:16pm
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Welcome. Not only are there no problems running from propane, it is the only method used by larger rigs. The biggest reason not to use the 12 volt mode is most TV charge lines are only 12 gauge, so they aren't large enough to supply the fridge. So you draw down the pod's battery on the road until the fridge begins to warm up. Then you arrive in camp with a low battery. If the pod's battery is already low from a weekend of boondocking, the fridge never has a chance. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2016 at 8:52pm
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Amen to that Doug !
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2016 at 10:01pm
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Thanks for the warm welcome!
It sounds like you've already experienced these issues? Lol, I guess, I just like the 12volt option being available. I understand there is a option on another model of the Dometic that automatically seeks power 12v, a/c or gas. Of course that's after the fact if you're battery packs are depleted. Having never traveled for extended periods using a 12volt system for refrigerator operations, I don't really know the reality. Thanks for the information. I will no doubt tap into this forums communities experiences again. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2016 at 5:08pm
We've had a few discussions on it over the years. 
Keep in mind that if you ran just the fridge from LP one tank would last over a month, so you'll use very little going to/from the campground for a weekend trip. Of course switch to AC mode if you have hookups at the campground. And don't worry about filling up at the gas station with the fridge lit, we've had a few discussions about that, too (vapor recovery systems, narrow flammability range, etc). ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Blue Highways
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2016 at 9:04pm
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The one thing we have to conclude about FR and our 179, is that with an extensive month-long 5000+ mile journey with only one motel, (both boondocking & camping w/ connections) we've had close to 98% reliability of all systems, which we didn't expect. Even the tires have had very little wear over some very rough roads, and the axle & suspension has been stable and smooth. Jayco has to match that quality as well, out in the field.... not saying they can't they've been long in the biz. We hope that our R-pod reliability level is throughout the R-Pod community mostly and it wasn't us just lucking out with a unit built Tues. thru Thursday and not following a long weekend (!) It's temping to want a wider trailer body version such as Jayco's, which would cover the wheels, (who wouldn't like that possibility of walking around one side of the Queen bed) ....but since we prefer back-in campsites when we can for a bit more privacy in "services" CG's, I really like to see those rear trailer wheels so that I can nestle back just right among the trees & obstacles to benefit leveling, so that the slider can come out just the way I want it to. It's easier to position and roll up on levelling blocks when you can watch the wheel(s) crawl up on them. On the road, in a tight small downtown right turn, with the exposed wheels, I can carefully watch and guide that inside trailer wheel around that radius carefully, as well. The other "plus" to the narrower FR R-Pod body compared to Jayco's knock-off, is that you do benefit from the body being as wide as a full size truck (but no wider) for visibility of traffic behavior behind you, plus the less wide frontal wind resistance should help out in a headwind such as when we came across southern Wyoming at Interstate speeds. Jayco probably does need to plan clear "salesman" advantages to those comparing for their behalf, but I think I am loyal to FR. I do have to add that a partial awning / porch arrangement for R-Pod (without pulling out the complete R-dome when you really don't have that room) is something I would be jealous of on a Jayco offering. Maybe popular demand will bring forth something new for over the entry door of all R-pods, without hurting the R-dome sales ... ?
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Posted By: Blue Highways
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2016 at 11:48pm
| UPDATE on "something new" ... I just viewed the new awning arriving on the latest cool-blue 2017 R-Pods. Since ours won't take that update, (not reinforced for it) I'll next pay attention to what aftermarket coverings have been adapted by the ever- industrious Pod community out there.... |
Posted By: grand beaver
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2016 at 10:58pm
| Im with Blue Highways........I really like the look and the practicality of the exposed wheels outside of the trailer. It makes manuevering into tight spots so much easier and its a unique look! We are headed out Saturday for Boise, Idaho and then on to the Sawtooths in Central Idaho for two weeks!! |
Posted By: Blue Highways
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 9:40am
Posted By: Blue Highways
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2016 at 9:45am
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Beautiful country you are heading to. (Sawtooths). Raised my two boys in Hailey (Wood River Valley) but they now both work in Boise. Have fun! If you want a peaceful, beautiful "hookups" CG to stay in with access to Boise offerings, the best we found was in nearby Wilder, Idaho, about 45 minutes into downtown Boise night scene & shopping. This campground is right on a very peaceful serene portion of the Snake River, you're right next to it, and you often get treated to an awesome sunset over the river each evening, which you are right next to. "River's Edge" is the name, and less than $30 a night and VERY quite and relaxing when we were there in Sept. Have fun Beav ! ! ! |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2016 at 4:25pm
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I have looked at the Hummingbird. I wish forest river would use the same quality awning. The new awning on the 2017 and 1/2 is junk compared to the Hummingbird and the Winnie Drop ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: podvader
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2016 at 6:43am
| I think that the new awning fits the pod pretty well. I might be the oddball but I have had both and I preferred the manual awning. |
Posted By: Weekend Warrior
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2016 at 10:13pm
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I love the 3 way 4 cubic inch fridge in my RPOD 180. Its the perfect size for 2 people. We never jam pack it with food since we are weekend campers. We did use it for 8 straight days in San Diego and since Walmart was close by, we just bought what we really needed so nothing went to waste. I think your idea of shutting off the propane while traveling and switching to battery power is an excellent idea. No chance of an accident happening. I think you'll be happy with the 180 because it handles great in the inner city roadways as well as the interstate roads and its so easy to park and tow. The shower is a bit small for a big guy but I usually use the campground showers and my wife likes her privacy in the RPOD shower.
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Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 12:31am
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Yes, my son-in-law and daughter travel all over In their Rpod with the 12V refrigerator running and have never had a problem with it not being cold. Some people in the forum were saying that you need to increase the size of the wire leading to the refrigerator from the tow unit. So, I guess that is still a possibility if your refrigerator heats up.
But getting to the discussion of the awnings is an issue for me. I prefer a fully encased awning to keep it from getting weather beaten and wet in the rain storms . It just seems like it would last a lot longer without mold and mildew and sun beating on it. It appears the new Rpods have a fully encased awning. The recessed stove top with a glass cover and the new thermostat controls seem pretty nice. Also a single point drain for both black and gray water tanks is pretty handy. I did like the storage compartment lights on the Hummingbird. Also an outside TV mount was provided on the Hummingbird. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 9:28am
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It isn't so much that the refrigerator will not be cold, but that the alternator in the TV may not be able to support running the refrigerator while simultaneously charging the battery. You may arrive to a campsite with a marginally charged battery. This is important if you intend to dry camp. We have traveled extensively with the refrigerator running on propane with no problems.
------------- 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: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 10:18am
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Yeah that could be true because the wire leading from your alternator is generally a 10 gauge. Even the lowest rated alternators are usually like 130 amp max output, but they don't deliver rated amperage capacity to the batteries because of the wiring inability to pass the actual amperage. Also the alternator charging system on our vehicles is only designed to keep our car battery topped off and all the loads in the vehicle are generally run from the reserve capacity of the battery being nearly fully charged. Generally the biggest load used in your vehicle would be your fan for your air-conditioning system. Maybe somebody has some figures how much amps it actually takes to run the refrigerator correctly. .Maybe short trips would be fine on 12 V but changing back to propane periodically might be smart. Long drives running off your alternator and battery packs could overheat the alternator also. Input is welcome!
thanks |
Posted By: Chuckfsc
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 7:43pm
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The new 179 do not have a single point drain hose. They have a separate one for gray and a separate for black water. ------------- Chuckfsc |
Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2016 at 8:03pm
| My daughter has a 182G model and it has two different points of drain. Front and rear of the left tire. I usually like to leave the hose hooked up and flush it with the gray water. |