New 2012 r-Pod 173

 

Our Rpod is a "2012."  I noticed, though, that the date of manufacture was 4/2011. I don't know when Forest River changes the model year; but ours is probably a very early 2012.

 

I agree that we shouldn't have had to go through that. Someone on the other forum said that our dealer should have done a better job of prep'ing. My dealer pointed out the missing blind when I picked up the camper, and ordered that right away. The DVD player still had the protective plastic wrap on it, which is really the way I like to get a new piece of electronic equipment. I reported the problem with the display as soon as I fired it up and tried it out at home. They ordered a replacement right away and even offered to switch it with one from another new Rpod on the lot. I told them not to bother with that, because the camping season was over for us anyway. Maybe they could have done better; because they probably should have taken care of the unsealed holes that were apparent in the furnace/hot water heater area. Their overall treatment of me, though, had been outstanding. I don't think a dealer should have to finish the manufacturing job for Forest River; and I consider initially sealing exterior holes to be part of the manufacturing process. I'm glad my dealer took pictures for Forest River, and I'd like to think this was a rare occurance; but I didn't get that impression from the service manager.

 

All that said, I still have an overall impression of above average build quality for our Rpod. I like the way the exterior wiring is encased in tubing, the cabinets have a nice look and feel, the fiberglass has a nice finish, things seem plum and square, the door and storage lid close properly, torsion suspension vs. leaf springs, the decals are well done, etc. I wish the interior lights were LEDs and the warranty were longer; but, I think it's a generally well put together rig.

 

Sam

 

I like the idea of shaping the tubs to fit the wall.

I also installed several of those Command Strips hangers, and hung a cloth shoe organizer on the end of the sink/burner cabinet, next to the outside door.

 

I think those things will start to improve the storage issues.

 

Eventually, I want to take someone's suggestion about hanging storage trays above the window blinds.

 

I contacted the dealer and told them about some of your responses regarding the air gaps. I wanted to know whether that would be a warranty issue; or, if I needed to find them and seal them up myself, I wanted to know the best way to go about it. The owner said that it is absolutely a warranty issue. The pod should be easy to heat, and they would check things out and install any missing seals. He said any help I could provide about where the air is coming in would help, and I told him about the air flow beside the refrigerator, where I stuffed paper towels to temporarily improve things a little. In the mean time, I layed a 2'x6' carpet runner on the floor to make that feel a little warmer, and to protect the linoleum where we'll be sliding the tub in and out under the sofa.

 

So, I re-winterized the rpod and took it back to the dealer. Hope to have it back in about another week; but, this camping season will be gone. By the time we get it back it will be time to tow it to the storage barn; but I think some of these things will improve our camping experience in early Spring.

 

Thanks again for your encouragement and suggestions.