I wrecked our escaPod

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   Hey Stephen. I'm sorry for your misfortune. I really am. That being said you might be able to answer a question for me based on the damage you incurred. I just bought a new 179 and I am ultra paranoid about water intrusion. If my wife ever gets one whiff of mildew in the pod, I am toast.  May as well sell it (she's not a camper so I need to make it painless for her)  we looked at a brand new less expensive trailer never been used and it smelled like mildew. No bueno.  
Maybe you can tell me based on your damage how the sidewall is attached to the top. I can't really tell from the pics. This seems like the weak link in terms of water intrusion. Or is it the holes on top for a/c vents etc. Is it crimped somehow so that water doesn't get in or will it start to get in as soon as I get some cracking in the caulking? Has anyone else had water damage from these areas that you know of? I got to stay on top of this. My friend told me the other day he thought he felt a drip from the a/c. I keep damp rid and a couple of those portable dehumidifiers in the pod at all times. Appreciate any input. 

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cjscinta Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 21 Nov 2016 Location: Franklin, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 84	Topic: I wrecked our escaPod Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 12:07pm
	Hey Stephen. I'm sorry for your misfortune. I really am. That being said you might be able to answer a question for me based on the damage you incurred. I just bought a new 179 and I am ultra paranoid about water intrusion. If my wife ever gets one whiff of mildew in the pod, I am toast. May as well sell it (she's not a camper so I need to make it painless for her) we looked at a brand new less expensive trailer never been used and it smelled like mildew. No bueno. Maybe you can tell me based on your damage how the sidewall is attached to the top. I can't really tell from the pics. This seems like the weak link in terms of water intrusion. Or is it the holes on top for a/c vents etc. Is it crimped somehow so that water doesn't get in or will it start to get in as soon as I get some cracking in the caulking? Has anyone else had water damage from these areas that you know of? I got to stay on top of this. My friend told me the other day he thought he felt a drip from the a/c. I keep damp rid and a couple of those portable dehumidifiers in the pod at all times. Appreciate any input.
	2017 R-pod 179

Tim Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 22 May 2016 Location: Harrison Oh Online Status: Offline Posts: 47	Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 12:03pm
	Great news! Your patience is amazing...Wish I had some!
	2019 Coachman RBS192 2014 178 (sold) 2018 Silverado 1500 4X4

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6429	Posted: 28 Apr 2017 at 11:22am
	The latest update on the continuing saga: I was told by FR that our escaPOD would be picked up at the beginning of April. As that date approached, I contacted them to get more specific information. I received a message that pickup would be on the 24th of April, and that I would be contacted the day prior by the transportation company. On April 23rd, there was no contact. On April 24th, I emailed and left voice messages for FR again. On April 25th, I was told that the pickup was on their schedule, but that the documents had not been submitted to the transportation company. I was assured that the paperwork had been submitted. Thursday, April 27th, I received a call from the transportation company to coordinate the pickup. Today, April 28th, our escaPOD is set for pickup around 3:00 p.m. I have it all ready to go and get repaired. I am missing out on some good spring camping weather. However, it should be ready for the longer trip we are planning to make this summer.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6429	Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 7:15pm
	I was surprised also. The only reason I think it can be done is that they are not going to go back and make a special frame to replace the one side. The new ones must come with the reinforcement so that whether it is ordered with the Keder rail for the R-Dome or the Awning, they do not need to have two different frames in stock. Since they will need to replace that side (and possibly, the slide-out side also), the reinforcement will be in place to support it. They are not charging additional for the installation. That helps also. In spite of the time it is taking to get done, I am really appreciative of the support I am getting from Forest River to fix our R-Pod. When we get it back, it may undergo a name change. I'm thinking of Thistledew." When our kids were younger, "This will do" got transformed into "Thistledew." I think it appropriate. Edit: I just realized that you might be talking about the cost to replace the fabric on your awning. If so, I am glad you found a place that can supply the awning at a reasonable cost.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 6:26pm
	Thanks! Surprisingly much less than I expected.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6429	Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 2:55pm
	Doug, I did a quick search, and found ShadePro. You could look there and get an idea of replacement cost.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 26 Mar 2017 at 9:42am
	Great to hear about the awning addition. The "canvas" on ours is delaminating and I'm dreading what it will cost to replace.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6429	Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 1:15pm
	We do intend to get back out that way. It will likely be in 2018 as we want to visit Yellowstone. We don't have definite plans, but a desire to visit there.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Kokopod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 Feb 2013 Location: Southwest WY Online Status: Offline Posts: 113	Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 10:47am
	Well, even though all of this has been horrid, think of Green River when you sit under that great awning!!
	2017 Jayco Melbourne 24k 2013 Premier 19FBPR Formerly-2013 R-pod 177HRE 2011 Dodge Durango Love a good road trip

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6429	Posted: 25 Mar 2017 at 7:50am
	One more bit of news. I had asked if, since the door-side wall will be replaced while it is being repaired, it would be possible to add the awning that the newer 'Pods have. I just heard that it is possible. So I have requested that the awning be added. I was given a price of $730. Thule products are expensive, but I expect it to be of excellent quality. As much as I like my homemade awning, it will be nice not to have to climb a ladder to set it up and to find a place to store the poles which are a bit too long to fit the truck bed. The material will be re-purposed for use at home.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS