2018 Rpod 180 review and sad farewell

tcj:

I purchase at the RV Super store in Pahrump Nevada.  The first night we stayed in it was in Death Valley.  In February we are going back with some friends.  The only problems I had with our 180 was the brakes and magnets were soaked with grease from the poor assembly practice from the axle manufacture.  Never use the grease fitting to lube the bearings.  The outlet of the grease is at the rear seal.  I have rented several of the R-pods before deciding on which on to purchase.  One problem with the brakes that has plagued mine at this time is the wires going to the brake magnet.  Three wires on one connector and the wire going to the brake magnet makes a 180 deg turn to the back plate.  This wire brakes at the terminal connection.  Will have to solder the wires together and use some heat shrink to protect them.

Originally posted by ribet I would like to find out where the 180's mentioned above were built.  I believe mine was built in Oregon.  I will try to check tomorrow. Any ideas how to check on this?  Cant go out tonight due to a brown bear in my garage last night, 5 feet from my rPod.

Nope no big brown fuzzy critters around here, thankfully. Just tree rats (Squirrel's), and the occasional Opossum or Skunk.

Please group correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the east coast factory is in Goshen, IN and the west coast in Sheridan, OR.

Since Forest River is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Company maybe I can call its owner Warren Buffett the next time I have a problem, you think? 

There is a manufacture date and place of manufacture on a decal on the front/right hand side of the frame.  On the west coast has the Hood river edition with the higher axles and  knobby tires.  I purchased mine almost two years ago that was manufactured in Dallas,Oregon,now they are built in Sheridan,Oregon. I contacted Forest River about about a new road wheel and using the serial number they confirmed the built date and place.  She also told me besides the axle and tires the Hood River version Paint scheme has the yellow curve on the side of the pod that the east coast version does not have.

Does seem your on pretty much the same axle (lippert I believe) and never did find out frame thickness (secret I guess). That being said, probably same inherent issues with axle & frame. Just as a curiosity, if you would post up what you find on both. Axle rating & frame dimensions (width x height x thickness).

You should stick around! Far too many good folks here and most all your issues, questions and solutions will still relate.  

Best of with the new unit and safe travels!