Factory Reinforced Floor in R-Pod 179

I would really like to lift my 179 to be able to get into more off-road places and I have thought of several different things - taller spacers (I already have the Hood River edition), larger wheels, maybe even air bags. Ideally, it would be great to keep it low for highway driving and then be able to pump it up when going off road. I am not sure what can be done with the stock axle and I fear it could be cost prohibitive to replace the axle...although it could be the only way to also get larger wheels with larger than 15" rims. 

Any and all thoughts welcome. 

Oh, and, offgrid, how did you reinforce you axle?

Originally posted by Scottalot I would really like to lift my 179 to be able to get into more off-road places and I have thought of several different things - taller spacers (I already have the Hood River edition), larger wheels, maybe even air bags.

I have an axle riser kit and removed the tongue jack and the rear stabilizer jacks, giving me a lot of ground clearance and possibility for articulation, and despite my best judgement, I took my 171 on some very nasty trails last year...trust me, the way the r-pod bucks and shakes and bounces and wiggles, I never wanna do that again.

Crap inside was scattered and tossed all over. Cabinet doors were open and hinges were bent and busted. Everything in the fridge was tossed, shaken, mixed, broken, busted, spilled, and stirred. I did not plan on doing it that time, but other campers leading the way had assured me it was doable. Note to self: Walk the trail first next time!

I'm pretty sure you plan on ignoring this advice, I can tell by your post. So...I'll volunteer to "hold your beer and watch this!"

NEXT!

Has anyone inspected the structure of the NoBo trailers?  I wouldn't assume that its significantly more robust than the rPod line without taking a close look. FR is clearly very conscious of image and rather less of substance, so it could be for show. There are purpose built off road trailers from other builders. 

As for the axle reinforcement, unless there were many trailers on the road with reinforced axles and none of them failed you really can't know statistically that it helps.  I'm certain that it helps because the structural analysis says it does. Structural engineers build bridges and buildings all the time based on those calcs, if its good enough for them....

Marketers doing photo shoots can stage anything anywhere. 

With all due respect StephenH, that article is worthless. The authors are towing a geoPro 19 FBS which has an dry weight of 3075 lbs and a GW of 4400 with a Jeep with a 3500 lb tow capacity. In my opinion they are an accident waiting to happen and are either idiots or worse are shilling for FR in a way that puts others at risk. I wouldn't believe a word they say.

If anyone is considering a GeoPro or a NoBo for actual rough road boondocking use they should take a very close look at its wheels, tires, axle(s), frame, floor, and interior construction. Not saying that a NoBo or GeoPro can't go offroad, just that you can't assume it can just because FR markets it that way.  Caveat emptor, you get what your pay for, etc....

GOAL: My intention is far from going overlanding or through the Rubicon. Although that sounds great, I know R-Pods are not the unit for it. Further, from experience, I take the point about the Pod contents getting yard-saled inside on rough roads, and I do appreciate the structural challenges and I do like getting the best MPG possible. However, the problem I am trying to solve for is getting stuck, scraping, or having to back out or turn around due to a simple wash or swale that has just the right (wrong) angles for me to get through, especially when the rest of the road is totally passable. Really frustrating, especially when it's just a matter of a couple of inches.

SOLUTION: Raise the Pod permanently, or better, be able to raise the Pod when needed. After reviewing your comments and some of your past mods, here's my latest thought. Starting with reenforcing the frame section above the axle connection and across to the opposite frame rail (basically cross-brace or box in that whole area), how about then building in some outriggers, similar to StephenH's slideout-floor-supports, mounted above the axle that could be used to push against so that a pneumatically actuated airbag could be mounted between the outrigger and the end of the axle swing arm (attached somehow). Then, when you come to a place where you need more clearance, you just pump up the bags and through you go. How about that?

Now, I have in mind some pitfalls and challenges with this idea, but I would love to hear those of this distinguished panel first :)    

BTW, I'm not a fan of the NoBo interior layouts and I personally think using that much space for a camping bathroom is a waste. Lucky for me, my wife agrees...we love our Pod.

Finally, I couldn't find photos of axle or frame mods from anyone and would greatly appreciate forwarding of those, if you don't mind. THANKS!