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Frame replacement? |
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StephenH 
podders Helping podders - pHp 
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
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 Topic: Frame replacement?Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 10:30am |
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On our last trip out west, we bent the frame when we went onto a pull-off that was extremely rutted when the ruts were not visible as we approached. We got home and we did have the frame straightened and welded. However, I don't feel comfortable with the frame since the welder could not get to both sides to weld plates on and of course, did not lift the body off to weld the top. Is it possible to lift the body off and replace the frame? Has anyone heard of that being done? I would assume that it would be an expensive proposition, perhaps more than the value of the trailer to have done. Along with the bent frame comes a sagging floor in spite of having outriggers as they failed (metal tore along fold line). I raised it up and added more outriggers but it is still sagging and there is a noticeable difference inside where it bends down toward the wall. I am assuming this would mean the floor would need to be replaced also.
Opinions: Would repairs cost more than the trailer is worth? I can't say it is warranty, since it did happen when we hit really rough terrain. I have not idea of what it would cost to have these repairs done. If It did go to the factory, it would be the second trip for repairs.
We went to an RV show yesterday and saw some really nice new trailers. Unfortunately, no RPods were there, but there were some NoBo models as well as other Forest River products. There were some pretty nice other than FR products there too. However, current pricing is rather steep. There was one model I liked but my wife didn't. Likewise, there was one I liked that she didn't.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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GlueGuy
Senior Member
Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2629 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 11:55am |
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Oh no! marital strife! Maybe if you each know what you like and dislike about each of those models, something can be worked out?
So you Rpod is 7 years old, and it sounds like there are some serious structural issues. I don't know, but surely part of the evaluation is that you may only have 3-5 more years of useful life to it? If it's at all possible, you should see if you can get some estimates for the repair and then run a comparison between a (for example) 5 more years in the Rpod, versus 10-12 more years in something newer?
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 12:41pm |
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At this point, I am leaning toward newer and then with full disclosure, selling our 179.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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lostagain
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2587 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 3:17pm |
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StephenH, since the whole structure of the trailer is mounted to the chassis, I can't imagine that being a repair that would not exceed the fair market value of your trailer. If I am not mistaken, which I usually am, your trailer is a 2015, 179, which, according to J.D. Power has an average retail price of around $8K, assuming there are no structural issues. Between the parts and labor, I think you'll find the cost of replacing the frame well in excess of that.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
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gpokluda
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 275 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 5:46pm |
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Have to agree with LA. Get what you can for it and start looking at new or newer-used. There is no reason why it would't make a nice weekend camper or possible a simple basecamp for a hunter. Someone may also decide it would be perfect for additional living space like a "she-shed".
Life's too short. Get something you and your wife would enjoy and fits your budget and TV.
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 8:01pm |
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Agreed. We decided to do so. We went back to the RV show in Raleigh. There were no RPods there and the NoBo models were not ones we liked. We saw another Forest River Product and liked it, so we are going to make a lateral move to a Grey Wolf 24JS.
It is a 2023 model, and comes with a lot of features. It is heavier, but also has dual axles. As long as we don't load it down, we should still be okay to tow with the Frontier, but we will seriously begin looking for a half-ton pickup. I won't miss the E/W bed. This one has ducted heat and AC, so it will hopefully be quieter. It includes the Base Camp package and from what I am reading, includes the Limited and Campfire packages too. It has a tankless water heater. It has a real oven and a 3 burner stove. It has just a microwave, not a convection microwave. One thing it lacks and I am glad it does is a window on the front. I really did not want one. It has a real oven and a 3 burner stove. It has just a microwave, not a convection microwave. It is still a Forest River product, so we will still be FROG members. I plan on sticking around the forum. I hope to still see many of you in person again.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3223 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 8:21pm |
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Pretty nice looking rig StevenH. Yessir, you will probably NEED to upgrade to a half ton pickup. I see it weighs over 2000 lbs. more than my 177, that is significant. Hope you enjoy your new toy and btw am glad you will still be 'hanging out' with us smaller and lighter podders on this forum.
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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." |
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gpokluda
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 275 |
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Posted: 18 Feb 2023 at 9:27pm |
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I could not be happier for you StephenH. That is a real nice rig, excellent choice. You will really appreciate the tandem axels which are probably around 3500lb capacity each, and the peace of mind knowing you have an over-built under carriage. Make sure you follow all guidance of torquing the wheel lug nuts at the recommended intervals. This is apparently a thing with tandems. Having a bed you exit from the side is life changing! Congratulations.
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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
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lostagain
Senior Member
Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2587 |
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Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 5:40am |
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Wow! That is a really nice trailer StephenH. Congratulations on your decision to replace your current trailer. You will find the bed orientation and the easier access a great deal more comfortable. Also, the larger refrigerator and stove will also be a big plus. I agree with jato a larger truck is really needed to tow the much heavier trailer. We found that out when we got our Sonoma. Though it wasn't really that much heavier than ourPod, it was enough of an increase that our Dakota was on the edge of its capacity.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6288 |
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Posted: 19 Feb 2023 at 7:01am |
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My wife and I were discussing that. I think the Frontier will be good for local trips, but for the Rockies, we will definitely want a TV with more capacity. Even the Blue Ridge Parkway will probably be better with a higher capacity TV.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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