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aatonna
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Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
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Topic: Safety Recall Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:26pm |
I have been reading for some time now, all the posts relating to tow vehicle mileage complaints and the various theories. I read that in Canada the requirements were such that clearance lights were required and the lamps were on a spoiler. The mileage discussion was relating to whether the spoiler would reduce camper drag. The conclusions were, as far as I could tell, inconclusive.
Now, just yesterday I received a safety recall notice relating to the need to install clearance lights in order to meet Federal safety standards. There is a reference to the spoiler but I can’t tell if that’s what will be added or not.
I called the dealer and the representative could not tell me what will be done. I am awaiting his call back after he checks with others. Stay tuned.
I wonder if anyone else has had the recall work done and what it consists of.
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Art
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:28pm |
Everybody in Canada already had it done. They add the spoiler/lights from the late 2011 and forward pods, and lights to the fenders.
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aatonna
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Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:57pm |
Has anyone that you know of reported that the spoiler addition improved tow vehicle mileage?
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Art
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techntrek
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 1:28pm |
Welcome! I think the jury is still out on that question.
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aatonna
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 1:56pm |
It will be a missed opportunity if the manufacturer doen't take this as a chance to kill 2 birds with one stone by adding required lights and enginering a fix that also addresses the rear drag. Maybe someone at Forest River reads these posts and will reply. It could turn in to an advertising benefit to be able to say "re-engineered for better tow vehicle mileage".
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Art
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Seanl
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Joined: 19 Sep 2011
Location: Fredericton NB
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 2:23pm |
I took my trailer out exactly once before the spoiler was put on and once after and I did get an improvement in mileage but I also reduced my average speed by 5 mpg so it is hard to say which was responsible for the change. I can say that before when I reached 60 to 65 mph that the trailer would start to wander around a bit. With the spoiler I did not get that.
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Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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aatonna
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Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 2:57pm |
Great news. Any little bit helps. Question: is the spoiler the one we can expect to have put on as a result of the recall, or is it an after-market spoiler you found and installed?
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Art
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barbanjoe
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Joined: 21 Apr 2010
Location: Arizona
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 4:07pm |
Originally posted by aatonna
Has anyone that you know of reported that the spoiler addition improved tow vehicle mileage? |
It is unlikely since the "spoiler" is actually a holder for the 3 brake lights at the roof line, as required in the recall. Way back when it first was seen everyone jumped to the conclusion that it is a spoiler for wind drag. It is engineered to be functional and appealing as a light bar.
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BarbanJoe
010 Rpod 171
02 Jeep 4x4
12 Ram 1500
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aatonna
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Joined: 11 Jun 2012
Location: Phoenix AZ
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Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 4:12pm |
I was afraid it might be only a holder and not functional or designed to reduce drag. Eliminating drag is probably a dead horse, i.e., a problem that can't be solved. All I can do is slow down a bit and hopefully climb above 10-11 mpg.
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Art
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this_is_nascar
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Joined: 24 Jan 2010
Location: NJ
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Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 3:12pm |
How will FR get power to this added spoiler. That's what concerns me the most about this recall.
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"Ray & Connie"
- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road
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