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Topic ClosedR-pod 172 frame size
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timpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 19 Feb 2016
Location: Oregon
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: R-pod 172 frame size
    Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 11:44am
I was wondering if anybody has information on the 172 frame size change. I was on a dealer lot yesterday and noticed that an earlier 2010 model year had 2x3" steel framing, while the newer 2016 has 3x4" framing.

Scouring through online photos it seems like this is a recent change for the 172 (and possibly 171). Anything earlier than 2016 look like they have 2x3 frames.  Though I noticed that other models, such as the 181, etc., have had 3x4 framing for a while. Maybe since they were introduced.

I thought it might have something to do with the Hood River Edition, but I've seen plenty of pictures of earlier Hoods with 2x3" frames.
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David and Danette View Drop Down
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Posts: 1214 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 1:27pm
  I used to think when we had our 171 that the frame could be a little stronger when at times it would have a little bow to it in the tongue area. I thought about it and decided the engineers who designed the frame thought that it would be strong enough. Never heard of a frame breaking on the r-pods, why they would make the change is a good question.
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
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timpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 4:25pm
Looking at more online photos, it appears the 2015 year 172 has the 3x4" framing. After thinking about it some more, I believe that the original rpods all had 2x3 framing. The 2x4 was introduced when they added the sliders models, which are heavier and required stiffer framing. At first the different models had different frames, but the move to upgrade the 171/172 is probably just to simplify their assembly line, so all rpods use the same sub-frame. Anyway, that's my guess. I emailed forest river about it, thought not expecting a detailed reply to what is probably just an internal production optimization.
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 4:39pm
Welcome.  Interesting info.  I'm sure you are right it was to unify the production line.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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marwayne View Drop Down
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Posts: 1002 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 9:41pm
Just FYI, I was at the Goshen Rally last year and found out from the Dexter Rep that my 2011 172 had a 3000# axle not 3500#
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 11:04pm
I compared the axles of the 2010 vs the 2016 model 172, since they were right next to each other... and the 2010 axle was definitely smaller.
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Posts: 1002 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 11:59pm
They replaced the 3000# Dexter axle with a 3500# Lippert axle free of charge at the Goshen Rally.
If you want something done right, do it yourself.
2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.


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timpod View Drop Down
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Posts: 43 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 10:22am
Here is the official reply from Forest River to my inquiry about the frame change: "we always make changes to improve product".
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 7:52pm
...and their bottom line.

Hopefully it is a sign that they are working on improving quality control.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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