Awning

For the R-Pod owners who have the models with the awning I would like to suggest a modification, or if you wish a preventive modification.

Unfortunately, the fine people who build our trailers seem to not grasp the concept of how to install self-tapping screws.  Sadly, on a recent trip we found out that when installing the awning that the supports brackets on the side of the camper failed, screws stripped out and one of the brackets popped off. The reason being the factory installers don’t know how to install self-tapping screws and have over tighten them which allowed them to easily strip out. My spouse who is not in any way a big or strong girl tied to attach the awning support to the camper side and then extending it to its full length which resulted in her easily pulling off this support bracket. My solution was to replace the small thread 1 inch #8 pan head screws that the factory installed with 1 ¼ inch number 10 pan head screw that have larger threads and coating the treads with epoxy. If you have any doubt about how flimsy the factory installed screws are to these brackets all you need to do is to see how easily you are able to remove one of the two screws that hold each of these brackets on from either of the two. When installing the new #10 screws make sure you snug them up but not over tighten them.  Hope this tip helps out new model campers that have the awning because it seems once more FR needs to do some simple training of their factory personal on how to install self-tapping screws.

The same goes for screws on the inside, especially the ones run into the 1/8" paneling. The TV strap attached using one of the mount screws ripped out of the wall. I know hollow wall anchors would slow down production, but they sure would make for a better quality product.

Perhaps the employees do care, but management's focus is more on simple production as opposed to higher quality production. What is "good enough" can have many interpretations.

Originally posted by lostagain From looking at other TT's in my search for a trailer, FR is not any different from any of the other manufacturers.  Thankfully, as you run into sloppy work, it is usually pretty easy to fix with a bigger fastener or a backing plate, zip ties, etc.

+1 lostagain, I agree with you totally.

When we went looking for a camper trailer the Forest River R-Pod to my judgement stood out on top with other manufactures in the same price range. If we think were dealing with to many issues of sloppy work in our trailers construction I just shutter to think what the owner of other manufactures trailers have to deal with. I'm sure if you want to spend $10K more and have the tow vehicle to pull the extra weight then you might not run into the problems we deal with a trailer such made by Lance. Still for the price range and headaches we deal with I still believe were coming out ahead of similar trailers such as the Starcraft and Hummingbird. In the end I guess to each their own and if the problems such as you and I mentioned get to be to much for us to deal with then it will be bye bye R-Pod. Only time will tell and even with the problems I've encountered with shoddy manufacturing of my trailer so far I'm still happy with my buying decision.