Add shocks to r-pod suspension?

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Sounds to me the real issue is in how to set up functional attachment points and whether the structure of the frame is substantial enough to withstand the stresses imposed.  If those issues can be solved, then having shocks on the trailer probably wouldn't hurt anything.  
We travel on forest service roads from time to time and really haven't had a problem bouncing the trailer.  But we're in no hurry, so we just go slowly over the bumps.  ....makes the ride in the truck more comfortable too.  But trucks tend to have stiffer suspensions than a 4Runner which rides more like a car.

Personally, unless one is talking about real off roading and jeep trails, I don't think there is any reason you couldn't take your Pod on forest service roads, as long as you proceed with caution and don't try to go over things that can hang up on the axle or the hitch.  You may need to disconnect the WDH torsion bars, but, then, trailer sway is rarely a problem when traveling at walking speeds.

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lostagain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2586	Topic: Add shocks to r-pod suspension? Posted: 08 Dec 2018 at 2:50pm
	Sounds to me the real issue is in how to set up functional attachment points and whether the structure of the frame is substantial enough to withstand the stresses imposed. If those issues can be solved, then having shocks on the trailer probably wouldn't hurt anything. We travel on forest service roads from time to time and really haven't had a problem bouncing the trailer. But we're in no hurry, so we just go slowly over the bumps. ....makes the ride in the truck more comfortable too. But trucks tend to have stiffer suspensions than a 4Runner which rides more like a car. Personally, unless one is talking about real off roading and jeep trails, I don't think there is any reason you couldn't take your Pod on forest service roads, as long as you proceed with caution and don't try to go over things that can hang up on the axle or the hitch. You may need to disconnect the WDH torsion bars, but, then, trailer sway is rarely a problem when traveling at walking speeds.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Tars Tarkas Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Jan 2013 Location: Near Nashville Online Status: Offline Posts: 1446	Posted: 08 Dec 2018 at 3:10pm
	I think we all have an idea of what we mean when we talk about taking an RPod "off road", but I'll bet our ideas run the gamut. Just talking about forest service roads, some of them a just as good as federal highways; just lacking pavement and maybe not as wide. Others are narrow, rutted, with ruts full of mud or water of unknown depth, not to mention fallen or low overhanging trees, etc, etc. You see all kinds of cars on the former -- why not? You see serious 4WD types winching each other out and or retreating from the latter. I can imagine shocks helping on unpaved roads at the milder end of the spectrum but you can't even pull a Pod over roads on the other end. Again, it's up to the individual to know what kind of roads they're thinking of, and to decide whether it's worth the effort. I'm skeptical about how much you could extend an RPod's range though by adding shocks. TT
	2010 176 FJ Cruiser

GlueGuy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 15 May 2017 Location: N. California Online Status: Offline Posts: 2627	Posted: 08 Dec 2018 at 5:40pm
	Yah. The term "road" all by itself can run quite a spectrum. There is a particular place we are fond of east of Yosemite out on BLM land that we've not gotten the nerve to travel with the R-pod. We've been out there in our 4WD trucks, and came close to getting "stuck" a couple of times. It's not particularly rough, but the sand gets over a foot deep in many places.We have an ongoing debate whether we could take the R-pod out there or not. I think it's possible, my SO thinks not. There is also the issue about turning around and getting out.
	bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214	Posted: 08 Dec 2018 at 6:47pm
	I was reading on the Gulfstream owners forum that a man installed a stronger axle on his Visa and the frame ended up bending. I think the r-pods frame is not much different in construction. But I am thinking shocks would just soften the bumps which sounds like perhaps a good idea if it could be done. That if there are weld points for brackets to mount the shocks. If you know a good trailer frame shop I am sure they could tell you if it could be done or not. But I personally agree with others ultra lite campers are just not designed for off road. I would think if the frame flexes or twists to much it cause damage to the fiberglass walls.
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 14 Dec 2018 at 4:13pm
	I would need to know the definition of "bounce". If it feels like the pod is making the TV bounce forward-to-back (on long bridges this would be "porpoising") then a WDH is the answer, not additional suspension on the pod. A secondary benefit of a WDH is it acts as a third suspension system between the two vehicles.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

2B's In A Pod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 15 Oct 2017 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 16 Dec 2018 at 9:39pm
	For my situation the definition of ‘bounce’ is movement by the trailer that causes small items (eq. soap bottle, olive oil bottle) to ‘migrate’ from the kitchen sink to the floor during travel. I already use a Pro Series RB2 WDH. Much good info has been posted to this topic. However it appears no one has added shocks to a r-pod. Therefore I’m going to use very slow speed to remedy the problem.