R-pod Owners Forum Homepage

This site is free to use.
Donations benefit a non-profit Girls Softball organization

Forum Home Forum Home > R-pod Discussion Forums > Dealer Reviews and Comments
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Country Roads RV Center, Lexington, NC
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Calendar   Register Register  Login Login

Topic ClosedCountry Roads RV Center, Lexington, NC

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
StephenH View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6283
Direct Link To This Post Topic: Country Roads RV Center, Lexington, NC
    Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 8:49pm
When we got "scammed" on what I thought was a deal to purchase a used Casita, I started looking for alternatives. In this search, I was looking at another Casita which was several hundred miles away from us. Somehow, I came across some information about the R-Pods. Better yet, I came across the Country Roads RV Center in Lexington, NC's web site, http://www.crrvc.com.

After looking over the selection, realized that we would be part way to Lexington when we went to an appointment for my wife. We decided to continue on to Lexington. After a few delays, we arrived shortly before closing time.

Jeff Zimmerman did not tell us to "come back tomorrow." Instead, he took the time to show us the R-Pod 179, which was the one my wife and I liked from the specifications and pictures on the web site. We did look at others also, but came back to the 179. As it was after closing time, we did some quick paperwork for an intention to purchase and set up a time to come back. That gave us time to get the payment in order as we did not wish to finance this, but purchase it outright.

We did get everything set, and arrived back to finalize the purchase, together with getting an Equalizer hitch installed on our 2016 Ford Escape (2l Ecoboost with towing package). Before arriving, I had already installed a Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Hopkins/HM47297.html. I had also contacted Country Roads RV Center about installing dual 6 Volt batteries in place of the single 12 Volt battery. After getting the price from Jeff, I decided to purchase cases, batteries, and the cable needed to install the batteries myself. I received a credit for the 12 Volt battery and case, which I used to purchase some accessories.

The one place I was a little disappointed was I felt that the pre-delivery checks were not properly done. I say this because we got the trailer and about a week later, we started our maiden voyage. Our first night, I tried switching the refrigerator from 12 Volt to gas, only to have it fail. After several tries, I took off the panel outside to see what was happening. I saw flames shooting out from the burner and hitting the wires for the igniter and thermocouple. I switched back to 12 Volt, and since out first night was somewhat near Lexington, we backtracked and brought it in. When it was checked, a mud-dauber wasp nest was found in the tubing. At first the technician tried to tell me that it could have happened in the week we had the trailer. If we had picked it up in the warm months, it might have been plausible. Since we picked it up in December, that did not fly. The wasp nest was cleared, and we were back on our way with an order for new wiring added to the initial problems noted for which parts had been ordered (Forest River fit and finish items). I also found on our trip that the fittings for the kitchen sink drain were loose, which caused water to leak and wet two cookbooks that were in the second (wider) drawer. I can't see those as having become loose in the short time we had it, and although the manual states that these should be checked, it would seem as if this would have been done by the dealer before letting it go off the lot. I expect that this was an oversight. I would hope that the normal practice would be to check everything.

One other thing not mentioned during the walk through was the winterizing valve for the water pump. That was not explained. I could not figure out why after adding water to the tank that the pump would not seem to prime and pump water. It was pumping air. I did pull up the mattress foundation board and saw that it had the winterization kit, I switched  the valves and all was well. (my modifications made after this will make getting to the water pump easier). In all, I did learn about what questions to ask if and when we trade this R-Pod for a newer model.

During our trip, our permanent license plate arrived at CRRVC. They were helpful and sent it to us care of our daughter. They could have just sent it to our home, but we might have then been traveling with an expired temporary tag if we had been delayed in returning.

We completed our maiden voyage, and now the R-Pod is at CRRVC getting the work done as well as fixing some of the other items we found on our trip. I received a call today from CRRV to update me on the status. Smile I really appreciate them doing so.

I have been very pleased with CRRVC. Their facility is attractive, both for sales and service. The personnel are friendly and helpful. The prices are attractive. We were made to feel like they value us and would like to keep us as customers. I can without reservation recommend that anyone in driving range check out CRRVC.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
Back to Top
Pod People View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1065
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 8:45am
I would agree that Jeff Zimmerman and CRRVC did a good job for us initially , and continues to do a good job.  We bought a used R Pod 173 from him several years ago.  We make some changes and additions(batteries, hitch) at the time. He and his staff treated us fairly and professionally at the time.  We got a thorough walk through and inspection. I have gone back several times for replacement parts, service and also called many times for advice.  We have always been happy and satisfied customers. We will continue to use his company as needed.

Vann Evans

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
Back to Top
SandD View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 09 Sep 2014
Location: nc
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 35
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 2:19pm
We purchased our RPOD 178 from CRRV and based on our experience I highly recommend them for price and honesty. Best price on the east coast.
Check their inventory if in the market to purchase.
Nope. I don't work there. Just a satisfied customer.
Back to Top
StephenH View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6283
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 8:19pm
I received a second follow-up call from CRRVC today to let me know that parts had been ordered, and that there will be a delay on when we get our R-Pod back. Since we do not have immediate plans to use it, this is not a bad thing. I would rather the repairs be done right. Again, kudos to CRRVC for communication with customers.Thumbs Up
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz