Water Heater Door
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10429
Printed Date: 30 Jun 2025 at 2:22pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Water Heater Door
Posted By: Laytek2
Subject: Water Heater Door
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 11:52am
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Hello all. The door to the water heater on my 2017 rPod 179 had one of the two tabs that secure the hinge to the trailer break off. It looks like the tab is attached to the hinge rod by a (weak) solder joint or maybe even epoxy. How do I reattach the tab to the hinge rod? Can I buy the part from Forest River? Thanks for your time, Alan  |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 3:29pm
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That part is welded on. If the weld is broken, you may be able to order the hinge piece with the two attachments. It is a Suburban water heater. However, since it is a 2017, it should be under warranty, so contact your dealer. It should not cost you anything.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Laytek2
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 3:52pm
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Thank you Stephen. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10032&PID=93910 - I have had a falling out with Atlantic Marine & RV in Ft. Pierce FL over their warranty service policy. So I feel that I'm on my own. Thanks for the info - I'll check in with Suburban. Alan
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 4:48pm
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I would check with the next closest Pod dealer. Good ones will know you could be a customer for a new RV in the future but not if they don't take care of you.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 5:43pm
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They do actually sell replacement parts if your warranty and a dealer doesn't help. Unfortunately some of those welds can be poor quality. You need the door and flange. Amazon carries them as well as most RV shops. Any RV shop can do the work if you don't feel you can do yourself. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 5:47pm
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I lost a water heater door in Connecticut a couple years ago.......... bought another from Forest River. Comes as a whole unit with the trim. They shipped it and I popped it right on. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 6:30pm
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+1, Leo. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2017 at 10:39pm
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I lost a water heater door in April on our cross country somewhere in Mojave. Got a new one on eBay for $19. ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Laytek2
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2017 at 7:41pm
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You guys are the best. Just ordered the hinge by itself from PDX RV inc for $7.37 shipped. I'll post again when the part comes in. This is far cheaper and easier than dragging the trailer to the dealer (who wants to charge money for the warranty repair). THANKS ALL Alan |
Posted By: Laytek2
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2017 at 8:14pm
| Ok, I promised a post when the hinge came in. Well, it finally arrived yesterday. PDX RV really tried and communicated well with me, but the part turned out to be out of stock and their distributor simply couldn't get it. So I called Suburban in TN, and they said they would send the hinge to me gratis. Not ... it never came. Finally, I tried RV & Auto Parts in CA. They charged $16.20 shipped, and after 12 days (Labor Day and Hurricane Irma caused delays) the part finally arrived. It took 5 minutes to unbox and install the hinge to complete the repair. Quite the adventure for a bent metal rod with 2 welded tabs. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2017 at 9:13pm
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I check mine regularly no just so it doesn't happen .........again! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Laytek2
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 3:11pm
| Well, I posted too soon. Guess what should up on my doorstep today. Well, of course, a free door hinge from Suburban. I talked to the good folks there in TN on 8/25. A "rush" order was entered during that call. The part actually shipped on 9/7, and UPS ground took their sweet time and delivered today, 9/15. Whew! |