Awning
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=10691
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 11:27pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Awning
Posted By: DavMar
Subject: Awning
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 12:35pm
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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. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Replies:
Posted By: Subzilla
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 2:11pm
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Thanks for the advice. I'll check my awning supports. I'm sure the installer's attitude is "got to tighten these here screws up so they'll never back out...." ------------- Mark Concord, NC 2017 RP 179 "Podzilla" 2011 Silverado 1500 4X4 |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 2:25pm
| 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. |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:47pm
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One would think FR would train their personnel on how to install self tapping screws but from many reports here in this forum apparently they have not. I have used them for years and learned long ago when they first came on the market to not over torque and just snug them up. To me its simple intuition but apparently in the factory their are employees who could care less. Sad!
------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: Our pod
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 2:38pm
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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. ------------- Life is good. |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 7:12pm
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Who knows what FR pays their assembly employees, but watching the videos taken at the factory and seeing the sloppy work done on my 172, it is not surprising that many self tapping screws are over tightened. It appears the focus is on production not workmanship, especially where it is not readily visible. Every time I open up some closed compartment, I see a rats nest of wiring and signs that the staple guns were used like machine guns. If the first staple didn't hold it, the solution was to keep putting them in until it would kinda-sorta stay put. 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. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 10:01pm
+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. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |