New RP-180 Shower & HW Issues
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10749
Printed Date: 23 Apr 2024 at 10:42pm
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Topic: New RP-180 Shower & HW Issues
Posted By: 4Papa
Subject: New RP-180 Shower & HW Issues
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 5:16pm
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Got a 2017 180 purchased in August with three 3-day trips under its belt (1 full hookups / 2 dry camps) and I have two issues I'm trying to run down. The first is the shower leaks, I believe from the drain connections below the pan. I pulled the access panel and ran the shower and found a small leak coming from an upper connection just below the drain cover. The leak without someone standing in the shower is small, but with my weight (215#) in the shower and the water running, there was a fair amount of water that pooled from beneath the shower tub out into the main cabin. Anyone have a similar issue? Second problem is the propane part of the water heater is no longer working. With a full tank of propane, I hear the igniter fire the propane mix but the system then shuts down. After three tries the system goes into fail safe. I recycle the switch and either get the same thing or it won't ignite at all. Very frustrating as I hoped to use the camper this coming long, holiday weekend (the last weekend of the season for state campgrounds). Any thoughts? The camper is obviously still under warranty and has an extended warranty, but the dealer is over 4 hours away. I'm in touch with them but there's little they can do in the near term. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Replies:
Posted By: POD WE R
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 5:36pm
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As for the shower leak, check to make sure the drain fitting is properly caulked. Mine was not and every time we showered water would run out under the shower pan. FR did a poor job of sealing the drain. Hope this helps. E & M 2017 RP180 HRE AZ
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 5:36pm
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Hunt down the obvious first. Is propane tank turned on, have propane in it, was it recently changed out (if it was it is a good idea to light your stove burners first to purge some air out, also turn fridge on propane to purge air out of line. Has the hot water tank been used and functioning lately? Possibly a mud dauber or other critter decide to build a nest in or near the igniter? Try some low pressure air around the igniter and tube near it to possibly clear out any debris or blockage that prevents the igniter from functioning. Start here and report back, hopefully it is something simple.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 6:41pm
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+1 jato! Make sure your gas line is purged by opening your valve on the stove burning and leaving it open until you can light it easily. Make sure your drain line connector from the sink and shower is tight! We experienced mysteriously appearing water on our 180 bathroom floor and I found it to be water dripping down from a loose sink drain. When I checked the shower drain I found it a tad loose and snugged it up tight too and no problems since. Remember your trailer is bouncing around as your going down the road so the vibration can loosen drain lines which you should always check. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 10:29pm
| I had the same problem with my shower in the 180. FR uses a 3/8th plywood base under the shower floor, but the drain and trap are solid on the trailer floor, so, when us folks with some weight step in and take a shower, the 3/8" support bends down from our weight, and the drain will not move, thus, the cheap calking, pulls away from the drain, causing the leak. I used marine silicone around the drain, then went thru the inspection plate and put 4 more 2x4 about 4" long under the plywood they had. Worked out great. Did this about 5 months ago. STILL- no leak. Good luck. By the way, I used wood glue to hold the 2x4s in place. |
Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 11:13pm
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I too had a shower leak in the same area on our 2017 1/2 RPOD 180. I did the same thing as “crazycoyote” did to brace up the plywood underneath the shower pan so there is minimal flexing on the shower floor. Not only did I do that, but I also removed the trap on the bottom along with the entire drain assembly parts and caulking. I went on eBay and purchased all new drain parts. I called Forest River up in Oregon found out what kind of sealant they used to seal the shower drains and found it on Amazon and purchased It. It is called “Geocel 28127V Pro Flex Bright White RV Flexible Sealant - 10 oz”. I used a large excessive amount and mushed it all together and so far no leaks since last January after I picked the unit up in December 16’. But I really believe the shotty workmanship when they built and assembled these trailers on shoring up the plywood under the shower pan needed to be addressed at the factory, but I don’t trust them to touch my trailer anymore. If I can fix it myself I always will. I have a seven year extended warranty. I wonder how many more people who bought trailers from Forest River and every other rv maker with showers in them that have leaks and don’t even know it. Good luck and have fun
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Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 11:41am
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Answered. Not sure how to delete this. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 11:49am
Lack of propane was eliminated early. Not only was it still on the original tank, but the furnace, frig (on propane) and stove all work. The HW tank worked fine on the two previous outings, as well as on the first night this last time out. No debris in or near igniter. Will play with again today. Yesterday, igniter fired propane but flame shut off after a couple seconds. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 11:51am
------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 11:55am
Hadn't experienced any problems with the sink, but I will check. Thanks. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 12:02pm
Weight on the shower pan I think is exactly my leak problem. Of course, it didn't help that a connector screw collar at the trap was completely unscrewed. The plywood blocks to support the floor is a great idea. Did you glue the blocks to the existing wood support box or directly to the trailer floor and shower pan? ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 12:10pm
Thanks for the info on the sealant. I'm hoping I don't have to resort to a complete rebuild of the show drain system. Hopefully, shoring up the shower floor and tightening up existing connections and liberally applying a marine silicone sealant will take care of it. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 1:57pm
That is a symptom of the line not being purged thoroughly. The other appliances can be burning fine but the branch line that leads to the refrigerator may still have some air. The gas that is reaching the burner isn't rich enough to sustain flame. Try a few more cycles and see if it will stay lit. ------------- 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: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 3:41pm
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On our 180 the water heater stopped working on propane but still worked on electric so our trip was not ruined. Brought it to back to dealer for repair. While we have not had any shower leaks we did open up the panel on the shower to access the inside shower wall to attach magnets so that we can get the shower curtain to stay against the walls. Gluing metal strips to the shower curtain worked great. We did notice the plywood platform to support the shower floor was loose and moves around. Will try to glue some more 2x4 pieces to it to secure it better ------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 5:30pm
Tried again today. First turned on stove... good flame, dual burners. Observed first cycle of WH at the panel and it lit, burned two seconds and went out. Succeeding two auto cycles didn't even light. I then tried WH on shore power... worked fine. Dealer service dept. suggested this to narrow down if the circuit "board" is good. I'll try again tomorrow running all propane appliances (stove, frig, furnace) to answer potential purge problems once and for all. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 5:35pm
Hoping to get a few more trips in before the New England weather makes it impossible (snow, ice, daytime freezes), so, if propane-fired WH not fixed soon, will have to confine ourselves to campgrounds with shore power. Leaking shower not a game stopper. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 7:57am
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Slightly off topic but jato did mention it and I just have to ask.......what is a mud dauber? and what kind of nests do they build in Pods? I've seen them mentioned on this forum in the past and we camp in Michigan so we're wondering what they look like. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 8:35am
http://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/stinging-insects/open-pipe-mud-daubers/ - http://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/stinging-insects/open-pipe-mud-daubers/
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 8:41am
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A kind of wasp that builds round-ish nests out of mud instead of the typical paper-like, honey-combed nests. Around here the most common ones are black with thin, thread like body parts. The nests, since they become a hardened mud, can be a problem in anything small and protected from the elements, ie. air inlets and outlets, pitot tubes, etc.
------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 10:05am
What! You mean to tell me in Michigan your not "blessed" by this nefarious wasp? By all means you should move or spend allot of time in the South so can learn all about the mischievous habits of this little wasp. They are why you see RV owners install screens over their refrigerator, heater, and water heater vents. If it was possible and practical to install a screen over my engine compartment in my truck to keep these pest out I would.  To help you get the picture check out the mod thread were I posted photos of the screens I installed on my Pod to keep the Mud Daubers out. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 4:13pm
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DavMar,
you didn't mention all the wonderful things they do to boats and anyplace there is a hole they can build on. Can't imagine a life without the character building of a Mud Dauber:) ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 7:24pm
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Definitely a great idea to install screening type material on the inside of your two removable vents that allow for cooling of the fridge. I noticed since doing this my 2 muffin fans run a bit more than they used to, probably since I have now slowed down the amount of air that can flow naturally with the addition of the screens. However, I am now confident that no flying critters (bees, wasps, or other) can now enter those vent openings (they are 1/4" square) with the screen over them.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 8:01pm
mcarter, Ah yes Daubers are creative little pest are they not and get into places to build their nest you would not imagine! jato, I would definitely like to see a mod write up, with detailed photos, by you on how you installed two computer fans to help refrigerator cooling. I believe a good detailed write up on how to do this would help allot of Pod owners. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 10:25am
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Well...thank you all! Who knew!!!....and as far as I know we've never had much of a problem with them....yet. I would be interested in seeing the screens as we plan on being back in the UP next summer. ------------- Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 5:25pm
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DavMar, the 2 muffin fans came standard equipment when we purchased our 177. I have seen quite a few pods (171 to 178's and as far as I know, they all come with 2 fans mounted behind the fridge to keep the coils cool when temps get hot. Probably the 179 and 180 has the same setup. The only problem we encountered was the bi-metal switch having to be re-positioned so that the fans would operate. On ours the switch was mounted so low that the fans never came on, by moving the switch up, closer to the top of the exhaust stack (and where the temp is significantly warmer) the fans then operated. I didn't know they existed for the first 4 years I owned my pod. The problem began when we were noticing the interior temp of the fridge was not very cool, outside temp was close to 100. Fortunately my brother, camping next to me asked me why my fans weren't coming on. I gave him that "deer in the headlights look", after that the rest is history. He moved the switch up about 3" and the fans almost came on immediately, problem solved. The screen thing is a simple process. The screen we got came from the local hardware store, slightly larger diameter than window screen. Cut it to fit over the inside of the removable grills located on your slide behind the fridge. Used hot glue gun to attach. Took about an hour from start to finish. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 6:46pm
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jato, Your revelation just gave me the "deer in the headlights" look. I guess I need to pull off my refrigerator vents and really take a good look since I've never seen the fans inside. As for our pesky friends this is what I did to keep them out. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10469&title=vent-screens ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: Bill-J
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2017 at 2:20pm
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Welcome to the club. The only proper way to fix this is to completely remove the shower. The current base is a thin plywood and supported ONLY in the corners so the whole shower flexes AND rigid plastic plumbing cannot be flexed. I think you will also find that they ONLY used silicon sealant on the surface, they did not bed the curtain rails as should been done. What I had to do. Replace the thin base with 3/4" plywood and build a 2X4 grid that fits under the shower base to prevent flexing. Be sure to cut the drain hole for the drain ONLY large enough fit the drain fitting.. (In mine they had cut a 8" hole when a 1-1/4" IS NEEDED) Use a good sealant and properly bed the curtain track at the bottom. Replace and use quality components. Also DO NOT think that in any way Forest River will do this under warranty. Their reply to me was, "It was built according to spec." What they do not tell you is the spec is crap. Hopefully you purchased from a dealer who will make this good, if not you are totally on your on.... sorry. I took mine to a good privately owned RV repair center and it cost about $200 parts and labor to totally rebuild the shower compartment. It now is solid and put in the way Forest River should have installed it, but I forget to do it correctly is not their spec. ------------- When in doubt, don't. |
Posted By: 4Papa
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2017 at 11:00am
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Well, as far as the shower leak goes, turns out FR never installed a rubber gasket in the P-Trap. Also, had a problem with water heater not firing up on propane. This was due to a bad control module putting out an intermittent and very weak spark. Both warranty repairs diagnosed and repaired by Bob's RV in Hancock, MA., of whom I highly recommend if warranty repairs are needed and you're local. They are a FR dealer but didn't turn me away (as did two closer dealers) because I didn't buy my 180 from them. ------------- 2017 180 2010 GMC 1500 Hybrid |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2017 at 4:32pm
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I had trouble with my hot water heater not running on propane. It would cycle 3 times and then shut down, just like yours. Mine turned out to be the electronic igniter. If you look near the end of the gas feeder tube, you will see what looks like a fork with 2 tines. That is the igniter electrodes. The space between the two electrodes might be just big enough that it cant generate a spark. If you try to push the electrodes closer together, it will cause it to spark and light the fire. Do Not have any of your body right infront of it when you try to light it. It gives off a little bit of a " whooosh" when it ignites. Let me know if this helps. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |