5 Issues I've Had with My Pod
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12565
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 8:00am
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Topic: 5 Issues I've Had with My Pod
Posted By: PilotPodder
Subject: 5 Issues I've Had with My Pod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2019 at 8:21pm
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The below video summarizes the main 5 issues I've had in just shy of 2 years of regular use on the 2017.5 179. Overall these are not major show stoppers, just items most Pod or prospective Pod owners should be aware of. ~PP https://youtu.be/aZHiRGXMOAM - https://youtu.be/aZHiRGXMOAM ------------- Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — https://johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/ - My RPod YouTube Videos |
Replies:
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 10:00am
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Nice presentation John. We feel quite fortunate with our older 177 that was built January 2011, to date, no issues and we have been quite thankful as it appears the newer ones do have more issues to contend with. Our 3 big issues were: poor quality mattress that was replaced after 3 nights attempting to sleep on it, replacing the foam on the seating area by the table, and replacing the goofy curtain over the rear window with a high quality 2x cell shade that can go up and down easily so we could see out whenever we wished, also doubled as an insulator when we camp in cold weather. ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 11:50am
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I agree that these are significant issues. One other one I have had in our 179 is the flap that covers the area below the refrigerator. It falls off too easily. The factory installation was just three screws into the aluminum frame. These were totally inadequate for the task. I have used anchors into the frame. That helps. It was just to the dealer for repair. I noticed that there are two more screws into the frame now. I don't know what they did with my anchors as I have not taken that apart to see. I have not had any problems with the ottoman. think it would take quite a bit of force to have the issue you had with it. The way the screw holes were extended in the video makes me suspect the
lid was not on and the slide hit it as it was being retracted. I could see a problem if the lid were not on all the way and the slide hit it when it was being retracted, but ours sits down and stays in place so we have not had an issue. We did move it to allow me to re-do my table and support it between the
ottomans when the slide is retracted (see my mods). It has not moved or become loose either before or after doing so.
------------- 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: crw8sr
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2019 at 5:42pm
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No issues with our 190.........knocking on wood. Nice presentation. ------------- Chuck & Lyn Izzy, Morkie. RIP Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie 2018 R Pod 190 2019 Traverse In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck. |
Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 12:10pm
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a little over a year after we purchased our 179 the back window above the sink began to leak. When I got to looking at it, at the top outside part of the window there was ~ 1/2" gap between the wall and the window frame and the caulking was pulling apart. When the repairman pulled the window frame out more than half of the screws were missing and the others were badly rusted. Evidently the sloped trailer panel doesn't fit a straight window frame well. Aside from that we've had very few problems. ------------- 2017 179 2016 Silverado Z71 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 4:09pm
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I had tightened the screws in the window frame as the caulking in my 179 was getting pulled apart also. It also looked like it had gaps from being installed quickly and not being smoothed very well. I removed as much as possible and re-did the caulking with fresh silicone RTV sealant. When it went to the factory for repair after our accident (see "I wrecked our escaPod"), the roof was replaced so the window came out and was reinstalled. I again had to tighten the screws but we also had a leak that was a little harder to figure out. I finally traced it to the little seam in the frame on the top where the frame comes together after being bent into shape. I added some silicone RTV sealant to that seam and all was well. I agree fully that a flat window on a curved surface is not a good design choice. I spoke with some of the Forest River people at the 10th Anniversary Rally at the Kentucky Mini-Mini last October about it. I was told that this was being addressed. They thought they had a solution, but it did not work. They were testing another solution that looked promising. I did not get enough information to do more than guess at what that potential solution was. ------------- 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: mcarter
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 4:20pm
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No issues with window, and today I finished sealing spoiler, never did leak, but I wanted ahead of problems.
Panel separation is deal I have seen. With 178s especially at front passenger side, where floor drops below front panel. I have helped 3/4 folks with same issue on 178s. Once it drops and gets wet it is more difficult to repair and I haven't figured out reason to date. Talking with folks, every instance we fixed. Mine has never dropped again. John, As I recall you had flex crack issues that were dealer repaired. Almost ready for next season. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Awchief
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 4:25pm
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19/189 RPod by Forest River Mine has been back for these issues (#) or I have repaired them myself (@) #Switches, two switches shorted due to improper wiring. #Switch base plates straight and all wires safely and correctly installed #Overhead bathroom vent functions properly, motor fried. Replaced entire vent assembly #Water heater inop, replaced with new water heater #Slide out dead motor, replaced motor twice #Leaks at rear of trailer at tail light assembly #Thermostat operation, works intermittently, new thermostat #Have them leak check outside compartment doors. Mine leak every time it rains. All seals replaced. One is still leaking. @All Screws in hinges, over sized holes and multiple holes @Insure all panels on slide out are secure and properly attached, panels keep falling off. I added additional screws. @Drawer slides for proper straight installation @Window seals for excessive shrinkage and separation. @Take a close look at all water connections. Especially commode and under sink connections. Multiple Leaks, joints keep vibrating loose. ------------- Michael |
Posted By: PilotPodder
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 4:57pm
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mcarter, you are correct on mine having the stress fractures last year in the intense FL sun. I tried to limit the five items to what I've seen as common issues showing up here and on the FB group posts. I think the stress fractures were somewhat of an anomaly. FR did fully fix the issue and I haven't seen any recurrence. ------------- Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — https://johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/ - My RPod YouTube Videos |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2019 at 4:58pm
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Good job. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Motor7
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 8:05am
Wow, that seems like a lot, particularly the electric motors burning out. I wonder if something faulty in the wiring is causing that? The water connections, do you mean the Pex fittings? Those things are almost idiot proof, but I know that RV mfg's use plastic elbows, T's and unions, so that might be the weak point? If I find anything leaking the fitting gets replaced with brass/bronze. And do you know how the switches were wired wrong, was the hot/neutral reversed? Also, I might be an odd ball, but I never connect to 'city water' I always fill my tank and run everything off of it, even at full hook-up campgrounds.
------------- 2016 R-Pod 176T |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 8:55am
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I agree with Stephen H--the 179 has a recurring issue with the wooden panel under the refrigerator. When the slide moves, it causes the power cables behind the panel to exert a force that can cause the panel screws to become loose. I have looked and tried to find a way to secure the power cords, but have been unsuccessful so far. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 1:04pm
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If you can get a bundle of cords to be thick enough, elevator supply companies sell traveling cable grips that are designed to hang onto a moving cable and attach to a fixed point. It would probably be overkill, but it's still fun to look in the catalogues. Here's a link: http://%20seesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CONSTRUCTION-MODERNIZATION.pdf - http://seesinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/CONSTRUCTION-MODERNIZATION.pdf Look under "mesh grips," pp.74-77 or thereabouts. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 1:18pm
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I tried the link and got a "Server Not Found" fault. Edit: There is a fault with the way the link pasted. It comes up as www.%20seesinc.com. Edit: I looked at it closer and there is a space between the www. and the seesinc so it misreads. www. seesinc.com instead of www.seesinc.com. It is hard to see when you look at it. Just edit your link to delete the space and it will work.
------------- 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: lostagain
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 1:38pm
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Thanks, StephenH for letting me know. I just cut and pasted it so I have no idea what went wrong. But if you want to see the mesh grips here's an easy route: Go to Seesinc.com > products > construction/modernization - pdf catalogue > scroll down in the catalogue to "mesh grips" and around pp. 74 - 77 you should see them. They're basically wire Chinese finger puzzles with an attachment cable. Hope that helps. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 2:03pm
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Once I figured out what was wrong with the link, I did get there and saw the mesh grips. It is an interesting idea. I used some zip-ties to accomplish something similar, bundling the wires and then suspending them to allow them to move and not drag on the floor.
------------- 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: lostagain
Date Posted: 04 Feb 2019 at 2:16pm
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Glad to know you found it ok. Who knows if it'll work but it's certainly something to think about. I'll never give it a try myself since our Pod is becoming a museum piece and I'll probably hang on to it until I should be allowed to drive. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: R&J
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 1:57am
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Great presentation....just for information we had a 'lost bolt' out of our grey water outlet only last week. we have a 2015 179. we lost the hangar bolt from the black outlet about 8 months ago ....fixed with additional strapping and stronger bolt. I have also manufactured removable rear stablisers after losing one in a gas station driveway if you are interested happy to send info. I did post images and process some time ago. ------------- Rhona & John POD: 2015 179 'OzPod' Tow: 2014 Holden Colorado |
Posted By: Subzilla
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2019 at 6:57am
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Great job John. We've had the exact same issues with our '17 179 plus some of the other items Stephen mentioned. At least FR is consistent! ------------- Mark Concord, NC 2017 RP 179 "Podzilla" 2011 Silverado 1500 4X4 |