R Pod axle lift kit
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Topic: R Pod axle lift kit
Posted By: boater
Subject: R Pod axle lift kit
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 2:02pm
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just purchased a 2018 , 178 . Travel will involve heading to western National forest campgrounds and most likely some boondocking and travel on rougher gravel roads .. Considering the lift kit from Forest river making it similar to "hood river version " HAS anyone done this lift mod , and had any regrets what so ever ? Any down side to consider ? Pulling with Jeep Grand Cherokee with sway bar kit Boater
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Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 3:53pm
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Pretty common mod. Search the forum for "lift kit". I'm pretty sure there have been a few of those in the last 6 months or so. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 4:55pm
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I have a 2015 178, it has risers on it and is NOT a HRE. +1 to GlueGuy, pretty common mod. BTW my risers were not an addition, they came on it. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 5:07pm
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Boater,
I think you have the enhanced pitch axle, which compensates for lift that risers added. I recall reading on this forum that adding risers is not bad but it nixes warranty if you have one. My 2015 178 was built with risers but in 2016 is when enhanced pitch axles started being added, near as I can tell. I read this on this forum and a conversation with FR. I would call FR with your serial number and talk to them, that seems to be where the data is coming from. Safest bet. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 5:18pm
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The post is "New Axle System for RPod" OP was taxman. Evidently risers were eliminated with new axle systems started in late 2015. Some discussion about warranty if risers are added but is not solved on this post, KyMooses says it does not violate warranty, others do.
From FR: I just want to clear up some discussion on the new r-pod axles and the risers. The Indiana r-pods have always had the axle risers as an option and the Hood River Edition had them built in the package. We monitor option usage and when it hits and maintains a high precenatge of use, we look at making it a standard item. With working with our axle company we were able to achieve the same height as the axle risers by using a different pitch axle without having to add the blocks. The new axle sits approximatly 2 1/2 higher at the beam, gaining more gorund clerance there. The rest of the height is achieved at the end of the axle with the different pitch for a total rise of approximatly 3 1/2", the same as we had with the risers. In doing this we also redesigned the fenderskirt to have a consistant clereance over the tire (no more hump in the middle) for better appreance. I think some of the cofusion here is with the newly designed fenderskirt, most are thinking it doesn't has the rise because of no large gap above the tire. I'm sure there will be more discussion here and I will keep my eye out and try to answer questions. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2019 at 9:41pm
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Thanks for the reply's in regards to axle lift kit for my 2018 178
I think I will contact Forest River with my serial number just for comfort that it indeed does have higher clearance from factory with upgraded axles, similar in ground clearance to Hood River version units with risers . I was posting due to my original thoughts that adding 4 inches via risers ( above my current height), may cause some high trailer entrance discomfort or height issues with jeep hook up or re adjustment to my weight compensation hitch. Now I believe ,, I am understanding that my 2018 should have the different axle creating more ground clearance than older units. Also I think I am understanding here , that it "is what it is" ,and should be sufficient to go off main roads and also clear "dips in the roads , drive ways etc with out further adding 4 inch risers thanks again ,, any further advice appreciated and glad to be a part of this owners forum "Boater" |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2019 at 3:59am
You could take a look at the part number on your axle. Assuming its a Lippert axle it should look something like mine. Its the long sequence of letters and numbers starting with LC35H: The later ones which have what Forest River is calling the "different pitch angle" I think have a "220" where my 2015 states "zero". This number is what the axle industry calls the "start angle". These are torsion axles so the start angle is the angle that the torsion arm extending from the axle tube is set to under no load. A higher number (I think) means that the arm angles downward further under no load so increases the clearance under the trailer. The 220 (I think) implies a 22.5 degree down angle. I'd have to go measure the length of our axle torque arms but I think they're around 6-8 inches long. If so, a 22.5 degree change in start angle should change the ride height by about 2-3 inches. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: crankster78
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2019 at 8:53am
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Greetings: I installed lift kits on my 2010 171 and on my 2015 179. No Problems work fine. Now they have changed axles and gone to 15 inch wheels, so the lift kit don't seem to be needed anymore. Crankster78 R-179 F-150 ------------- Crankster 78 R-179 2015 |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2019 at 12:23pm
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thank you , I was searching for this frame information ,as dealer wanted it prior to ordering any riser kit ,, not finding but will have a serious look again today
boater |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2019 at 12:41pm
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boater, if you mean the axle part number, it should be on the back of the axle tube soewhere near the center. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 03 Mar 2019 at 12:53pm
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Thank you all . I do indeed have the Lippert Axle and now a better understanding that my unit with 15 inch tire is indeed higher than older units, therefore most likely fairly good per ground clearance and not needed any further lift kit . I did now reach out via email to Forest River with my serial number asking what kind of lift I do have for a more complete understanding , Will share when I get an answer
thank you all again Boater |
Posted By: GIAKIN
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2019 at 11:58am
| We bought a 2018 179 3 months ago.. I had the dealer install the lift kit due to our rather steep driveway. When I brought the trailer home, I had 2 inches of clearance under my jacks when backing it in. This was a necessary mod for my situation. We are waiting for warmer weather for our first trip, but I did not notice any issues while towing the unit home. |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 04 Mar 2019 at 2:09pm
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Hi Giakin , thanks . So , with the newer axles of the 2018 and the 15 inch tires , for you situation , you still added the lift kit. Do you think different door steps are needed now to access higher doorway ? Does the height feel ok .. Its the dips going into places , driveways and forest road issues that were prompting me to raise my 178 further above the current height .. I was just thinking of having a no issues trailer per tearing things off the bottom , but did not want added clearance making it more difficult to use
Boater |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 5:41am
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I've gone in and out of all kinds of primitive forest service roads and campgrounds and never touched any part of my trailer, including the rear stabilisers. The closest I've come to dragging is going in and out of parking lot driveways with deep swales so I try to avoid those or take them at an angle. My trailer has the lift kit and 15 inch wheels. I'd be concerned about adding unnecssary height to the trailer. Its going to raise the center of gravity and also increase the center of pressure from side winds both of which are going to make it less stable and more prone to sway. Also, you will be presenting a larger surface area to the air stream going down the road so the wind resistance will increase and your fuel economy will drop. Unless you know you'll be camping in some really bad spots or otherwise know you have a true need like Giakin does I'd try it out as is first and see if you run into any problems. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 5:51am
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We changed to a 2 step unit on or 179 with axle risers. It is much easier and safer getting in and out of the pod with our old knees. there are several models available from etrailer that require new bolt holes drilled or a small section of the step bracket to be cut out. It took about an hour to change them and I remeber they were $85+/- Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 8:18am
| thanks Offgrid . By the way , you gave me a word I had been searching for ( swales ) , was aways hard to describe those road gullies ,, found a real bad one going into RV park just west of Colorado springs with my RV ,, ended up raising the rear bumper after that one almost tore my moped carrier off.. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 8:23am
Sounds like you came across a whale of a swale  ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 10:18am
| Have you considered Sav-A -Jack for the rear stabilizers? Easy mod. |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 10:37am
| great idea ,, looked up save-a-jack ,, will consider |
Posted By: boater
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 12:18pm
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this is Grrreat ,, from Forest River ,, info for all
Good Afternoon Neal, The production year for your trailer does have the high pitch axle on it so it does have the same ground clearance as the Hood River edition R-Pods. However, you can still add the axle riser kit to what you have. My only thought on doing so is that your steps will be that much higher off the ground as well. We do still sell the axle riser kits for the 2018 models, but you would then have more clearance than the Hood River editions. Boater |
Posted By: GIAKIN
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 3:18pm
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I just measured and the top of the bottom step is almost eleven inches. This height does not feel awkward or stressful to me or my wife when using.
I feel much more confident with this riser kit installed. As I mentioned, my driveway is fairly steep, but also we have many campsites here in the Smoky Mountains that are not even close to flat. These sites are often the ones with the best views and the most privacy. Good luck with your choice! |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 5:07pm
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As posted by another member, I have the two step mod. Better for seniors. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 6:13pm
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I want to implement the two step mod as well, was there a consensus on which product was the best choice? In my case, corrosion resistant materials will be a primary consideration. Thanks ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Mar 2019 at 6:34pm
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I went with FEXCO steps, easily modified and no corrosion issues as of yet. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: GIAKIN
Date Posted: 06 Mar 2019 at 1:41pm
| My 179 is a 2018 model and came with the double steps. I assumed that the original poster has double steps on his 2018 model as well, but I may be wrong. |
Posted By: Bullhead44
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:12am
| For those who have installed the axle risers, did you order them form FR, or get them some other place. I broke the step assembly the last time we where out in what I would consider a relatively shallow pot hole. I was able to weld it back up, but it needs to be higher. |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2019 at 11:32am
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Call the parts dept. of FR and they'll cheerfully send you a pair of risers for a reasonable price plus shipping. The staff is really nice and helpful. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: Motor7
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 7:54pm
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I ordered mine from Etrailer...way cheaper than from FR. ------------- 2016 R-Pod 176T |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 07 Apr 2019 at 8:01pm
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I don't recall what I paid, but it doesn't seem that it was significantly different from the e-trailer price. But, on the other hand, I'm really old and sometimes, well, what was I saying? The shipping is where FR is higher from what I recall. I don't think they get the favorable pricing of the big e-commerce companies. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 Apr 2019 at 6:47pm
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After getting tired of "unbending" my rear stabs. I finally bit the biscuit and bought the 4" lift kit for our 2011 177 last October. Total cost from FR including shipping was $ 150. Total time spent installing the kit was almost 1 hour, pretty simple install. Just bummed at myself for not doing it 8 years earlier when I bought it in the first place.
------------- 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." |