Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Pod Mod

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Pod Mod

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=1302
Printed Date: 11 May 2024 at 11:03pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Pod Mod

Posted By: Guests
Subject: Pod Mod
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2009 at 8:50pm

After lots of great input in the http://www.rpodnation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=772&title=do-i-want-front-stabilizers - Do I want front stabilizers? thread, I decided to install them on my 171 this past weekend. My dealer was running a 15% off on all in-stock items sale, so that and an unexpectedly sunny and warm November day was all that was needed to push me to do the mod.

Of course, ~~this podmod is really only applicable for 2009 r-pods, as the 2010 came from the factory with front stabilizers~~. since Forest River began delivering r-pods with front stabilizers in the middle of the 2010 run, this podmod isn't applicable for everyone.

I chose 17" Bal Light Trailer Stabilizing jacks - they're normally used on tent trailers and the like, but as r-pods weigh about the same as an average-sized tent trailer, I thought the Bal would be a good choice.

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2581222460105331225OdwyGe">

Inside the box I found the two stabilizing jacks, a removable crank handle and a bag of hardware (six self-tapping screws and lockwashers).

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2581157880105331225QCpiwH">

Figuring out where to mount the stabilizers was the most difficult part of the install. There are several wires running up the street side of the r-pod, and several (I counted three) ground points screwed into the underside of the frame. I was stymied for a while, as I thought that the stabilizer had to be against either the frame or a crossmember, but I re-read the instructions and saw that this wasn't a requirement. In the end, I decided to run them diagonally across the corners of the frame.

Each stabilizer is held on with three screws (provided). It was a simple matter of measuring, drilling holes and screwing in the screws. Sorry, I didn't take any pictures. You all know how to measure, drill and screw anyway.

In the end, I'm quite pleased with the install:

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2212740810105331225NpHDrP">

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2147297350105331225vwydoA">

I did have one additional task, tho. Being "creative" (i.e. lazy), several months ago, I bought a drill/driver to raise and lower the rear stabilizers. Its just a small 7.2v lithium-ion drill/driver, but its powerful enough for the stabilizers and I can recharge it anywhere from the trailer's battery using a power adapter. Unfortunately, the stock rear stabillizers use a different socket than the fronts, so, using an angle grinder on an old spark plug socket I had laying around, I made a flanged a flanged socket (looks like the http://www.customcylindersintinc.com/socket_jenie.htm - socket jenie ) to raise/lower the front Bal stabilizers.

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2880376460105331225JiSaIy">