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2018 Rpod 180 review and sad farewell

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Topic: 2018 Rpod 180 review and sad farewell
Posted By: IronStinky
Subject: 2018 Rpod 180 review and sad farewell
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2019 at 12:07pm
Hey all,

Just wanted to start by saying a sincere thank you to the members of this forum. Everyone has been super helpful and every RV brand should be so lucky as to have a great resource like this for their owners.

Unfortunately that’s where the pleasant part of our Rpod ownership experience pretty much ends. Due to two seasons of constant problems, repairs, warranty work, and poor fit and finish, we traded for a Winnebago Micro last weekend.

Some of the problems we went through were related to dealer mistakes, but the majority were directly the fault of poor workmanship by Forest River.

We had to get the shower stall replaced because the drain wasn’t installed correctly from the factory. The Furrion radio fell out of the wall because Forest River did a half assed job of cutting the hole for it and the screws went into nothing (I fixed this myself by fabricating the board correctly). The trim around the bathroom door fell off. The roof leaked around the antenna which the dealer fixed, then it leaked around the A/C which ruined a speaker and an LED puck, and after that there was buckling of the walls on the front storage. One of the slide motors burned out which ruined a nice weekend. The hot water element died, dealers fault but FR sent the wrong replacement part which the dealer installed anyway so it leaked and back it went for service again. The Thule awning is pretty much the weakest piece of trash in awning history, thank goodness it had a warranty. The plumbing under the sink leaked, when I looked under there to try and see what was leaking I was in awe of how ghetto and cobbed together everything was under there. Back to the dealer again. Outlets mounted crooked, missing and stripped out screws everywhere, I have never seen a product put together so poorly in all of my 53 years. The dealer was great and pretty much admitted we got a lemon, but FR never responded once to anything.

Will the Winnie have some of the same issues? Maybe, since all these manufacturers seem to use a lot of the same equipment when putting these units together. But we darn sure looked hard at the little things when we were checking out the Winnie and it’s definitely put together MUCH nicer.

The Rpod towed like a dream and I’d say we would have enjoyed it for many years if it had been a quality product.

Once again thanks to everyone here for your help, I sincerely hope our experience was an aberration and you all continue to enjoy your trailers for many years. Cheers!



Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2019 at 2:45pm
If you don't find a mini winnie group to hang with, remember we have a "SOB" area here.. you are more than welcome to stay and hang out..

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Posted By: IronStinky
Date Posted: 06 Nov 2019 at 8:27am
Great idea!!


Posted By: ribet
Date Posted: 08 Nov 2019 at 11:41am
I also own a 180 with some of the same problems.  I looks like they used a jack hammer to cut the hole for the radio and speaker selected switch.  The screws have no place to grab.  Electrical outlet boxes also are not straight due to the holes being so big.  But i will work out the problems as the dealer would not do a good job fixing them along with the other problems. Yes it tows good and that why I have it. 


Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 8:01am
I own a 2017 180 and also had some of the same problems. so like I said before, FB built the pod, and I did all the repairs and finished it off to my spects., to fit my needs. Now, I love my 180. Most warranties are a joke to me. I bought the trailer for my use, not to be into someone's shop sitting on the back row waiting to be fixed. Stay on the forum, and you can learn a lot of repairs from the other Pod Owners, they have the knowledge. I finally broke down and got a Facebook account, just the Ipod club. There you can learn a lot from the owners, and keep your POD out of the shops. Good Luck to all.


Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 7:08pm
Can I join this club???

I too have had more problems due to poor quality of build and parts used in the R-Pod that I don't know where to begin if I were to make a list! Yet, for all its many faults, we love our little Pod and beyond a doubt I've sure received an education in camper trailer repair and dealing with warranty issues with the dealer and factory. Though if like the OP of this thread I had problems with water leaks from the ceiling and de-lamination and warping of siding that would be the deal breaker and I would unload my R-Pod in a flash!

I know all RV's be it trailer campers and motor homes have issues since the beating they take going down the highways and byways. Yes, I know in everything that's manufactured there are lemons and all you can hope is your lucky enough to live in a State that has strong lemon laws on RV's. A quick short list of the problems I've had with my camper is the same as the OP he had with his. Crummy Thule awning that supports pulled out of the walls and extended braces that broke. Shower that leaked so bad I had to add support to the floor and re-putty and tighten the drain. Under the counter sink that fell down and then it was really an under the counter sink because it was held on only by the lip of screw heads they used, insane! Oh not to forget but I had to also replace its faucet because the cheap one they install in the factor broke, nice hu? Then lets add on after a year of ownership the cheap converter FR uses fries and two years out the power jack also gives up the ghost. It's been enough for most camper owners, like the OP of this thread, to say that's it I'm trading or selling but hey I'm a glutton for punishment, what can I say? Other then to say we really like its floor plan and the ease of towing and despite its many, many, problems we've had with it that we love it! Plus in my retirement years I'm thinking about opening up a camper repair business! Just kidding! Tongue 


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Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog.
2017 Rpod 180
2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
Lexington, NC


Posted By: ribet
Date Posted: 09 Nov 2019 at 11:00pm
I would like to find out where the 180's mentioned above were built.  I believe mine was built in Oregon.  I will try to check tomorrow. Any ideas how to check on this?  Cant go out tonight due to a brown bear in my garage last night, 5 feet from my rPod.  


Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 7:27am
I also shopped the Winnie Drop and found it a better over-all interior built. My issue is I'm tall and the Winnie has less headroom (bumped my head just walking around).

Does seem your on pretty much the same axle (lippert I believe) and never did find out frame thickness (secret I guess). That being said, probably same inherent issues with axle & frame. Just as a curiosity, if you would post up what you find on both. Axle rating & frame dimensions (width x height x thickness).

You should stick around! Far too many good folks here and most all your issues, questions and solutions will still relate.  

Best of with the new unit and safe travels!


-------------
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways
2017 Tacoma
http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build
2004 F150 My Overlander


Posted By: tcj
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 9:23am
Originally posted by ribet

I would like to find out where the 180's mentioned above were built.  I believe mine was built in Oregon.  I will try to check tomorrow. Any ideas how to check on this?  Cant go out tonight due to a brown bear in my garage last night, 5 feet from my rPod.  


No bears in my garage so I went out and looked everywhere inside and outside on our 2919 (built in April 2018) 180.  I could not find anything indicating where it was built.


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2018 R-pod 180 Hood River Edition


Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 10:06am
There is a manufacture date and place of manufacture on a decal on the front/right hand side of the frame.  On the west coast has the Hood river edition with the higher axles and  knobby tires.  I purchased mine almost two years ago that was manufactured in Dallas,Oregon,now they are built in Sheridan,Oregon. I contacted Forest River about about a new road wheel and using the serial number they confirmed the built date and place.  She also told me besides the axle and tires the Hood River version Paint scheme has the yellow curve on the side of the pod that the east coast version does not have.


Posted By: tcj
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 12:43pm
Seafans, thanks for the tip to find the sticker on the right front side of the frame.  I found it and it says our Hood River Edition 180 was manufactured in Oregon in April 2018.

We love our 180.  Pulls very easily with our Toyota Tacoma with 6 speed manual transmission, V6 engine, and factory towing package.

The only problem we have  had that was significant enough to return to the dealer to fix was a bad magnet on the left side brake.  I could tell when we pulled it home after the walk through at the dealers that the brakes were not right.  When I got home I felt the brake drums.  The right was warm and the left was cold.

I called the dealer and he gave us an appointment to bring it in the next morning.  I'm lucky in that our dealer is only five miles from home.  They put it in the shop right away, trouble shot it, and replaced the bad magnet while I watched.  It took about an hour.Big smile


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2018 R-pod 180 Hood River Edition


Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 2:08pm
Originally posted by ribet

I would like to find out where the 180's mentioned above were built.  I believe mine was built in Oregon.  I will try to check tomorrow. Any ideas how to check on this?  Cant go out tonight due to a brown bear in my garage last night, 5 feet from my rPod.  


Nope no big brown fuzzy critters around here, thankfully. Just tree rats (Squirrel's), and the occasional Opossum or Skunk.

Please group correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the east coast factory is in Goshen, IN and the west coast in Sheridan, OR.

Since Forest River is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Company maybe I can call its owner Warren Buffett the next time I have a problem, you think? LOL


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Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog.
2017 Rpod 180
2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
Lexington, NC


Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 6:26pm
My 180 was built in the Indiana Plant, as I bought it from Cheyenne Camper Sales in Walcott, Iowa. They told me it was from Indiana Plant.


Posted By: seafans
Date Posted: 10 Nov 2019 at 8:42pm
tcj:

I purchase at the RV Super store in Pahrump Nevada.  The first night we stayed in it was in Death Valley.  In February we are going back with some friends.  The only problems I had with our 180 was the brakes and magnets were soaked with grease from the poor assembly practice from the axle manufacture.  Never use the grease fitting to lube the bearings.  The outlet of the grease is at the rear seal.  I have rented several of the R-pods before deciding on which on to purchase.  One problem with the brakes that has plagued mine at this time is the wires going to the brake magnet.  Three wires on one connector and the wire going to the brake magnet makes a 180 deg turn to the back plate.  This wire brakes at the terminal connection.  Will have to solder the wires together and use some heat shrink to protect them.



Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2019 at 7:27pm
I've often wondered why on the east coast you can't buy the Hood River west coast version of the R-Pod? Strange, you think they would offer for sale the west coast model everywhere for a few extra $$. Just doesn't make a bit of business sense to me, I mean FR is in for the money, right?


-------------
Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog.
2017 Rpod 180
2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
Lexington, NC


Posted By: crazycoyote
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2019 at 10:48pm
You are right there, I wish my trailer was higher , and I really don't care to add blocks. I am in Arizona and I would of bought a Hood River edition if the price was right. I was at the factory in Sheraton Oregon on the tour, but couldn't swing a deal, but I am happy with mine after all the mods.


Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2019 at 8:42am
It may be a function of the cost of transportation.  Western state prices on trailers built in the mid-west tend to be higher.  Dragging a Hood River model to Ohio and trying to sell it there with a locally competitive price may not be very profitable.  If one takes a look at the teaser ads for any given trailer built in the heartland, the prices tend to be several thousand dollars higher in the far west than they are within a few hundred miles of the factory.  On the other hand, trailers built out this way can often be had for prices in the teaser ads one sees for mid-west constructed trailers.  The closer to the point of manufacture, the better the pricing it seems.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2019 at 10:18am
I would also expect the cost of transportation over the Rocky Mountains to be a major issue. Distance and elevation.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2019 at 8:54pm
Originally posted by GlueGuy

I would also expect the cost of transportation over the Rocky Mountains to be a major issue. Distance and elevation.


Glue, your absolutely right, transportation to the east coast would be a major cost. My question, which I guess I didn't ask well, is why isn't the Hood River model also built in Indiana and sold on the east coast along with the standard models? Just seems to me there would be a big market on the east coast for this and dealers would love it because they can mark up the price because its a "Hood River" edition. I know for myself I would of thought long and hard and probably paid the extra markup for the option of buying the Hood River for the same model I bought from my dealer.


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Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the
wonder dog.
2017 Rpod 180
2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
Lexington, NC


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2019 at 10:13am
Originally posted by DavMar

Originally posted by GlueGuy

I would also expect the cost of transportation over the Rocky Mountains to be a major issue. Distance and elevation.


Glue, your absolutely right, transportation to the east coast would be a major cost. My question, which I guess I didn't ask well, is why isn't the Hood River model also built in Indiana and sold on the east coast along with the standard models? Just seems to me there would be a big market on the east coast for this and dealers would love it because they can mark up the price because its a "Hood River" edition. I know for myself I would of thought long and hard and probably paid the extra markup for the option of buying the Hood River for the same model I bought from my dealer.
I guess we might have to ask Warren Buffet about how/why that is. I have noticed over the time we have been on the list that there seems to be many differences between east and west R-pods.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2019 at 2:20pm
Originally posted by GlueGuy

. I have noticed over the time we have been on the list that there seems to be many differences between east and west R-pods.

It is my impression that lift and wheels/tires have been the only differences, and that the lift is now the same east and west. What other differences are there? 


-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2019 at 3:45pm
Originally posted by offgrid

It is my impression that lift and wheels/tires have been the only differences, and that the lift is now the same east and west. What other differences are there?  
It seems from my armchair that there are more quality-related issues for the east pods. May be my selective brain filter, but that's my impression.

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost


Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2019 at 7:29am
Originally posted by GlueGuy

It seems from my armchair that there are more quality-related issues for the east pods. May be my selective brain filter, but that's my impression.

Perhaps. Or it could simply be that more of them are produced in Indiana than in Oregon. Something like 80% of all RV's in the US are made in Northern Indiana. Anybody know the production rates at the two rPod production lines? 
 





-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold


Posted By: DH
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2022 at 12:30am
I agree completely. I also have a 180. The concept is great but everything in my trailer is so cheap and delicate. Zero effort to assemble it correctly. I have spent so much money fixing things that should work. Just this weekend I am replacing the useless refrigerator they installed. I was never able to use it once except for storing my shoes. It would have been cheaper to by an Airstream. I think we should file a class action lawsuit. The.company should not be able to treat customers this way. Cool concept but parts and finish are a joke.


Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2022 at 6:51am
I don't think the quality issue is one of regional differences, but rather one of corporate management and how workers are organized to build the product.  Quality control is really a function of top down management.  The workers do what's required to earn their paychecks.  They follow the "tone from the top."  If that means working really fast and sloppily because the management pushes high production, then the trailers will not turn out well.  Management chooses the quality of materials and componets.  If they build a trailer with garbage quality materials, the result will be obvious during the trailer's service life.  

Another area chosen by management is the design and engineering that goes into their products.  The original design concept of the R-Pod was for a small, economical, light weight travel trailer that could be towed by a mid-sized vehicle, thus a narrow body, super lightweight frame, and a light weight suspension.  Our 172 was exactly that and gave us few problems.  As other trailer companies began to enter the small lightweight trailer market, it seems that FR's R-Pod division decided to expand the length and width of their trailers and add slide outs to make them more roomy. Unfortunately, they apparently didn't re-engineer the chassis to accommodate the extra stress on the structure or the weight.  Most of the serious problems with their current product lines relate to the lack structural support for the coach cabin.  Now it has structural failures and leaks that are the the death knell of any wood based trailer cabin.  

It's impossible to know where the travel trailer business is going.  If demand slumps we may see more competition on quality and maintainability.  If the Covid related RV boom continues, there is little incentive for the RV industry to fix their quality deficiencies.  If I were rich and wanted to be in RV business, I'd look at importing some travel trailers from Europe, where the build quality seems to be a bit better and the prices competitive with US products.  This was the experience we had in the automotive world where imports pushed a lazy US manufacturing culture to build world class quality vehicles to compete with European and Japanese cars.


-------------
Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost


Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2022 at 2:38pm
We almost bought a 180 but decided on the 179. From the start, we noticed build quality issues but since we are both pretty handy, we just kept making repairs along the way. We would have already bought the 179 several times over if we had taken it back to the dealer for repairs out of warranty. Now, 6 years later, we have decided that it is time to move up from the Rpod and into something more sturdy as we begin to travel more frequently and longer. We ordered an Escape 5.0TA which should be ready in about a year. All we have to do is keep the 60K mile 179 road worthy for 12 more months which might be easier said than done.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Triumph T120



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