**HELP NEEDED ASAP**
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13548
Printed Date: 14 May 2025 at 9:41am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: **HELP NEEDED ASAP**
Posted By: Ab1988
Subject: **HELP NEEDED ASAP**
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 9:24am
| I am in the process of purchasing a 2015 RPod 178. When looking around the camper, I noticed a few things that concern me. Maybe they are nothing to worry about, but this is my very first camper so I want to make sure I know what I’m getting myself into. I noticed some spots on the ceiling. They look like very small notches all along a section of the ceiling. It almost looks as if one of the joists (I think that’s what those are called...haha!) was removed in that area, but it can’t be because those are evenly spaced throughout the camper and it wouldn’t make sense for one of those to have been there. The biggest thing I am concerned about, though, is a section of the ceiling at that same end of the trailer that is bulging. It almost looks as if there is a crease in the ceiling. (I am going to try to figure out how to post pictures of these areas I am referring to.) I have read a few people stating that they had exposed glue and/or staples on the ceiling after coming straight from the factory, so I am wondering if that is what the notches are from. The couple I am purchasing from swear that they have never had any leaks or other major concerns. (They are the second owners of the camper and have had it for about two years.) Any advice/help anyone can offer me would be GREATLY appreciated! |
Replies:
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 10:19am
|
THAT to me says, check the rear spoiler for leaks, If that is the rear of the camper ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 10:24am
| This may sound dumb, but is the spoiler located near the end of the camper where the spare tire is? This is at the end closest to the hitch. |
Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 10:35am
|
That's the front end of the 178. The panels do not always sit perfectly and the notches are nail marks from assembly (the patching isnt always done very well. I don't think it it anything to worry about but there are a few things to look for on the 178 1. check to see if there are any leaks (or water stains from earlier leaks) around the push-out 2. check to see if there are any leaks from the external storage doors 3. the spoiler is the black add on above the back window, these are notorious for warping in the heat and require significant sealant above them. Get a ladder and check the sealant to make sure there are no open areas or cracks 4. check all caulking / sealant on the roof 5. make sure the drainage pipes are secure (along the "drivers side' of the trailer)- the brackets are not well designed I've had a 178 for a few years now and absolutely love it. There will always be craftsmanship issues, but you're going to get that in any trailer Enjoy! ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 1:48pm
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Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 1:50pm
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Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 3:09pm
| Thank you so much!!! |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 3:22pm
|
That looks like the panel has de-laminated. If it was caused from a leak, the lower would have issues as well. Looks like a factory oops to me, not enough glue.. If indeed that's the only spot/area you could remove the moldings, put the panel and glue it properly. If you like the trailer and the price is agreeable, I don't see this as stopping you. You will have items to deal with and this may be your first, if you so decide to fix. ------------- 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: podwerkz
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 4:42pm
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I wonder if a previous owner tried to staple up some curtains, or velcro, or maybe Christmas lights or something.....hard to tell... ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 5:01pm
|
I have those same little dents in my 2016 172. I assumed they were like tiny staples holding up the ceiling panel.I'd love to know if I'm wrong.... ------------- Julie |
Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 5:55pm
| Y’all have really helped to ease my mind! Thank you! |
Posted By: Toyanvil
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 6:02pm
|
Also look at the axle to see if it has lost it's camber it should not look like an old VW from the back. The best way to check the axle is with a 24" bubble level. The wheels should be the same as the side walls of the trailer, it's that easy. Just check the plumb of the wheels and then move up to the wall, should be the same. Here is a picture of my 178 when I bought it. It can be repair, but I would adjust the price for it. I love my 178 just letting you know what to look for. Before  After repair  |
Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 6:11pm
| Thank you! I will be sure to take note of this when we go see it again! |
Posted By: PilotPodder
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 6:49pm
|
Ab, the only other thing I'd mention is how the floors feel. My 179 started to have a bounce to the floor in the kitchen area after 200+ nights of use. The 178 layout is different, but you may want to be cognizant of the floors and make sure you don't see any warping, staining or excessive bounce. All the best! ~PP ------------- Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — https://johnmarucci.com/r-pod-video-list/ - My RPod YouTube Videos |
Posted By: Ab1988
Date Posted: 14 May 2020 at 6:59pm
| Y’all are awesome! All of the advice is greatly appreciated:) |
Posted By: TimK182G
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 10:03am
|
Question on the Dometic 13500 btu a/c. We bought an R-Pod without an A/C installed and want to purchase one. I am planning on installing it myself in the roof vent, it looks pretty straight forward and I have basic electrical knowledge. I have a couple questions. Is the low profile unit worth the additional cost? Do I have to purchase anything besides the unit itself or is it a complete package? Our old trailer had the a/c installed so this is a first for me. I noticed you can add on things when you go to purchase it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you! ------------- 2018 R-Pod 182G 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 17 May 2020 at 11:44am
Tim, You might want to open your own thread on this. More people will see it and know you need help on something. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: TimK182G
Date Posted: 18 May 2020 at 10:38am
|
^^^^ Thank you, will do. I'm a newbie  ------------- 2018 R-Pod 182G 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 |