I need HELP!!!: RPod meltdown

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RPod meltdown

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=14737
Printed Date: 18 May 2024 at 5:04am
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Topic: RPod meltdown

Posted By: TnV2004
Subject: RPod meltdown
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2021 at 9:27pm

I am new to this forum. I have a R179 (2018) with a couple major problems including a damaged underbelly floor and the dreaded drooping frame on the slide-side. I've gotten no relief from insurance and little assistance thus far from forest river.

I did purchase a bunch of outriggers. When they arrived I was surprised too see that they were just stamped/folded sheet metal. While working on the flooring I noticed that the aluminum frame weld of at least one of the frame member's has failed, leading to the droop. I suspect at least two others have also failed.

I am hoping to hear from anyone who has had luck fashioning "beefy" outriggers. The welder I spoke with today wanted no part of the work.

I'd also like to chat with anyone who has done a full top-to-bottom floor repair. Sounds like this fix will become the rest of my short New England Camping season. :-D

Any guidance or suggestions, is appreciated.

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2021 at 6:15am

The outriggers are strong enough for the intended purpose, why do they need to be "beefier"? Jack the side of the trailer back to where it is supposed to be and install them.

As for a full floor rebuild, some have asked here about that but AFAIK
no one has actually done it. You would have to lift the walls off the floor, rework the floor, then remount the walls.

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

Posted By: TnV2004
Date Posted: 16 Jun 2021 at 9:54am

I am considering a rebuild. Dropping the tanks, raising the chassis, placing the underbelly Luan with structural & sealed Marine Plywood, then supporting the plywood with outriggers. Vinyl plank flooring inside over the luan.

One last consideration is larger edge trim on the bottom to cover the thicker plywood.

With all the bouncing this vehicle sees, I hope to find a welder that will make some beefier brackets since the weld ends to the frame have snapped.