Quality Control
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14777
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 10:02am
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Topic: Quality Control
Posted By: DH
Subject: Quality Control
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2021 at 9:31pm
| I have a 2018 180 and have used it half a dozen times. It is my first trailer so my expectations may be unreasonable but the general quality of my Rpod is disappointing. I’ve had to replace and tighten screws that were never properly installed, replaced an AC shroud that was cracked and blew off, and removed the carbon monoxide detector that malfunctioned. There are marks on all of the paper wall coverings and glue stains on the ceiling. The exterior rubber trim had to be replaced and most of the LED lights are installed crooked. And that doesn’t even address the useless refrigerator and shower head. I suspect the manufacturer doesn’t care about return customers. It’s a cool concept but I don’t want to make trailer repair my part time job. I wonder if the Airstream is a better value. |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2021 at 9:43pm
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Some of the same equipment is used in Airstreams. You will pay a whole lot more for an Airstream and may find that you have some of the same problems. Fit and finish would likely be better, but considering that these are rolling earthquakes, it is surprising that more things don't work loose. Cracked shroud - Can't address because I don't know if you purchased new or used and how it was treated if used. The AC shroud on mine is original and still there. CO/LP detector: What was the malfunction? Was it indicating end of life (alternating red and green lights)? If so, what was the manufacture date. I had to replace ours this year on our 2016 (manufactured in 2015) RP179. Stains on ceiling: I will give you that one. I have them also. Marks on wallpaper: Not that many on mine that were not caused by me. Exterior trim? Yes, sunlight and heat will cause that to deteriorate. It is easily replaceable. Order the heavier-duty strip from Amazon. Pay a little more and it will last a lot longer than the cheap stuff used by the factory. LED lights installed crooked? I'm not sure what type of light fixtures you have. Mine seemed to be installed straight. Hopefully, you got the kinks worked out. Having done so, I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories with your RPod. We just finished a 6200 mile trip recently with ours. We have had our share of problems over the years, but I spoke with an Airstream owner who had extensive work done on his, so they have their problems also. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: DH
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2021 at 10:22pm
| That was a really nice reply. Most message boards turn to arguing. I love the concept of the Rpod and the layout is good but I feel a little insulted by some of the cheesy stuff. That paper wallpaper is totally impractical and yeah, those cheap little LED puck lights are installed crooked. Some don’t line up in a row and some aren’t flush. I’m not totally dissatisfied but I think for 20k they could have put nicer finishes on. But the refrigerator is the real mystery. Doesn’t work at all. I’ve tried every trick there is and it’s barely cool. I took it in three months after purchasing and they kept it a week and said I can’t expect it to keep food cold when it’s hot outside. I camp when it’s warm outside. They could have left the space open for storage and kept their refrigerator. I had to buy a compressor cooler and use the fridge for storage. Most people assume a refrigerator will keep things cool at least. Maybe they can offer this refrigerator to folks who use their camper in cold weather and I could have paid for an upgrade for one that works in warm weather. I guess maybe this is something intrinsic to trailers. I’m probably naive. After I wrote my post I noticed a cabinet that doesn’t close flush anymore and a piece of wood trim loose in a drawer. Hilarious. I will adjust my expectations with my next trailer. Thanks again! |
Posted By: RoverPod
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2021 at 5:40am
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Unfortunately, your expectations are probably too high. rPods are a low cost camper line. What you are seeing is very typical for the RV industry. Even the luxury brands such as Airstream and Lance have issues, but yes, those brands are higher quality, which you pay for. So it's just a matter of what you want to pay for and what you are willing to do yourself. ------------- 2017 F150 XLT SuperCab 2020 rPod 180 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2021 at 9:28am
I appreciate your reply. I figure that you don't need to be insulted for expressing your frustrations. I've had my share of them with our 2016 RP179. Many of my mods were to address what I felt were shortcomings in the design and construction. Our refrigerator also caused me problems. It was not reliably cool so I had been carrying a Free Piston Sterling Cooler which is used by the pharmaceutical industry. It was reliable, even in hot weather. I had to make it the primary when we were traveling because I did not trust the RM-8501 to keep perishable items cold enough. On our recent trip, the refrigerator died 3 days into a 30 day trip. We purchased an additional Lifetime cooler (think cheap Yeti style) for more room. The refrigerator became additional pantry storage. I ordered a Dometic CRX-1110 compressor refrigerator and after we got home, I installed it. I used it for a weekend and am pleased with it. You can read about it in my mods (see link in signature). I believe I will be very happy with it as it will be reliably cold and I won't need to carry the FPSC cooler unless I just want to carry more items than will fit in the new refrigerator. That is likely to not be often because there seems to be more usable room in this new refrigerator than in the old one due to a much better layout and shelving arrangement.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2021 at 11:01am
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+1 to what StephenH is saying. You will find that the components used in almost all RVs will be the same things (refrigerators, air conditioners, axles, frames, sinks, heaters, CO detectors, etc.). So in that regard, they are all pretty much the same. There will be differences in the construction of the chassis and fit and finish. They are truly rolling earthquakes. It's a given that things can get shaken and stirred when traveling. The good news is that almost everything is pretty easy to fix. There are a number of things that can be improved upon, and that is one of the reasons I subscribe to this list. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2021 at 4:16pm
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+1 to the replies above. I haven't had a TT for quite a few years now and this forum is great for me to refresh/relearn a lot of what I need to know when our trailer finally arrives this week or next!
I pay it forward for all I am learning by trying to help out where I feel I can contribute and support others in a positive fashion. I do try to keep my expectations in check as these are very lightly built freedom machines! Now, i am off to my Goat Yoga class... Andy ------------- Andy and Laurie '16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg '21 RP192 "If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!" Red-Green |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2021 at 8:22am
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If you add an extra 12v fan to the fridge condenser fins and then remove the interior divider and use it as a fridge only, it will work halfway decent. The fridge section on mine was so tiny that it was practically un-usable anyway. I supplement this by toting along a Yeti 35, with a divider...it keeps a few more items cold along with ice for a week or so unless it's just unbearably hot. ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: DH
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2021 at 12:48am
| Thanks so much for the tip on the fridge. But I have decided to let that go. I spent hours trying to get that thing to work including starting it up two days in advance and freezing things before I put them in. Even then basically using it as an expensive cooler it was pathetic. If refrigeration isn’t possible in the heat then I wish they’d just make a cabinet there so I’m not towing the extra weight for no reason. I’m thinking of converting to lithium battery and getting a compressor fridge. I only camp in isolated places with no electro so it would probably benefit me. I just have to study up. I’m a girl and have never been exposed to electrical theory. Thanks again. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2021 at 3:23pm
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Please try one thing on that fridge before you 'let it go.' On the back side there are a pair of red wires that end at a bi-metal switch which turns on the muffin fan(s) which in turn blow air over the coils which in turn cool the fridge. This switch is likely located 5 fins to the left of the cooling stack. I had the same issue as you and told my brother about how ticked off I was as it was only 79 outside yet my fridge (on full cold) was 48 inside, quite pathetic. He moved that bi-metal switch to about 1.5 - 2" from the heat stack (it has a black chimney on top) and almost immediately I said, "what is that noise?" He laughed and told me it was the muffin fans turning on. This was something I never heard run before. Well within 4 hours we were in the mid 30 degree range - I was satisfied with that. Since then I have probably moved close to a hundred of those bi-metal switches to this new location, making a lot of podders happy with the results. Our original fridge RM 8501 lasted for 10 years, was just replaced last fall with an identical unit and guess what - you guessed it - first thing I did was to move that bi-metal switch to where it should be in the first place. Last week with an ambient temperature of 94, fridge was facing north so no sun exposure on the unit, fridge was set to 4 squares (out of a total of 5 for coldness), and I also had the top vent removed to get more air movement, the fridge kept a constant 34-36 degrees throughout the day, and I can live with that. With no A/C we usually don't camp at much warmer temps then that. Anyway, I would give it a try and see what kind of results you end up with. Hopefully you will be pleased with the results. We normally boondock as well and after 3 days my 12v battery (group size 24 deep cycle) was reading 12.48 volts, not too bad for a 10.5 year old battery. Our other 12v is just over 10 years old as well, they have been very dependable as we use them a lot. No solar or generator usage either.
------------- 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." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2021 at 9:21am
Electrons don't care what gender you are. 
So don't worry, we will help walk you through the process whatever you decide to do. That being said, most folks wind up being reasonably satisfied with their absorption fridges once they get them sorted and learn how and how not to use them. So I agree with Jato, please be sure your existing fridge won't work for you before going down the compressor fridge/lithium battery/lithium charging system route. It is going to be expensive and complex to make all the changes involved. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2021 at 9:54am
|
+1. I went the Dometic CRX-1110E/F route after my RM-8501 died. It was the electronic controls that died and to replace them would mean a replacement refrigerator in any case. That is why I went with the compressor refrigerator. I had already made the switch to LiFePO4 and the other changes needed to make it work (converter change, DC to DC charger and additional TV wiring for it). Check my mods if you want an idea of those changes before you go down that route. It will entail more time and money than just the new refrigerator and battery. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: DH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2021 at 1:23am
| Thanks to everyone for the advice and I will definitely try that trick with the fridge. I also plan to look into those power modifications. I know the lithium is expensive but I’m sort of obsessed with it now. I hate the gas generator and if I can figure out how to switch over for under 2k it seems like I could camp for a week at a time width moderate conveniences like refrigerator, coffee maker and maybe tv. I didn’t mean to imply girls can’t get science. I was just never exposed to it and I have to start out with really basic concepts. Thanks again so much! That fridge trick could save me a bundle |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2021 at 8:39am
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I also don't like gas for the generator. That is why I bought a dual-fuel generator. It is a Firman generator purchased from Costco. Although it does not generate quite as much power on propane as it would on gasoline, it is adequate for running the AC, convection-microwave, or other appliances. Perhaps not simultaneously, but it will run them. It also will recharge the battery through the converter which means faster charging than with some of the other alternatives. This is an upgraded version of what I bought. It is heavier than a 2000 watt generator, but the additional capability is worth it if you have the means to lift it (e.g. hoist, ramp, etc) to where you need to carry it. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Firman-Whisper-Hybird-Series-3300-Watt-Copper-Brushless-Gasoline-Propane-Portable-Generator/1001330042 - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Firman-Whisper-Hybird-Series-3300-Watt-Copper-Brushless-Gasoline-Propane-Portable-Generator/1001330042 This is the model I purchased. I think it was discontinued in favor of the 3300 Watt model: https://www.amazon.com/Firman-Running-Electric-Inverter-Generator/dp/B07ZRWK59V/ - https://www.amazon.com/Firman-Running-Electric-Inverter-Generator/dp/B07ZRWK59V/ ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2021 at 10:52am
|
You can get a dual 12vdc/120vac TV, they're not expensive, mount to the existing tv mount, and don't consume much energy. That way you will save having to run a generator just to watch TV. Ditto with the coffee maker, you can just get a single cup filter, heat your water on the stove, and pour it through. Or do what I do, get empty tea bags full them with the coffee of your choice.
You will need to run a generator for the microwave and/or air conditioner if you want those, whether you have a lithium battery pack or not. Those use too much energy to be practical to run on batteries and solar. (You could run a microwave for a short time if you get a big inverter but for most folks it's not practical). I suggest you start your electrical "education" by getting and learning to use multimeter. It is a basic tool you will need to do any electrical work or measurements in your trailer. If you get one like say this which has DC current measurement capability you will be able to measure both volts and amps in your 12V system. Multiply the two together and you get watts. https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Multimeter-Auto-ranging-Resistance-Capacitance/dp/B08MTCMWLB - meter ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2021 at 11:27am
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Most of the dual power TVs are of mediocre picture quality. I'd recommend a good LG or Samsung AC TV and a small inverter (50W minimum). ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2021 at 9:05am
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I think one thing people need to realize about the refrigerator is, you are not at home. I just camped in 100 + degree temps for a week. I had full sun on the wall where the fridge is. I keep thermometers in the fridge and freezer, with a wireless receiver outside the fridge. My wife likes to open the fridge, then think about what she might want to get out. You need to know what you want, get it, and close the door. My fridge was getting up to 47 - 48 degrees every day. Once I realized what was happening, I explained it, and from there on, we were running under 37. You also can't keep opening and closing it, you're camping, you need to do things differently. I also don't keep cold drinks in the fridge, that's a big problem too. Buy a quality cooler, and an ice maker or two, provided you have electricity. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2021 at 10:05am
My dual voltage TV picture is just as good (or bad) as that of whatever TV it was that I removed that FR originally put the rpod. But then I'm not a picture quality conniseur either, especially not camping. I bought Wally World Hisense TV's for home and think they're just fine.  ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: RoverPod
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2021 at 8:27pm
The 12v television that was installed at the factory in my 180 has great picture quality. ------------- 2017 F150 XLT SuperCab 2020 rPod 180 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2021 at 8:35pm
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Mine started out good in our 2016 RP179, but over the years, it has developed a bad pixel. It is in the middle of the bottom third of the screen. It isn't bad enough to make me want to switch televisions though. We just don't watch enough to make that workthwhile. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: NormanHill
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2021 at 11:26pm
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Expectations aren’t too high. Quality control on the R pod by FR is nonexistent. Every time I look around my camper I see another example of poor workmanship. Issues too numerous to list.
BTW. The fridge should keep food cold! Mine didn’t work at first and I kept after Camping World until they fixed it. The dealer is giving you a line of bull sh*t. |