Outriggers and over torsioned axle
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Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15326
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 8:41am
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Topic: Outriggers and over torsioned axle
Posted By: TugPod
Subject: Outriggers and over torsioned axle
Date Posted: 17 Jun 2022 at 1:56pm
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We have a 2019 190 Hood River (blue) and noticed some sag on the slide side. We contacted the dealer and factory about installing and/or ordering outriggers as a preventive measure. The factory had us send a comprehensive set of photos of both sides and, after a month of so, got back to us. They state that the problem has to do with an over torsioned axle and that outriggers are a preventive measure but won't fix the problem. They are offering to return the unit to the Hood River factory to repair the problem. Forest River will cover shipping and repair--we just have to sign a release. We are the second owner, and the unit isn't covered by any warranty that I am aware of. Anyone have a similar experience or other thoughts on this? Thanks, Lisa |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Jun 2022 at 10:39am
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The outriggers and the torsion axles address two different issues. The question I have is whether the frame of the trailer is tilting toward the slide side, or whether the floor is bending under the load of the slide. Determine if the axles are a problem by measuring the distance between the frame and the ground. I would expect a small lean toward the slide side, but I don't know what the tolerance is. If the frame of the trailer is within the tolerance, then I would measure the distance between the ground and the out-most part of the trailer body. If there is a difference between than measurement and the frame, then that is the problem the outriggers are meant to address. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2022 at 9:33am
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Great that FR is willing to fix it without warranty coverage. Looks like they have already concluded from your photos that the problem is with the axle not floor sag which is what the outriggers are installed to prevent.
There have been several posts about bent axles which FR typically wont repair because they would claim that that was due to abuse. However I believe there was a post about a similar issue from one of our members a couple of years ago, which was fixed by FR with a new axle. So maybe there was a manufacturing defect at Lippert (the axle manufacturer) at one point with the rubber the torsion arm is set into that allows it to rotate. You could use the advanced search to try to find that thread. You can also ask FR if they plan to replace the axle, there isn't really anything else that can be done if the rubber has failed. If you want to crawl under there you could differentiate a bent axle from a torsion rubber failure by running a string line along the bottom of the axle tube from one end to the other. There should be a crown of about 1/4 to 3/16 inch. If not then probably the axle tube is bent. If OTOH the torsion arm on the slide side comes off the axle at a significantly different angle than the door side then that would indicate that the rubber failed or the torsion arm got bent. Or you can just send the trailer back and be happy FR is going to fix it. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2022 at 6:31pm
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There was an axle defect on our RPod that was replaced by Lippert under warranty. That was not due to a bend, but the welding that holds the brake backing plate mount to the axle was incorrectly done and the weld broke. It meant that the brake backing plate spun until the wires broke. Then we had no braking on that side. We were at the rally in South Carolina. A service person took the brake assembly off and just mounted the hub back to the axle so we could get home. ------------- 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: TugPod
Date Posted: 19 Jun 2022 at 7:38pm
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Thanks to all for your helpful posts. We will measure the Pod to help figure out what is going on but are planning to send it back to the factory. I'll update the post once we have more information. Thanks again, Lisa
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Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2022 at 1:20pm
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Lisa, did FR end up doing the repair? If so, what did they do / replace? I have a 2019 rpod 191, when they get me scheduled, I will be getting a new floor, new axle and maybe some other things. My unit is sagging both sides, but worse on slide out side. I have torn off that fender twice now when the tire hit the fender. That is why I contacted them in April 2022. I inquired why this keeps happening. Now, I know what is causing the sagging suspension. Jack
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Posted By: Winterpod
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2022 at 6:54pm
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Is it possible that the WDH IS causing the damage and delaminating to-the front of our R-Pods? ------------- Winter pod 2013 R-Pod 178 2007 Silverato 1500 LT. Trek Stash 8 29er hard tail Old Town Kayak |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2022 at 9:55am
I kind of doubt that, The WDH puts the stress on the frame, not the box sitting on top. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2022 at 9:58am
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+1 to BP's reply. The sagging of the floor is a much more likely culprit. ------------- 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: 07 Oct 2022 at 4:05am
That is an interesting question. The rpod frame isn't very stiff so the cabin (which is much more rigid because it is a box) is going to create a composite structure with the box trying to stiffen the frame when it flexes under load (from the wdh, its own weight, potholes, etc). We know the frame flexes a lot bc at least one person has reported significant floor to wall separation around the midpoint due to jacking the trailer up with the stabilizing jacks (a big no no). So frame flexing from the wdh could well be part of the cause of the floor separation problem but unlikely the cause of the sagging once the wdh tension is released, unless that was due to the sheared out screws connecting the floor and walls refusing to return to their original positions. If you want to assess how much flexing the wdh creates you could measure it with a straight edge with and without the wdh tensioned. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2022 at 8:53am
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Would love to know how the factory handled the issue that TugPod experienced? Im hoping to get mine shipped back to the factory for repair this January. Jack
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Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 7:10am
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Just got my 2019 Rpod 190 back from factory. Was gone 5-6 weeks, Picked up at my home with flatbed semi, as it really was getting bad - Tire rubbing on fender on slide-out side fender. Driver hauled in back to Chicagoland w. big pickup truck. New floor, axle, and supports on slide out side. (I would call them brackets) my 2019 had a brown floor, now is white, kind of nice. Hoping all important systems will work, must have ben HUGE job to lift chassis, disconnect Everything from floor & re-install. There are some sloppy work areas, ie they didnt get plywood under bed screwed on, 1 piece stewed down crooked, 2nd piece wouldn't fit so, they didnt install any screws. Probably find other small issues that I will fix. I am just thankful they did all this for free & got back before I take a 6 week trip to Florida. I am impressed so far.. I'd post photos, but see an option to attach any? if anyone would like photos of anything, we could exchange email ID's, send me a msg. PS I am 2nd owner. Jack
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 7:32am
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Use the Full Reply Editor (icon that looks like two boxes overlapped with an arrow pointing up and right). It will give you more features among which are an option to attach pictures (icon looks like a picture in a frame). You will likely need to use an editing program like the GIMP to re-size your pictures to something like 800x600 to reduce the file size.
Congratulations on getting your 'Pod back. ------------- 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: 13 Jan 2023 at 7:56am
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+1 on the congrats. Great job getting them to take care of that for you! ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 8:04am
Some photos to go with my earlier post on repaired Rpod Axle, floor, struts, etc. I was also told they re-sealed roof. Nice.    
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Posted By: canadiandad
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 10:18am
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Thank you for your update - really appreciate it. I finally heard back from FR Dec. 20 after submitting photos and hounding them since Sept. They said it’s on the list. I have a 2018 - 180 and they said in Dec. that they were only bringing 179s back to the factory at that time. They will get back to me with a service agreement after she hears they can start bringing 180s back. I have floor sag issues that are getting worse. Reading over your posts, can you please clarify when they picked-up your RPod, and when it was returned? Originally you posted Jan 2023 for return to factory, but you just wrote they had it for 5-6 weeks which means they ended up picking up in Dec? Thanks again for updating us. Please let us know if there are other issues that have shown up after the repairs.
------------- 2018 Rpod 180 - new to us in May 2021 2011 Toyota Highlander AWD |
Posted By: canadiandad
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 10:25am
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Hi Lisa, What was your experience like? Did to go for repairs yet?
------------- 2018 Rpod 180 - new to us in May 2021 2011 Toyota Highlander AWD |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2023 at 10:44am
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Sorry for the confusion on the Dates. It was picked up my a flatbed on Dec 1, 2022. And was delivered back yesterday (Dec 12) 6 weeks exactly. The pickup was delayed a few weeks because Rpod / Forrest River dropped the ball on my paperwork. The lady (Tina) that was helping me left the company. The new contact, is Michelle. All were very helpful, although I felt the need to remind them a few times checking for updates. Zach is the Service coordinators in the shop doing repairs & was VERY good with updates. The truckers/shippers (Star Fleet) were also GREAT guys. There a few minor issues that I'm not thrilled about (came back with filthy exterior, even tho there was no rain or snow on the return trip per driver) , but I was SO pleased to have Rpod step up and resolve this very serious / expensive repair, especially as a 2nd owner, no need to complain. |
Posted By: Fireguyinfla
Date Posted: 25 May 2023 at 6:16pm
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I have a 2017/18 R-pod 179 that had slide out side sag. Second owner. Called forest river looking for outriggers to fix myself. Spoke with Tina and Michelle.They wound up picking up my unit in Central Florida and shipped it to Indiana for repairs. They replaced the floor, axle, damaged wall panels and several other little things. I couldn't be happier! Shipped it back to me at no cost. Driver wouldn't even accept at tip. Unbelievable... my unit it like brand new. ------------- Jeffrey Harbuck |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 25 May 2023 at 7:03pm
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Congrats, I had similar experience. Although sometimes it was hard to get a call back. In the end, I got the same new floor in the newer whiteish color which I love! They also sealed the roof & replaced the rusted stabilizer jacks at all 4 corners! Jack
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Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 8:16am
Came across this thread and couldn't help but connect the dots to a thread on the Escape forum. Some of the early single axle Escapes had frame issues but not floor complications due to the fiberglass, clamshell design. One of the theories is that WDHs being used on full size TVs transfer too much energy to the frame of the trailer where as WDHs on midsize, lighter TVs will send the energy across both trailer and TV. Anyway, thought I would share that. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 8:59am
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Guess I dont know all the lingo..or too old to figure out. What is WDH, what is TV in this context, have no idea what you are referring to? Jack RPOD 190.
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Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 10:23am
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Apologies. WDH is weight distribution hitch and TV is tow vehicle. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 10:49am
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I don't buy that theory for one minute. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Fireguyinfla
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 10:55am
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I have an f150 2015 2.7, tow package. Pulling an R-pod 179. I got rid of my WDH and installed air bags. Does ok. Even better with some water in the tank ------------- Jeffrey Harbuck |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 10:57am
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I had a Weight Distribution Hitch, as it came with an older iPod I had, sold hitch as I think its not needed on my F150, I also have airbags, even the 190 is a tiny little trailer & have no need for the big hitch. jack |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 1:09pm
I can't say one way or another. That being said, given my experiences with uncontrolled oscillation, undamped vibration and inadequately controlled power transfer from my years in the motorcycle industry, I would say the theory probably has merit. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
Posted By: hank*pod
Date Posted: 27 May 2023 at 8:39pm
| Weight distribution bars are sized according to the trailer tongue weight. Mine are rated for 400-600 pounds. I could see issues if stiffer bars were used but I'm not as concerned knowing that they're sized for a trailer in the weight class of an R-Pod. I have seen the claims that the R-Pod can't handle the weight transfer though. |
Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 14 Jun 2023 at 9:42am
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Well so much for that effort. I emailed them about my 2016 RP178 having the same issue and the response I got back was that my camper was out of "the issue" and they won't fix it. Now I'm stuck with a valueless camper that I paid good money for. I will never buy another Forest River product (outside of the outirggers I need to get as much life out of mine that I can). Like John Marucci says, "My take is that Forest River and their parent company Berkshire Hathaway are the reason for the downstream trouble loosed on a multitude of owners like me." I am the person he describes in this video. https://youtu.be/R8UTG5t-cJM Until I got the disappointing message I got from them this morning, I was thinking they were repairing these issues in good faith to avoid a class action suit. Perhaps that is where I will try to do with this after all. Problem is, I still need to get and install the outriggers in an effort to repair the damage lest my camper box be sitting on the ground around my frame before such a settlement would be finalized. Not a happy camper. ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2023 at 8:38pm
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I’m Reading through posts on several threads on sagging floors, outriggers, and causes. I didn’t want to start a new thread on the subject, and this one seems to be the most recent. Some people are getting their pods repaired by FR and unfortunately some are being told no. We just got our used 2016 179 HRE and everything works, no sag at the slide out, by the kitchen, or the door, but I want to prepare myself for what might come. What’s the latest consensus on the cause of these issues? Bad welding day at the factory? Over torsioned axle? Bad design? Is there additional info on why FR is repairing some units and ignoring others? Thanks in advance. Hoping to contribute more to the forum in the future. Patrick |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2023 at 7:37am
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I was told the Axle caused the problem. I believe it is Lippert, and that they changed design without notification to Forrest River, I think it was the torsion suspension. I doesnt make much sense to me, but thats what they said. I think Lippert funded the entire recall which must have been pricey!! Our Rpod 190 was repaired & returned to us Dec 2022. New axle and floor. Jack
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Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2023 at 7:42am
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Thank you, Jack. I will contact FR and see if they can run my VIN and get more information. Crossing my fingers….I don’t show any signs of issues now. Patrick ------------- 2003 Toyota Tacoma 1984 Toyota 4runner 2016 Rpod HRE 179 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2023 at 10:20am
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It's not the axle. The issue is that the body of the 'pod is cantilevered out about a half foot past the support of the frame. The only thing holding up the body is the stiffness of floor. Adding a slide out magnifies the problem. Adding the outriggers adds the support needed. Separately, there is a similar issue with the axle. The axle support is way inboard and creates torsion on the axles because the wheels are so far out. Both of these issues would not exist if the frame had been made wider. However, that would have meant additional support would have to have been made in the middle of the frame to support the floor, and that may have pushed the weight up too far. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: 106G
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2023 at 10:44am
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Great explanation. So, bottom line..it's a bad design, and on the 190 w/ slide out, it should probably have 2 axles AND a wider frame. Jack
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Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2023 at 1:00am
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I'll be getting my floor replaced next spring, at my own cost. What I ended up having was water damage. Lesson learned on camper purchase. I do have a torsion suspension but apparently before the recall window. I'm hoping to come out of this with something that will last me some time without breaking my bank. I'll have a good investment in it at that point, probably close enough I'da been better off just buying new instead of used. Forest River is working with me on this as well. I went ahead and installed outriggers on mine. My installer lifted the side up with several jacks and 2x4s to just get the riggers in and then welded them to the frame. Then inserted the screws in the end of each to secure that once it was left back down on them. Being a 2016, you are probably not in that program window either but since you didn't have a sneeky water leak that no one could seem to find until too late, your floors are fine. Might be a good idea though to do the outriggers to be on the safe side. They are available from Forest River for under $10 per and I think their instructions call for 4 of them. Many happy miles with your new "to you" POD! ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2023 at 1:27pm
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Update: I called and emailed FR and received two calls this morning. They emailed me a PDF with instructions on what photos and info I will need to send back to them. I will have to move the trailer out to get the photos needed but the main thing is the axle ID. I sent a photo of that to see if I have the axle that they are saying causes this issue. Interesting is that they also ask about the use of a WDH and what type and brand, so they are tracking other details that might play into the failures. I’ll update when I hear back. ------------- 2003 Toyota Tacoma 1984 Toyota 4runner 2016 Rpod HRE 179 |
Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2023 at 1:31pm
WDH? ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2023 at 1:32pm
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OH! Weight Distribution Hitch. Why Yes, Yes I am. I believe all of my gear is Reese for that. ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 4:06pm
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Update: They don’t think my axle is in the problem period but they are sending all of my photos and info to Lippert. My Driver side tire does lean in and when I look at my axle from the front and even though it’s a Hood river, I have barely and inch of clearance with the fenders. This might all be related to something other than the axle/frame issues though. I’ll wait to see if FR or Lippert recommend anything, but I will probably brace it and add outriggers as a precaution. If my axle has lost its camber or is not clocked correctly, I will probably put a new axle on as well. ------------- 2003 Toyota Tacoma 1984 Toyota 4runner 2016 Rpod HRE 179 |
Posted By: Bowcat66
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 4:32pm
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I have a 2016 180 that has zero outriggers installed. I do show a small amount of sagging, but even when I jack it up, it doesn't square it up. I have the outriggers ready to install, but am now confused because it doesn't square up. Have any of you had this issue? And did you go ahead an install the outriggers? ------------- God Bless America! Go NAVY!! |
Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 5:39pm
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Bowcat, I’m new to the scene and not as well versed as others, but I have read on here and the FB group that if it’s sagging too much, you will need to jack it up, let it sit and adjust, and then try some more. Where are you located in Texas? I would be curious to see what the sag looks like and what to look out for. ------------- 2003 Toyota Tacoma 1984 Toyota 4runner 2016 Rpod HRE 179 |
Posted By: Bowcat66
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 6:29pm
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I am located in Pampa, Texas. Put a square against the frame and the floor under your slide, it should be a 90 degree angle. Mine is approx. 3/16" - 1/4" off. This is durle to the weight of the slide out when extended. The outriggers should help. ------------- God Bless America! Go NAVY!! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Aug 2023 at 9:38pm
------------- 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: wvanauken
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 9:15am
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I have a problem too with floor sag directly underneath the slide out on my 2019 R-pod 180. I contacted Forest River about obtaining the supports, but instead got a lot push back. They feel that the supports just fixes a symptom and not the problem. They wanted me to take pictures showing the over hang sag with a combination square which I felt was reasonable. They sent me a questionnaire titled "Over Torsion Axle" where they also wanted a pictures of the axle tag on the Lippert axle, pictures of my towing set up, hitch set up, hitch, weight distribution hitch with the brand, tongue and weight capacities and tow vehicle type. They also wanted pictures of the unit showing the clearance between the fender and tires. Apparently they feel that this body sag is related to the axle and weight distribution hitch. I told her specifically that the floor sag was only evident directly under the slide out. That there is no sag in any other location. I told her that I felt sure that the issue was because of the lack of out rigger body supports at the frame. I measured the distance from each side of the frame at the axle to the ground which was exactly the same. I used a string to check for any bend in the axle housing - none. I checked the distance between the fenders and the tires which was almost the same. There was some difference in the clearance measurement only because I discovered that one fender was mounted higher on the body than the other one! I asked if I could just purchase the outrigger supports from her direct and she refused. She also wanted pictures of the inside floor sag with a level. I told her that there was no evidence of interior sag or separation between the floor and wall and hopefully will avoid any future separation if I can get these outrigger supports now so that I can install them immediately. She actually said no that I still needed to get pictures interior floor with a level. I'm at wits end with Forest River. I had many issues with this unit when I first got the unit new (that's a whole different story). I told her that if I can't get the outrigger supports from her, that I would go to a local fabricator and have them made. ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 6:58pm
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wvanauken, From what I understand, the sagging floor under the slider issue is a problem that started with the 2017 manufacturing line and I'm not exactly sure how long the window goes forward but the best thing that you can do is gather the information that Hope ask you for and send it to her so she can make sure that it falls within the program window. She told me herself that the axle manufacturer was paying for recalls and paying to fix the damage caused by an over tensioned axle. ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: wvanauken
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 7:23pm
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Thanks for your suggestion Tomtreas. I will give that some thought. After my bad experience with Forest River when I first bought this unit, I'm not sure that I want to give it up to them for who knows how long. On the other hand, if the over torsioned axle is one of the main cause for the floor sag, I guess I can understand that sort of. But what gets me is the sag is only under the slide out, no where else. Uhh...are they really saying that it is because the trailer bounces down the road and/or not sprung correctly which is leading to the issue of floor sag out board of the frame. Mmmmm? My trailer handles great when towing and I've not observed any issues. ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: Tomtreas
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2023 at 7:27pm
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That was what was determined by the axle manufacturer yes and why they are paying to fix the damages to over 20,000 units. This is not on Forest River but they are doing the work and being compensated by the Axle manufacturer. I speculate that what is happening is is with the extra torque on that axle it causes the bouncing to cause too much tension to the floor and starts to break it down. I'm just guessing here though. Be thankful you aren't me in the damage is caused by something else and I have to pay for my floor replacement out of my own pocket. ------------- Tom B in MO USA 2016 RP178 2008 Xterra |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2023 at 9:47am
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The axle problem and the floor sag problem are two different problems unrelated to each other, but with the same underlying cause. It's the fact that the frame is inboard from the outer walls by about 6" (that's the floor sag issue), and that the wheels are roughly a foot outboard of the frame (that's the axle issue). If the frame had been made wider by about a foot, there would be no floor sag, and it would reduce and mostly eliminate the axle issue. The problem for Forrest River is that making the frame wider would make the trailer much heavier, and would also create support issues in the center/floor area, which would require additional cross members, and make it heavier still. Both issues can be mitigated at an additional cost, and probably with some additional weight. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: wvanauken
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2023 at 12:06pm
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Thank you for your comments and I agree 100%. Since I have gotten Forest River's attention and they are requesting more info and pics from me, I'm going to start the process with them and see where it goes. ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: Austintaco
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2023 at 1:05pm
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IMO, as a new owner of a 2016 179, it’s a combination of bad build quality, bad axle, bad frame design, and use. The fact that outriggers are being used on newer models indicates that they do help compensate for the bad design. I think FR was able to push off some of the warranty work on Lippert because they switched axles, but I think the torsion axles even outside of the ones specified are crap. The use of WDH might contribute, but that should have been factored in. Knowing all that, I’m doing everything I can to beef up the areas and avoid the problems. ------------- 2003 Toyota Tacoma 1984 Toyota 4runner 2016 Rpod HRE 179 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2023 at 10:24am
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If you check out the Lippert axle on the RP179, you will note that it's rated for around 4400 lbs, which is well over the GVWR of the RP179. I think the designers felt that was sufficient to compensate for the cantilever stress. Unfortunately, there are many all-to-typical situations where road conditions effectievly cancel that. Instead of enlarging the entire frame, they could probably done a little "kick out" in the 3-5 foot zone of the axle and slide out, and that would have been sufficient to fix both of those issues. Saddly, that's not the way it's gone. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: wvanauken
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2023 at 11:23am
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My axle is rated 3500 lbs on my 180. Forest River is currently gathering all my info and am not sure where they are going with it. Probably offer me a new axle. I'm a bit hesitant on this. I mean if they provide a new axle plus install the out rigger supports, that would be great right? It's just that when I first got the trailer, there were many many things wrong with it. Sure...all the issues were fixed at the dealer and some I fixed myself, but it was a nightmare as there were about 17 issues I addressed with them. I had no use of the unit for the first 2-3 months while the dealership had the unit and was going back and forth communication with FR. FR actually cut me a check for $500 to compensate me for my trouble, frustration, hassle and leg work. I requested the compensation and they agreed, but this was only after I provided them with a write up and pics, and then had to convince them that sure the items were covered under the warranty, but I impressed upon them that the warranty should be for the things that might go wrong after you start using it like insurance. Not for deficiencies that were there when the unit left the factory. And the dealership for all there hard work were really caught in the middle. Afterall, the factory was taking advantage of them and other dealerships I suppose for using them to fix their mistakes and poor workmanship. Anyway, I'm just hesitant and anxious about turning the unit back to them for who knows how long especially knowing their poor workmanship. Would really appreciate your thoughts and maybe suggestions to help here. I've appreciated your feed back on this as well as everyone else's. ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2023 at 1:04pm
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I don't have my 179 any more, but I am pretty sure my axle was only rated at 3500 lbs as well. I remember because my dry weight was 3100lbs so we only had 400lbs of added weight to work with. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Triumph T120 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2023 at 6:38pm
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It isn't exclusive to R-Pods. Forest River makes the Cherokee Grey Wolf I have now. I am still finding things that aren't right. One of the more recent ones was that trying to connect cable to the system and then turning off the antenna amplifier, I could not get the TV to get a clear picture from the cable. I had the park check the pole and we narrowed it down to the trailer. I thought it was the trailer wiring. I am not sure now. I think it may be the plate with the booster. I could get a clear picture with the TV connected directly to the park's cable. I could not do so when trying to run through the trailer's cable. ------------- 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: 04 Oct 2023 at 11:43am
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The axle would be rated at 4400 lbs if it weren't for the cantilevered connection to the inboard frame. It is de-rated to 3500 lbs because of that, at least that was my understanding way back when. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2023 at 11:51am
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+1 on the axle derating. ------------- 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: CAPTKIDD
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2023 at 1:14pm
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I have an RPod 186 and had to replace a bent Lippert axel after only 5,000 miles and guess what the new replacement axel only lasted less than 600 miles. Lippert is not offering any compensation. My new axel will be a Dexter. Down time is 6 to 8 weeks. Hopefully the Dexter will last a lot longer. ------------- CAPTKIDD |
Posted By: wvanauken
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2023 at 7:42pm
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So the million dollar question is: Why exactly has Lippert replaced these axles. I haven't heard one thing about that yet. ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: CAPTKIDD
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2023 at 11:48am
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I assume you are talking about my axels and the answer is they were bent. ------------- CAPTKIDD |
Posted By: wvanauken
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2023 at 12:12pm
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10-4 ------------- 2019 R-pod 180 2008 Toyota Tundra |
Posted By: CAPTKIDD
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2023 at 12:16pm
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needless to say I am replacing it with a Dexter axel. ------------- CAPTKIDD |