Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins: Is newer better?

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Is newer better?

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
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=16088
Printed Date: 02 May 2025 at 3:27am
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Topic: Is newer better?

Posted By: Racer
Subject: Is newer better?
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2024 at 10:21am

I'm in the process of shopping for a new travel trailer. I have shortened down the list to just a few different makes and models largely based on floor plan, length, weight and price. That being said I really like the Rpod floor plans and storage design. Specifically the 192, and the new 197 (for tandem axle and extra roominess). Here comes the "but". I finally got to see both models in person and as I started to look very closely at the construction I can't say I was overly impressed. I know these are not on the high-end price point, but some of what I saw was concerning in terms of quality workmanship and longevity of the materials. I am curious if these 2025 units are lower quality than the pre-2020 models?

Things that concerned me. Very poor quality cabinet material and construction, basically pressed wood and vinyl wrap. Flexible tubing water lines with improper clamping and fittings (no PEX). Poor fitting entry door (both trailers we looked at had this). Shelving was thin paneling, material would bow with any weight, lots of staples vs quality fasteners. I was able to see some of the access holes through the floor and they look like they were cut out with a chain saw. Wiring that I could see was not bundled together or properly zip tied up with fasteners but flopping around like spaghetti. Window latches are plastic and very cumbersome to operate, felt like it will break easily and not repairable as they are riveted to the framed glass.

I am curious if I am being too picky, or if the construction techniques and materials used has been cheapened up on the new models?

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2024 at 10:35am

Construction has never been stellar, but anything made during the rush created by the pandemic (2020-2022, and maybe even into 2023) were specially compromised.

At this point, all the RV makers are in a bit of a slump because there are so many used units in the field. So I think the manufacturers are now trying to pinch pennies.

You might be better getting one from 2018 or 2019.

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

Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 8:37am

I 75% agree overall campers are being built in the least expensive way. But there has been a few improvements like slam latch storage doors and the magnetic ketchs for them to keep them open and the use of azdel for the walls. But the basic construction of the interior has become poorer quality when we bought our 2009 R-pod the interior cabinet and dinette framing was made using hardwoods that soon changed to a soft white wood. The cabinette doors were made using hard maple wood. Our 2018 Vista Cruiser has crank open awning windows in 2020 they changed to less expensive sliding windows. It has been sometime since I have looked at a R-pod but last one was at a RV show and I noticed the cabinets as had been mentioned were made from a MDF type material. There are a lot of used campers for sale as we have found out trying to sell our own camper it's a buyers market. I would think it would be wiser to buy a used camper look for one that has been well cared for hopefully garage kept and you could save a lot of money and maybe better built.

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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 8:42am

The only addition to the above is in the wall construction. Luan plywood is more subject to delamination than Azdel so if you can find one acceptable that used Azdel in construction, that would be preferred to one that used Luan plywood. See post number 10 in this link to read why.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/luan-or-azdel-496661.html - https://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/luan-or-azdel-496661.html

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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: Racer
Date Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 9:52am

We had planned on owning the trailer for 8-10 years, add to this we have heard some RV resorts do not allow trailers older than 10 years. so we were looking at new vs something build pre-covid. As noted the walls using Azdel and aluminum is a longevity issue, and frames are better designed and stronger. I would think the A/C, tankless water heaters and furnace are more efficient and quieter. Also all the new trailers are set up for solar. But apparently to offset these costs and keep these trailer light, they are cutting corners on everything else. We have looked at many trailers in the 2017-2018 time frame and the wife not so excited with the dated interiors and smaller or less windows. The new trailers certainly are more inviting and bright inside. Especially the new 197! It's a tough decision, spend $30K for a decent quality trailer that will require more frequent repairs, or jump up to a fiberglass or InTech quality trailer but spend twice that.

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2024 at 12:28am

A tankless water heater may be more efficient but it has its drawbacks. It is worse than a tank heater as the flow of water is needed to signal the heater to start up which involves a purge cycle, then lighting, than heating, all the while water is going down the drain. It wastes a lot of water unless the manufacturer also installs a shower miser/sink miser valve to send that water back to the fresh water tank until the hot water arrives at the faucet. I ended up installing a shower miser in the current Grey Wolf just because of that. I thought the RPod wasted water waiting for hot water to get to the shower, but the GW is much worse mainly because of the on-demand water heater.

Also, expect that the more expensive trailers will also require maintenance and repairs. I know someone with an Airstream that has spent a significant amount on repairs. Cost of the trailer does not necessarily equate to immunity from damaged caused by the rolling earthquakes that come with driving down the road.

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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: scroc
Date Posted: 18 Nov 2024 at 11:25pm

Having spent many hours and days to bring high quality trailers and campers back to life and travel. All I can say is newer is better.

Are some things built cheaper, yes, cabinetry is not solid wood but mdf. New appliances seem to work as well or better than old ones.

The big differences to me are in the advances of frames, insulation, and materials.

Azdel and welded aluminum are great, 20 year roof coverings, good quality weather caulking.

These along with low mileage suspension and general wear and tear from travels and use make me go towards the newer is better, using it rather working on it is fun.

Enjoy the trip.

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2024 R-Pod 194C
2013 Nissan Frontier 4X4
1 big cat travel bud