Ground Clearance??
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1902
Printed Date: 07 May 2024 at 12:06pm
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Topic: Ground Clearance??
Posted By: Riverdog
Subject: Ground Clearance??
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 6:34pm
| We are the proud owners of a new 177. So far I love everything about the trailer, with the exception of the ground clearance. On my first attempt at towing, with my Mazda CX9, I was unable to even pull into my alley without scraping the tongue jack. And my alley has very little elevation change! The types of places we will want to camp here in Montana will be impossible given these conditions. I have read about the axel risers on this forum and I do think that is my answer but I still wonder why in the world they built the Rpod so low?? |
Replies:
Posted By: Farmers
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 6:47pm
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No idea why it was built so low. First thing I did was order axel risers directly from Forest River. I ordered the 4" risers, but I think they are closer to 3". It helps. I too have a 177. ------------- "The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark." — John Muir RP-177, towed by Dodge 2500 2wd |
Posted By: psaman
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 6:49pm
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Welcome to the forum! We have a 177 also and love it. As to why the pods are built so low to the deck, I don't know. We have not put risers on ours as we plan never to go off road and camp only on paved pads. I have towed it on city streets with speed humps and they are not a problem if taken slow. Lots of podders have risers on theirs and I am sure they will help you with that aspect. A search will turn up tons of info . ------------- 2011 R-177 "Sponge-Pod" 2011 F-150 XLT "Texas Edition" |
Posted By: Snowbound
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 7:24pm
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Hi and welcome. We have a 177 too and are very cautious going over any kind of bumps. I actually like the fact that the step is low as it is easier for me to get in and out.
We have never had paved pads to camp on but find the pod manages normal provincial park and national park campsites just fine. I think I would try it for a bit without the axle risers.
------------- Tom and Bette in our 177 "The Gastropod" |
Posted By: harleyguy1
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 7:50pm
|
Hello All, I also have a 177 and after my first outing I came back and added the axle risers. Some parks have tall speed bumps and also some driveways to stores along the way have steep dips going in and out. I was very uncomfortable with how low the plumbing was to these hazards I mentioned above. Additionally, emptying your tanks will be easier with the additional height in some situations!. I feel much more comfortable with the additional height at a small price. ------------- Marshal 2011 R-177 Longview, Tx |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2011 at 9:58pm
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Welcome. I went 1 1/2 camping seasons w/o the risers and I'm very glad to have them now. I've found the steps are easier with the risers because it makes each step the same height (the first step up was lower before). Its easier to dump the tanks as harleyguy said, and I can now move it around my driveway and yard w/o scraping the steps like I used to.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 7:02am
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I'm sure if you talked to a design person about the aesthetics of the lovely R-Pod there would be a rational explanation for the lower deckbheight. It would probably involve the appearance bas on the width to height ratio, the weight to track width, the wheel and tire size (why put 17"wheels on a 2000 lb trailer?),not to mention the lovely curvature of the exterior and all the stuff set on the roof.
I agree with everyone here. Those risers make a great difference in drivability and, to my eye, into appearance as it sits on the ground, as well as using the entry stairs. Enjoy your new Pod! ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Riverdog
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 10:43am
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Thanks for the great replys! I'm glad to see I'm not alone in my thinking. We are taking her out to a national forest campsite tonight and we'll see how it goes. I am going to order the risers, though.
Another question: Do most folks have a wheel for their tongue jack? I'm thinking my hulking teenage boys and I could manhandle it if it did.
|
Posted By: ToddsPod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 11:04am
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I have a swing down wheel jack mounted on the side of the tongue. I got it at harbor freight for $20. Easy to mount and with a little effort you can push it around. Although I don't much because of the sloped driveway
 . On the topic of risers, I look forward to getting a pair and installing them. The biggest issue is, as stated above, the sloped driveway. If I don't pull in and out slowly and carefully and at just the right angle I grind the stabilizers on the driveway. -------------  
'07 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Longbed QuadCab 4.7L V8 --- '10 Forest River R-Pod 172 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 11:12am
|
I have a long gravel driveway with humps and bumps (read not the kind you back into). I splurged and got a two wheel dolly. It's a little bigger than a wheeled jack, but has 10" balloon tires and is easy to maneuver. My wife and I can move the pod around easily on the gravel. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Riverdog
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 11:19am
| Is that a regular 2 wheel dolly like you would move a fridge with? |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2011 at 11:24am
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Actually it is a dolly designed to move trailers with a ball hitch. You can get them from Overton's online(where I got mine - I looked for the largest wheels for easiest movement), Harbor Freight, probably Northern Tool - they are apparently most often used to move boat trailers. They run $50 to $120. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2011 at 12:17am
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I have the same jack as ToddsPod (same jack stands too). I've removed the factory jack, especially before I got risers and a weight distribution hitch that thing hit the ground every time I sneezed. A real pucker factor when you are doing 60!
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: jayber
Date Posted: 25 Jun 2011 at 6:30am
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Day one I ripped off a stabilizer jack pulling into our driveway, considering the sewer pipe is the next lowest point, the risers were a necessity for me. For $75 they are well worth it if for nothing more than piece of mind. ------------- Jay 2010 Honda Odyssey RP 171 aka PodInn |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2011 at 12:29am
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Ground clearance also depends on how low to the ground your hitch is. I've seen some really low hitches on some vans and SUVs where the tong jack scrapped the ground over every bump. I haven't seen a problem with my Trailblazer. Honestly, my gravel driveway isn't at all level and has some nice dips and bumps in it and I've never scraped either the tong jack or the stabilizers. Some of you guys must be really low to the ground. My honest, but newbie advice would be to drive around with it for a while and see if the risers become necessary. This is not to say you shouldn't get the riser, for multiple other reasons, but I don't see it in my foreseeable future. I'm sure that I may scrape the tongue jack or stabilizers at some point while roughing it in some campgrounds, but as long as it's grass and dirt, I'm not too worried about it.
------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2011 at 11:03am
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Your pod should be level, or slightly nose-down, so hitch level isn't an issue since the ball will be higher or lower to get it in the right position. The height above the axle is the determining factor.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2011 at 4:46pm
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Love our axel risers! ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: secretbard
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2011 at 6:56pm
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Thanks for the correction. Don't want to offer any misinformation. ------------- 2010 Rpod 172 :) 2004 Chevy Trailblazer |
Posted By: Riverdog
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2011 at 11:58am
| Thanks again for all of the info. Our inaugural outing went off without a hitch (ha!). All paved roads and a paved campsite. I was amazed at how well the unit towed! Even without the risers or the WDH, it followed behind perfectly; albeit we were on winding mountain roads so we were traveling pretty slow. After years of pop up camping just the fact that we had hot water and a toilet made for a wonderful trip! |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2011 at 12:32pm
Amazing how such small conveniences change your camping experience isn't it? Glad you had a great trip!! ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Hugozork
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2011 at 5:55pm
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Hi
Does it possible that the rpod 2011 came with axle risers? ------------- FrenchyPOD 171 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2008 - MIA |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2011 at 6:08pm
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Maybe, it should be on the bill of sale or invoice, though. You can check yourself. The risers are rectangular black painted steel forms about the size of a 2x4 and 8 inches long. They bolt in place between the trailer and the axle and should be obvious. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Snowbound
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2011 at 7:18pm
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Hi Hugozork,
Our 177 2011 did NOT come with axle risers. Our pod was in at least the second batch they made this year because we have the little spoiler with the three lights over the back window that the earlier versions do not have.
Hope you had a nice Canada Day. We spent ours at Elk Island National Park. They had very nice festivities including a flag raising, national anthem sing-along and birthday cake as well as some scavanger hunts for the children. The weather was lovely. How was yours?
B ------------- Tom and Bette in our 177 "The Gastropod" |
Posted By: Hugozork
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2011 at 7:55pm
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Wonderful !! Beautiful weather and a lot of fun with wife, son and rpod. First camping with services. So my rpod come with axle riser, never ask for this. The manufactured date is jan 26 2011. ------------- FrenchyPOD 171 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser 2008 - MIA |
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 10:13am
| Mine was built in the second half of the 2011 run also, and did not come with the riser. I just put them on myself yesterday. Maybe your dealer installed them? |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 10:31am
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Our 2011 came with risers, but our dealer installs them standard on the Pods they sell. They remarked to me that so often before their customers came back in later wanting them that it was more cost efficient to have the riserts installed before the sell them. Perhaps other dealers are doing this standard now. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Chuck
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 12:38pm
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I've had to resort to building homemade wood ramps out of 1X8 boards since I can't get in or out of my driveway without scraping the stabilizers. I just talked to my dealer about installing risers and wow, $326 parts and labor. I love my dealer and have no doubt it's a fair price for them to do it but it ain't gonna happen. (Besides I'd rather spend the $ on the R-Dome I plan on picking up from them this week.) It sounds like there are other alternatives according to prior posts. It that the case and where/how do I go about it? ------------- Z-pod Chuck Janet & Bogie the dog '12 RP 177 1972 Shasta 1400 2005 Ford F-150 5.3L V8 |
Posted By: ToddsPod
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 5:20pm
Look no further than our own forum:
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1920&PID=17229#17229 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1920&PID=17229#17229
was just posted by FISHTAIL and gives instructions on installation of the risers. From what I've heard it's not a difficult job, and I plan on doing it myself, as well. Like you I scrape my stabilizers when backing into the slightly sloped driveway. I sure was grateful for that slope when Ike dumped buckets on us, but we haven't had that problem in the last 10 months (the rain, that is).
For ordering information:
https://www.forestriveraccessories.com/t-contact.aspx - https://www.forestriveraccessories.com/t-contact.aspx
call or send an email. -------------
'07 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Longbed QuadCab 4.7L V8 --- '10 Forest River R-Pod 172 |
Posted By: 2Peas-n-Rpod
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 8:00pm
Every one of the R-Pods on our dealer's lot had the risers on them. All were Hood River Editions. ------------- 2011 R-Pod 182G Hood River Edition "Ribbitt" Pod (now sold) 2000 Ford F150 5.4L V8 TV |
Posted By: Caverkim
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2011 at 9:33pm
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We have had the same issue in our driveway, we have been pulling through our yard at this one precise spot! We just recently (this past week) got the axle risers and so I hope this solves the problem! For some reason it always makes me nervous pulling in and out through the yard.
------------- caver*pod 175/Louisville KY |
Posted By: Tri-Pod
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2011 at 11:25am
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Chris and Walter, can you post a picture of the dolly. I would love to see how that looks. I haven't had any problem so far with the low clearance, but am thinking that I will add the risers, better safe than sorry. Clark ------------- 2010 PR 176 sold 2012 replaced with 2013 SP 240 w outside kitchen 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x2 5.7L V8 Me, My Honey, and Max our GSP |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 2:34pm
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Clark,
Here are a couple of pictures. This one is from Overton's, www.overtons.com. Heavy-Duty Trailer Dolly #74902. Cost was 119.99 plus $15. for shipping. Assembled easily with about 6 bolts. 
I can put my shoulder into the pod and one of the girls (DW) steers it into position. Walt ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Bridge707
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 7:44pm
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We got the same dolly from Tractor Supply and I think it was around $70.00 plus tax. ------------- Greg Bridgeman Honesty is telling the truth Integrity is telling the thruth when it hurts |
Posted By: Tri-Pod
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2011 at 3:55pm
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How cool is that. I will have to get one so I can take Tri-Pod for a walk. Clark ------------- 2010 PR 176 sold 2012 replaced with 2013 SP 240 w outside kitchen 2012 Toyota Tundra Crew Max 4x2 5.7L V8 Me, My Honey, and Max our GSP |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 10:07am
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Hi All! This is my first post! I had a problem with ground clearance driving my- new to me- R Pod 175, 2010 and am grateful I found this forum and learned of the riser solution! Thank you to all! I just received risers from Forest River and thought pictures of them might help others as they seek to make modifications. Hopefully, I'll soon be camping!    ------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 11:12am
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Yours came with instructions? Nice...mine didn't. They are easy to install though.
Edit:
After reading the instructions you posted, I'll update my DIY with the torque specs for the risers...thanks! |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 11:42am
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Hi Fishtail.. I found the instructions behind the address mailing label affixed to the top of the shipping box. Since I know absolutely nothing about mechanics, I plan to drive the RPod to the nearest Camping Service Center, drop off the "Risers" and instructions and wish them all luck! Please know, this is the fist time in my life I've ever ordered a "part" for a vehicle of anykind!!! Therefore, I examined the box containing risers as though it was a shipment from outerspace! ------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 12:08pm
| Well...mine may have been there, I dunno. lol. I tossed the box almost immediately, as usually all that's in there is a receipt of some kind. Most folks put the instructions inside the box. Anyway, where in VA are you? The install is VERY easy, I could do it for you in probably an hour or so. And I could probably do it this weekend without issue. |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 1:01pm
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Hi "Fishtail", Thank-you for that extremely kind offer but, although I am located in Northern VA, my Pod is stored 90 miles west in the mountains. It makes it difficult for some of these repairs and things. Again, Thanks! ------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 1:16pm
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Ah, yeah that would make it a hassle, the drive to NoVA isn't bad, my wife does it daily (she works in Tysons), but having to drive west and come back east doesn't make any sense at all. But your welcome..sorry I couldn't help out. Interesting idea storing the pod near where you'll use it though..
|
Posted By: Brin
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 6:21pm
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At Irish Pod, another Virginian. Yeah. We are outside Manassas. ------------- Terri and Craig and Panzer 2009 - 175 RPod 2000 Ford F250 XLT Extended Cab Diesel |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 8:30pm
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Hey Brin, Yes, a local Virginian here and not far from you folks at all!!! I'm a very new owner of a 2010 175. (my first camping trailer) Once I get the little complication of the risers out of the way, I'm ready to have some camping adventures. In the first week of ownership, I kind of bumped the rear stabilizers as I went up a driveway......hence, the necessity of the riser/lift kit solution. I'm reading everything possible on this forum so I know what the heck I'm doing! Thanks to all... Nina ------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |
Posted By: Brin
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 8:33pm
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We had the same problem with our driveway and added the risers very soon after bringing it home.
Do you have any great camping spots that you like in the area? We found that Shenandoah River State Park now has rv camping and of course, Big Meadows. Will be in Canaan Valley State Park in WV in August. If you know any good places in the 2 to 3 hour drive area that has good hiking, let me know. ------------- Terri and Craig and Panzer 2009 - 175 RPod 2000 Ford F250 XLT Extended Cab Diesel |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 10:11pm
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Welcome, IrishPod!
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 10:19pm
| Been there. I drug the back of mine on the ground leaving a gas station in Breezewood PA (The Exxon for those that have been there), after which I decided risers were in order. |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2011 at 10:30pm
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Just curious if anyone who has dragged their rear stabilizers has seriously damaged them. My son assured me when coming up my Mom's driveway, "Don't worry, Mom, you're just sanding them on the pavement." But how much sanding can you do before you seriously bend or break something? I believe I should order the risers. ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: FISHTAIL
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 8:23am
| I didn't, but I can see how dragging them would fatigue the bolts over time, or possibly bend one of the jacks. |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 8:49am
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 8:50am
|
PS: I don't know how my post above came out in font color blue! Sorry.
------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |
Posted By: duck42
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 10:47am
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I have a 171 and am also puzzled as to why Forest River built in so little ground clearance. Even emptying the black and grey water tanks is an "uphill" battle at many dump stations. 4" risers seem like more than what would be "enough." With an additional 4" I am concerned about sideways wind resistance stability in storms and on the highway- just an additional 1-2" clearance would be a big improvement. Someone mentioned tires, would simply replacing the current 14" tires with 16 inch tires solve the problem and would there be enough room in the wheel well? |
Posted By: Chuck
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 11:02am
I love this question. I don't want to do risers for a bunch of reasons but could this be the alternative? Right now I'm using ramps that I made by laminating 3 pieces of diminishing length from 1X6 wood. Kind of like upside down pyramids. It works for the home driveway but I don't like taking them with me. Two more things to take up precious storage space. So far the driveway has been the only place that I've needed them but you never know. ------------- Z-pod Chuck Janet & Bogie the dog '12 RP 177 1972 Shasta 1400 2005 Ford F-150 5.3L V8 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 5:36pm
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Chuck, can't see that raising the couple of inches with larger tires (and wheels to accommodate them) is much different than the 3.5-4 inches for the risers. The difference in wind profile isn't really that much - we drove ours home against the wind without risers when we bought it and against the wind on a couple of trips with them now without any difference in handling. Besides $75 for the risers and $150 for the install is less than $100 a piece for tires, $40-50 for wheels, (remember -you would need to buy three)and then worrying about how often to redo the bearings with the larger wheels. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2011 at 11:34pm
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IrishPod - I sort-of fixed your post. Not perfect but better. I bent one of my two rear stabs before I got the risers. I bent it back but it still isn't right. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2011 at 7:13am
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Well, I called the dealer and asked for a quote for parts and labor for installing the risers. After everything I've read here on the forum I think it will be worth it to get them. I also asked for a quote for installing a window in the door. ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: IrishPod
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2011 at 12:56pm
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Techntrek Thanks for the "posting" repair. I wrote it in "word", and copied and pasted to forum. Must have clicked something wrong! As to the stabilizers.....when I do something, I do it big. I bent both rear stabilizers! And, I'm not a crazy driver! The land where I park my Pod is not paved and grassy so it has greater variations in slope. And, the gravel driveway leading to the land is also a bit pitted. I'm thankful the forum introduced me to the risers! Easy fix!!! ------------- "You have to make your own fun in this world" R-Pod 175 2010 Chevy Suburban |