Visit to Forest River plant in Oregon
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2542
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Topic: Visit to Forest River plant in Oregon
Posted By: Camper Bob
Subject: Visit to Forest River plant in Oregon
Date Posted: 03 May 2012 at 10:42pm
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Today my wife and I traveled to Dallas, Oregon to get a guided tour of the plant and see our 171 in its final assembly. Jasmine took us thru the plant and patiently explained each of the work areas and how they are created from scratch. Took a number of pictures and will have some fun trying to load them to this forum. In any event, also met the plant manager and together they could not have been more accommodating. They answered all of our questions, and showed us how an rpod is created from cutting aluminum channel and welding them together to create the side walls, to adding the cabinets, electric and plumbing and wrapping the final assembly with the fiberglass covering. Then on to final inspection and testing. Most interesting process. Saw our 171 in final assembly and it should be available for our dealer to pick it up tomorrow and prep it for delivery early next week. Although the wait has been excruciating, it will be well worth it. We have our first trip scheduled for a week from tomorrow. Heading to southern Oregon beaches for a look see. I have taken a number of pictures and will try and post them. Well, guess that won't work. Need some hand holding to add the pics. Had a great time and again the staff could not have been nicer and they genuinely want all owners to be happy. The workers on the line seem to be doing all that they can to turn out a quality product. WAITING FOR DELIVERY!! ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Replies:
Posted By: tpierce220
Date Posted: 04 May 2012 at 11:47am
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To insert a picture, you will need to click on the arrow icon to expand the options available to you. You will then see a tree icon that will allow you to pick a photo to upload. The max size of the photo is 500K, so you may need to scale down the resolution of the photo before you will be able to upload it. Now on to the cool part...how cool it was to see your trailer in its final stage of production. I'll be looking forward to seeing the photos.  ------------- Adventures with ¡Podtástic!--Life in a Forest River RPod 182G with Tim and Louis and our two cats, Desi and Lucy. Check our website at http://podtastic.info for information on our journeys. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 May 2012 at 2:03pm
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Definitely looking forward to pics, too. The arrow icon tpierce mentioned can either be the "post reply" button you'll see at the bottom of the thread, or the white arrow pointing up and to the right, located just above the box where I'm typing this reply. That gives you all the extra options including the tree icon. ------------- 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: dsmiths
Date Posted: 04 May 2012 at 11:29pm
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I think that would be great to see them build your baby. I wish Forest River would post a video of building the pod, it seems to be really well built and thought out. Donna says we are going out next weekend come heck or High water, I hope she is right, I got the Pod ready to roll out. Happy Podin all. If there was any thing better than camping out with loved ones, God would have kept it to himself. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 06 May 2012 at 10:08am
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How COOL!!! ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 06 May 2012 at 11:39am
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Thanks to furpod I believe I can now share the photos I took at FR. Try this link
http://s1070.photobucket.com/albums/u485/bcowan2/?albumview=slideshow - http://s1070.photobucket.com/albums/u485/bcowan2/?albumview=slideshow ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 May 2012 at 12:06pm
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That works. Great shots. We hope to do a tour if we get a chance. We already did the Airstream factory, it's an awsome tour too.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 May 2012 at 5:31pm
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I'll "sticky" this thread so it stays near the top of the list.
------------- 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: Kickstart
Date Posted: 06 May 2012 at 5:32pm
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Thanks for the pictures, Camper Bob. You answered a question I've always had about Pod construction. I knew they were advertized with an aluminum frame, but I always wondered about the roof crossmembers. Thanks to you, I see they're wood--Kinda disappointing, as any roof leak repairs would be much more involved.
------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: surfsup
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 11:40am
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good tour, thanks! ------------- '12 Honda Pilot 4x4 (Touring) |
Posted By: BigEyeDuck
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 4:11pm
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I am suprised there is that much wood in the Pod especially the wood cross beams. the interior paneling I can see but aluminum cross beams would reduce a lot of weight. ------------- 2005 Nissan Frontier Nismo Crew Cab 2005 Fleetwood Utah CP In the marklet for a new 178 |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 5:15pm
I suspect it is a lot easier to bond the curved roof to wood than it would be to aluminum. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: dman
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 7:24pm
I can't see the pictures when I click on the link. Do I need to have a Photobucket account to view the pics?
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Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2013 at 10:23am
No you don't need an account to view them. Try a different browser perhaps? Worked fine for me on Chrome and IE both. ------------- 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: dman
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2013 at 7:44pm
It worked today, not sure what I did wrong yesterday. Very cool pictures.
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Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2013 at 9:41pm
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Great pictures. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 25 Sep 2013 at 9:50pm
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Thank you. I was impressed by the water testing that was done. In one of the pictures was the water tank and hoses that they used to run water through the systems. What I can't understand is why some folks have had loose or unconnected plumbing upon delivery. Possibly from the eastern plant or possibly not all Rpods are tested. Hard to know. Overall, was impressed with the build quality and the pride that the factory staff took in their work. We just finished our 7 trip this year and are ready to winterize. I was considering having the trailer professionally washed and waxed for the winter before covering it up. Not as young as I used to be. Trying to find a reasonably priced local company that will wash and wax it. All pretty pricey. Oh well, glad you enjoyed the pictures and were finally able to view them. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 15 May 2014 at 10:33pm
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I think I will just add on to this thread to get it all in one spot. Let me know if I should start me own thread.
I just returned from a tour of the Dallas, OR plant. Unfortunately they were not making Rpods. I did tour and see the Surveyor line being made. They make runs of two type of trailers there. For the soon to be owners, is your Rpod in these? Boomertype?  I will post more photos later. ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 8:45am
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Interesting, you can really see the difference in the curvature between the shorter pods and the longer pods. Looks like the shell of a pod at the far left, and a shipment of doors just above it. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 9:07am
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great pic! ------------- 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: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 12:40pm
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Very cool picture! You can tell the "G" models because the rear spoiler is body color & the 179's with the squared off back end. ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 12:58pm
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More photos. The building in the background is the assembly building. The foreground is the storage area for the varies runs of trailers. The building across the street to the left is where the frame, walls, and component are assembled. At the end of this month they will be producing Rpods again.  A trailer being loaded with Rpods...  Another view...  Welded aluminum frames. You can see a couple of Rpod frames.  ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: Cap-n-Cray
Date Posted: 18 May 2014 at 1:25pm
For reference this is the floor thickness and materials. The Rpod and Surveyor floors are made the same. I believe my guide said the floors were 2 1/2 inches thick. They attach the floor first to the frame then flip the floor and frame to attach the axles and wheels, tanks, and other things on the bottom.  ------------- Cary 2014 RP-177 |
Posted By: jeffreydean
Date Posted: 13 Mar 2015 at 11:23pm
| My 2015 R 179 (which I totally love) has a floor that is less than sturdy…..a bit spongey in places. Now I see that it might be a 1/2" x 1/2" sandwich of not the best foam? |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2015 at 10:52am
I am also a bit surprised they use what appears to be a fiberglass batt insulation rather than Polystyrene as under the floor. I wonder what the R value of this material is? I gues the Owens Corning Pink is too expensive. The best I have seen is the stuff that is sprayed on and expands to fill all crevices. I used a couple of cans of the "great stuff" and filled openings under the carriage where wires and lines entered the body. "In colder climates http://www.homeadditionplus.com/insulation-info/Fiberglass_Insulation_R-value_Thickness_Comparison.htm# - |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2015 at 1:45pm
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They don't use spray in, because in a trailer area that "moves" it will rub itself into dust. The front bend is such a place. So they can't use flat sheets, and they can't use spray in... As far as r value.. LOL, your NEVER going to see R49 in a TT, that's like 19 inches of insulation. ------------- |
Posted By: Plantguy
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2015 at 12:57pm
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I just took my new 179 for a 3 week trip. Many small isues came to light. I meet another rpod owner and checkerd out his pod. The pop out had a boot wrapped around the metal frame where it rests against the body when opened. Mine does not. The 1/4 panel under the 3 storage doors in the pop out came apart. I took a closer look and the guy who stapled it to the frame never checked his gun 1 there were no staples in it. It just left the marks a staple gun leaves. The door under the burners fell off. I purchased new screws and reset the door. Many of the 1/4" panels that separate the heater area from the storage area were not thoroughly pinned. The wiring under the frig. can be seen between the frig and the pop out. And finally, it appears that the pop out does not completely open as the cushions all hang over the edge about an inch. Am I being picky here or is my 179 a lemon? Ken, plantguy ------------- Life is too important to be taken seriously!i |
Posted By: im20agn
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 5:34pm
| Who do we call to arrange a tour? |
Posted By: jeffreydean
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 8:51pm
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this is not being picky. I would be upset. I live too far from my dealer to complain and I guess I would fix the stuff my self. The rubber boot is disturbing. I would have them send me the boot to install myself. |
Posted By: WillG
Date Posted: 29 May 2016 at 11:43am
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Interesting... I was surprised to see the wooden spacers along the main curved roof panel as I was told it was all metal and had sprayed foam insulation not the fiberglass mats shown.... the aluminum sides I see - what do they insulate the sides with? I understand what someone mentioned about vibration on vertical surfaces and damage to spray foam but I'm not so sure that it will be worse than settling insulation... I'm not expecting perfection - seems like owning the RP-179 will be a work in progress...regular maintenance etc. I imagine the vibration is much higher than I imagine. No you aren't being picky... If I was buying new I'd want it all done right the first time. I'm getting a used unit so I'm expecting some minor issues but this forum I'm sure will help along the way. ------------- R-Podder by process of elimination 2014 RP179 2011 GMC CrewCab Short Bed |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 May 2016 at 3:31pm
We had several fit and finish issues with our 179 when we picked it up in December. In addition to some of the ones you list are others where the staples were so long that they poke through the boards and into the storage area underneath. As for the slide-out extending, if you look along the top and side edges while it is extended, you will see a seal. The facing of the slide-out should be compressing this seal. If it is not touching the seal, then it is not fully extended. If it is, then it is fully extended, even if there is a little cushion overhang. I also had the wiring showing. I removed the panel and used a couple of wire ties to tie up the cables, making sure that they could still freely move with the slide-out when it is moving out or in. I then used some anchors to replace the screws that were not holding well anyway. You can see pictures in my mods which are linked below in my signature. Short answer: You did not get a lemon. Unfortunately, these leave the factory without a good QA check, or we would not see these type issues. Then again, we might be paying $25k-30k for them. I think that even with minor issues, we are getting a trailer that is basically good. The minor things are annoying, but not fatal flaws. BTW, check the crossmembers for your water (fresh, gray, black) tanks. Some of us have had problems where they were not installed tightly and there were gaps, bent screws, or missing screws. If the crossmembers are not installed tightly, there is the possibility of one failing and the tank dropping onto the pavement while traveling. In ended up replacing one screw in each bracket with a stainles steel bolt, washers, and nylock nuts. The dealer tightened the screws, but I wanted the extra assurance of bolts. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 May 2016 at 7:02pm
Yes, the front and back are wood with fiberglass insulation (I figured they would have moved to a metal frame on the front and back by now). Straight sides and the floor are metal frame with foam insulation. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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