Safety Recall
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=2717
Printed Date: 17 May 2024 at 10:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Safety Recall
Posted By: aatonna
Subject: Safety Recall
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:26pm
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I have been reading for some time now, all the posts relating to tow vehicle mileage complaints and the various theories. I read that in Canada the requirements were such that clearance lights were required and the lamps were on a spoiler. The mileage discussion was relating to whether the spoiler would reduce camper drag. The conclusions were, as far as I could tell, inconclusive. Now, just yesterday I received a safety recall notice relating to the need to install clearance lights in order to meet Federal safety standards. There is a reference to the spoiler but I can’t tell if that’s what will be added or not. I called the dealer and the representative could not tell me what will be done. I am awaiting his call back after he checks with others. Stay tuned. I wonder if anyone else has had the recall work done and what it consists of. ------------- Art |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:28pm
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Everybody in Canada already had it done. They add the spoiler/lights from the late 2011 and forward pods, and lights to the fenders.
------------- |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 12:57pm
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Has anyone that you know of reported that the spoiler addition improved tow vehicle mileage? ------------- Art |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 1:28pm
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Welcome! I think the jury is still out on that question. ------------- 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: aatonna
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 1:56pm
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It will be a missed opportunity if the manufacturer doen't take this as a chance to kill 2 birds with one stone by adding required lights and enginering a fix that also addresses the rear drag. Maybe someone at Forest River reads these posts and will reply. It could turn in to an advertising benefit to be able to say "re-engineered for better tow vehicle mileage". ------------- Art |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 2:23pm
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I took my trailer out exactly once before the spoiler was put on and once after and I did get an improvement in mileage but I also reduced my average speed by 5 mpg so it is hard to say which was responsible for the change. I can say that before when I reached 60 to 65 mph that the trailer would start to wander around a bit. With the spoiler I did not get that. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 2:57pm
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Great news. Any little bit helps. Question: is the spoiler the one we can expect to have put on as a result of the recall, or is it an after-market spoiler you found and installed? ------------- Art |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 4:07pm
------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2012 at 4:12pm
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I was afraid it might be only a holder and not functional or designed to reduce drag. Eliminating drag is probably a dead horse, i.e., a problem that can't be solved. All I can do is slow down a bit and hopefully climb above 10-11 mpg. ------------- Art |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 3:12pm
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How will FR get power to this added spoiler. That's what concerns me the most about this recall.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 4:06pm
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Right there with ya, nascar. Post production holes drilled in my roof aren't too high on my want list! ------------- '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: furpod
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 6:08pm
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They will run the power up from the license plate, under the plastic track filler.
------------- |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 9:27pm
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Thanks, Furpod. We're halfway there with no wire hole. Do you know if the wing is mounted with adhesive and not screws? ------------- '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: furpod
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 9:47pm
On that I have to guess.. but, my guess is 3M tape. It's strong stuff. ------------- |
Posted By: Rabbit
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2012 at 10:59pm
We put 400 plus miles on camping this week. Mostly highway and averaged 11.7 with a Chevy Avalanche small eight. The fin on the back made no difference in gas mileage. We had a 172 last year. This was with an r pod 177. Finally have the plumbing leaks fixed. We flooded out the first two times out. 
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Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2012 at 2:00pm
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Some aerodynamic simulations we did last year show that the spoiler installed is just too small and in the wrong position to noticeably effect your mileage. Spoilers on the tow vehicle and the Pod did little to increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the Pod. The large gap between the rear of your tow vehicle and the curved front of the Pod is what decreases mpg the most
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2012 at 5:12pm
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The only thing that seemed to have much effect on mileage was mounting two kayaks on the roof of the tow vehicle in a V configuration. Forgot who did that, I think it was on the other forum. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2012 at 5:22pm
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I think that was rpodcamper, here. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2012 at 9:03pm
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Ok, I received my notice in the mail today. I need to find a local FR dealer that can take care of this, my pod dealer is 1 1/2 hours away...
------------- 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: aatonna
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2012 at 11:35pm
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I called my dealer last week. He vaguely knew of the recall but had no idea about parts or details. I called a second time a few days later and the answer was the same. My job is to bug him until he gets answers. In fact he said the Forest River rep had just been in and had not even heard of the recall! Strange way of handling a recall! After all of this discussion that started with my first post, my conclusion is that there is no practical solution to the air dynamics problem, and mileage increases can only come by slowing to about 55 mph. ------------- Art |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2012 at 4:32pm
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No notification here yet on the light recall, ours is an 2011 RP-172, I contacted our selling dealer this spring, they did not know anything about it. Donna and I did a 2 night heat blast last thursday and friday night, with a full starting tank of fuel I got 14.7 MPG, but that was with only 80 true miles of pulling on that tank, We have not pulled a complete tank of gas yet, I pull between 50 and 60, 50 uphill (and we got plenty) 60 down hill. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2012 at 7:02pm
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Hi all, I got my recall notice the other day regarding the spoiler and the LED lights. Called my dealer and was told they had no clue about it. Waiting for as call back after they contact the factory.
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Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2012 at 7:41pm
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Last fall, I had the spoiler/light bar and fender lights added under the Canadian recall. The spoiler work was not very invasive. Power was run up from near the licence plate under the plastic track filler. There were a couple of screws used on the track, but the bulk of the adhering work appears to be done with glue or tape. I'm very lucky to have a dealer who I trust to do the work correctly (well, maybe lucky is the wrong word as I did search around for a reputable dealer before committing to purchase my trailer). Its not a particularly difficult install, but I could see a sloppy dealer installing things askew on the trailer. As far as gas mileage: I have seen a 15% decrease in fuel consumption since having this work done. Nothing else has changed: same tow vehicle, same load in the trailer, same driving habits, same gas stations, same everything. I honestly didn't expect it - you may recall that I did the first round of airflow simulations back in 2009 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VrL_bpq63M&feature=plcp - (YouTube link) . I'll be interested in hearing other people's experiences with mileage after they've had the recall work done. http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2292262540105331225xEFuaK">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2171923590105331225lxsuhT">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2542912650105331225wRmVuy">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2996097350105331225IQGTNl">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2778041090105331225IpgHFB">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2599679930105331225btDfVY">  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2539852640105331225UEjZJB">  ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2012 at 9:28am
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Thanks for sharing those pics. Very informative indeed.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2012 at 12:10pm
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I too was happy to see the pictures. Very informative. I have sent an email to the lady who signed the recall notice at Forest River explaining my frustration, and the frustration of others on this forum, about dealers having no clue about the recall or about ordering needed parts. I'll post her reply once she does reply.
------------- Art |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2012 at 6:52pm
In the transportation industry, most recalls are announced publicly before the dealer is aware of it. The dealer then gets a list of all the vin #'s he either sold or are in his zone area. When appointments are made the parts are ordered unless the parts were pre shipped by factory. In this case the supplier of the parts, not Forest River, is manufacturing the recall kits as the recall progresses. Susan at Forest River has said parts will start being released july 6th.
------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2012 at 7:16pm
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Not all dealers seem to keep up with notices sent from manufacturers. I have a small town dealer near me who had kept up. He already had five units delivered to him from FR, even before the recall letters were sent out. He pulled the VIN numbers for five of his customers, who he knew would be contacting him the first day they received the recall letters (all five did). I don't think I would like to have a dealer who knew nothing about the recall. My Jeep dealer knew nothing about two recalls until I contacted them...their work reflected their attitude to their customers. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2012 at 8:06am
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My dealer had only known about the recall because one other contacted them before I did. My parts/kit is on order. I got to tell you though, I'm not real keen on the idea of being the 1st or 2nd unit that my dealer does. I'd rather them have several under their belt before touching mine. I've had bad experiences with this dealer before.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2012 at 12:21pm
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Can you find another FR dealer in your area? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2012 at 1:32pm
To tell the truth, my (Canadian) dealer hadn't heard about the recall either until I contacted them. They were quick to follow-up with Forest River and get back to me to book for service. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2012 at 7:45am
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From what I understand, the work can be done by any dealer, whether they're a FR authorized dealer or not. They just have to be willing to work with FR. Since my dealer has already ordered the kit, I'll give them the opportunity to do it. I've sent them the pics that have been posted and they already told me that FR provides specific installation instructions, so we'll see what happens. Since I have it there, I may see if they'll put on my replacement decals from that issue.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2012 at 9:59am
They HAVE to be an authorized Forest River dealer to do the work and be paid by Forest River, the problem is some dealers sell the brand but do not do warranty or repair service, or no longer are Forest River dealers. Susan helped me locate a FR dealer who would do the work. If they are not a FR dealer it's like taking your toyota to chevy for warranty work. ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2012 at 7:55am
OK. I'm just repeating what I saw posted either here or on the other board.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2012 at 4:18pm
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As I reported earlier, after my dealer was no help in getting started with the recall, I emailed the lady who signed the recall notice letter. She never replied. Later I received a voice message from my contact at the dealer telling me to call the lady at Forest River (the one I emailed) and arrange to have the parts delivered directly to me, then call for an appointment to install. I found that to be a strange way of handling things. I called the lady over two days, finally getting through today. She confirmed that my dealer, the only one she has dealt with which requires this, was requiring delivery of parts to the customer then installation by the dealer. Parts are supposed to be received by me next week. I'll report back if I experience more problems getting this work done. Feels like I have had to "pull teeth" to get this far! Once done, I'll be taking a trip to see if mileage increases. ------------- Art |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2012 at 6:26pm
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I don't know how much money I would spend witht that dealer in the future. He needs to learn about "the voice of the customer." ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2012 at 6:37pm
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I asked the Forest River lady if the local dealer I am using is the only one in the Phoenix metro area, and she said, yes. So I'm stuck. All will be well if the work is done quickly and efficiently. ------------- Art |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2012 at 11:13pm
Which dealer is it? Mine couldn't do the work so she sent me to anthem rv and boat, it is there now. ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 8:48am
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Has everyone heard from FR as of now-that have the models to be recalled? I sent our address and VIN to Susan two weeks ago and have yet to hear back. We bought ours from the first owner in NY and registered it here in NJ last year. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 10:01am
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My AZ dealer is Tom's Camperland with stores on the far West side and in Tempe.
------------- Art |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 10:05am
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You need to call Susan Thornberg (574-642-3119 X 205). I called 3 times until I got through. She was very accommodating once I got through.
------------- Art |
Posted By: turncoat3
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 11:21am
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I received my recall letter from FR about 2 weeks ago and promply informed my RV dealer.
He immediately put in the order for the modifications. I was called on July 10 that the parts were in and I could bring the pod in. I took it inon July 12 and they said it is about a 3 hour job. So I pick up the pod today about 4 pm. I am very happy with the service that CRISP RV Center in Chocowinity NC has given us. ------------- Ben & Lorrie 2013 Surveyor 264 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 1:24pm
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Let us know how is goes and please post pics if you can.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2012 at 2:18pm
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This is what it will look like when he goes to pick it up...
http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?nav=rec&page=aviator&choice=brochure">
  ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 1:20am
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Hope they don't recall mine: that won't fit in my driveway.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 3:56am
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Mine is in the shop right now for the recall. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: turncoat3
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 8:14am
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website just came back. Will post a few pics when I can. Delay on getting back the pod. probably today( I hope ). ------------- Ben & Lorrie 2013 Surveyor 264 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 9:11am
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Does FR determine which dealer gets the recall kit before others? Some forum members are talking about their dealer(s) getting the kit after just two weeks. My dealer told me that FR told him that it might be one to two months before kits are shipped out to him.
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 2:14pm
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I am guessing first come first served. When the stock runs out it goes on back order. In Canada it took 3 weeks for the dealer to get my kit in. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
|
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 2:34pm
| My dealer is waiting to order a bunch before they start (they are working off a list of the units they sold) They said the Parts department would call me when the parts came in and then I needed to call the service department to schedule. I would think they would have had the service department call me directly to avoid extra work. Just shacking my head.... |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 2:38pm
| Also while I'm thinking about it - not sure how they could call the letter an official recall notice as Mine was NOT dated and they sent it to the Address that Forest River had on record not the official address that the R-pod is registered to in the state of PA. Wonder how many letters they will get back as people have moved or sold the units. |
Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 3:41pm
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We contacted FR through the email addresses provided on their facebook page and got an email reply and the recall letter as an attachment. It seems that they are quick to respond via email. Now we just have to wait for our local guy to get back to us as to when they can get the kits in. ------------- ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6 |
Posted By: turncoat3
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 4:59pm
H
 ere is a picture of the light barand fender lights installed as a recall by Crisp Rv in Chocowinity, NC.
They did a fine job. The wire for the light runs down the right side of the back of the pod
under the rubber molding to the right rear running light. A hole is drilled into the outer layer of the body and connected to the running light. They said it takes about 3 hours to complete. They have done 5 pods so far. ------------- Ben & Lorrie 2013 Surveyor 264 |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 6:42pm
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Thanks for the great pictures. It stands to reason that the foil will have some, even if minimal, effect on moving air away from the back of the trailer in order to reduce drag. At least I hope I am right! Some contributors to this have concluded otherwise. We'll see. I am still waiting for my parts to arrive at my home so I can take them to the dealer for installation.
------------- Art |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 11:36pm
| did they put a light on the front of the fender? |
Posted By: sfish
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2012 at 11:43pm
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Nice pics. I wish I would get my recall letter. ------------- sjf |
Posted By: tturbo
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 12:48am
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The lights on the fenders get cracked, we've had one broken and one burn out from a hit we've only been out maybe 4 times since we had our mod done. We don't know what else to do, we don't go down a lot of gravel roads but rocks fly up high enough to hit a windshield I image there's even more bouncing down low. They don't make any other lights as far as we know but the next one that breaks I'll be asking for a volume discount.
 ------------- Tess&Brad | 173-T | 07 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 7:29am
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Probably the only solution is to add mud flaps or a mud curtain on the back of your TV during towing. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 8:18am
I'd almost guarantee, that was intentional. FR wants to service as few of these as possible. They didn't agree with the issue/ruling to begin with, so trying to "hold-back", spending as little money as possible is what they want to do.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: turncoat3
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2012 at 12:24pm
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there are lights on both the front and back of the fenders. I did not see a reason to show both lights but they are there and working. as stated in another thread, I certainly hope that these lights last a while. I am going to Northern PA early next month. ------------- Ben & Lorrie 2013 Surveyor 264 |
Posted By: OHIOJJ
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 3:24pm
| I rec'd my recall notice. I live in Columbus Ohio. When I looked at Forest River sirt, it looks like I need to travel 2-3 hours to get to an "authorized" dealer to get the work done. Does anyone have an email or phone number for Forest River. They need to find a closer location!! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Jul 2012 at 7:31pm
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I moved your post into this thread, figured it was all the same topic. We have some numbers for FR listed in this thread: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2747&title=misc-forest-river-contacts-and-other-info - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2747&title=misc-forest-river-contacts-and-other-info
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: kozyinn
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2012 at 8:10am
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Our dealer said it will take four hours and we are having it done on August 2nd. We just got a used 2011 Rpod 177 and along with the paperwork came a recall sheet. We are planning to go camping next weekend and can't get the light kit on any sooner. ------------- Dennis and Sherrie 2010 GMC Yukon 2011 Rpod 177 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2012 at 4:58pm
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Hi all, Our dealer finally got the notice and parts, so we should have our spoiler and updated lights by August 12th. They did advise that it will be a day job. They don't appear to be moving to fast but it will finally be done. I will then do a mileage test on some of Vermont roads and report back with the results. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2012 at 8:32pm
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Picked up our pod today with it's new fender lights and spoiler lights. Our FR dealer is about 40 miles away, a quick check shows the mileage might have improved a little bit. Handling is about the same. I look forward to our trip next month over to New Hampshire, should get a better read on the mileage. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2012 at 9:51am
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It takes about 2 1/2 hrs to install the spoiler and fender lights if the technician has previously installed a unit. My dealer had me in at 8AM and out by noon and did a very good, clean job.
------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2012 at 1:25pm
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I started this string on June 29. Now I have the final
chapter. The company did send the parts directly to me (my dealer refuse
to receive them directly). The work was
done in one day and seems well installed.
I think I have noticed a 1 mpg improvement but need a truer test on a
longer haul. I am reconciled to the fact
that there is no proven fix to the design drag properties of the R-Pod, so I’ll
move on and continue to thoroughly enjoy it.
I did buy a 3200/5000 watt generator for power when needed in unimproved
areas. It worked well without the AC on
and would trip the 26 amp fuse when AC was turned on. I shut off the breakers for temporarily unneeded
accessories, and the generator ran the AC fine.
Minor disappointment! ------------- Art |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2012 at 11:11pm
My Generator is a 3000/4000 watt and it runs everything in the pod fine. I Almost stalled the Generator when I once when the AC compressor kicked in and the convection oven was on but I did not trip the breaker. I do run the fridge and the water heater on gas when I am using the generator. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
|
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2012 at 12:54am
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Thanks for the tip. I'll make sure the refrigerator is on gas when I power up the generator. I don't think the water heater in mine has a 110 option and always heats with gas. I had the impression that the extra load that tripped the generator's breaker was the power unit/switch box that was charging the batteries. I'll experiment because, as in your case, the generator ought to do fine under the full load.
------------- Art |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 19 Aug 2012 at 4:31pm
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Look for a switch on the water heater itself in the lower-left corner. While the gas on/off is mounted inside, the AC on/off is on the heater (some have moved the wiring inside and put a switch next to the gas switch).
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2012 at 9:36pm
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I got my recall letter today after contacting Forest River about 4 times during ordering a part, after i talked to Susan in Northern Indiana everything was alright. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: sfish
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2012 at 9:23am
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I picked up the pod yesterday after having the recall done.They did a great job at Bullyans Rv putting the lights on. I also had them install the axel risers as long as it was there.It looks taller and safer with the lights on. Thanks Forest River. ------------- sjf |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2012 at 8:32pm
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Finally got my letter after 2 or 3 calls and emails to Forest River, Susan was very helpful, an r v dealer that is much closer to me than the selling dealer took my information and is going to order the parts and take care of it for us. Now that is service, they will be getting any future business from me, I like problem solvers not problem makers. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: kozyinn
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2012 at 8:46pm
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Is your lightbar totally tight to the camper all the way across? Ours has a gap in the middle and the company did not respond to our question about the gap. ------------- Dennis and Sherrie 2010 GMC Yukon 2011 Rpod 177 |
Posted By: sfish
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2012 at 11:11pm
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Yes it is very tight and a clean install. It looks like it was always there. ------------- sjf |
Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2012 at 8:26pm
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In case anyone is wondering, the lightbar did not affect our mpg on our trip tp Cape Cod this past weekend. We didn't think it would since it was so small. ------------- ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6 |
Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 10:36am
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We seem to have hit a wall as far as our recall goes. When we originally called the dealer they seemed positively giddy with the prospect of our coming in to have the work done, took our VIN and said they would get parts posthaste. It was understood we'd be in after Labor Day. Called them twice since Labor Day to set up an appointment, the last time on 9/5, and they've not bothered to return either call. Any dealers in MI online who want the job?
------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2012 at 12:17pm
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Hey HS, I'm right there with you. I have called my dealer a few times over the last 2 months, and they put the lack of materials off on Forest River. E/mailed Susan and I haven't heard from her either. Winter is coming and I don't want to have to tow the 150 miles to my dealer in poor weather. ------------- '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: Kickstart
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2012 at 1:22am
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Susan got back to me, the materials have been delivered, and appointment set for 10/3. Progress is being made after 3 months of inquiries. Now to sweat out the install. ------------- '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: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2012 at 10:33am
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My dealer has had my retrofit kit since mid August. In fact they ordered kits for every pod they sold that was subject to recall. Problem is they didn't bother to tell me, and I've been trying to make arrangements with a dealer much closer since the first of July. Susan has about 2400 affected owners, and if the dealers would just communicate with their customers by simply returning their phone calls, her job would be so much easier. ------------- .: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: 2018 rPod 180 :. |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 11:53am
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Well, I got the recall done yesterday-6 hours towing with 5 hours to install. Long day. It looks like I'm gonna be one that the spoiler helps with mileage. The route to my dealer is a common tow for me that I've always checked mileage and monitored engine performance with my ScanGauge. Yesterday I got 11.0 towing there and 14.1 towing home. My best previous mileage was 13.1 on this route. These are all hand figured.Also the ScanGauge indicated that my transmission temperature was 10 degrees cooler pulling the toughest grade coming home. The engine pulled this grade about 200 RPMs less than usual, and the transmission did not search as much. I didn't feel the need to manually downshift, which is not common. All of these things indicate that the wing does help lessen wind drag, and helps 55 to 60 mph be my towing sweet spot with this truck. ------------- '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: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2012 at 2:41pm
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Interesting. ------------- 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: 25 Oct 2012 at 6:08pm
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Couple posts back, I compared my towing mpg with and without the recall installed wing. I noticed a marked improvement with the wing. Well, now I'm a real believer. We took a trip to my wife's favorite campground (Cape Disappointment in WA state). We've gone there many times, and, as always, I hand figured our towing mileage. This is a moderate tow over lots of up and down foothills (Willapa Hills). Previously the worst and best trip mileage for this trip with this truck have been 10.1 and 11.5 mpg. This trip we got 12.7 and the conditions were not optimal for towing--rain and head and side winds--very comparable to the time we got 10.1 mpg. For my towing combo, I think the wing really does improve my mileage. I know lots of you have noticed no mileage difference after the install of the wing. For some that could be because your tow rig may be taxed enough towing your Pod that the slight gains enabled by the wing just aren't enough. I'm lucky enough to have a truck that can tow 8000 lbs., and towing at 200 rpms or so less do appear to make a difference. ------------- '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: aatonna
Date Posted: 11 Jan 2013 at 11:39pm
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I began this post last June. Until last week (January 2013) and after the new light bar was installed, I had not take a long enough trip to judge whether I got any better mileage with my tow vehicle (2011 Honda Ridgeline). Now after retuning from a week at Death Valley, CA (1300 miles with touring miles) I can report that any mileage improvement was negligible, if any. I ran no more than 57 mph the whole trip. There was freeway driving mixed with hills and mountains. I had high hopes, but now I have to be satisfied with the overall comfort and versatility of my R-Pod without illusions that mpg can improve. BTW I highly recommend the beauty of Death Valley in any season but Summer. You will experience the extremes of 282 feet below sea level to 11,000 foot snow capped mountains and you can drive at least to 6,000 feet above sea level. Great beauty; great trip. ------------- Art |
Posted By: tsunami123
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 11:26am
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I was wondering about the comments of increased mpg after spoiler installation. A couple of years ago, I and another member ran some aerodynamic simulations and didn't find any real improvement in airflow using small spoilers on the back of the Pod. This is where anecdotal information falls apart...single incidents may not be valid overall. Installing the spoiler may cause you to slow down for increased mpg. Or the first trip you take afterward may have few headwinds or few hills and valleys. You need to travel quite a few miles under many varying conditions to validate the increase in mpg with the new spoilers. For example, my niece will not have her kids vaccinated for the flu because a relative had an adverse reaction to the shot. Now she believes that anyone who gets the shot will come down with an allergic reaction. And no evidence to the contrary will convince her that it is better to get the shot! While visiting my local FR Pod dealer, I encountered another Pod owner who recently had the spoiler installed. He insisted that his mpg had increased from 10 to 15 mpg because of the spoiler. The dealer had never heard about such an increase in mpg from anyone else. After the other owner left, we both agreed that the spoiler had little if anything to do with his increased mileage. |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 11:49am
Point well taken. I saw your test results and the graphics helped me understand the counter-intuitive drag effect. The untrained, as I was, would assume R-Pod's the shape to result in nothing but low drag. Not so. When I began my trek out of Phoenix I was getting nearly 15 mpg and was elated at the prospect that that would be the new norm. Not so, as I experienced the full driving mix you referred to: headwinds, hills, mountains, rougher pavement. We were back to 9-10 mpg as before. Too bad a solution isn't out there b/c the R-Pod is the best bang for the buck (and weight). We have even considered a trade but can't find a comparable light weight and we would never recoup in gas savings what we would spend on the trade.  ------------- Art |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 1:29pm
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I've only towed 4 trips since the install of the wing, but every one has been a common tow that I've done in the past, and each one has been hand figured for mpg, as always. Every trip has shown an increase in mileage over the averages from former trips. My wing trips have all been with winter blend gas, which never does anyone any good for mileage. I'll figure mileage this coming camping season, and try to remember to post the results. I'll then eat my crow or have some more info on whether it has helped my mpg overall. We have 3 or 4 common trips that we take of 150 to 300 miles. These are the ones I'll use to compare pre/post wing mpg. I'm hoping my tow combo is at a sweet spot for improved mileage. I do hand figure, and don't depend on an onboard display. I do use a Scangauge to monitor current mileage and engine performance. No, I'm not seeing that 5 mpg increase, but even maintaining my small gains would be nice with the current gas prices. ------------- '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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 2:54pm
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As posted before the largest impact on my mileage is my behavior. If I have to travel at 75 then I get 10 MPG. If I keep it under 60 then I get 15 or 16 MPG. I had the spoiler from the start so I can't compare. I can't imagine that little wing that is under the air flow to help. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2013 at 10:43pm
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I find it curious that many assume it to be a spoiler, it is the shape it is because of the lights have to be visible from behind, the pod is round thus the shape. ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: aatonna
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 1:28pm
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I must now report that my frustration over the fact that the new spoiler did not gain noticible gas mileage improvement, took me back to my dealer. I traded my R-Pod for a Lance 1575. It's a foot or so longer, wider and weighs a couple hundred pounds more. I took an initial trip this weekend and at 58 MPH with steady cross winds much of the 130 mile trip, I got 13.3 mpg, an improvement over the 9-10 mpg with the R-Pod. The box versus tear-drop design makes a big difference! I'm using the same 2011 Honda Ridgeline tow vehicle. ------------- Art |
Posted By: Burt
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 2:12pm
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Spoilers and MPG. We're somewhat lucky as our RPod is a 2012 171 HRE and it came with a spoiler and all the "required" running lights. BTW, they are all LED and really light up nice. Our MPG was best improved by putting in a performance chip in my opinion. That, and using non-ethanol fuel in the tow vehicle when towing. You get more power out of a gallon that way. We have a Ford Ranger V6, 3.0 Liter FWD and are now getting 2 to 4 MPG better when towing with just a few runs tested. The vehicle itself now gets 4 to 5 MPG better non towing and in town/out of town. Over the road, there is a marked improvement in mileage without tow. The chip we decided on was made by GF. Most of the big diesel tow rigs that tow are now using performance chips and I seriously believe that the ford "Eco Boost," is not much more than an added performance chip. Performance chips of the right type do not just dump fuel into your engine, they work WITH all the OEM components of an engine, viz., exhausts, vacuums, fuel input, computer and etc. Thus, they can cause your tow vehicle to achieve better results and have more ooomph on the hills. There's my 2 bits worth. Burt |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 2:37pm
Well.. that and two turbochargers.. ------------- |
Posted By: Burt
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 6:10pm
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OK, I give. I'll see your two turbochargers and yet, my comment was rooted in the MPG column and what can be done by the average towvehicle without purchasing a new one. My comment on the Eco Boost may have been out of the column. Forgive me. Burt |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2013 at 10:54am
Nothing to forgive.. it's all good. I am not, as of yet a fan of the eco-boost.. but EVERYONE I have met running one LOVES it. My brain goes to.. "just think what it would have been like had they put dual spools on the new 6.2..???!!!" I am a fan of forced induction. This household has been home to at least one power adder since 1979. No doubt at all that on most cars and trucks today, some added gains are available with a tuner. manufacturers have to build to a set standard, the one the EPA approved, and have a "safe tune" so that engines don't grenade. And, once you start playing with a tuner, you find that each engine will have a different setting even if minor, that makes it happiest. I have played with it a lot with my Mustang, and with her GTi.. I know about 20 v-dubs running hot tunes, and on a couple the mods and equipment are exactly the same, but there may be as much as 10% difference in where that particular pair of engines max out. In our case she is putting about 235 to the flywheel in her GTi, with a factory tune that was set at about 198. (In her case, mileage didn't change one way or the other with the tune.. but I don't think it's the cars fault  ) Nothing changed but the tune, and the fact that we run 93 octane only, allows us to bump it up pretty good, but much further, and a) the gains aren't worth the risk to the engine and transaxle, and.. with FWD, things get pretty hairy when you go above 230 or so anyways. Her next Golf will be a "R" or R32, I am sure. (AWD) ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2013 at 4:22pm
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I've been considering an aftermarket adjustment for my truck since last year, but one thing that stopped me is my active warranty. Didn't want to reprogram and end up with an issue they could trace back to it due to an invalid checksum. Looks like that GF operates actively on the OBD-II so it isn't an actual reprogram. Not all that expensive @ $69, either. Hmmmmmm..... ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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