Wrong size refrigerator
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3823
Printed Date: 03 Jun 2025 at 5:28am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Wrong size refrigerator
Posted By: asreichler
Subject: Wrong size refrigerator
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2013 at 9:41am
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I was filling out warranty cards, using the Forest River equipment sheet for the model and serial number. The model number on the sheet is RM 8501, I checked the refrigerator and that is what is installed. The manual from Dometic said this is a 3.74 cu. ft model. All of r pod info tells me it should be a 4.1 cu. ft unit. That would be either RM8551 or RM8555. I have asked my dealer to check this out and have left a message at FR to please call me back with an explanation. What do you guys have in your rigs? Thanks Allen ------------- 2014 178 TV 2004 Dodge 2500 deisel |
Replies:
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2013 at 11:54am
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4.1 Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 10 Aug 2013 at 3:04pm
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My 2013 RP-172 has the Dometic 8501, both on the equipment sheet and in physical fact. The label on the 8501 says 96/102.1 liters which converts to about 3.6 cu. ft. I think the FR advertised 4.2 cu. ft. is either from some old Dometic literature or a bit of FR fudging. A 2008 Dometic manual lists the capacity as 106L, but a 2010 manual shows 96L (3.4 cu ft). The Dometic is a bit confusing and inconsistent.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: asreichler
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 2:02pm
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Just got a call from FR cust service. He told me during a production run of R Pods Dometic was unable to supply them with the 4.2 cu ft refrigerator, so they substituted the smaller unit. I guess they can just do that type of thing. Allen ------------- 2014 178 TV 2004 Dodge 2500 deisel |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 3:00pm
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Ours is an 8501, and that was from a 2011 model. I've not seen much mention of any model numbers aside from the 8501 over the years. I'm sure they are out there though. ------------- 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: Sleepless
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 3:59pm
No, they can't, unless they state in their ads, literature or on their web site that "Specification are subject to change" or similar language. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 5:09pm
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I don't see anything on their web site, but I did find this in the brochure you can download from the web site. "All specifications contained herein are based on the latest product information at time of printing. Forest River reserves the 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: asreichler
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 5:19pm
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Yes that just about let's them do what ever they want. Buyer beware is still the prime directive. Allen ------------- 2014 178 TV 2004 Dodge 2500 deisel |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2013 at 6:30pm
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The question is does the difference in size have a major negative impact on your ability to enjoy the Pod. If yes then have a discussion with FR about it. Be prepared for them to tell you to have a nice day due to the posted language. Then you have choices. You can enjoy the camper for what it is, or you can sell it and go another direction. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 9:53am
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Personal opinion, but I can't ever imagine the words "buyer beware" being attached to anything associated with the Surveyor/R-pod plant or a single Pod that has ever rolled out of there. Others will disagree and that is fine, I just hate to see a new owner not digging their Pod. I follow Keith's train of thought. If it weren't a reasonable substitution in part numbers I could see an issue with this. But hey this is just me, the 8501 fits in the space, and it keeps my food and drinks cold. That's good enough for me. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 9:57am
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I'd be curious to see side-by-side photos of different models, with maybe a gallon of milk in each one for scale. I'll see if I can verify my model and get a photo tonight since mine is currently right next to the house. ------------- 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: asreichler
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 7:05pm
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Folks it's not a question of being ok it's a question that they, FR, made a big deal about having a larger than the other guy refrigerator. The difference is 2 inches deeper. I would never have known the difference except I have a bad habit of reading the literature that comes with a product. I was a full timer for 16 years and have had diesel pusher to straight pull trailers. We started camping in a VW bus back in the early 70,s.I understand manufacturing and the manufactures issues. I originally brought this up wondering if this was a wide spread issue or one with just a few of us getting caught with a small problem. The question has gone from simple to,sell it if you don't like it, wow. Allen ------------- 2014 178 TV 2004 Dodge 2500 deisel |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 7:28pm
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For what its worth, here is a pic of mine. I confirmed it is an 8501. There is about an inch between the front of the milk carton and the edge of the shelf.
------------- 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: 15 Aug 2013 at 7:49pm
Allen I get what you're saying, and yuh even my own comment wasn't really even helpful to what you were actually saying. It's the internet though, always hard to tell someones inflection or feelings behind their words. But now I have a question, and this is just curiosity, but what literature or info did FR provide or tell you where they " made a big deal about having a larger than the other guy refrigerator" ? Again this is just curiosity, but it's something I'd be interested in knowing. And please don't think any of us are trying to complicate your post, I'm certain that was never anyone's intent. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 15 Aug 2013 at 10:17pm
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I think that it is good information for those shopping for a new r-pod,it is something one could check along with other items. They could change the hot water heater to gas only or something else. It could make a difference in which r-pod you would like to buy if there are several available to chose from. David ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 8:31am
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For what it is worth neither FR or the dealer made "a big deal" to us about the fridge size to us when we were shopping. If they did to you then you have a right to go back to them and ask for them to make good on their promises.
It seems like there are always complaints about different thing on the pods. Some dislike the mattresses, some the television, some the Air, some the slide etc. It all comes down to what I said. Each of us has to determine how much it detracts from our ability to enjoy the purchase. If it is a show stopper the answer is clear. If every time you get into your pod the fridge ticks you off then you will not enjoy it and it is time for something else. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 8:31am
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I am not going to say I have a clue.. but I sure have never heard the R-Pod fridge touted as "biggest in class" or anything else. Our DEALER did point out it was a 3-way, most aren't. As far as volume, I seriously doubt that missing quart of space is going to end a camping trip early, and at least in our case, would be/is a moot point. (we shop on almost every camping trip anyways, and still carry a large cooler with us). It's a fact that TT maufacturers change up model specs, and equipment from time to time. ------------- |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 8:38am
Not going to lie.. your first 3 posts are pretty "GGRRRrrr FR is the Suxors", so it sounds like you have a REAL issue with this. If the issue bothers you that much.. I believe the right answer might be to sell it. Then you won't be agravated by it every time you open the fridge. BTW.. the fridge is the EXACT size it was when you looked at the pod before buying, and thought to yourself, "Yeah that's big enough for what we/I need"..  ------------- |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 9:26am
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Techntrek, do you use the freezer on yours? It looks like from the pic that the door to it is removed and I was curious if it was just out of the pic frame or if you did that on purpose ... if on purpose I never thought of taking the door off to gain more fridge space ... ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 9:29am
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And his door opens backwards... LOL Ours had a sticker on the freezer door that said if you didn't need freezer space, you could just remove it for more "fridge".. we keep it because I want my "whiskey stones" as cold as I can get them..  ------------- |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 10:10am
I never gave any thought to the door swing. The one in our 173 opens the same way. I imagine this is typical of the 171's and the 173's. I imagine floor plan dictates which way the door should open. Very obsevant! Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 10:17am
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A perhaps positive side is the little smaller refrigerator could be better quality built. Not that the 4.2 is a problem but perhaps some better changes were made in the smaller one it could be newer model. David ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 1:02pm
I don't recall seeing that on ours. I will have to take a look. We have never used the freezer, but at times could have used a little extra space. Like others we also take a cooler mainly for beverages along with us when we camp. The ice I get every few days for that supplies the stones we need when we put them in a zip lock bag in the cooler. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2013 at 10:48pm
Nope, never used the freezer compartment. The door for it is in my garage. Definitely gives you more room for fridge stuff. ------------- 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: 17 Aug 2013 at 9:34am
We remove ours on trips where we aren't using it, our freezer completely slides in and out for whichever scenario we need. If it weren't for those darned freezer pops we'd never have a need for it!  ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 9:29pm
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We love ice cream...
------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 10:31pm
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This is kind of an interesting question. A lot depends on how the pod was bought and sold. If it was ordered and built based on a sales pitch that said "you're gonna get a 4.2 cubic foot fridge," then there could be a problem. I bought my 2010 176 used from an individual who essentially said, "what you see is what you get." That's and entirely different deal. A lot of dealers let you look at models on the lot, sit you down and talk about all the good stuff that comes with the model you're considering, which often includes giving you the latest slick brochure, which probably says your pod will have the 4.2 cubic foot fridge. Things could get complicated in that case. My fridge is the 8501 3.7 cubic foot model. I don't know what the 2010 brochure said (though I do have a copy of it some where.) The 8501 is all I've ever had and I'm happy with it, but a fridge that fit in the same space and was 15% bigger would probably be pretty nice too. As I said, it's an interesting question. I didn't get the impression that the original poster was so upset that he'll never enjoy his pod again though, and it seems to me that suggesting he sell his camper if he's not happy with the fridge was a little around the bend. TT |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2013 at 11:04pm
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This entire issue is now a moot point. Verbal promises or representations are not legally binding unless they are specifically incorporated into the contractual documents. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |