Vibe 6503
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
Forum Discription: Find r-pod reviews and new product announcements here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4158
Printed Date: 07 May 2024 at 9:15am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Vibe 6503
Posted By: David and Danette
Subject: Vibe 6503
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 6:32pm
|
We are looking at a Vibe 6503, I would like to know of others opinions. The one negative I have found so far is the very low cargo capacity which is about 500 lbs. But it is possible to replace the axle for a higher cargo capacity, other owners have made this change. The Vibe is very similar to the r-pods but with larger cargo areas and a dry bath. There are some previous owners of r-pods who have bought a Vibe and are happy with their Vibes. I have the most difficult time in making a decision so I am asking for others opinions. Thank you, David and Danette ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 7:17pm
|
In my opinion, a trailer of this weight should be on two axels. The majority of axels used in the RV industry are rated a 3500#. That is the reason you see the 500# cargo rating. If you run the numbers you'll see they are very close to the 3500# limit empty. It's really easy to accumulate 500# of extras and then you are at the limit. And, reading other camper forums, people tend to have problems with the longer/heavier trailers on single axels. A second axel adds some weight, but it really helps the stability and ease of towing. There may be single axels with higher capacities available, but I would look to the dual axel trailers first.
------------- 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: hogone
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 7:49pm
|
i'm being lazy............first go cards..............what's the avg cargo on the pods ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 8:15pm
|
The average cargo weight of the r-pods after options is close to a 1,000 lbs. The only way the Vibe would work is with a axle change. CharlieM you have a good point it may not handle that well am wandering how the 178 r-pods handle which are a similar size but weigh about 400lbs. less. I keep looking but keep coming back to the r-pod 171 we have. Our Flowerpod seems to be getting roots to difficult to relocate. David and Danette
------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 9:27pm
|
I am sorry to say Forest River did not give enough thought about the cargo capacity of the Vibe 6503 and 6504 when first building them. The new Vibes that are now being built have a stronger axle I found out. 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: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2013 at 10:10pm
Dave, Not sure why you think FR is using a stronger axel now on the Vibes. Their web site numbers still point to a 3500# axel on the 6504s. Note that if you start with the shipping weight, subtract the tongue weight, and add 90% of propane, battery, and full load of fresh water, you are over the 3500# axel rating. And this assumes perfect 90/10% loading. The RPODS also use a 3500# axel, but they are lighter to start with. Another problem arises when you use a WDH. It's my firm beleif that a WDH is needed, particularly with 3500# rated 3.5L TVs. But the WDH transfers a portion of the tongue weight to the trailer axel. I've confirmed this on my loaded 172 on CAT scales. The scales say I'm slightly over the axel rating...And that's a 172. A 178 or 181/2 would be worse. I'm not dry docking my Pod, but I am looking at a dual axel trailer for an upgrade. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 1:40am
------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 1:55am
------------- 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: CharlieM
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 8:11am
|
Dave, Looks like the 5200# axal will solve the loading problem. Don't know about the cost of axel/wheels/tires. The layout of the 6503 is interesting with the semi-private bed/head setup and the large dinette. Your call. That said, it leaves only the single/dual axel question. I don't have any personal experience to go on since the Pod is my first TT. However, my next trailer, a Camplite 21RBS, is 1000# heavier dry and will have dual axels. Keep us informed as you work through this. Charlie ------------- 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: hogone
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 8:40am
|
i always felt the pod seemed a little large for a single axle. if i understand correctly, my 177 weighs approx 2700+/-. That being said, with gear, mods, and everything else; it appears it is pushing the limits as well on a 3500 pound axle. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2013 at 5:36pm
Right there with you. We toured the factory in August.. ------------- |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 10:04am
|
Yesterday we went to look at the Vibes, the only dealer as far as I know that sells them in Florida. I liked the outside shape of the trailer very much but that is about as much as I liked over the r-pods. There was a little more room that allowed a dry bath but the ones I looked at the over all quality just did not seem to be as good as the r-pods. The most serious thing I noticed was the fabric on the exterior to protect the floor was barely attached to the wood floor. There was wood exposed where there was outside connections of wires. The fabric was hanging down from the floor in that when the trailer was being towed while it was raining the wood would get soaked and in time would rot. I am sure the dealer would of repaired the fabric some how if asked but it should of never been allowed to leave the factory that way. So when we got home I inspected our r-pod to see if the fabric was attached well to the floor, thankfully it was. I remember there were some r-pods a few years back where the corners were not sealed well with the fabric and there was recall on them. It was a nice trailer but for our use of a camper we prefer our r-pod. On the Lance owners forum it was mentioned by a Lance owner that the quality of the r-pods were good and as we have been looking around at different trailers I am appreciating more the quality of the r-pods. 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: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 1:53pm
|
I am not sure if all the Vibe floor plans use the same "bedroom" layout and design, but I know she didn't like how much it felt like a cave to her, and the "step up" to the bed was pretty far on the couple we looked at. ------------- |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 2:00pm
|
I have to agree with you David, quality and workman ship in the pods are not the greatest but it is by far better than any other trailers I have looked at. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 2:10pm
|
Your interest in the Vibe prompted me to check them out, (just internet-wise), so I am not at all in the position to comment on the build quality, but I will definitely voice my objection to a real "deal breaker" for me. The R-Pod 177 is everything we would like it to be with one exception. The port-starboard camper queen sandwiched in the way it is makes it very difficult to make the bed up, and virtually impossible for two average size adults to sleep in. If the "inboard" sleeper has a nighttime call, it is impossible not to disturb one's spouse, hence the requirement to make up the settee each night. (At least for us....) The Vibe offers nothing better in that regard. I have no idea how the models compare price wise, but I would check out the FR Surveyor Sport series, specifically the SP220RBS which has a fore and aft camper queen with side access / egress and a dry bath. (I don't know how the font size got changed, sorry....) http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/Surveyor/default.aspx?model=surv&page=floorplandetails&floorplanid=4295&RVType=trailers - http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/Surveyor/default.aspx?model=surv&page=floorplandetails&floorplanid=4295&RVType=trailers The 220RBS seems to be the closest relative to the R-Pod functionally and at a reasonable increase in gross and tongue weight. Just MHO. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 3:02pm
|
I was wanting a trailer with more room but one with a fiberglass roof and no slide. Lance has the model 1575 but it has a slide and by what I have read several owners have had problems with there slides. The Vibe 6501 and 6503 have both what I want but still a little small not much bigger than the r-pods. Also it has to be in our price range less than 20,000. 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 3:22pm
|
I thought when I checked out that Vibe layout that it had a walk-around queen? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 4:37pm
|
The V-Cross Vibe 800 Series seem to have a walk-around queen. ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2013 at 10:52am
|
Yesterday we went to look at another Vibe and if all goes well we will be buying this one. The dealer said he would upgrade the axle to allow a higher cargo capacity of over 1,000 lbs. We hope it all works out and we are now waiting to hear from the dealer when everything is completed. Its like having a cousin to the r-pod in that they are in ways a similar trailer both built by Forest River. David and Danette ------------- 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: CharlieM
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2013 at 2:18pm
|
Dave, Still looking at the 6503 or have are you looking at another model? We are waiting on delivery of our Camplite 21RBS and waiting for a buyer for our Pod. Just a little bit more room goes a long way. Charlie ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2013 at 3:53pm
|
Yes it is the 6503, it is a 2012 but it is new the last of about 40 vibes that the dealer had ordered. The price was right for us and with the upgraded axle I thought it would be a good decision for us to buy it. With a little more room it has the dry bath but the kitchen area is about the same size as our 171. What is nice is the large exterior cargo area. Could put a couple of bicycles in it or anything that is bulky in size. But we will have to watch the weight being behind the axle, will need to be careful it has enough tongue weight. David and Danette
------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2013 at 2:08pm
|
Monday if all goes well I will picking up our new Vibe. We sold our r-pod and hopefully you'll be hearing from the new owners in time. I do not know if it will remain a Flowerpod but the new owners I am sure will give it a good home and have many good times camping. David and Danette ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2013 at 8:03pm
|
Sending good vibes...
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2013 at 6:36am
Picked up our new Vibe on Monday, drove to Alabama to pick it up. It handled nice very much like towing the r-pod just a little heavier about 3,100 lbs. empty. Looking forward to going camping with it. Wish there was a owners forum as active as the r-pod forums. I guess they are not as popular as the r-pods only a few posts now and then on the Forest River owners forum. We may need to be adopted as a stray without a home.  David and Danette ------------- 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: 11 Dec 2013 at 7:21am
|
Pictures man, we need to see your new camper! ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2013 at 9:12am
D&D, glad you have the new Vibe. I know you are excited. We got a call last week from our dealer saying our new Camplite 21RBS is nearing delivery. We are also excited. On the owners group, you will look a long time before finding one as active as this one. The only Camplite group is on Yahoo and is essentially concerned with pups. I think we can thank Doug and a few other mainstays for the success of this forum. Enjoy your new Vibe, report back to us, and send pix. Charlie ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2013 at 6:26pm
|
Yeah, pics or it didnt happen!
Tips accepted as beer around a campfire with a pod nearby. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2013 at 7:28pm
We are looking forward to your reports on the Camplite.. the 21RBS is our next camper. Honestly we were going to order after our factory visit, but the awesome R-pod community is what has stopped us so far, and the lack of any such in the Camplite world. ------------- |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 11:32am
 Here is the picture of our new 2012 Vibe 6503 ------------- 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: headcold
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 12:58pm
|
Hogone, how is towing your 177 with your 3.5 liter vehicle? I just bought a 2013 177 Hood River and expect that my 3.4 L Toyota 4-Runner will pull it almost as well as it pulled my 172 pod, though the former is somewhat heavier. I noticed a slight difference when towing the 177 home from the dealer, but that was only four miles. Of course, an important variable is the torque. Maybe it is time to trade up to a 4.7 L or 5.7 L Toyota. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 2:19pm
|
hogone tows with an F150!!!!! ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 3:03pm
Sorry, I wasn't wearing my reading glasses.  But, I am looking at a 2007 Ford 150 as an alternative to a Toyota as a tow vehicle. How large is the engine of your 150 and how does it tow the 177?
|
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 4:01pm
|
I have the 4.6 liter motor; wish I had even more power to be honest. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 6:38pm
| Thanks. Yes, I think I probably want to go at least one liter better. There's a 2007 F150 sitting in a lot a couple miles away that has a more powerful engine. I think that I'll look it over tomorrow. |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 Dec 2013 at 7:03pm
|
My F150 has the 5.4 and all the power you want.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 6:28am
|
yep, the 5.4 is what i wished i had ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 10:14am
|
Our 5.4 pulls fine. Many pull pods with the Expedition with the 5.4 The 6.8 in our Excursion may be overkill.. but I like it.  ------------- |
Posted By: chiman
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 10:38am
|
Don't know what the HP rating is on the 150 with the 4.6 liter. I have a 2011 Toyota double cab with 4 wheel drive and I bought it new with the newer 4.6 liter V8 which replaced the 4.7 liter V8 that was in the previous Tundras. The 4.7 produced 270 HP and the new 4.6 liter produces 310 HP and a much better pulling range in terms of power band. I saw no need for me to go to the 5.7 liter which I felt was a little overkill for my needs. The newer 4.6 liter V8 pulls my new 2014 178 just fine with all the power I need even in steep hill country. I realize the tread was talking about a Ford 150 but thought I would give a comparison. I tow without a WDH and only use a sway control as I hate lifting a heavy stinger after having had some back surgeries. The only mod I did to the truck was changing the stock tires to 10 ply tires (as I go into areas that have gravel back roads with sharp rocks and the tires also actually made the truck ride better). I also just had some additional heavy duty helper rear springs added which work great and keep the truck level and a great ride when towing. Rphelps ------------- 2017 180 "Frog" towed by 2017 Toyota Tacoma with co-pilot "Willow" a 80 lb Labradoodle |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 12:17pm
The 4.6 does fine in all terrains.......hogone just wants more power!!!!!!!!    By the way, happy holidays to all. hogone------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 12:30pm
|
Our Ram 1500 has the 4.7 with 310 hp and a 3.92 differential it tows our Vibe which is about 4 to 5 hundred pounds heavier than most R-pods with no problem. I always thought that 250 hp. was enough for towing the r-pods unless you have a very heavy tow vehicle and a lot of cargo. When we had our 2010 Jeep liberty with 210 hp, the engine had to work hard in getting up steep inclines. 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: headcold
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 6:02pm
| Thanks one and all for the advice on tow vehicles. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2013 at 6:42pm
|
hogone wants more power........................250 i think ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |