Lost Wheel While Driving
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=4924
Printed Date: 19 May 2024 at 11:16am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Lost Wheel While Driving
Posted By: Patti'sPod
Subject: Lost Wheel While Driving
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 11:22am
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Help! I need advice! My RP178 is still under warranty as I bought it just last December. it had 2 short trips, totaling approximately 300mi. I 'started' my 3rd trip last week when the right wheel came off while driving! ALL the studs were completely sheared off as well. The tire slammed into my truck in 2 places before it headed down the road. Thankfully I was on a remote road. It was a camping trip that ended up in a motel for 3 days while it got towed, etc. It was towed to one of their authorized dealers for repair. Of course I had to go through the 'no call backs' day after day. I could not afford to keep paying for lodging so I paid out of pocket to get it repaired by their authorized mechanic. The mechanic said he will work very hard with FR to get my back. I finally had to call FR again due to no callback to the mechanic as promised, only to be told "It's a maintenance problem". Hence, they do not want to cover the damage. I was told I should have torqued down the lug nuts before leaving on my trip. Any mechanic will tell you if they were properly torqued by the manufacturer, the tire would not have come off in such a short time, if at all! A couple other mechanics said the studs were probably defective. How many tires go flying off because one did not torque them AFTER they were just done 6mos ago.....and it sat most of the time. I have a serious problem with this. What if I told them I DID torque them? I assume I would be told I did not do it properly, therefore they will not cover it. As you know, its new and that tire was never removed by me or anyone else. Perhaps I should tighten every screw on the rig, in case I lose something else and get the blame. They guy in the warranty dept starts telling me he torques his 'car' tires all the time just to be sure. I thnk that is BS. I am very good at maintaining both my TV and the POD. I have donbe everything I can think of before leaving on this trip......except taking it to a tire place to TORQUE the lug nuts. Not that I would never check this in the future (especially now), my point is I feel its just too soon for me to be held responsible. Any opinions or suggestions as to whom I may go for help? And thank for reading my very long story. |
Replies:
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 12:14pm
Sorry you had a bad experience of losing a wheel. You won't like hearing this but FR is right. Trailer wheels need to be torqued much more often than car wheels. Every trailer I've ever owned, and it has been a bunch- state this clearly. Some say before every trip, most say within the first 50 miles or so and again around 150. Dexter (the industry leader in trailer axles) says after first mounting a wheel, this would include a new wheel, to check torque at 10 miles, 25 miles, and at 50 miles! So if you went 300 miles and never checked torque.... ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 12:44pm
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I agree with Budward, I too lost a wheel and marwayne lost a wheel you are not alone. What I have been told aluminum wheels especially ones made in China have a history of lug nuts becoming lose. The heating and cooling of the wheel causes them to expand and contract. After we lost a wheel I changed the aluminum wheels for steel wheels, its a experience I did not want to repeat. We changed our r-pod for a Vibe and now we are back to aluminum wheels, but I have learned my lesson and often check the lug nuts for tightness. Sorry that it has happened to you but thankful no other vehicles were involved and you were not injured. A lesson learned and I am sure you will not forget to check your lug nuts often before and during a long trip. ------------- 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: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 1:06pm
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As with the others, the pod has a sticker by the wheels stating to check tire pressure and wheel torque every time. I have lost a tire at 3 seasons old but never the wheel. A lot of people do not realize a RV of any type is not a car and needs regular checks and maintenance even when it sits. Sorry you had a problem , hope it works out for you. ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 1:10pm
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It is unfortunate that this happened to you. Fortunately, no one was injured. My experience has been to pay particular attention to torquing trailer lug nuts. It clearly states to do so in my r-pod's owner's manual, and there are factory stickers on the sides of my r-pod stating the same. I carry a torque wrench with me and check every time before heading out. Its not often, but every now and then I do find a nut that requires tightening. I'll be very surprised if Forest River moves from their stance that your incident was a maintenance issue. If you truly believe this to be a manufacturing defect, I suspect you'll have to take them to court for reparation. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 3:20pm
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I check mine before every trip. It IS a maintenance issue. Just like checking the pressure in the tires (50 psi BTW), check it every trip. Takes moments, and the confidence it gives is priceless. Also, more than one aluminum wheel has been loosened/removed/stolen by hooligans and thieves if you happened to interrupt them, they certainly aren't going to tell you.. ------------- |
Posted By: Lefty
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 3:36pm
| Can anyone suggest a good torque wrench? Thanks |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 3:47pm
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I can say stay away from harbor freight ones. Try local auto parts Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2014 at 11:32pm
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+1 on what has been said above. Checking tire pressure and lug nut torque is on my checklist before every trip. After the wheel has been removed for some reason, I've found it takes at least a half-dozen re-tightenings before they finally set. This was true with the steel wheels my popup had, too. ------------- 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: Seanl
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2014 at 10:06am
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This thread does not need another endorsement for checking your Lug nut torqe often but I am going to add it anyway. 5 years ago I lost a wheel on a home made trailer that I had. The wheel came off at 1:30 in the morning. I had a spare but the lugs were all sheared off so I had to park my trailer on the side of the road spend the night in a truck stop. ( I was in Bangore Maine and there was a baseball tournament in town and no hotel rooms). At 8:30 the next morning I was at an RV dealer purchaseing a new hub then off to an autoparts store to get a socket the right size for the crown nut on the hub. Then back to my trailer on I95 to change the hub on my trailer on the side of the road. Ever since then I travel with a torque wrench and check the lug nuts often. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: Patti'sPod
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2014 at 6:07pm
| That's funny! My thoughts exactly :) |
Posted By: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 2:44pm
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Holy moly! That is scary. Thanks for posting, that is now part of my routine. |
Posted By: Outbackdave
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 3:10pm
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How many lbs do you torque at. ------------- 176T, Dodge Dakota TV, South Carolina Dave,Mary and Olivia(sheltie) Suzuki V-Strom Adventure, Custom built TearDrop |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 4:44pm
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There is a sticker on mine just over the wheel with the specs.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2014 at 8:58pm
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Ditto on checking before every trip. It is on our checklist and only takes a few minutes. Sorry that you had that issue. I am sure it was scary ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 9:09am
Here is a picture of the sticker on the side of a 2013 177.. the sticker on ours is the same.. ------------- |
Posted By: rjd111
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 9:38am
| I am buying a news craftmen 1/2 inch torque wrench(on sale) what is the size of the socket that I will need/ Thanks |
Posted By: Patti'sPod
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 12:47pm
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Thanks again for all your replies! It was truly a learning experience and it could've been much worse. I found a torque wrench to add to my toolbox for approximately $20.00. Funny how I have the same sticker right above my wheel well and I did not even notice it!  Hmmmm...perhaps that's not funny at all.... Love the 'furpod' user name....I can relate |
Posted By: Hairy Podders
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 12:51pm
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When we bought our 178 in March, I torqued the lugnuts before the camper ever turned a wheel towards home. I rechecked them before each trip this year & twice while on our 4,000+ mile trip. Each time there were a few nuts that turned slightly.
I use my Snap-On click style 1/2" drive torque wrench. Do not buy a gauge or needle style torque wrench; you don't want to be standing on your head trying to read the gauge to see if its torqued or not. The lugnut size on our '14 178 is 3/4"" ------------- Darryl, Julie & Lindsey Cooper & Libby- Devoted Canines 2014 RP178 2006 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2014 at 4:16pm
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My 171 uses a 13/16" socket for the wheel lugs and 3/4" on the spare wheel. ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 9:05am
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just curious (and hopefully not a stupid question). what is the point/reason of using a torque wrench (an honest question here)? can you over tighten? i have checked mine several times and they don't budge. i have a torque wrench, just didn't use it. i have changed/taken off vehical tires too many times to count and never used a torque wrench. again this is an honest question, nothing against using a torque wrench (which I will start using). hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 10:19am
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Because steel is harder than aluminum, and over time, you can damage or destroy the wheel lug mounting area if you are not careful. Many people never use a torque wrench and are just fine.. others, without the "guidance" a torque wrench gives, may develop problems. Same reason your vehicle owners manual says to NEVER use an impact or air wrench to tighten or mount the wheels on your car or truck. Most will have no problem.. some will set the wrench to tighter "must be better".. I have seen wheels on sports cars tightened down repeatedly with this mentality that eventually had a actual failure of the wheel in the lug/center area. ------------- |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 11:22am
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Good question and a good answer that is something I did not know I learned something too, thank you.
------------- 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: hogone
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2014 at 1:22pm
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thanks furpod. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: John & Barb
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 11:37am
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We were just leaving for our 2nd trip with our RPOD 171--brand new-- on Sun, July 27th, and a wheel started to come off after driving about 35 miles. We have a total of approx 600 miles on the pod. 2 of the studs were sheared off and the wheel is no good now. We were first told this would be covered under warranty, but then were denied. They told us on the phone it was denied because we hadn't tightened the lug nuts after 200 miles. NOWHERE in our manual does it say to tighten the lug nuts periodically, either on page 13 where it tells what the torque #s are, or on the maintenance schedule on page 42. I called the ofc of consumer affairs and was told to take Forest River to small claims court. Since the manual does not state when or how often to tighten the lug nuts, we would more than likely win. Anyway, since we were denied, my husband put the spare on and tightened the remaining 3 lug nuts and drove slowly to his friend's machine shop 3 miles from the dealer. When they took the studs out to replace them, they found they had not been properly pressed into the hub and came right out. Right now we're really glad we got the repair denied, because the dealer would have put them back on the way they were originally. We're using all new studs on both sides and buying new steel wheels and lugs. My husband used to build sailboats and drag raced in the past and has trailered all his life. NEVER has there ever been a problem with having to tighten lug nuts. When he asked the dealer why the trailer did not come with a lug wrench, the manager told him they didn't want the customer to do the tightening himself. He also told us we need to tighten them every 50 miles. Can you picture driving down a Hwy and looking for a garage every 50 miles to torque down your lug nuts???? Anyway, we've talked with many friends with other brands of trailers, and they DO NOT have this issue. They all say it's BS. I'm also contacted the state hwy patrol as advised by consumer affairs to file a negligence report. Hope you can get some satisfaction and enjoy your trailer without having to worry about killing yourself or someone else. Barbara Moore ------------- John & Barb |
Posted By: ReiMan1776
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 12:01pm
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WOW! I just picked up a new 178 from a San Diego dealer. NOT ONE WORD about re-torqueing the lug nuts. I am really upset as this is a critical safety issue and the dealer should be both aware and required to have the customer sign off that they undertand their responsibility. Someone could be injured or killed plus the property damage. Here is a link from the TireRack website with a good explanation: http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=107 "When installing new wheels you should re-torque the wheel lugs after driving the first 50 to 100 miles in case the clamping loads have changed following the initial installation. This is necessary due to the possibility of metal compression/elongation or thermal stresses affecting the wheels as they are breaking in, as well as to verify the accuracy of the original installation. When rechecking torque value, wait for the wheels to cool to ambient temperature (never torque a hot wheel). Loosen and retighten to value, in sequence. Simply repeat the same torque procedure listed above." I will be buying a good Torque wrench today and checking my wheels. ------------- Dan |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 12:10pm
Is there not a sticker, right on the side of the camper, with the instructions? I have to admit, many new buyer walk through events are pretty weak, but honestly, they can't cover everything. It would take days to get through each delivery. So read the manuals, such as they are, and pay attention to the stickers and warnings located about the pod.. I honestly just helped get someone through servicing the gaskets and seals, after 4 years of ownership, they finally noticed that sticker right by the door handle, that they should do it every 90 days.. ------------- |
Posted By: ReiMan1776
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 12:20pm
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This is not a minor issue and would take two minutes maximum to explain. Much more important than how the TV gets turned on, fan works, etc. I own a small power boat and the first thing I do with friends is let them know where the safety gear is, life preservers, etc. It just takes a few moments. Many people would have no clue about this. There is nothing more important than safety issues. I will be calling my dealer and writing Forrest River a letter. ------------- Dan |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 2:12pm
Welcome to the lost wheel club, it happened to me to. Check sticker over fender.
 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: John & Barb
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 4:56pm
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This is NOT the same sticker we have. Ours just says tighten before a trip, not stating how long a trip is--cross country/Alaska/LA??? all those are over the mileage we have on our rpod. ------------- John & Barb |
Posted By: svskier
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 5:18pm
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Doesn't hurt to just check before every trip. Just checked mine after a 300 mile run and two were loose.
Hate it when that happens ------------- Mark 09 silverado 2500 hd 2013 pod 178 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 5:20pm
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Cheap Insurance: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/ - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C5ZL0RU/ fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Patti'sPod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 5:21pm
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Welcome, Dan! Congrats on your new purchase! No one at the dealer warned me about it either, even during the walk-through. Have you noticed the stickers above the wheel wells, indicating the necessity of torquing the lugs? I didn't notice it and neither did the mechanics at the RV repair shop! Scary.. Aside from that 'flying wheel' matter, I absolutely love my R-Pod. Hope you always will, as well. Thanks for the link, and enjoy! ------------- Patti & Lilah (the dog-child) 2014 RP178 04 Dodge Dakota 4.7 V8 4WD |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 5:31pm
Ok you admit seeing a sticker that says "tighten before a trip". In your first post you said you were on your second trip when the wheel became loose. So you HAD tightened the lug nuts twice or not?  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 5:59pm
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Prior to our ordering our 171 I read every maintenance post here. A torque wrench was recommended by someone as well as torqueing them on a regular basis. I religiously torque the nuts to 100 ft/lbs and I also check the tire pressure on each tire on the Pod. One less thing to worry about is losing a wheel while traveling. The suggested torque wrench is a Mountain brand which I purchased from Amazon for about $50. Never had one before. Now I check them prior to each trip. As I recall, another posted a concern that the nuts were rusting on their Pod. Looked into that and replaced all the lug nuts with Gorilla brand. Hope that will remind others how important the maintenance of these Pods is. Another Podder lost a wheel bearing because the bearings were not repacked each travel season. He thought that an occasional grease on the zirk fittings was enough. Evidently, not so. Not a mechanic, and possibly others will have more and better input, but I don't want to deal with wheel and bearing problems, ever. 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: Patti'sPod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 6:02pm
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Wow...this story resembles mine almost to the 'T'! Only diff is ALL my studs were sheared off The RV shop stated they could not determine if anything was defective, nor if the lugs were too tight or not tight enough. One stud was found on the road with the lug nut still on. However, even after they torqued both wheels, by the time I arrived at my next destination 2 lugs on one wheel were loose again. None of my trailer-towing friends have heard of this dilemma either. I wonder of the stickers above the wheel-well would override the lack of warning in the manual. If an "authorized" RV repair shop found that defect in your lugs, then Forest River would have to cover the cost. According to the authorized dealer that had fixed mine, they get more $$ doing 'warranty covered' work than 'out of pocket' from the customer..because they would want 'everything' replaced (all studs, brake drum, etc). I guess he told me that in order to state he wold not hold back any evidence of defects or try to just gt me to pay NOW, instead of waiting for their reply (which took 4 business days, btw, before I had to call again) Thanks for your reply and what you've done! Wishing you SAFE & happy travels! :) ------------- Patti & Lilah (the dog-child) 2014 RP178 04 Dodge Dakota 4.7 V8 4WD |
Posted By: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 6:03pm
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Whoa! I've never packed the wheel bearings. Of course we just our pod this year, but I'm not even sure I know how to do that. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 6:22pm
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I know a lot of Podders pack their own. At my age I ain't doin that by myself. A rather dirty job. According to the wisdom here, you should repack them every 5-7K miles or to be on the safe side at the end of each travel season. I take mine to Camping World nearby. After checking with my delivering dealer who wanted me to make a couple of boat payments for him, Camping World did it for about $150. To me, cheap insurance. Don't want to lose a bearing, ever. 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: Bulldogpod
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 6:26pm
| Excellent advice, Camper Bob. We have a camping world near by, I will check into that service for us as well. We will probably go ahead and have them winterize it for us as well, check the seals and roof for leaks, etc. I hope I haven't missed any other important maintenance items. This forum is great for getting good advice from those more experienced with podding than I am. Thank you! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 7:29pm
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Your more than welcome. Remember we were all newbies at one time. This board is a godsend. Instead of learning it after the fact, so much easier to read what others have done. No need to reinvent the wheel each time. I have learned a great deal here and continue to learn. I was hesitant to winterize the first year, but read techntreks advice on how to do it, and now it's a piece of cake. Do draw the line at repacking the wheel bearings, however. 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: croak
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2014 at 4:54pm
| I agree with Bulldogpod, there is a lot of great advice on this site. I'm just looking into the purchase of a pod and never would have thought of some of the things I've read here. |