Forest River QC dropping a little?
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=6323
Printed Date: 27 Jun 2025 at 3:53pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Forest River QC dropping a little?
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Subject: Forest River QC dropping a little?
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 8:54am
|
To Forest River, an Observation - I just met a new 171 owner who lacked a door latch, and whose screen door was not adjusted right. I am extremely well satisfied with my 171 but if this signals a general QC problem, look out. Word of mouth is very important.
|
Replies:
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 11:59am
| I would be quesstioning why the dealer did not spot that on the pre-checkout. On my 171 I had some issues but the dealer and Forest River did step up to the plate and fix the issues. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 12:34pm
|
Ditto, that should have been dealt with by the dealership prior to the sale. If not then definitely dealt with during the walk through ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 3:30pm
|
Didn't have a door latch and nobody noticed?
------------- |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 4:31pm
|
Drat. I initially did a google search for 'latch' and captured the thing there - maybe more accurate to say 'door holder', the thing that keeps the door open. Thanks for helping me to use the right terminology.
|
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 5:55pm
|
We should make up something like this specific for an rPod. http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml - http://changingears.com/rv-checklist-inspection.shtml If I get time, I'll try to put together something we can all collaborate on. I have to say I had a great two hour walkthrough when I purchased my unit. Every system was tested and explained including winterize, manual slide-out, water heater, entry door-holder, etc. They offered to drive with me a bit to adjust the brake controller and even fixed a small ding in the wall covering from Television install. Since this was our first RV purchase, I just assumed this was normal. Now I know it must have been just cuz I got a hot wife!!  That should get me some points.I think some folks are just so excited about getting a new toy, they either don't pay attention or just want to take it home and play. So do you guys think they are using cheaper materials, or just being sloppy putting them together? They aren't that complicated, IMO, and many of the components are third party. 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 9:24pm
|
That is a really thorough list! It covers a really good range of items. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 28 May 2015 at 9:37pm
|
Such a file exists from Forest River, it's the PDI checklist that your dealer has to sign off on and send back to Forest River saying everything on it has been inspected. ------------- 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: 28 May 2015 at 9:58pm
|
fwunder - pic or the wife doesn't exist. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 10:44am
Doesn't get any hotter!   ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 7:03pm
Kymooses; old friend, buddy, pal...  Any chance we can see a copy of that? I think it could be a great resource for new buyers. We won't say where we got it. Thanks! 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 9:20pm
|
Something's fishy... ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 9:42pm
|
Somebody say fishing???? ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 9:49pm
|
Doug's baiting me. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 9:55pm
I can email to anyone who wants it, that's what I usually do. The file is too large for the uploads here. ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 29 May 2015 at 10:05pm
|
mailto:PodPassages@gmail.com -
PodPassages@gmail.com Thanks, kymooses!! ------------- 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: goombah
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 1:20pm
Hi kymooses. PM sent requesting the checklist!
|
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2015 at 1:57pm
Just back from camping, check that email. :) ------------- 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: 49er
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2015 at 10:25pm
| Just took delivery of new 179. Bolt in bathroom door doesn't even come close to lining up with cut out in the strike. Pointed it out to salesman who said they'd have to "adjust" it. At delivery we didn't verify they did (and they didn't) so now it's home and I'll take care of it. Never should have made it out of the factory like this. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2015 at 2:15pm
|
To truly give credit where it is due.......I would blame a lot of that on the dealership. They knew about it and did not fix it before it left their lot. I know from having bought 2 r-pods there are some tweaks the dealers need to do as they do a day or two on "delivery prep" to each pod before sale and they also cannibalize some of the pods that sit on the lots and "mean" to replace stuff later. I have gone to the dealership and left with co detectors, faucet parts, micro-wave instructions and other parts that so i did not have to wait for parts. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Plantguy
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2015 at 7:25pm
|
We just took our new 179 on it's first road trip. From Calistoga,CA to Boulder Co and back.some jssues:
The do or under the burners fell off. The panel above the popup window separated from its frame ( there were no pins in the installers pin gun.) Some of the 1/8" panels behind the cabinets and under the bed were not pinned. There is no boot around the metal frame of the popup where the popup rests against the outside wall when opened. QC...QC. POOR AT BEST. ------------- Life is too important to be taken seriously!i |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2015 at 10:10pm
|
I recently spoke with someone at FR who is in a position to know what he is talking about. I specifically asked about quality control and why so many seem to be not fully inspected before being sent off to the dealers, and properly completed. Which is another hit or miss situation. His answer was, a few years ago the rate of Pods coming off the line each day were about 8. With the phenomenal success of the Rpods, the production rate has been increased to over 20 a day. Many come off the line "green" meaning they still have some production deficits that have to be addressed. They are parked out in the parking lot, and inspectors try to catch all of the needed repairs before they are sent to the dealers. Obviously, many of the Pods are not fully completed before shipping. Some dealers do and some don't fully check out the Rpod before delivery. They are being swamped with their own success. I'm sure they are fully aware of our concerns and are doing all they can to improve the final delivered product. The entire industry is struggling with this and other supply problems of raw material. The shipping strike was devastating to the entire RV industry whereby many items are purchased from overseas suppliers. A unit would be partially completed and parked outside awaiting other material to be installed. Meanwhile, the dealers are screaming for product. Catch 22. Do they slow production to await all items before shipping or wait for completion and have the dealers screaming for product? We are all buying too many RV's for current production runs. What to do?
------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2015 at 10:55pm
|
This is a good problem for FR, or should be! I've been there before myself. Remember the tech boom of the nineties? You hire fast. You train fast. You never loose sight of customer service...and always remember your customers are your best salesforce!
I was lucky, I guess. I got a good pod. 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: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 1:49am
|
I'm still trying to figure out what's Podgahzi!? ------------- 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: fwunder
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 2:01am
Sorry Bob. That was uneccesary political satire that really didn't belong here. I edited the post. My apologies. ------------- 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: Plantguy
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 1:31pm
|
Did they mention that they will stand behind their product and make the necessary fixes to the pods already on the road? Thanks for the comment BTW. ------------- Life is too important to be taken seriously!i |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 2:02pm
|
I don't believe that their warranty has changed at all. If you have a problem and it is in warranty, they will fix it. That has not changed. ------------- 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: SiberD
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2015 at 6:44pm
|
So far we've only had a couple of minor issues. One being the door latch plate was installed upside down not allowing the lock to work and the dvd player cables weren't hooked up to the plug in plate on the wall. Fixed both myself. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2015 at 7:05pm
|
We are on our second pod, between the two pods there were a couple minor issues. One call, to our dealership's warranty person and some pictures and all our complaints were dealt with by our dealership. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |