One Month In
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7297
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Topic: One Month In
Posted By: aktraveler
Subject: One Month In
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2015 at 10:10pm
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We purchased a 2016 179 a month ago and have been on the road with it since then. I don't think we are very picky people but at this point we are pretty disappointed in the quality.
1. Why wasn't the tv put on a swivel arm? You can't see anything when laying in bed. 2. The mattress is extremely poor quality. Absolutely no support and it's already caved in on both sides (and we are average sized people). 3. The "wood" piece under the fridge is junk and pulled out a bit the first time we opened the tilt-out. 4. The black water hose just split after using it about 5 times. 5. The sink in the bathroom is almost useless....the faucet is so close to the edge of the very small basin so water goes everywhere if you use it for anything more than just running water. 6. The cushions on the couch don't stay on. The little bit of Velcro they put under them isn't nearly enough. 7. The air conditioner is very loud. In general, everything seems to have been made as cheaply as possible. We were very excited to get this trailer but will sell it as soon as our trip is over. Won't be buying another one! |
Replies:
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2015 at 10:57pm
| well said! |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2015 at 11:15pm
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It is still under warranty. When you get back after your trip, take it to your dealer with ALL things written down and have them fix everything. #'s 3,4, your rv place will fix. #1 when you bought it should have seen that problem, #2 did you lie down on the mattress before you bought it. We've all replaced the mattress or added foam to it. #5 design fault there for sure.#6 our 2012 didn't even come with Velcro, dealer might add more but not a hard one to fix yourself. #7 small trailer and it is loud. 99% of your experience is going to be with your rv place, I hope yours is a good one. Good luck. ------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |
Posted By: aktraveler
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 6:47am
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Thanks for your reply Ron. We wil definitely get everything fixed before we sell it. You are right, we probably should have noticed #1 but honestly never even thought to look at it. We did try the bed out and we both actually thought it was quite comfortable. I would say it only took a couple of weeks before it started to cave in.
I guess the point of my post was that in general they took shortcuts, used cheap quality items and didn't even consider the end user. Lesson learned. 
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 7:09am
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#1 ...that's about a $15 fix #2 ...mattess comfort is extremely subjective...it's a starter mattess #3 ...got any glue? #4 ...the sewer drain hose doesn't have anything to do with the camper quality #5 ...the bathroom sink is, what it is. #6 ...not a bad idea to keep some velcro on hand, any how... #7 ...having ac out in the middle of nowheresville in 100+ is a blessing, no matter what is sounds like ...it's a camper. If this list of issues is disheartening then sell, sell, sell. It's bound to get much worse! Good luck Sir/Ma'am!------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 7:47am
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Unless you are buying an Airstream, it's not much different than purchasing a new home. The builders use "contractor grade" equipment and fittings that you end up changing anyway (Formica counter-tops, vinyl floors, chrome plated plastic faucets, Roper or other generic brand washer/dryer, etc.).
I have since replaced the issues that really bug me, and try to use the noisy AC as little as possible. You will need to spend some additional $ to make it comfortable for you. |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 9:07am
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Unless you're spending hundreds of thousands and custom building an RV where you supervise every material and choice that goes into it, you will experience similar issues across any RV brand or manufacturer. It's just the nature of the beast. One thing on number 3 if your slide is extending too far and damaging that wood piece it is possible the slide stop has come loose, been pushed too far, or has perhaps even come off. ------------- 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: ronahue
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 10:50am
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#3 we had a similar problem it is most likely the electrical cable to the slide and appliances getting caught on the kick board behind the piece of trim under the fridge. This would force the trim board out when the slide was open. I removed the trim and adjusted the wire ties several times until I got it just right then replaced the trim. Since then no problem.
------------- Ron & Sharon 2015 R-Pod 179 2022 Nissan Frontier No trees were harmed in the sending of this message but a billion electrons were really agitated |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 12:16pm
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Sorry to hear of your troubles, but as mentioned, this is common on all RV brands. There are some things you can do to make the A/C quieter. ------------- 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: furpod
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 1:49pm
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The pod is, by design, small, light, inexpensive. You don't get Fort Knox on wheels with that.
------------- |
Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 2:35pm
| Check the slide stop. Mine jammed between the slide and the wood paneling, causing it to deform. Unfortunately, my pod wasn't under warranty. |
Posted By: codycountry
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2015 at 10:48pm
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1. I can't help you much on this one. Perhaps you should find other activities when in bed, and watch TV from a different location. 2. Some folks buy aftermarket mattresses. We have a memory foam topper on ours, and now our Rpod bed is the most comfortable bed we own. Seriously. Better than our high dollar pillow tops in our home. 4.
I do not believe Forest River makes black water hoses, but I will be on the lookout for that problem. Our 2013 177 is still not showing those signs. 5. Yep, we use our sink to store shampoo and soap, or tooth brushes. Sometimes I just like to wash my hands there or turn it on just to watch the water run. 6. Strange. Why do your couch cushions move? Perhaps you are not as much "average sized" as you think you are. Ours stay put without any Velcro. That would be annoying so I guess you just need lots more velcro. 7. What I hate about the air conditioner is when it is hot inside and it's NOT making any noise. Which means we are camped with no electricity and it's HOT inside the Rpod. I love the sound and feel of cold air coming into a hot camper. Don't worry, be happy. Sell it and find something that makes you Happy, if that is possible. Merry Christmas one and all!
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Posted By: Grandpa Hiker
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 6:22am
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I agree with codycountry. Sell it and find something that makes you happy. Life is way to short to not be happy. ------------- Rob & Becky 2014 Ford Explorer 3.5 SOHC V6 2015 R-179 Pod aka Piddle Pod "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain!!" |
Posted By: aktraveler
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 3:21pm
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Very interesting, funny and sarcastic (I can take it) replies. We owned another older camper and the quality was far superior but I guess when you go with lightweight you sacrifice.
I wasn't suggesting Forest River made the hoses, just that they included a cheap one. We are indeed average sized people and from what I've read others have had similar problems with the cushions. Oh, and Codycountry.....don't need any suggestions on what else to do in bed. Some of us like to watch tv in bed as a means of resting after other activities. 😉 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 3:45pm
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Ha! Good one!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 7:58pm
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Accessories like the battery, water and sewer hoses are supplied by the dealer. ------------- 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: Jpntime
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 10:09pm
The rpod is like a jeep some people love them for what the are and others can't stand them I love them ------------- Love to camp 2014 171 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2015 at 10:21pm
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The rpod is like a turducken. Not sure why, but I just cooked my first one (turducken, not rpod) and I really liked it. I like my rpod too. Merry Christmas everyone! 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: 24 Dec 2015 at 1:12pm
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Pods can be rather chewy if they are overcooked. ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2015 at 1:32pm
Maybe barbecue them ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 24 Dec 2015 at 4:17pm
My experience to own a camper you need to be handy in making repairs. Because they are not repaired when they leave the factory.  ------------- 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: Gavin
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2016 at 9:55pm
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Op,
You got a lemon too but remember a clunker is a clunker no matter how crappy the factory can churn them out, but you appear to be logical, you can see past the love affair of rpods here and see the junk which forest river passed off on you. Don't expect some clowns around here to say they took a beating on their rpods too.... Its kinda like dealing with folks who are in too deep and revert to denial. |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 11:35am
Or perhaps most of us have had much better experiences with our pods. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 12:08pm
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Yup, most here just haven't had a long list of issues, especially 2009-2014. Believe me we don't sugar coat things here. When the first big thread appeared here on issues with the more recent pods, I was asked (politely) if I would take it down. Our policy here since day 1 has been "no censorship", so I said no. I have also made my own long posts about the recent quality control issues. They have a QC feedback loop problem and need to fix it. ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 1:43pm
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A lot has to do with doing a thorough walk through before you take possession of it. Both our pod purchase inspections took hours and our dealership through Forrest River has fixed every complaint we have had, with no problems. If you let " Forrest River or your Dealership" dump a piece of crap on you" seems to me that is your own fault! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2016 at 2:13pm
I don't see much of a lemon in the OP's complaints. Maybe the piece of wood under the refrigerator (but I'm not sure what that's about. Sounds like something under there that needs to be moved or removed.) All of the other complaints are pretty much dealer issues that have nothing to do with the R-Pod, although they don't help its reputation, or they are cosmetic. The sewer hose is a dealer issue. If the dealer were smart, he'd supply a decent hose, but he gives you something that will work, maybe, until you can get to Walmart and get a real one. Does that make the Pod a lemon? The TV bracket may or may not be the dealer, I don't know, but it's something you see during your walk through and regardless of whether it does what you want it's probably not going to be a make or break issue in your decision to buy the Pod. If you don't like it, replace it with something you do like. Again, not a "lemon" factor. The mattress and cushions could certainly be better. I don't know about cushions sliding around. Mine don't do that. We got a memory foam topper for our mattresses and could hardly be happier. Neither of these are lemon issues, in my opinion. The bathroom sink was, best I can tell, (I don't have one), not a great idea in concept or reality. Again, though, it is what it is and unless it's hanging down held only by a PEX tube or two, it's not a lemon issue. The air conditioners is loud. So is the furnace. Sounds like the OP hasn't tried that yet... I would think Forest River could have come up with better choices or better engineering for those, but if they work, they aren't lemon issues. Lemon issues, to me, are leaky windows, a bad hitch, stabilizers that fall off due to bad welds, hot water plumbed to the cold water faucet, light switches that don't work, etc. Bad parts or bad workmanship. I didn't see any of those kind of things in the OP's list (except maybe the wood under the sink.) I forget what else the OP complained about.... He has a right to be unhappy, and as others have suggested, he's probably right to sell. I suspect he'll lose money, which is a shame. I'll bet a person could spend 3 times as much for a small, light camper trailer and still find as many things to complain about. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2016 at 9:46am
LOL.. what drivel. We took a beating on our Airstream. The pod has been great, just finished the 5th season with it yesterday. Have pods had problems? YES. has mine? Nothing to give me heartburn about. @ $12.6k, or, the very bottom end price wise for TT's in the 17 foot range, I neither expected, nor was concerned about, the lack of "Airstream Quality"... TT's are what they are, if they are not for you, walk away, be happy. BTW, the idea of a "lemon" is an item that CAN'T be fixed. Not an item with a repairable issue. Almost nothing that could go wrong with a pod can't be fixed. Look up how lemon laws actually work sometime. I have seen a couple Honda's bought back on lemon laws, happens. ------------- |