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2016 - 180 Issues

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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=8619
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 7:30am
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Topic: 2016 - 180 Issues
Posted By: par49
Subject: 2016 - 180 Issues
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 4:02pm
I'm reading a lot about issues on the Rpods.  I pick up my 2016 180 next week.  While all the issues are not for that model, most parts are probably the same. Here is what I have gathered so far: sagging roof with standing water; loose water connections in the bathroom; non-working converter; bad seaming on the outside where the skin doesn't meet; loose screws on the outside after a short amount of time; broken faucet handles; star cracks where screws maybe pushing through; leaking windows; blackwater value installed incorrectly; malfunctioning propane and gas detector.  Anything else?  

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par



Replies:
Posted By: BuckeyePod
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 6:08pm
The sky is also falling...

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Chris & Mandy
2017 R-Pod 179
2011 Chevy 2500 HD


Posted By: par49
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 6:37pm
Sometimes the sky does fall, Chris.  I just don't want to make a economic mistake that leaves me stranded in the middle of no where.  Hopefully, none of this happens to you.  Sky back in place....

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par


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2016 at 7:47pm
Remember that for every problem you read about on a forum like this, there are dozens of owners with no problems.  You get a much higher percentage of negatives vs. positives.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


Posted By: DaveGamble
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 2:21pm
I have a 2016 180 and have had none of those problems.

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Dave Gamble
Grove City, OH
http://TripsAndTravails.com/


Posted By: DaveGamble
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 2:22pm
Originally posted by SerendiPODy

The sky is also falling...
Hey, you're practically a neighbor!

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Dave Gamble
Grove City, OH
http://TripsAndTravails.com/


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 3:11pm
THOUSANDS and THOUSANDS of RV's are produced with the same parts. MOST owners never have an issue, and don't come looking for some place to point out how perfect their camper is.. they go camping.

If you go sit outside the Mercedes Benz Service bay for a couple days, you will be sure all MB's are junk. Because the only ones you see are broken. All the ones that aren't.. aren't there. Same here, many owners find themselves here when they have a problem. +20K Pods out there. Going to be a few issues.

If that doesn't make sense to you, or you are still worried, then cancel the order. We would much rather you be happy in something else, then to be unhappy in a pod.


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Posted By: les olvera
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 7:33pm
Wow.... If you heard about that many problems why buy the RV, because now you"ll always be looking  for the problems.  My R-pod is a 2013 (171) and never had a problem other than the normal wear and tear which regular maintenance can take care of.  

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Les


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 8:28pm
Originally posted by furpod


If you go sit outside the Mercedes Benz Service bay for a couple days, you will be sure all MB's are junk. 

I thought they were?  Tongue


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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual


Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 8:43pm
well here it goes.  i have a 2013 rp177 and it has been a piece of .................well built material and parts.  oops, i just ate a piece of PACKER cheese too but that had nothing to do with my first responseApprove  hogone

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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD


Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 23 Aug 2016 at 9:38pm
I had my first problem last season when an o-ring failed on one of the water connections on the water heater after thousands of miles travel.  I considered a class action law suit but not for long.  

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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150


Posted By: par49
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2016 at 9:50am
Thanks for the input, everyone.  I think I have enough information to make an informed decision.  Happy podding!

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par


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2016 at 7:23pm
Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

I had my first problem last season when an o-ring failed on one of the water connections on the water heater after thousands of miles travel.  I considered a class action law suit but not for long.  


You are honestly, the first owner, across the 4 brands I follow, to report such a failure. Now I have to go ask some questions and see how big the class might be.. LOL


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Posted By: Wevitt
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2016 at 9:32pm
Here is my 2 cents, bad news travels fast and gets repeated, good news doesn't. ZERO issues with my 2016 179

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2016 Chevy Silverado 4X4
2016 RP179


Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2016 at 10:12pm
Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

I had my first problem last season when an o-ring failed on one of the water connections on the water heater after thousands of miles travel.  I considered a class action law suit but not for long.  


You are honestly, the first owner, across the 4 brands I follow, to report such a failure. Now I have to go ask some questions and see how big the class might be.. LOL


Apparently there is a new legal standard.  Listening to a surrogate speaker for one of our current crop of presidential candidates when informed that his assertion of criminal activity had not been proven said all we have to do is think of what may have happened.  There are thousands of those o rings out there...


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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150


Posted By: par49
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 8:19am
Where is the O ring located?  A seal for what? 



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par


Posted By: par49
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 8:20am
Never mind, I re-read the post...water heater.  Thanks.

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par


Posted By: JScottHouse
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 1:33pm
I have had my RP-180 since May ... No problems at all.  I was concerned the dealer had not charged the water system and tested it.  However, when I filled it with water .... No problems.  I have not had to repair anything.  Exellent camper!



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2016 RP-180
2013 Ford Explorer 4WD


Posted By: NutPod
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2016 at 8:29pm
Our 2017 R Pod 180 is great, no problems that I see and have had it out a few times already and two days in a terrible rain storm. Very Very happy so far.Big smile


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Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2016 at 10:21pm

I just purchased a 2016 R-pod 180 and I have so many problems I'm sick of it.

- delamination
- drivers side wall cut to short therefore the rear corner rail trim does not cover
- screws holding the slide-out to the wall are twisted off
- the flooring has two hole punctures below the dinette table
- one of the three cabinet handles is ¾ inch lower than the other two

- Interior trim falling off everywhere

- The black water tank flush is plugged…does not work

- Keyed door latch on the front storage broke

- Power convertor failed and was replaced

- O2 sensor failed and was replaced

- noticed the mattress was torn when removing the plastic

- Two of the cabinet doors came off one of there hinges

I could continue the list of problems. Two of these problems are major, and 95% of owners would not have noticed them; the delam & drivers side wall was cut to short for the corner trim to cover. They tried to cover the defect with caulk, but when there is nothing to support the caulk a big ass crack shows up. This camper is scheduled to go back to Forest River for repair. They tell me the drivers side wall needs replaced. That driver’s side wall houses the slide and all utilities so I can see a domino effect of future problems after the warranty has expired! I hope they prove me wrong…..



Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 7:46am
rbedford,

Over the years, I have known of several pods that have been back to the factory for major repairs. NONE of them have had a repeated issue. Many of them had at least a sidewall or roof removed. If your pod is going back to the Goshen plant, I will tell you I know the warranty repair guy personally, and his work is top notch.

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Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 10:24am

@ furpod – First, thank you for your comment. My pod is going to the Goshen plant for the repairs and you have given me a bit of confidence regarding his work. I will post an update after the work has been completed.

Sounds like the warranty repair guy should be in charge of manufacturing. If these units were assembled properly using quality controlled parts and then rigorously inspected for defects, functionality, and cosmetic appearance, many of these problems would never exist.



Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2016 at 12:09pm
Originally posted by rdbedford

Sounds like the warranty repair guy should be in charge of manufacturing. If these units were assembled properly using quality controlled parts and then rigorously inspected for defects, functionality, and cosmetic appearance, many of these problems would never exist.



While true.. it also means they would cost twice as much. Pods ARE a price point driven, and starter RV, just a pure fact of the business. They are the least expensive, fully equipped TT in their class. So.. Just like everything else in life, you don't get Mercedes quality for Volkswagen $$$.


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Posted By: Funky
Date Posted: 29 Nov 2016 at 11:09pm
Interesting point. However, even a Volkswagen owner does not need to worry about things like the car's roof seam becoming separated, the radiator or A/C hoses/plumbing breaking loose, gas tank filler line being plugged up, door locks breaking, ripped seat covers, or glove box door coming off of it's hinges on their brand new VW. As yet another Rpod customer who is dealing with warranty issues on a brand new 2017 180, I'd say the issue is one of general quality and reliability. And while Forrest River covers defects under warranty, they don't cover the cost of their customers' time (or headaches) to deal with the initial poor quality. We like using our Rpod. We like the layout of our Rpod. And, we like the ease at which we can tow our Rpod. We just didn't anticipate the warranty headaches.

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Funky
2017 R pod 180


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 8:20am
Originally posted by Funky

Interesting point. However, even a Volkswagen owner does not need to worry about things like the car's roof seam becoming separated, the radiator or A/C hoses/plumbing breaking loose, gas tank filler line being plugged up, door locks breaking, ripped seat covers, or glove box door coming off of it's hinges on their brand new VW. As yet another Rpod customer who is dealing with warranty issues on a brand new 2017 180, I'd say the issue is one of general quality and reliability. And while Forrest River covers defects under warranty, they don't cover the cost of their customers' time (or headaches) to deal with the initial poor quality. We like using our Rpod. We like the layout of our Rpod. And, we like the ease at which we can tow our Rpod. We just didn't anticipate the warranty headaches.


Far and away, most owners of Pods deal with none of these issues. We see more, (per capita) here, because people with issues come looking for help/info. All the no problems owners are camping..  Wink

My advice to you is to sell/trade now, move up to a Camplite, Lance, Airstream. Your pod will never be worth more then it is now.


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Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 9:23am

@ furpod – Your comments are always pro Forest River and their products. It appears that you may be employed by Forest River to monitor this forum to trivialize any complaints posted by owners like myself. It now makes since how you know the warranty repair guy personally. It is not trivial to purchase a brand new R-pod180 that needs to be returned to the factory for warranty repairs. And, then to suggest that folks who post their complaints on this forum are just “people with issues” is brain damaged thinking!



Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 9:50am
Furpod has given fantastic advice on how to handle diy repairs and how to get in touch with FR. Please do not get personal on this issue. Saying that I realize anyone with "issues" will be very touchy on repair issues. And yes I had a couple of issues (door lock, spider cracks on exterior wall.) Both issues handled VERY well by FR and my rv dealership.   Your rv dealership is the one who will make or break your rpod experience. Any rv dealer who doesn't show/know how the hw heats or show how to switch the hw tank from summer to winter etc... Should not be selling tt. And if you buy from them... you should expect NO help on warranty issues.    THANKYOU again furpod and all for the advice you have given to me and all.

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Ron & Shirley
2020 Tacoma
2012 177 rpod


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 11:14am
Originally posted by rdbedford

@ furpod – Your comments are always pro Forest River and their products. It appears that you may be employed by Forest River to monitor this forum to trivialize any complaints posted by owners like myself. It now makes since how you know the warranty repair guy personally. It is not trivial to purchase a brand new R-pod180 that needs to be returned to the factory for warranty repairs. And, then to suggest that folks who post their complaints on this forum are just “people with issues” is brain damaged thinking!



LOL.. I am, by far, not a FR employee or shill. By Far. In fact, this VERY Saturday, we will by buying another TT, not FR.

I hate it as much as you do that these things happen, but I am also a person who can view the world without rose colored glasses and not get upset.

It's a FACT that many of the members here, got here, because of questions or problems. It's a FACT that there are over 23 THOUSAND R-Pods on the road, and very few have actual problems. Some do, and sometimes they ARE bad. Things made by man are not perfect.

I know the warranty repair guy personally because we have been to 4 of the 5 annual  Forest River International Rallies, held near the Goshen plant, and during those rallies, FR Provided warranty repair on all units there, regardless of age. If you rolled in there, and this literally happened this year, with a 2010 R-Pod, with a bad hub, FR techs, from the R-Pod/Surveyor plant changed that axle in place, for free. Because it was an item that "would have been covered under warranty". As a mechanical guy myself.. we (Jimmy and I) hit it off when I gave him a hand with something heavy and messy several years ago.

I don't for a moment have a problem with people posting issues, I don't like it when they moan and do nothing, but moan some more.. often the stuff posted is trivial, and/or can be fixed with the turn of a screw driver.. but not everybody sees the world that way.. I get it. Don't understand it, but get it.

I am pretty sure I didn't trivialize your issues, only stated what I have observed over the last 5 years here, and in the pod world. We have been to DOZENS of pod rallies, I know HUNDREDS if not thousands of podders, and have a fair understanding of what problems are out there.

If I remember right, up in the corner by my name, you can select a pull down and block or ignore me. Feel free to do so, if you think my input and time here helping people is invalid.




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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 11:28am
Originally posted by Funky

Interesting point. However, even a Volkswagen owner does not need to worry about things like the car's roof seam becoming separated, the radiator or A/C hoses/plumbing breaking loose, gas tank filler line being plugged up, door locks breaking, ripped seat covers, or glove box door coming off of it's hinges on their brand new VW. As yet another Rpod customer who is dealing with warranty issues on a brand new 2017 180, I'd say the issue is one of general quality and reliability. And while Forrest River covers defects under warranty, they don't cover the cost of their customers' time (or headaches) to deal with the initial poor quality. We like using our Rpod. We like the layout of our Rpod. And, we like the ease at which we can tow our Rpod. We just didn't anticipate the warranty headaches.


Actually, as a VW owner.. our GTi has had several recalls and a couple issues over the years, as have all car manufacturers.

One other thing I have not posted for a while.. a bit of "wisdom", though for many, by the time they get here and stumble upon it, it's to late..

"It's better to have a good DEALER, then a good POD, one can be fixed"

A huge number of issues, whether it be something broken, missing, or unexplained, with R-Pods, falls back to the dealer and his/hers PDI and delivery/pickup. We have owners who get, "here are the keys, thanks for buying", to owners who get 3 hour walk throughs, with every single item on the PDI checklist shown, and explained. It makes a difference.


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Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 2:11pm

The difference between me and you is that I hold the manufacture to a much higher standard than the RV Dealer. The RV dealer is not sh*t as far as I’m concerned and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. Their only purpose is to F**K you out of your money when they sell it, and then again when they repair it!



Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 5:36pm
Originally posted by rdbedford

The difference between me and you is that I hold the manufacture to a much higher standard than the RV Dealer. The RV dealer is not sh*t as far as I’m concerned and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. Their only purpose is to F**K you out of your money when they sell it, and then again when they repair it!



And that grasshopper, is where you are wrong. I do care, and I too think it should be better, but I live in the real world. Have a new house built sometime.. TT issues are pretty minor, in comparison, and we had the top builder in the state build ours. I had 3 pages of issues after the first week in our house.


All the hand wringing in the world won't change the truth of how RV dealers and manufacturers operate. JUST like a car dealer, when new units come in, and before they go out to the new owners, a PDI checklist is supposed to be done, completed and the new owner shown how all the buttons work etc.

If it isn't.. well.. we all know how that can work out.


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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Nov 2016 at 6:19pm
+1   Well said

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171


Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 11:54am

Well, many Home builders are just like RV Manufactures and Dealers…rating and words mean little. I guess the builder forgot the PDI checklist before cashing your check, but I’m sure he provided some great excuses to pacify you! I designed and built the 3000+ square foot brick home that we live in now, and did 95% of the work; framing, roofing, hardwood, tile, drywall, HVAC, trim, paint, brick, electrical, plumbing, door & windows, and kitchen cabinets. None of this has given me the grief that this 2016 R-pod has.

I retired from a fortune 500 Company after 40 years of designing, installing, programming, and troubleshooting complex control systems for multi-million dollar machines. So, it’s not my first rodeo, I have had my share of complex problems to deal with, but solving with excuses was never an option for me. I guess I’m not geared for sales.



Posted By: birderdiane526
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 5:26pm
We bought a gently used 2016 179 and couldn't be happier! No problems! We full-time and she is super!

Let's move on as the tone of this thread is nearing hysteria!  😜




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Diane and Michael
2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE)
2007 Toyota Tundra
BLOG:Podding in Paradise,
birderdiane526.blogspot.com


Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 5:47pm
Originally posted by rdbedford

Well, many Home builders are just like RV Manufactures and Dealers…rating and words mean little. I guess the builder forgot the PDI checklist before cashing your check, but I’m sure he provided some great excuses to pacify you! I designed and built the 3000+ square foot brick home that we live in now, and did 95% of the work; framing, roofing, hardwood, tile, drywall, HVAC, trim, paint, brick, electrical, plumbing, door & windows, and kitchen cabinets. None of this has given me the grief that this 2016 R-pod has.


You should not expect an Airstream at the price point of your R-Pod. Given the above statement, it sounds like you would not have been happy even in one of them. You already have building experience. Why not build your own so you can be happy with it as well? If you just want to complain and attack those who wish to help, it is your choice. If you want to try to solve some of the issues you have, then this forum can give you the information which you can use to do so.

My 2016 R-Pod isn't perfect. It has been to the dealer for warranty work more than once since we purchased it last December. I will be taking it there again in a couple of weeks to get the strip that covers the screw heads replaced as it is cracking. That will be the end of the warranty work as I did not get the extended warranty. I have made a number of modifications to address shortcomings in design and construction that make ouR escaPOD much better. I did not complain here. I just got my tools out and figured out how I could make our 'Pod better. This forum has been a great resource.


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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: Neserk
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 11:12pm
Originally posted by StephenH

  That will be the end of the warranty work as I did not get the extended warranty.


Would you recommend (from your personal experience) getting the extended warranty?   I ask as I'm not terribly handy with power tools.




Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 01 Dec 2016 at 11:19pm
If you are in the initial period and can get the Forest River extended warranty, yes. Purchasing a dealer add-on warranty, no. Forest River only charges $99.00. The dealer's warranty is much more from what others have said. My thought is that any really significant issue should show up in the first year. In any case, some of the modifications I have made, such as the window I put in the door, void parts of the warranty anyway, so I would not be able to count on Forest River covering those items anyway. Most of the issues I have had have been relatively minor. I have taken care of a number of small fit and finish issues myself as it would have been more trouble than it would have been worth to tow the R-Pod to our dealer's location over 2 hours away. It was faster and cheaper (given gas and other costs) to fix them myself.

I was not terribly handy with tools either at one time. However, by doing things, you gain experience and confidence. Don't start with something big. Start with something small and easy. It will feel good to look at it and know that you did it yourself.


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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: rdbedford
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2016 at 2:17am

@ StephenH – I recommend that you read all of my threads before you make a judgment about me. The comment that you are referring to was a rebuttal to someone making judgments about me that was unfounded and I did not appreciate. This forums only purpose for me is to make folks aware of the problems that I have had with my 2016 R-pod180. I don’t need this forum for advice or help because really there is nothing complex about these campers. I do my own repair work regardless of the warranty unless the repair is expensive or it’s a major problem.

For example:

I recently purchased a brand new 2016 Ford F-150 with tow package only to find that Ford had re-designed the TT battery charge circuit so that it’s basically non-functional. I complained to Ford to make them aware of the problem, and then I rewired the circuit to make it functional. I then created a video of the problem and my fix for You Tube to help others.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNwC3S3wMi8

Your Airstream analogy would be correct if I was complaining about the R-pod’s creature comforts or that it’s not luxurious enough, but that’s not my complaint. 

 A few of my R-pod problems:

-          major delam on the exterior ( the complete wall has to be replaced)

-          the drivers side wall cut to short exposing a large crack that the corner rail does not cover

-          2 holes in the floor under the table

-          screws that attach the slide-out are twisted off

-          Power convertor failed (fixed)

-          O2 sensor failed (I fixed)

-          Trim falling off everywhere (I fixed)

-          black water flush system does not work, (probably the check valve is installed backwards)

-          One of the three dinette cabinets door handles installed 1 inch lower than the other two   

-          Mirror just taped to the wall fell and busted (I fixed)



Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2016 at 10:01am
I had read the threads. I am not arguing that you do not have legitimate issues. Forest River can and will take care of these. However, when you come in and start using language (even with letters blanked out with asterisks) that is not family friendly and accuse Forest River of only trying to rip off the people purchasing these trailers, what am I to think? Give Forest River a chance to make it right. The Airstream analogy is appropriate if one thinks that paying thousands more for a camping trailer will ensure that it does not have any quality problems. I am sure that Forest River could go over these with a fine-tooth comb as they come off the assembly line and find these problems. However, I would not like to pay double what I did for our trailer in order for it to be "perfect."

Furpod said essentially the same thing. If you have not alienated your dealer, he/she should be assisting you in getting these issues resolved. My dealer has been great at getting the issues I have had with my R-Pod fixed. I could wish that there were no issues, but there were. They were not as serious as the ones you have had with your 180. Some of the issues you have should have been found by the dealer and you should not have been sold that particular 180 unless all issues had been resolved prior to you taking delivery.

Many years ago, I worked for Uniflite building cabin cruisers. I did fiberglass work, carpeting, wallpapering, and wood finishing. My work had to pass a QC inspection before the boat could be delivered to its new owner. It was not fun to have to go back in and grind off fiberglass that had slipped or otherwise not stuck properly and re-do it, but it had to be done. I will agree with you that Forest River should do a better job of QC before shipping these pods. Right now, it seems like there is s cursory QC and then the dealer is the final QC before the 'pod is delivered to the customer. If the dealer does not do the PDI and if the dealer fails to take the time to go through the R-Pod with the customer, that is, unfortunately, not Forest River's fault. As has been pointed out in this forum, the dealers are not owned by Forest River. Each one is independent. That is why the "bargain" price on an R-Pod is not always the least expensive option if the "bargain" means that the dealer basically abandons the purchaser after the R-Pod is delivered.

Issues I have had that I fixed myself:
- Panel under refrigerator fell off. Only held on by 3 screws into aluminum frame. Reattached with anchors. I will probably put a hinge on it eventually.

- Trim under dinette seat fell off at one end. I reattached.

- rubber seal (rounded, not flat) along side of slide-out falling out. I repaired.

- kitchen cabinet drawer slide attached so as to make the drawer not square with the cabinet. I fixed.

- loose plumbing on kitchen sink drain which ruined two cookbooks. I tightened and found other plumbing connections loose also which I also fixed. This also includes the black water line vacuum break/check valve which was leaking while being used.

- outside shower fittings with supply lines brought up and bent to attach. Reattached with elbows to keep lines from kinking

- Tank support crossmembers not adequately attached to the frame. I drilled and used bolts to ensure that I would never have the problem of a tank falling off while going down the road. This was after a trip to the dealer where the screws were just tightened and one added when the mechanic stripped one of them. That is when I decided to use bolts and do it myself.

- replace sealant around kitchen window where the RTV sealant had gaps and showed evidence of peeling loose, likely due to inadequate surface preparation. Also tightened screws which were loose.

- remove and replace sealant around spoiler. Removed to check that wires were adequately sealed and found that the sealant had failed in some areas and that the screws themselves had not been sealed. The wires turned out to have been sealed well.

- replace porch light fixture (needed because I messed up the first one trying to replace the incandescent bulb with the wrong type of LED bulb) Discovered that the installer had stripped a screw and just drilled a third hole and used a third screw.

- sealed outside outlet where the anchors were not holding anything and the outlet was loose.

- Other modifications that address shortcomings of R-Pod design and/or implementation as detailed in my mods.

Items repaired by the dealer under warranty by Forest River:

- replace refrigerator burner components (I am not sure which ones) burned when the flame was blocked by a wasp nest and was not discovered prior to delivery. This was discovered when we tried to use the gas part a week after delivery in December when wasps were not active.

- replace kitchen drawer slide which was missing the cap to keep the ball bearings from falling out. This likely happened when the dealer adjusted the drawer at delivery.

- replace fender near the door which was scratched by someone opening the door too far. I called Forest River and suggested they add a bumper. The newest R-Pod 179s (and 180s also I would think) now have a bumper to protect the fender. The hinge removed the need for a catch to keep the door open, but did not prevent the door from being opened wide enough to hit the fender.

- tighten all tank support crossmembers (see above).

- seal around water heater opening where a gap was allowing water to drain behind the outside wall when water heater anode rod was removed.

- replace convection-microwave

- to be done soon: replace strip covering screw heads in corner rail.

My RP-179 is not perfect, but I am satisfied that I got a camping trailer at a price I could afford. I had originally wanted to get something like a Scamp or Casita, but after I got scammed on what I thought was a deal to purchase a used one, I am very happy I found the R-Pod. It is something I can tow with our Ford Escape which would not be able to tow one like a Lance or even the copycat model from Winnebago (weighs more than our 179). When we can afford to upgrade tow vehicles, I would like to upgrade to a 4-season capable camping trailer. Until then, I am quite satisfied with ouR escaPOD.

I hope that Forest River repairs your 180 and that you will be satisfied with it.


-------------
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS


Posted By: FireMechanic
Date Posted: 11 Dec 2016 at 2:23am
Hey folks,
I just grabbed a 2017.5 RP180 loaded with awning and all. We love it so far and it is working out well since there is only two of us now. We've had 3 motor homes and 6 different trailers from about every manufacturer there is and was.
I retired as a Fleet Manager for a large cities Fire Dept almost 8 -years ago. When your city pays close to one million dollars for a Fire Engine from the premier manufacturer in the world, you would think it would be near perfect. Guess again! The laundry list usually in the 30-40's. Sometimes the rig won't even go into full service for six months or so.
I fully expect almost anything I purchase to need regular maintenance and special consideration so far as upkeep. I joined this forum only to gather wisdom, make pen pal friends and learn from folks already in the trenches with these units. I too have made countless repairs and mistakes on my units and that how I learn. In the short time I've been reading this forum, I have learned tons of information on these units and their manufacturer. I try to stay in the shadows and absorb. Nothing is perfect!
Thanks to all!!!


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2016 at 7:50pm
Interesting perspective.  So even a million bucks doesn't buy you perfection.

-------------
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual



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