R-pod Owners Forum : 2018 changes

R-pod Owners Forum : 2018 changes https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : 2018 changes Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:46:24 +0000 Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:18:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=10718 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ 2018 changes : Mine had considerable debris in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103345#103345 Author: mcarter
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 4:18pm

Mine had considerable debris in out of the way places, but I was second owner, I cleaned, so no one to blame but me now.]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:18:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103345#103345 2018 changes : Have to agree with Keith-N-Dar.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103344#103344 Author: jato
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 4:13pm

Have to agree with Keith-N-Dar. when we picked up our 177 back in March of 2011 it was spotless, the dealer went through all the cubbyholes with us showing us storage, ect. No debris or dust or wood shavings anywhere. Maybe it was the dealer as there seem to be more that complain about the opposite of what we experienced.]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 16:13:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103344#103344 2018 changes : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarOr... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103338#103338 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 1:45pm

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Or the dealer may be more interested in presenting a clean coach to the buyer.

That's certainly a possibility. At any rate, ours was really clean.
]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 13:45:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103338#103338 2018 changes : Or the dealer may be more interested... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103337#103337 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 1:24pm

Or the dealer may be more interested in presenting a clean coach to the buyer.

]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 13:24:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103337#103337 2018 changes : Originally posted by CassieI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103335#103335 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 11:49am

Originally posted by Cassie

I think the manufacturer back east is tacky. I had a 2018 176 t that was full of screws and sawdust. I traded in the 176 t for a 176 and ordered a new one here on the west coast. It was 100% cleaner and fit and finish was much improved.

I think I agree with this opinion. Our (early )2017 R-179 (it's still green) has been clean in every hidden compartment that we've opened. So I think the detritus issue that I've read about on the forum may very well be confined to one or more production facilities, and is by no means a universal observation.
]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 11:49:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103335#103335 2018 changes : Thanks Cassie, It is good to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103334#103334 Author: Wayword1
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 10:37am

Thanks Cassie,
It is good to know there is someone who believes in giving the buyer a product that the builders take a little pride in presenting to a customer.
]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 10:37:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103334#103334 2018 changes : I think the manufacturer back... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103326#103326 Author: Cassie
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 8:39am

I think the manufacturer back east is tacky. I had a 2018 176 t that was full of screws and sawdust. I traded in the 176 t for a 176 and ordered a new one here on the west coast. It was 100% cleaner and fit and finish was much improved. ]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 08:39:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103326#103326 2018 changes : I just got an rpod 176 in desert... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103325#103325 Author: Cassie
Subject: 10718
Posted: 01 Jan 2018 at 8:33am

I just got an rpod 176 in desert soooo nice! I traded in my 2018 176t it was the grey color. But I love the new colors. The blue is nice too. ]]> Mon, 01 Jan 2018 08:33:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=103325#103325 2018 changes : FWIW on the mess/clean-up, talking... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=102511#102511 Author: rpodmybe
Subject: 10718
Posted: 29 Nov 2017 at 3:21pm

FWIW on the mess/clean-up, talking with my aunt and uncle who own a 5th wheel and who's friends all own nice 5th wheels. All started with travel trailers.

I was talking about all the issues I'd heard and they said, "it's a RV". Basically unless you're buying top 1-3 brands you're getting a fair bit of that. Probably moreso these days as many of the RV brands suffered downturns during the economy and now are trying to turn out units FAST to make money while times are good. They made it sounds 100% normal.

Regarding the radio, is this an "upgrade", a downgrade? just a change?]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2017 15:21:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=102511#102511 2018 changes : After every trip we enter the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100439#100439 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 6:18pm

After every trip we enter the pod and the first thing we do is vacuum. It seems we are still getting wood shavings. Its not just the floor but also on the table so it is also coming from the cabinets above. Not a big deal but we just joke about will it ever end!]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:18:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100439#100439 2018 changes : I wish those who have opinions... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100428#100428 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 1:41pm

I wish those who have opinions about the things FR should do or add would spend some time on the line at one of the plants. To hit the price points following the work with a vacuum is not possible. Neither is a more expensive axle, a quieter air conditioner, a different refrigerator or any of the other suggestions normally found at a site of this type. To have this come in at the cost we appreciate the specifications have to be different from more expensive product. As consumers we need to decide what we want.]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 13:41:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100428#100428 2018 changes : Originally posted by Wayword1As... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100427#100427 Author: furpod
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 12:52pm

Originally posted by Wayword1

As far as cleanliness verses price point, can't say I agree. It takes so little time to blow or vacuum out during construction, it would be an insignificant cost. The sawdust is just a indicator of quality in my book, but the loose screws that lodge under wiring and tubing becomes a hazard over time.
Yes I know what a home looks like in the walls and outlet boxes. My little shopvac is by my side during my projects.

I have noticed older models of the 182G people have placed drawers under the bunks. Thought that was a great idea, until I found our 2018 has a false wall and is used to run wiring and water lines. They stack up about 6 inches. I will have to lay them down flat on the floor and cover them for a built in drawer in that space. I wonder if older models had the wiring run under the floor?
Thanks for your post.

A little time is a different thing in a factory..

Earlier 182's may have had them run differently, but I am pretty sure, not outside the cabin. But, I have not worked on any 182G's I don't think.
]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 12:52:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100427#100427 2018 changes : As far as cleanliness verses price... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100420#100420 Author: Wayword1
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 11:28am

As far as cleanliness verses price point, can't say I agree. It takes so little time to blow or vacuum out during construction, it would be an insignificant cost. The sawdust is just a indicator of quality in my book, but the loose screws that lodge under wiring and tubing becomes a hazard over time.
Yes I know what a home looks like in the walls and outlet boxes. My little shopvac is by my side during my projects.

I have noticed older models of the 182G people have placed drawers under the bunks. Thought that was a great idea, until I found our 2018 has a false wall and is used to run wiring and water lines. They stack up about 6 inches. I will have to lay them down flat on the floor and cover them for a built in drawer in that space. I wonder if older models had the wiring run under the floor?
Thanks for your post.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 11:28:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100420#100420 2018 changes : Originally posted by furpodPods... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100416#100416 Author: fwunder
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 9:33am

Originally posted by furpod

Pods are built to price point. It is what it is. Did I find construction debris in our Lance or Airstream? Nope. Do they cost hella more? Yep. Most owners never open those closed spaces. You would choke if you opened the walls of your home. Trust me on that.

This made me chuckle! When we demoed and rebuilt our home we found countless chocking hazards in the walls! Mostly in the form of beer caps! The fellow who built the house had an unmistakable fondness for Schlitz! Lot's of old newspaper insulation and critter droppings too. In one wall we found a book - "Fun With Dick and Jane" - checked out of the local library in 1957. Afraid to return it.

Yeah, we found quite a bit of construction debris in our pod when exploring spaces. Vacuumed them up and moved on. It's not that big a space.

fred

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 09:33:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100416#100416 2018 changes : Originally posted by Wayword1We... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100409#100409 Author: furpod
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 7:43am

Originally posted by Wayword1

We just completed our first camping trip with our 2018 182G and here is what I found.
1. The Furrion Bluetooth doesn't seem to do anything, but play radio.
We downloaded the app and connected nothing happens. Tried plugging in our iphones to play music - no results, tried to connect the tv to play external speakers, no results.

Which model do you have? I have found when playing music over BT I often have to turn it up a bit, BT seems to transmit at a low "volume" BT ONLY does music/sound. You may need to select the input source manually on the head unit. I admit, we don't have this brand, but plenty of youtube videos show it's setup and use procedures. Also, because Bob may have been.... distracted... when assembling your unit, make sure the speaker and tv wires are actually hooked up on the back. We have seen them not be a few times. I like to think they somehow fell of in transport.. but..

2. The double steps are nice and installing the Camco carpet quiets them down a lot.

We found this too, though I didn't think the steps were noisy, we added carpet for our elderly Golden to be able to get in easier.. the pup jumps them most times.. LOL. In the future, he will use them I am sure.

3. The thermostat for the A/C is right below the unit. It would not maintain temperature on a hot day. If the side vent is open the A/C will shut down because it blows on the thermostat.
We closed the vent and put some aluminum tape about 2" above the stat which reduced the cycling and the unit had no problem keeping up with the sunny 90 degree days.

Has ALWAYS been a problem of some sort.. there is only so much room to put stuff and avoid other stuff, in a small camper. Many buy or build a small cover to "shade" the thermostat from the direct blast of the a/c when in that mode.

4. I strongly recommend anyone buying one of these to open all of the cavities - Forest River apparently does not clean up after themselves. We found loose pipe fittings, screws, pieces of wood and sawdust everywhere.

Pods are built to price point. It is what it is. Did I find construction debris in our Lance or Airstream? Nope. Do they cost hella more? Yep. Most owners never open those closed spaces. You would choke if you opened the walls of your home. Trust me on that.

]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 07:43:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100409#100409 2018 changes : Better Homes? More like Do It... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100408#100408 Author: Wayword1
Subject: 10718
Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 7:25am

Better Homes? More like Do It Yourself Magazine. Thanks to this forum and pictures online we have learned a lot.
Just a little engineering could have improved the quality of these. A template on the floor where to drill holes would go a long way to provide extra space and minimize the sabre sawed holes.
As all things, we will make the best of it and enjoy the process. ]]> Wed, 04 Oct 2017 07:25:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100408#100408 2018 changes : Originally posted by Wayword1 4.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100383#100383 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10718
Posted: 03 Oct 2017 at 6:49pm

Originally posted by Wayword1

4. I strongly recommend anyone buying one of these to open all of the cavities - Forest River apparently does not clean up after themselves. We found loose pipe fittings, screws, pieces of wood and sawdust everywhere.

So Wayword1 you dont think R=Pod will make the pages of Better Homes & Campers? LOL

I agree, was kind of surprised with amount of building debris I found in mine. I guess FR hasn't discovered how to use a shop vac yet?
]]> Tue, 03 Oct 2017 18:49:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100383#100383 2018 changes : Thanks for the additional heads... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100236#100236 Author: Wayword1
Subject: 10718
Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 9:45am

Thanks for the additional heads up. I did not look behind the power converter and will do that.]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2017 09:45:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100236#100236 2018 changes : Wayword1, +1 to opening areas... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100233#100233 Author: mcarter
Subject: 10718
Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 8:17am

Wayword1,

+1 to opening areas and cleaning construction debris. Look behind power convertor/fuse panel, under shower and be sure and flush/drain your fresh water tank. I had plastic debris in my fresh water tank, it gets sucked into the faucets, etc.]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2017 08:17:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100233#100233 2018 changes : We just completed our first camping... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100230#100230 Author: Wayword1
Subject: 10718
Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 7:48am

We just completed our first camping trip with our 2018 182G and here is what I found.
1. The Furrion Bluetooth doesn't seem to do anything, but play radio.
    We downloaded the app and connected nothing happens. Tried plugging in our iphones to play music - no results, tried to connect the tv to play external speakers, no results.

2. The double steps are nice and installing the Camco carpet quiets them down a lot.

3. The thermostat for the A/C is right below the unit. It would not maintain temperature on a hot day. If the side vent is open the A/C will shut down because it blows on the thermostat.
We closed the vent and put some aluminum tape about 2" above the stat which reduced the cycling and the unit had no problem keeping up with the sunny 90 degree days.

   4. I strongly recommend anyone buying one of these to open all of the cavities - Forest River apparently does not clean up after themselves. We found loose pipe fittings, screws, pieces of wood and sawdust everywhere.]]> Sat, 30 Sep 2017 07:48:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100230#100230 2018 changes : What steps did you buy? Where?... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100224#100224 Author: Watts
Subject: 10718
Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 10:43pm

What steps did you buy? Where?]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2017 22:43:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100224#100224 2018 changes : Jacksonville. We've stayed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100223#100223 Author: Mcjclarks01
Subject: 10718
Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 10:26pm

Jacksonville. We've stayed in Concord a few times. ]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2017 22:26:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100223#100223 2018 changes : The stone has been there for the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100191#100191 Author: Subzilla
Subject: 10718
Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 7:17am

The stone has been there for the last few years. We just got ours this past March in stone. Wilmington? Where do you live? We're 4 hours away just east of Charlotte.]]> Fri, 29 Sep 2017 07:17:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100191#100191 2018 changes : Unfortunately FR is going with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100172#100172 Author: Mcjclarks01
Subject: 10718
Posted: 28 Sep 2017 at 8:19pm

Unfortunately FR is going with new fabric. For our model we had to pick one from the new selection due to it still being built. This is what our dealer sent us from three models they have on their lot with the new fabric color choices:

Slate-
http://www.hrvc.com/rv/wilmington+nc/forestriver+traveltrailer/1303/forest+river+r-pod+179

Stone-
http://www.hrvc.com/rv/wilmington+nc/forestriver+traveltrailer/1306/forest+river+r-pod+179

Desert-
http://www.hrvc.com/rv/wilmington+nc/forestriver+traveltrailer/1300/forest+river+r-pod+179

We decided on the desert. Wanted the seagrass though. Really looking forward to getting ours in about 5 weeks still.]]> Thu, 28 Sep 2017 20:19:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100172#100172 2018 changes : When we purchased our 177 back... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100132#100132 Author: jato
Subject: 10718
Posted: 27 Sep 2017 at 8:04pm

When we purchased our 177 back in January 2011 one of the first mods I did was to re-do the steps as the first step out the door was 11 inches and the second to the ground was 5," By taking it off and re-configuring the way it attached to the bracket I was able to make it 8" on both steps, much easier for entering and exiting. And yes, we never did get the 4" adapter to make the pod sit higher. If I ever do that then I will do as you did and purchase a double step setup.]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2017 20:04:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100132#100132 2018 changes : Just looking a Couch's RV... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100105#100105 Author: Subzilla
Subject: 10718
Posted: 27 Sep 2017 at 12:43pm

Just looking a Couch's RV Nation website to see what changed in the 2018 models. The only things I could visibly see were the aluminum DOUBLE steps and the change to the Furrion bluetooth stereo with a separately mounted speaker switch on the RPOD wall.

No issues....just observing. I did just buy a set of double steps as our single step is more like a jump.

]]> Wed, 27 Sep 2017 12:43:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10718&PID=100105#100105