R-pod Owners Forum : a few issues https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : a few issues Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 11:48:18 +0000 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:09:49 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14846 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ a few issues : I haven't seen one either... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144596#144596 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 9:09pm

I haven't seen one either but I understand the frame rails are more outboard/wheels inboard.

If someone with a 196 wants to get the measurements I'll run the load calc on the axle when I get a chance. Id need the total length of the axle tube and either the distance from the axle to frame attachments to the ends of the tubes or the distance between attachments. Also please confirm the tube dimensions and thickness. ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 21:09:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144596#144596 a few issues : Since I have not seen one of the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144590#144590 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 3:39pm

Since I have not seen one of the newer trailers and have no idea how much overhang there is between the frame and rail, I recommended reinforcing. I'll yield to your information and hope that the owners of such axles get better results than I did when mine lost camber. I ended up paying for a new axle that wound up being defective (bad weld for brake mounting flange). That one did get replaced under warranty.]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:39:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144590#144590 a few issues : StephenH, I don't think the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144587#144587 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 12:48pm

StephenH, I don't think the reinforcement we did on our 179s will help on a 196, because that axle isn't cantilevered like ours are The frame rails on the 196 are outboard, right? I suspect it's more likely that the negative camber on the 196 is due to bent spindles/torsion arms. Reinforcing the axle won't help with that. So it's important to find out what's bent before selecting a fix.

Re the cause of the axle bending, yes I agree that it is due to hitting potholes or bumps. Passenger vehicles are designed for much higher g loads, probably 3-5 g's , than the trailers are, which are lucky if they are designed to 2 g's.

But that doesn't make a bent axle the owner's fault. Potholes are a normal condition. FR/Lippert have chosen to design trailers with marginal ability to handle g loading. So if there hasnt been overloading or abuse by the owner he or she is justified in making a warranty claim and there have been several instances where that has been successful reported here.   

]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 12:48:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144587#144587 a few issues : Reinforce the axle when you have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144584#144584 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 10:27am

Reinforce the axle when you have a chance. That will increase the margin of safety with it. Use the advanced search to look for posts older than 6 months to see what I did and others have done to reinforce the axle. You can also look at my mods.]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 10:27:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144584#144584 a few issues : Stephen. I agree, and believe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144583#144583 Author: chasl
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 9:47am

Stephen. I agree, and believe that may be our issue. We drove carefully, but sometimes you cannot avoid bumps or potholes. On backroads I slowed way down, but on highways you cannot safely drive if you are going too slow. I hope they will beef up the axles. I will probably try to stay under 4000 lbs going forward, meaning no water while traveling. I already carry my heavier articles in the back of the pickup. thanks.]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:47:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144583#144583 a few issues : Remember that the dynamic loads... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144579#144579 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14846
Posted: 11 Aug 2021 at 8:15am

Remember that the dynamic loads of hitting potholes, curbs, speed bumps, etc. can be much higher than the static weight. I'm pretty sure that is what happened to ours. I did not have a weight, but the 179 is heavy and the axle is only rated 3500 lbs. Even if we are under that, some of the roads we have been on can dynamically exceed that as the RPod bounces. Personally, I think that the engineers underestimate the forces and so specify an axle that is marginal at best and totally inadequate at worst.]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:15:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144579#144579 a few issues : It does sound like the axle is... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144574#144574 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 10 Aug 2021 at 5:27pm

It does sound like the axle is bent.
Is the trailer weight 4250 or is that the axle weight? Do you use a wdh, that increases trailer axle load, about 100 lbs, maybe a bit more.

If you have not overloaded it or hit some big potholes or curbs the fix should be on them. If some negative camber is considered normal then ask them for the max acceptable spec on that. At least you've raised a claim, make sure that gets documented in the event it gets worse.

]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:27:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144574#144574 a few issues : I hate to hear that they won't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144571#144571 Author: Colonel Podder
Subject: 14846
Posted: 10 Aug 2021 at 2:59pm

I hate to hear that they won't address the issue with the axle. Mine has been in the shop a little over a week now, waiting on a reply from them. Mine is pretty severe, so hopefully I will get a different response. The axle rating is 4400 pounds for the axle, you should be around 3800 lbs when you consider the tongue weight, maybe less for the axle weight. Ours has also gotten worse over time. My sister has a 196 as well and they have only a slight amount of negative camber. But they have fewer miles than we do on ours. My dealer also has a new 196 on the lot, it has no noticeable camber. ]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2021 14:59:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144571#144571 a few issues : My dealer repaired the issues... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144567#144567 Author: chasl
Subject: 14846
Posted: 10 Aug 2021 at 12:38pm

My dealer repaired the issues under warranty, but the axle issue was not identified as needing repair. I will keep an eye on it.

Here's what I saw happen. The wheels were 90 degrees when we left for the trip. On the way, we did hit some bouncy patches on the road, and same returning home after 2 weeks. That's when I could see the tilt of the wheels, both sides. After unloading most of our stuff at home, the wheel tilt is still there, but it does seem slightly better.

Maybe this is a normal issue related to weight. Loaded, the trailer weighed in at 4250 lbs. The max load for the 196 is 4400 lbs. I wonder if the axle changed a bit, but may still be within tolerance? Like I said, I'll keep an eye. The repair man said he crawled under to inspect. You can see the tilt, but it may be something that worsens or not?

thanks for the advices and feedback. For now, we will let it ride I suppose.
]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2021 12:38:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144567#144567 a few issues : The 196 shouldn't have the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144512#144512 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 07 Aug 2021 at 2:02am

The 196 shouldn't have the same axle issues as the 179 and the other narrow body rpods do. Those are caused by the inboard axle to frame mounts which greatly increase stress on the axle tube because of the upward bending force from the wheels over the long distance between the wheels and the axle mounts.

As I understand it, the 196 has the frame and axle attachments much closer to the wheels. So I'd wait and see what the dealer says is bending on those axles. It could be the spindle/torsion arm that is failing not the axle tube. If that's what it is then reinforcing the axle tube won't help, the only solutions would be to get a higher rated and/or alternative brand torsion axle or try to fit a leaf spring axle.]]> Sat, 07 Aug 2021 02:02:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144512#144512 a few issues : When you get your trailer back... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144507#144507 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14846
Posted: 06 Aug 2021 at 10:14am

When you get your trailer back repaired, you can strengthen the axle tube and hopefully prevent another occurrence. See my mods to check out what I did. You can also search, but if you do, use the advanced search so you can search for posts older than 6 months. ]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2021 10:14:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144507#144507 a few issues : Mine is currently in the shop... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144503#144503 Author: Colonel Podder
Subject: 14846
Posted: 06 Aug 2021 at 9:14am

Mine is currently in the shop for the axle problem you are describing. I have a very large amount of negative camber. And the axle tube has no crown to it at all. I am 400 pounds below the max axle weight rating with the trailer fully loaded including some water in the tanks as well.

My biggest concern is that they fix the issue with the same type/quality of parts that have already failed and the issue returns. 
]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:14:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144503#144503 a few issues : Also, go underneath. Take a string... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144470#144470 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14846
Posted: 04 Aug 2021 at 9:38am

Also, go underneath. Take a string at least as long as the axle tube. Have someone hold, or tape the string to the bottom of the axle tube on one side. Then stretch it to the other side. There should be a gap in the center between the axle tube and the string. If it is touching all the way, then the axle tube has flattened out. That is information you can take to the dealer also.]]> Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:38:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144470#144470 a few issues : They might try to tell you the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144467#144467 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 04 Aug 2021 at 8:01am

They might try to tell you the negative camber is normal, and a very slight amount might be. But if it is significant and noticeable not so much. Please let us know the outcome. ]]> Wed, 04 Aug 2021 08:01:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144467#144467 a few issues : I can take it to my dealer and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144464#144464 Author: chasl
Subject: 14846
Posted: 03 Aug 2021 at 9:56pm

I can take it to my dealer and show it. And I have the CAT scale paper. I thought it could be  problem. It was straight when I bought it and took it home.]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:56:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144464#144464 a few issues : The blackwater (and gray water)... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144461#144461 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14846
Posted: 03 Aug 2021 at 7:37pm

The blackwater (and gray water) drain supports are a common issue. ,<There are several fixes. You can use the advanced search feature to find them.

Ditto on the door falling off.

Re the wheels, what you are seeing (wheels noticeable tilt in at the top) is called "negative camber". It's not good, usually signifying a bent axle, torsion arm or spindle.

Not sure if you did this or not but
go over the scales and get a weight on just the trailer axle. Load up before doing so and if you have a weight distribution hitch tension that as well. The weight should be less than 4400 lbs. Then, make a warranty claim. If the try to say you overloaded it show them the scale printout. ]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2021 19:37:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144461#144461 a few issues : 2 weeks in our 2021 196 in Colorado.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144457#144457 Author: chasl
Subject: 14846
Posted: 03 Aug 2021 at 12:56pm

2 weeks in our 2021 196 in Colorado.
Everything worked well. I had replaced the hot water propane jet with high altitude part.
Ran everything on battery and solar, occasionally used a generator for our oven.
On way home 3 things broke.
The strap on the black water tank broke. No problem or spillage. I used some strap to hold in place.
The bathroom door came off the suspended rail. I am looking for idea on repair and strengthening it.
And the fire extinguisher also dropped off wall.
I tried to drive carefully and avoid bumps but road bumps catch you by surprise.
Any ideas for repairing these welcome.
Also the wheels have an angle like someone posted about on here. Not sure if that’s a concern.
I did weigh the loaded Rpod and it was 200 lbs under the limit.
]]> Tue, 03 Aug 2021 12:56:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14846&PID=144457#144457