R-pod Owners Forum : Sagging floor and outriggers https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Sagging floor and outriggers Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:09:38 +0000 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:58:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 60 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15071 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Sagging floor and outriggers : I recently purchased a 2019 rpod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=155616#155616 Author: MeekCutoff
Subject: 15071
Posted: 29 Jun 2026 at 8:58pm

I recently purchased a 2019 rpod 190... Love it!  Great layout for kids.
Tow it behind our 2014 Nissan Frontier - no problems.

Very important to check for any floor sag under the slider.
Here is some background info & possible fixes to this issue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYB4qL7va2I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8UTG5t-cJM

It can be corrected - but takes some work.
The support brackets that FR sells, and I bolted to the frame failed immediately - bent out of shape on my first trip on a rough forest service road.

So I then had much stronger brackets locally fabricated -  and then welded to the frame to support the side wall.
That cost me $600 - A very successful fix.
Contact www.groundedwelding.com - they will fabricate & ship brackets.]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:58:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=155616#155616 Sagging floor and outriggers : FYI, shortly after my own post... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153665#153665 Author: Masternav
Subject: 15071
Posted: 23 Jul 2024 at 9:53am

FYI, shortly after my own post two years ago, I discovered that the frame was also cracked just behind the axle.  Fortunately, I found a welding shop in town that specialized in trailers (though specifically semi trailers).  They repaired and beefed up the frame on the side with the slide out, repaired the damaged outrigger(s), and added more outriggers so that I now have one every foot.  That has been beneficial.]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:53:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153665#153665 Sagging floor and outriggers : The plywood may distribute the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153661#153661 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 22 Jul 2024 at 10:10pm

The plywood may distribute the weight to outriggers better, but we did not do that. The wood would have to be wrapped in waterproof membrane and may not prevent the wall from sagging. After our repair with the seven outriggers, we have logged over 30,000 miles with no problems.Of the seven outriggers installed, four were under the slide out.]]> Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:10:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153661#153661 Sagging floor and outriggers : I just received my outriggers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153655#153655 Author: tony122
Subject: 15071
Posted: 22 Jul 2024 at 4:54pm

I just received my outriggers from Innovative Machine Supply for my 2011 Rpod 177.  The entire slide out side is sagging.  I plan to gut 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood to size and install it between the Outriggers and the floor of the Rpod to assure stiffness after I have straightened it.  Has anybody done this in the past?  Can you see a problem with that strategy?  ]]> Mon, 22 Jul 2024 16:54:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=153655#153655 Sagging floor and outriggers : Originally posted by sjesseThe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149319#149319 Author: Masternav
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Aug 2022 at 10:35pm

Originally posted by sjesse

The floors /walls of our 2018.5 rpod 190 were sagging to thepoint the slide side fender was rubbing the tire. Our model trailer only had apair of outriggers at the very front.  Weobserved the 2021 rpod model 190 had multiple factory outriggers installed.When we notified FR, they offered to sell us outriggers which we deemedunsatisfactory due to they were not welded at the upper corner and did notextend to the bottom of the frame tube, thus putting too much pressure on thecenter of the frame tube wall.  We had anindependent machine shop (www.innomach.com)manufacture welded and taller outriggers that were powder-coated. The companyhas the dimensions on file and charge $12@ for the powder-coated steeloutriggers that we used, and $24@for stainless steel ones.

We installed seven outriggers on the slide side and six onthe other side:

5/16 x 3 stainless steel through-bolts used on the upperhole, with extra thick 5/16 fender washers. We ground two flat sides on theouter washers to fit inside the bracket. The machine shop will make the outer washers for $3@.

5/16-18 x ¾ machine screw type F self-tapping used on thelower hole applying loctite.

#14 x 1 ¼ stainless steel hex-head sheet metal screws usedon the upper outer holes.

We reported a safety problem with the NHTSA https://www.nhtsa.gov/.  We recommend that everyone do this toinitiate a forced recall by Forest River.

 


Thank you for the information.  FWIW, the 2021 model change did not solve the floor sagging problem.  The new outriggers are too flimsy and spaced too far apart.  The support toward the front of the slide (just in front of the axle) broke the spot weld and the support toward the back of the slide (behind the axle bent out of shape.  The end result is the same:  Outer edge wall and floor sags, the slide drags on the floor inside, the fender slants down, and the slider doesn't evenly meet the weather seals.

I've currently got the outside floor squared up with a jack, with a jack stand supporting the axle.  If I can obtain these in short order, I hope to be able to keep it that way, with supports every foot or so.

Thanks again!

]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 22:35:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149319#149319 Sagging floor and outriggers : https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149318#149318 Author: Masternav
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Aug 2022 at 10:33pm


]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 22:33:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149318#149318 Sagging floor and outriggers : Can't delete https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149317#149317 Author: Masternav
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Aug 2022 at 10:31pm

Can't delete]]> Thu, 11 Aug 2022 22:31:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=149317#149317 Sagging floor and outriggers : +1Corrosion would be the main... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147440#147440 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15071
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 10:14am

+1

Corrosion would be the main concern. The PVC would be pretty much corrosion proof. Steel would rust, and even aluminum (unless anodized) would corrode. PVC has reasonable resistance to compression too.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:14:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147440#147440 Sagging floor and outriggers : should work fine but the PV trim... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147439#147439 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15071
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 5:10am

should work fine but the PV trim suggested above is probably better long term bc it won't rust. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:10:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147439#147439 Sagging floor and outriggers : What does everyone think of getting... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147438#147438 Author: MitchReef
Subject: 15071
Posted: 23 Mar 2022 at 9:04pm

What does everyone think of getting a piece of 1/4 thick steel and put it under the floor in the gap over outriggers? Further support at the same time. ]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2022 21:04:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147438#147438 Sagging floor and outriggers : Well, fabricators aren't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147314#147314 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15071
Posted: 15 Mar 2022 at 7:11pm

Well, fabricators aren't engineers and vice versa.

I can tell you with certainty that notching that outrigger would be fine. The purpose of the outrigger is to carry a moment (think torque) load back to the rpod frame. That moment load starts at zero out at the end and increases to it's max where the outigger attached to the frame rail.

It's exactly like when you drive a nail a little into a piece of wood and then push sideways on it. The nail will bend where it enters the wood every time, never out at the end.

I'd be a lot more concerned that the outrigger would pull out of the thin wall frame rail than I would that that little notch would cause a problem. ]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2022 19:11:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147314#147314 Sagging floor and outriggers : I emailed Innovative Machine,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147312#147312 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15071
Posted: 15 Mar 2022 at 6:35pm

I emailed Innovative Machine, and they suggested not cutting the rail or the outrigger, but shimming it thusly:

I would suggest the following:
1) purchase some 1/4 PVC board at Home Depot and cut strips to be siliconed on the top of the outriggers to fill the gap with the wood floor
2) Do not cut the rail or notch the outrigger - the gap is approx 1/8 in the alum rail - I would suggest finding some washers and adding 2 on each bolt to fill that gap
]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2022 18:35:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147312#147312 Sagging floor and outriggers : I would notch the outrigger. This... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147284#147284 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15071
Posted: 13 Mar 2022 at 12:11pm

I would notch the outrigger. This won't weaken it significantly, the bending moment (torque) on the outrigger increases toward where it attaches to the frame and is very small out at it's end. As LA says the less you modify/make holes in the trailer itself the better. ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2022 12:11:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147284#147284 Sagging floor and outriggers : I think either way is ok as long... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147271#147271 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 12 Mar 2022 at 7:14pm

I think either way is ok as long as the weight of the outer 1 1/2" of the wall is on the outrigger since the floor underneath is only 1/8 luan plywood and would not be able to hold much weight.
 So we want the outrigger on the 1 1/2" aluminum floor framing, not mainly on the floor. I opted to put the outrigger over the aluminum channel with a 1/8"x1/2" aluminum shim in the open area of the channel with caulking to seal the 2 screws we put up threw the wall, my thinking was it would help distribute the weight over a little larger area of the wall. Like I said earlier I did put some 1/4" thick PVC on top of the outriggers for a little more support. I cut them from a piece of 1/4"x2'x4' Vernada PVC trim board I got from Home Depot. Our Rpod 190 which had no outriggers originally was sagging 1" ( tire was hitting fender) and after jacking the walls back up over a 2 week with 4 scissor jacks and 4x4 under the walls we put on a total of 13 outriggers from Innovative Machine, 7 on slide side & 6 on door side it seems to be fine now. I do have a list of parts I used if anyone wants them.
PLEASE report a safety problem on the NHTSA web site( upper right of their web page) so as to force Forest River to do a recall, and maybe reimburse us for this.

]]> Sat, 12 Mar 2022 19:14:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147271#147271 Sagging floor and outriggers : I made my own outriggers and wasn’t... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147269#147269 Author: Atranvt
Subject: 15071
Posted: 12 Mar 2022 at 5:45pm

I made my own outriggers and wasn’t sure what to do about the rail.
I decided to cut the rail where the outrigger goes so that it is resting on the floor and not the rail.
After cutting the aluminum rail, I covered the area with silicone caulking to prevent any water penetration.
]]> Sat, 12 Mar 2022 17:45:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147269#147269 Sagging floor and outriggers : The outriggers from Innovative... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147261#147261 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 7:05pm

The outriggers from Innovative Machine or Forest River all rest on the extruded aluminum on the outside wall.  I inserted a 1/8" x 1/2" piece of aluminum in that inverted u gap that I cut from a 3' piece purchased from Lowe's.

On the quarter inch gap between the outrigger and the floor, I inserted a 1/4" thick piece of PVC trim board with a dab of silicone to hold in place on top of the outrigger; I cut the pieces from a 24" by 4' Vernada PVC trim board from Home Depot. 

Wasn't sure if all of this was needed due to the critical weight load is on the extruded aluminum outer piece, which is why I inserted the little aluminum shims there.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2022 19:05:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147261#147261 Sagging floor and outriggers : In my trailer modification... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147260#147260 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 4:47pm

In my trailer modification class in law school they taught us to never.........Wink

In all seriousness, I'd be real nervous about making any holes in the bottom where water could sneak in and stay [if it ever rains again in CA or if you come to visit us in CT].  If you make a notch in the outrigger [option 3] would it materially affect its integrity?  From a carpentry point of view, my trade in retirement, notching the outrigger sure seems like a lot less work and if there is no structural down side, why not?

Good luck with the work.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:47:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147260#147260 Sagging floor and outriggers : I just got the outriggers from... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147259#147259 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15071
Posted: 11 Mar 2022 at 4:23pm

I just got the outriggers from Innovative Machine, and I think we have a (collective) fitment issue.

Our RP-179 has a very shallow, inverted U-shape rail that runs along the outside wall on both sides of the Rpod. I think it is used to close out the edge along that outside wall, BUT it interferes with the proper installation of the outrigger(s). See the picture below.

I see several potential ways to deal with this:
  1. add a 1/4 inch spacer for most of the length of the outrigger to "fill the gap so to speak
  2. cut the rail out underneath the outrigger
  3. notch the outrigger to match the shape of the rail
  4. just mount the outrigger such that it contacts the high points on the rail
I'm inclined to do a hybrid of #1 and #2; cut just enough of the rail to allow the outrigger to have a very small space between it and the bottom of the floor, and then add a very thin shim between the outrigger and the bottom of the floor (not sure how thick the flat part of the rail is, but it only looks to be a few thousandths thick).


]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:23:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147259#147259 Sagging floor and outriggers : Originally posted by sjesseWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147139#147139 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15071
Posted: 25 Feb 2022 at 2:30pm

Originally posted by sjesse

We had a machine shop make ours, and they have a template to make more.
INNOVATIVE Machine & Supply
345 Sun Valley Circle
Fenton MO 63026
636 600-1171

Thanks for this post. I called Innovative today, and they are now asking $17.50 each for RP179 outriggers.
]]> Fri, 25 Feb 2022 14:30:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147139#147139 Sagging floor and outriggers : We had a machine shop make ours,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147130#147130 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 24 Feb 2022 at 1:30pm

We had a machine shop make ours, and they have a template to make more.
INNOVATIVE Machine & Supply
345 Sun Valley Circle
Fenton MO 63026
636 600-1171
]]> Thu, 24 Feb 2022 13:30:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=147130#147130 Sagging floor and outriggers : I have a 2018 179 with the missing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146810#146810 Author: Atranvt
Subject: 15071
Posted: 24 Jan 2022 at 8:34am

I have a 2018 179 with the missing outriggers. I contacted Forest River to order the outrigger parts, but they don’t have any in stock and are not sure when they will get more in.
I’m told that some owners have made their own, which I am considering.  If you have made yours, would you please tell me the dimensions of the outrigger and the gauge of the steel you used.

]]> Mon, 24 Jan 2022 08:34:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146810#146810 Sagging floor and outriggers : Yes, we were able to restore to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146578#146578 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 05 Jan 2022 at 11:43am

Yes, we were able to restore to its original floor height.  We placed two 4ft. 4x4's on the outer edge of the wall- one in front of the axle and one behind the axle - using two scissor jacks on blocks. Over a two-week period I periodically raised the jacks higher as the wall was going up from its sagging position as to not damage any of the body panels. The jacks were raised until the weight was barely off the suspension.]]> Wed, 05 Jan 2022 11:43:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146578#146578 Sagging floor and outriggers : Great write up and suggestion.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146577#146577 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15071
Posted: 05 Jan 2022 at 2:30am

Great write up and suggestion. How did you level your floor and were you able to fully recover your floor height? If not, how close did get?]]> Wed, 05 Jan 2022 02:30:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146577#146577 Sagging floor and outriggers : The floors /walls of our 2018.5... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146573#146573 Author: sjesse
Subject: 15071
Posted: 04 Jan 2022 at 1:13pm

The floors /walls of our 2018.5 rpod 190 were sagging to thepoint the slide side fender was rubbing the tire. Our model trailer only had apair of outriggers at the very front.  Weobserved the 2021 rpod model 190 had multiple factory outriggers installed.When we notified FR, they offered to sell us outriggers which we deemedunsatisfactory due to they were not welded at the upper corner and did notextend to the bottom of the frame tube, thus putting too much pressure on thecenter of the frame tube wall.  We had anindependent machine shop (www.innomach.com)manufacture welded and taller outriggers that were powder-coated. The companyhas the dimensions on file and charge $12@ for the powder-coated steeloutriggers that we used, and $24@for stainless steel ones.

We installed seven outriggers on the slide side and six onthe other side:

5/16 x 3 stainless steel through-bolts used on the upperhole, with extra thick 5/16 fender washers. We ground two flat sides on theouter washers to fit inside the bracket. The machine shop will make the outer washers for $3@.

5/16-18 x ¾ machine screw type F self-tapping used on thelower hole applying loctite.

#14 x 1 ¼ stainless steel hex-head sheet metal screws usedon the upper outer holes.

We reported a safety problem with the NHTSA https://www.nhtsa.gov/.  We recommend that everyone do this toinitiate a forced recall by Forest River.

 

]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2022 13:13:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146573#146573 Sagging floor and outriggers : Hello everyone,Well I now have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146408#146408 Author: Mojavered
Subject: 15071
Posted: 12 Dec 2021 at 2:19pm

Hello everyone,

Well I now have 4 outriggers installed. I jacked up the floor / wall in three places and left it that way for about 3 days. That didn't help get the floor to raise up to the point it would be square, it did make a bit of a difference of about 1/8 inch.
Anyway, I installed 4 of the outriggers trying to get then as even as possible so the slide works properly. Everything went good and the slide works fine, time will tell if 4 outriggers will be enough.

Thanks for all the replies.
]]> Sun, 12 Dec 2021 14:19:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146408#146408 Sagging floor and outriggers : I agree it probably does not make... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146360#146360 Author: Mojavered
Subject: 15071
Posted: 07 Dec 2021 at 7:16pm

I agree it probably does not make a difference in what model it is.
I was just curious because I haven't heard anyone else say about jacking it up until the wheels are off the ground and the floor still not squaring up with the frame.

I have mine lifted now and braced in 3 places to see if the floor and wall will move closer to square in a couple of days, tomorrow is day 3 so I plan to install the outriggers then. Just want to make sure the slide works properly. I plan on 3 outriggers for sure and possibly 5 total just under the slide. 
]]> Tue, 07 Dec 2021 19:16:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146360#146360 Sagging floor and outriggers : Mine is a 189 not sure it makes... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146359#146359 Author: pedwards2932
Subject: 15071
Posted: 07 Dec 2021 at 5:46pm

Mine is a 189 not sure it makes a difference as it seems to happen to models with slide out.]]> Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:46:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146359#146359 Sagging floor and outriggers : Hi Pedwards,That's interesting.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146356#146356 Author: Mojavered
Subject: 15071
Posted: 07 Dec 2021 at 8:39am

Hi Pedwards,
That's interesting. What model Rpod do you have?
]]> Tue, 07 Dec 2021 08:39:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146356#146356 Sagging floor and outriggers : NA https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146350#146350 Author: pedwards2932
Subject: 15071
Posted: 06 Dec 2021 at 2:29pm

NA]]> Mon, 06 Dec 2021 14:29:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146350#146350 Sagging floor and outriggers : Offgrid, great info, lots to think... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146343#146343 Author: Mojavered
Subject: 15071
Posted: 05 Dec 2021 at 8:37pm

Offgrid, great info, lots to think about.

I'm using a framing square from the frame to the floor, for the wall I just put a level on the slide to make sure it is level vertically.

Your right, it's only a travel trailer so as long as everything is working and tight it should be ok.
I've been thinking that if I can't get the last 1/4" then I will just make sure the floor is even (same distance from the outer edge of the floor to the bottom of the frame) under the slide and install the outriggers as needed.
That would at least prevent any further sagging, hopefully.


]]> Sun, 05 Dec 2021 20:37:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15071&PID=146343#146343