R-pod Owners Forum : EscaPOD Adventures

R-pod Owners Forum : EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 04:57:59 +0000 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:34:29 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15292 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I also think there's a tangible... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148563#148563 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15292
Posted: 17 Jun 2022 at 10:34am

I also think there's a tangible difference between the various factories FR uses. I don't believe they transport new trailers over the Rockies (at least not typically), so there is probably a difference between western trailers and eastern trailers.]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:34:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148563#148563 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : True. As we have seen throughout... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148561#148561 Author: Linda&Gino
Subject: 15292
Posted: 17 Jun 2022 at 10:18am

True. As we have seen throughout history and in recent years, math and science can be used to tell all kinds of stories.

At the end of the day, it is the owner who has to determine their use case and where they are willing to compromise to reach their intended goal(s)

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2022 10:18:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148561#148561 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : The frame and axle designs of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148559#148559 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 17 Jun 2022 at 6:07am

The frame and axle designs of the 179s (which were sourced from Lippert) didn't change during that period so I don't think those issues can be attributed to quality control at FR. The floor problems quite possibly can.

We need to remember that most owners never have the frame and axle problems. That means that they are low probability events, likely in the range of hundreds of thousands of miles between them. So statistically one trailer travelling 50k miles is nowhere near enough. You would need to collect data from hundreds of owners travelling tens of thousands of miles to be able to estimate the overall frequency of occurence, let alone differences between model years.

So what do engineers do to identify and correct problems when they don't have access to sufficiebt statistical data to work with? They evaluate by analysis and calculation. Which is what I did.

IOW, you have to trust the math.

]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2022 06:07:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148559#148559 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Based on the anecdotal information... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148557#148557 Author: Linda&Gino
Subject: 15292
Posted: 16 Jun 2022 at 5:06pm

Based on the anecdotal information on this forum and others, something happened with Forest River's quality control around 2016-2017. Our 179 indicates it is a 2017 model, but it wears the green colors of the 2016 variety and not the blue. Additionally, despite some really rough treatment over its 45,000+ miles, including thousands miles on forest roads and BLM land, it has not experienced nearly the same number of issues as later models (knocking on wood as I write this), so I am grateful for that. It's the build quality inconsistency that I find interesting, especially in this day and age of improved manufacturing methodologies. It's almost like we are talking about a GM/Ford/Chrysler car built in the 70's!

Hopefully feedback is making it back to FR and they act on it so future buyers won't have to worry about these things.

]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2022 17:06:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148557#148557 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I think the repairs will hold... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148548#148548 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 16 Jun 2022 at 9:14am

I think the repairs will hold up too. It's not like you're going to plan on hitting some more huge pot holes again anytime soon.

I'm a little surprised that your axle got bent because you already had that well reinforced. What are your plans for that? ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2022 09:14:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148548#148548 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I think the repairs that were... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148545#148545 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 16 Jun 2022 at 6:47am

I think the repairs that were done (with heavier steel than the original frame) will hold up but your solution would be better. Ultimately, we will probably look for a newer trailer, one with a walk-around bed. With all the modifications and as many miles as we have been with our RPod, it will be tough to switch though.]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:47:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148545#148545 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : StephenH, good luck with NHTSA.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148544#148544 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 16 Jun 2022 at 6:34am

StephenH, good luck with NHTSA. However, I doubt they have jurisdiction unless it can be shown that this is a safety issue.

When I looked a couple of years ago I couldn't find any accepted standards anywhere for vehicle frame structural loading requirements. Only some general guidelines, nothing regulatory.

In fact, it appears that vehicle manufacturers consider this information proprietary and not for discussion outside the companies' engineering departments.

What I saw was that heavy trucks are designed to handle loads in the 2.5-3 g range. Cars and trucks (which being smaller get thrown around more) more like 3-4 g's.

When I analysed the 179 frame I got a number a bit under 2 g's at the spot where yours and olddogsrules' failed. 2 g's ain't much, I'm surprised we don't have more bent frame reported.

The axle was also good for about 2 g's. I recall about 2.5 g's at the tongue connection, so that would be next weakest spot to go.

If someone wanted to proactively beef up an rpod all around for rough roads, I'd add the 2x4 tubing both places (tongue and axle attachment) and put in a heavier axle as well. And of course the floor outriggers....

At that point it might be better to start over with a different trailer, but just because a manufacturer markets something for rough road use doesn't mean it's actually up to it, as there are no standards to assure it's strong enough. ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2022 06:34:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148544#148544 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I analysed this a few years ago... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148541#148541 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 16 Jun 2022 at 5:45am

I analysed this a few years ago when olddogsrule (IIRC) reported a bent frame at that same location. I think he ended up with the solution below.

The best way to reinforce the frame at the axle location would be to remove the riser and substitute a piece of 4x2 inch tubing (the same tubing that the frame is made from) welded under the frame.

That will both provide a 4 inch riser but also greatly strengthen the frame, much more so that just adding pieces of steel to the sides and bottom of the existing tube.

Why? Because the section modulus (the property that resists bending) of a rectangular tube increases with the square of the height in the direction the bending force is applied. So doubling the height of the frame to 8 inches increases it's ability to resist bending by a factor of 4.

That's not to say that StephenH's approach won't work, just that it's not he most efficient way to strengthen the frame. So the added steel would need to be much thicker to obtain the same results.

The welds will be less critical as well because the attachment between the two tubes occurs at the neutral axis (the location where stresses are minimized) of the doubled tube.

Whatever you do, the reinforcement should extend forward and back a significant distance from the axle attachment point or the frame will just bend again where the reinforcement ends. I did the length calc for the 179 when I looked into this before, you can use the advanced search to find it. IIRC the tube needed to extend behind the axle about 2-3 feet and 1-2 feet in front (stresses in front on the axle are lower).

Two 5ft long 4x2x0.1 steel tubes would add about 40 lbs to the rpod total weight. No too bad. ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2022 05:45:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148541#148541 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I will have to take pictures of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148537#148537 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 15 Jun 2022 at 9:34pm

I will have to take pictures of what was done. He welded a plate to the side and bottom. The side one goes past the riser on both ends if I recall correctly. The bottom one starts at the riser and goes back several inches. It ends up looking L shaped. A U shape would be better, but then there is the issue of access to the frame on the tank side. He said it looked as if the inside had been cracked as he remarked about rust, presumably in the crack.

It is possible that a U shape could be bolted in place, but welding is likely a much stronger way to do this. I will try to take some measurements as well as pictures to post.

]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2022 21:34:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148537#148537 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : So the question becomes--what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148536#148536 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15292
Posted: 15 Jun 2022 at 8:26pm

So the question becomes--

what can an owner do proactively to reinforce the frame at the rear of the axle attachment area?

Is there something bolt-on that we can do ourselves or does it require welding? any idea of dimensions and placement? other details?

I'm sure there is a lot more to frame reinforcement than simply bolting on a metal plate to the side of the frame rail.

thanks for your thoughts, as usual they are spot on.

Safe Travels

Vann

]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2022 20:26:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148536#148536 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I can't argue with you there.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148533#148533 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 15 Jun 2022 at 11:42am

I can't argue with you there. I would not have thought of the frame bending. I agree that the frame is not adequate. However, until there is enough pressure on manufacturers to change, they won't.

I will report this to the NHTSB. It does look as if the axle bent again, but I will take measurements later, when it cools off somewhat outside. It is too hot right now to be doing that sort of thing.

]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:42:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148533#148533 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : But StephenH, your TV frame went... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148531#148531 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 15 Jun 2022 at 6:37am

But StephenH, your TV frame went over the same surface and didn't get damaged did it? And many others have reported bent axles, frames, damaged floors, slide structures, etc. You've had a bent axle already too IIRC?

My point being that lower end travel trailers like rpods are just not designed with adequate structural safety margins. They aren't required to, and consumers are apparently willing to tolerate damage to their trailers that would be unacceptable in their other vehicles.

The tongue and tongue to frane attachment does not see as high loading as the frame in the axle attachment area does, so it shouldn't be surprising that your frame failed where it did. That's because the moment due to the load at the rear of the trailer pushing down is combined with that from the torsion axle rotating upwards. ]]> Wed, 15 Jun 2022 06:37:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148531#148531 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : This was anything but normal use.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148527#148527 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 14 Jun 2022 at 5:41pm

This was anything but normal use. We pulled off the road onto an area that looked like it had been graded only to find out that it was very rutted and we were bouncing quite a bit. I think the only reason the A frame did not bend also was because the trailer tray hit up against the front of the RPod (I can see the marks) and kept it from flexing more than it did.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 17:41:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148527#148527 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Ditto on finding a shop. I have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148525#148525 Author: Linda&Gino
Subject: 15292
Posted: 14 Jun 2022 at 4:59pm

Ditto on finding a shop. I have read where some shops aren't taking RVs over a few years old because they are overwhelmed by warranty work and can't find workers.

The whole bent frame thing has me shaking my head. Having spent years working in and owning a motorcycle shop, bent frames where something you would expect from either a serious crash or from an inferior brand like something from China. To have a frame bend from "normal" use blows my mind.

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:59:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148525#148525 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Not sure about the axle. Once... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148523#148523 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 14 Jun 2022 at 4:46pm

Not sure about the axle. Once the frame is straightened, then I will be able to tell about the axle better. Andrew thought it did not look bad. I also want to look at the tires for any unusual wear. They have a couple of thousand miles on them from Utah to Arizona to home.]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:46:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148523#148523 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Glad you found a shop you like... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148521#148521 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 14 Jun 2022 at 4:16pm

Glad you found a shop you like that was willing to take in the work. Did you end up deciding the axle camber was ok or are you having to get that recambered? ]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 16:16:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148521#148521 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I towed our EscaPOD to Littleton,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148515#148515 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 14 Jun 2022 at 10:16am

I towed our EscaPOD to Littleton, NC yesterday. Today, the frame should be straightened and reinforced. The person recommended was Andrew Smiley. He will be welding plates to the frame on the bottom behind the riser and on the side on the outside of the frame. This is in addition to welding the crack on the driver's side.

The best thing is that the cost of repair should be much less than I was expecting. I will still relay the information to Lippert, but I'm not going to try to file with insurance since that would likely lead to higher rates so paying the cost out of pocket is likely a better option.

]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:16:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148515#148515 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Monday the trailer will be looked... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148454#148454 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 11 Jun 2022 at 9:40am

Monday the trailer will be looked at and I will have a better idea of what it will take to repair it. I know some welding will be involved as I see a crack in the frame on the slide side. The good thing is that it looked to be pretty stable and did not expand any on the way home, even when we did hit some rough roads.]]> Sat, 11 Jun 2022 09:40:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148454#148454 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Keep us posted on what they decide... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148450#148450 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15292
Posted: 10 Jun 2022 at 5:14pm

Keep us posted on what they decide to do. Thanks for the updates.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:14:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148450#148450 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Okay. We made it home without... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148448#148448 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 10 Jun 2022 at 4:27pm

Okay. We made it home without further incident. I did take the advice and put the spare in the back of the truck and rearranged things to make the load on the back end of the RPod as light as possible. Now that I am home, I will set up an appointment to get it checked out and repaired. Hopefully, part of the repair will be to add some strengthening to the frame so it will be less likely to bend in the future.]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:27:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148448#148448 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Time for an update. I have completed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148319#148319 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 02 Jun 2022 at 12:19pm

Time for an update. I have completed welding, and then installing the two new heavy-duty outriggers. These won't break like the factory supplied ones did. The frame bend will have to wait until we get back home to address. I am thinking about adding a plate to each side of the frame and through-bolting it to strengthen the frame in that area. I don't know how difficult it would be to straighten the frame first. I just looked again. There is a very slight bend on the door side and a more visible bend on the slide side to deal with once we get back.]]> Thu, 02 Jun 2022 12:19:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148319#148319 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : It is a 2010 Frontier. It is... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148293#148293 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 6:15pm

It is a 2010 Frontier. It is not something I would have expected, especially since I have it in for service regularly. Hopefully, your 2016 RPod is many years away from such issues. We have over 163,000 on ours. With the age and mileage, I wold be surprised if nothing went wrong. As it is, with a new rear end, we should be set for many, many more miles. That being said, I would like to trade for something with more power. I really notice the lack of power when we are towing above 6,000 feet. A turbocharger or supercharger would make a big difference, but those are not available.]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 18:15:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148293#148293 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I keep my speed between 60-70mph... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148292#148292 Author: Linda&Gino
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 5:23pm

I keep my speed between 60-70mph as well. Not sure what y everyone's hurry is out there. I think there is a competition to see what one-ton truck can pull its fifth wheel the fastest. I keep a bottle jack in the Pod as well as a jack-stand just in case. Hope you have safe travels home.

What year is your Frontier? The rear end going out is concerning.

]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 17:23:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148292#148292 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Same here. I have the new outriggers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148291#148291 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 4:04pm

Same here. I have the new outriggers cut, bent, and waiting for the 30A to 15A adapter to arrive tomorrow so I can weld them. I did have a minor issue. The T section of my Frontier's jack handle broke off when I was raising the side of the RPod. The welded area just snapped. I have a new one on order from Amazon and it should arrive tomorrow.]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 16:04:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148291#148291 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Glad to hear you made it safely... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148288#148288 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 3:13pm

Glad to hear you made it safely through the tire failure. Hope you make it home without more issues.

]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 15:13:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148288#148288 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I'm glad I keep my speed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148287#148287 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 3:09pm

I'm glad I keep my speed at 60 mph or lower (with rare exceptions on steep downhill runs). I would not have liked to handle that at 70 or 75 mph. Even with the blown tire, the RPod tracked well. I don't know if the Hayes electronic sway control activated. That may have helped also.

Here's a picture of the tire:

]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 15:09:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148287#148287 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Wow, Stephen. That sounds like... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148285#148285 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 1:39pm

Wow, Stephen. That sounds like a crazy adventure. So glad you are okay, there were a few things that could have really gone south and been worse.]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 13:39:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148285#148285 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : I do not have a TPMS system for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148283#148283 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 11:23am

I do not have a TPMS system for the trailer. I don't think it was excessively hot since we were still at a significant altitude (which would have increased the pressure differential between inside and outside the tire but I don't know if it would have been that significant). I had noticed that that tire had wear on the inside edge and would have probably replaced it when we got to our daughter's house if it had not blown. I probably should have switched it out with the spare which was in new condition with no road miles. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20. As far as I know, I don't recall any road hazards. that does not mean that there was not something that contributed to the failure that I did not see.]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 11:23:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148283#148283 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : Stephen, I'm curious about... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148279#148279 Author: PilotPodder
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 5:39am

Stephen, I'm curious about the tire blow out. Was it excessively hot at the time of the tire blow out or do you attribute it to a specific road hazard or possibly tire age? Were you employing a TMPS? Glad you are ok. ~PP ]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 05:39:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148279#148279 EscaPOD Adventures - 2022 edition : That welder sounds like a good... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148277#148277 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15292
Posted: 30 May 2022 at 3:43am

That welder sounds like a good deal, I think I'll check out our Harbor Freight here for one.

I agree your frame will probably be fine till you get home. Just a suggestion, you might want to relocate as much weight as possible from the kitchen storage (and maybe the spare) to forward of the axle or to the truck bed. Just in case you hit another bad set of pot holes.

Other than that the worst case scenario will probably be uneven tire wear if the axle has been decambered. With the reinforcement you have on it I'd be surprised if it's significant, I'd expect the frame to bend and outriggers to fail before the axle.

]]> Mon, 30 May 2022 03:43:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15292&PID=148277#148277