R-pod Owners Forum : 1st Pod'r trip http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : 1st Pod'r trip Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 23:46:37 +0000 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:05:46 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2856 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ 1st Pod'r trip : As a matter habit we checked the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27586#27586 Author: Robert and Sonya
Subject: 2856
Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 5:05pm

As a matter habit we checked the pressure at the beginning of the day and each time we stopped. Made sure it was at the psi recomended.  We do not like traveling on the interstates, mainily due to the speed of the 18 wheelers. Usually stick to the smaller highways - they may not be as fast but they are prettier.  Rarely drive over 65.  Robert was driving when the blowout happened (thank goodness) and says he was going around 60.    Most of our extraneous items were in the truck bed so I don't think weight was a factor.

Since the fender cover was ripped off and tire parts were flying I am grateful there was no one traveling near us or someone might have been hurt.  Very grateful we were not hurt and there was no more damage than there was.  Will update you on our repair saga.

Note to everyone: Always make sure you have a good jack stand and zip ties.  We had to use zip ties to secure the loose ends of the electric brake wiring so it didn't get tangled in the axle.  We also carry 2 reflective triangles in the TV.  Those came in handy to notify other vehicles we were on the side of the road. We were just beyond a hill but the triangles gave all of the drivers plenty of notice and they all moved to the other lane because wouldn't you know it - the blow out was on the drivers side!
]]> Sat, 08 Sep 2012 17:05:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27586#27586 1st Pod'r trip : So sorry to hear and see... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27576#27576 Author: Goose
Subject: 2856
Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 12:02pm

  So sorry to hear and see your bad luck on the first time out. I always wonder as to how fast you were traveling, more speed, more heat the tire generates and then add on the weight things can go wrong pretty fast. It hurts and makes you mad but the trailer can be repaired, at least things did not get real ugly and you did not get hurt.   Goose]]> Sat, 08 Sep 2012 12:02:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27576#27576 1st Pod'r trip : Did you inflate the trailer tire... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27572#27572 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2856
Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 11:46am

Did you inflate the trailer tire to the max pressure shown on the sidewall? You need to check that and the lug nut torque before each trip. Over time the torque will stabilize but the tire pressure is critical each time. Partly to combat sway, partly so they dont disintegrate. Your TVs tire pressure should also be near max for towing, not what the door sill sticker says. I recommend a few PSIs below max for ride comfort.

]]> Sat, 08 Sep 2012 11:46:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27572#27572 1st Pod'r trip : I use to work as an insurance... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27552#27552 Author: Robert and Sonya
Subject: 2856
Posted: 08 Sep 2012 at 12:20am

I use to work as an insurance adjuster so  I knew to take pictures and keep both tires. I am hoping Forest River will help us out.  We have insurance, but it would be nice if they would step up and take care of the deductible.

Still need to crawl under the Pod to see if there was any damage to the undercarriage.
]]> Sat, 08 Sep 2012 00:20:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27552#27552 1st Pod'r trip : Sorry to hear you had so many... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27532#27532 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2856
Posted: 07 Sep 2012 at 5:43pm

Sorry to hear you had so many problems.  The A/C is definitely a warranty issue, as well as the water leak (many of us have found loose connections on the drain pipes) and the drawer.  You may even get your dealer to contact FR to see if they'll cover the cost of your new tires and the exterior repairs under warranty - certainly new tires should never shred.  You may not have much leverage if you don't have the shredded tire anymore.]]> Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:43:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27532#27532 1st Pod'r trip : We are back from our trip and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27526#27526 Author: Robert and Sonya
Subject: 2856
Posted: 07 Sep 2012 at 2:44pm

We are back from our trip and had a great time.
 Encountered a few problems and will be taking Podder to the dealer for a little work.  Our first issue was a rookie mistake - we tried to take entirely too much stuff with us.  We use to have a 5th wheel and are still learning how to downsize.

- AC: Would never cool the trailer more than 76 degrees.  The compressor and fan would run and then turn off but the fan would immediately start up again. VERY noisy, but I expected that after reading the forum. Fortunately the nights were in the 60's so we were able to sleep with the vent fan and an open window.

- Small water leak under the kitchen sink. Luckily I keep a dish pan under the sink drain so no damage was done.

- Kitchen drawer slider broke and the drawer had to travel on the floor.  It appears the slider assembly is made of plastic. We may repair this ourselves and replace with a better material.

- CryThe worst was on the way home the driver side tire shredded and took out the fender cover, city water connection cover, furnace cover and tore out the electric brakes.  This was our first trip and the tires were supposedly new.  We purchased a new set of tires the next morning as we did not have confidence in the remaining original tire.

This was enough for Robert to say we were going to sell Podder once repairs are made.  He has now calmed down and is willing to give her another try.  It's disappointing to have so many issues with a new trailer.  We pulled a 26 foot fifth wheel for 12 years and never had a problem. Guess we were spoiled.

One good thing about the pod is the low cost of pulling her. We sold the 5th wheel because the cost of fuel to pull her down the road stopped us from taking her out very often. Fuel costs were less than 1/2 what they use to be.

Waiting to hear back from the insurance company and make arrangement for repairs. 
Other than these issues we had a wonderful time.  Will post pictures from the trip later.  
]]> Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:44:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27526#27526 1st Pod'r trip : Oh have fun. I'm so jealous... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27070#27070 Author: The McLane's
Subject: 2856
Posted: 24 Aug 2012 at 10:53am

Oh have fun.
I'm so jealous ours is still sitting in the driveway.....waiting.
]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:53:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27070#27070 1st Pod'r trip : Good luck, and definitely post... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27068#27068 Author: Jen&Juice
Subject: 2856
Posted: 24 Aug 2012 at 10:25am

Good luck, and definitely post pics! We've never been to Ft. Davis, but it's on the list. 400 miles from San Antonio,  but maybe we'll be inspired by ya'll to Pod it that far!]]> Fri, 24 Aug 2012 10:25:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27068#27068 1st Pod'r trip : Deeep in the heaaaaart of Tex-as!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27013#27013 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2856
Posted: 22 Aug 2012 at 1:26pm

Deeep in the heaaaaart of Tex-as!  <clap clap clap clap>]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:26:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27013#27013 1st Pod'r trip : We are headed to the Davis Mountains,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27012#27012 Author: Robert and Sonya
Subject: 2856
Posted: 22 Aug 2012 at 1:16pm

We are headed to the Davis Mountains, deep in west Texas. We were married there and it is one of our favorite places.  It is almost 500 miles from our house but worth the trip to us. High desert mountains, home of the McDonald Observatory and Ft. Davis National Historical site. 

A long drive, but when you live in Texas you get use to it. Where else can you drive all day and still be in the state?

Can't wait!


]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:16:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27012#27012 1st Pod'r trip : Wow, that is a big break-in trip!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27011#27011 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2856
Posted: 22 Aug 2012 at 10:42am

Wow, that is a big break-in trip!]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 10:42:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27011#27011 1st Pod'r trip : After weeks of Pod&#039;r sitting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27008#27008 Author: Robert and Sonya
Subject: 2856
Posted: 22 Aug 2012 at 9:45am

After weeks of Pod'r sitting in the driveway and being beautified with various mod's it is time for the first outing. We leave tomorrow for a 2 week, 1000 mile trip.  Can't wait!  This site has been so helpful, we love it here.  Will post pics when we return.  Big smile]]> Wed, 22 Aug 2012 09:45:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2856&PID=27008#27008