R-pod Owners Forum : 2012 Rpod 177 problems https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : 2012 Rpod 177 problems Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 14:02:07 +0000 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 23:31:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3625 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ 2012 Rpod 177 problems : We have a 2017 177, owned for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=127159#127159 Author: Andiamo
Subject: 3625
Posted: 16 Sep 2019 at 11:31pm

We have a 2017 177, owned for 18 months, seven trips. Only problem so far, Knock, Knock, is the sink has come lose because it was only held up against the counter by funky toe-nailed screw heads. Join the r-pod FaceBook site. Sorry for your troubles.
Tom, Vancouver, WA
]]> Mon, 16 Sep 2019 23:31:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=127159#127159 2012 Rpod 177 problems : What did you notice happening... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35246#35246 Author: Gram-Pod
Subject: 3625
Posted: 03 Jul 2013 at 7:18pm

What did you notice happening with the axle failure before it actually failed?]]> Wed, 03 Jul 2013 19:18:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35246#35246 2012 Rpod 177 problems : This is why I USED to get the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35199#35199 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 3625
Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 12:38pm

This is why I USED to get the big money.  Glad I could help.  Does this mean you will be joining us in Seaside Oregon in August?  Safe Travels.]]> Tue, 02 Jul 2013 12:38:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35199#35199 2012 Rpod 177 problems : It was you! Thanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35196#35196 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 02 Jul 2013 at 11:37am

It was you! Thanks...

]]> Tue, 02 Jul 2013 11:37:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35196#35196 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Good news! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35177#35177 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3625
Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 10:35pm

Good news!]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2013 22:35:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35177#35177 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Nice to hear that they are standing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35153#35153 Author: danthoman
Subject: 3625
Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 12:53pm

Nice to hear that they are standing behind their product and that you'll soon be on the road again.]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:53:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35153#35153 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Glad to hear its resolved. Was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35152#35152 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 3625
Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 12:23pm

Glad to hear its resolved.  Was it I, who suggested you contact the manufacturer directly?  If so, I will take one lap around the track and add an 'atta boy.  Keep in touch.  Safe Travels.]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:23:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35152#35152 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Good news to report on our Lippert... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35150#35150 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 01 Jul 2013 at 12:15pm

Good news to report on our Lippert Axle problems on the 177 RPOD Hood River Edition. After emailing Lippert, who answered promptly, and emailing pictures of our RPOD, axle, wheels, etc we just heard back that they will send a replacement axle, parts and pay shipping! So all we will end up paying is installation ($200.00).WHEW, that's a huge relief. We still don't know how long it'll take to get it so,living in Montana, our camping season will be considerably shorter this year ...
BTY, this is my first contact with a forum. It has been very rewarding with great suggestions from everyone - THANKS...]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2013 12:15:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=35150#35150 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Sent them pictures and information... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34913#34913 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 26 Jun 2013 at 2:16pm

Sent them pictures and information this morning...we'll see if they will stand behind their product...]]> Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:16:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34913#34913 2012 Rpod 177 problems : No, but what a good idea. Thanks!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34704#34704 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 1:14pm

No, but what a good idea.
Thanks!]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:14:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34704#34704 2012 Rpod 177 problems : I know many of these issues are... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34703#34703 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 1:11pm

I know many of these issues are small things, guess we were spoiled our last trailer was a 1971 Bell truck camper - was build like a tank, very solid, but also heavy. I don't know what Loctite is, but I'm sure my husband does. Thanks for the suggestions, and we'll watch for other items you mentioned.]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:11:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34703#34703 2012 Rpod 177 problems : 2011 and we bought it new from... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34702#34702 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 1:00pm

2011 and we bought it new from a dealer in Boise, ID.]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 13:00:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34702#34702 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Nope, the table is down and locked... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34701#34701 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 12:59pm

Nope, the table is down and locked (that's where the rubbing happens). I now have a rug I put between the table and the wall whenever we are traveling.]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 12:59:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34701#34701 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Have you contacted the manufacturer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34700#34700 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 12:58pm

Have you contacted the manufacturer of the axle directly? Safe Travels.]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 12:58:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34700#34700 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Interesting, we were not given... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34699#34699 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 12:57pm

Interesting, we were not given the option of a spring axle. Just the choice between the Lippert (the axle which comes on RPODS) or the Dexter. We ordered the Dexter...]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 12:57:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34699#34699 2012 Rpod 177 problems : In the first year all was covered,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34698#34698 Author: dshearer
Subject: 3625
Posted: 22 Jun 2013 at 12:56pm

In the first year all was covered, last year we had the sensor on the black/grey tank we paid for and, so far what we hear from the local dealer, no the axle is NOT covered under warranty.]]> Sat, 22 Jun 2013 12:56:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34698#34698 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Originally posted by gappmanWell,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34643#34643 Author: bhamster
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 4:41pm

Originally posted by gappman

Well, then maybe there is a market there for a new invention? Quiet heaters! Imagine that! Could be a demand, if the consensus is that all small trailers are over equipped with these squirrel cage units. 

I don't think there are enough of these little trailers to make it worthwhile. Considering that the heater in this trailer is exactly the same as the one in my childhood trailer, I'm guessing they don't change designs very often either.
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:41:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34643#34643 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Well, then maybe there is a market... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34640#34640 Author: gappman
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 4:16pm

Well, then maybe there is a market there for a new invention? Quiet heaters! Imagine that! Could be a demand, if the consensus is that all small trailers are over equipped with these squirrel cage units. ]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:16:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34640#34640 2012 Rpod 177 problems : My furnace was so bad the floor... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34639#34639 Author: marwayne
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 4:12pm

My furnace was so bad the floor was vibrating, so I went to work on it.
I insulated the exterior metal box all around, left vents open. Where ever metal touched wood I put insulation in between. The most important thing is to attach the grill to the wood not the furnace box.
No more vibration, noise is down by 50%. ]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 16:12:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34639#34639 2012 Rpod 177 problems : I think the main issue isn't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34637#34637 Author: bhamster
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 3:39pm

I think the main issue isn't the fan or the motor, but the amount of air that has to move through there to dissipate the heat. If you used a quieter fan it would probably melt or catch on fire.

The real problem is that the heater is just too big for the rpod and unfortunately they don't make them any smaller.
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 15:39:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34637#34637 2012 Rpod 177 problems : The heater is oversized for the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34632#34632 Author: furpod
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 2:35pm

The heater is oversized for the space, but it is the smallest model RV heater made. The market for small campers is very small. No one is going to make anymore special parts than they have to for 1% of the market.

I use a ceramic heater whenever possible because I would rather not use my gas when I am paying for their electrons. Not because it's all that loud. The heater in a tank is LOUD, and I lived with that for 20 years...

I hate to hear of gappman's screw troubles.. the wood in the R-Pod is of no less quality or thickness than in any other standard RV, and they all hold together fine(ish).. I know I have not had to tighten a single screw yet that I hadn't already loosened myself..
 
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 14:35:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34632#34632 2012 Rpod 177 problems : gappman's right. If nobody... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34631#34631 Author: Outbound
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 2:24pm

gappman's right.  If nobody complains, then the companies involved won't work toward a solution.  A couple dozen complaints about excessive noise from the furnace may get them looking into the problem and suggesting a solution.]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 14:24:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34631#34631 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Originally posted by gappmanI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34628#34628 Author: Seanl
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 1:52pm

Originally posted by gappman

I realize that, but why can't these companies put silent fans in there? Ductless or not, I have a portable fan that pushes a heck of a lot of air (without ducts) and it makes little to no noise. I just don't understand the oversight.

They could if anyone made one. The fan on these is a squirrel cage fan that moves a lot of air but not quietly. You could probably put hushmat around these to make them quieter but  I have never tried to take mine out so I don't know how hard a job that would be. 
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:52:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34628#34628 2012 Rpod 177 problems : I realize that, but why can't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34625#34625 Author: gappman
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 1:10pm

I realize that, but why can't these companies put silent fans in there? Ductless or not, I have a portable fan that pushes a heck of a lot of air (without ducts) and it makes little to no noise. I just don't understand the oversight.]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 13:10:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34625#34625 2012 Rpod 177 problems : The heater in our popup was just... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34623#34623 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 12:29pm

The heater in our popup was just as loud, so its a general issue with camper heaters unless you have a larger camper with a ducted system.]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 12:29:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34623#34623 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Bought our 177 last September.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34620#34620 Author: gappman
Subject: 3625
Posted: 20 Jun 2013 at 11:42am

Bought our 177 last September. Almost immediately the wood screws holding anything with a hinge came loose. The door under the sink, loose. The storage door under the table, loose. The door above the sink, loose. The problem is, these surfaces just aren't strong enough to hold hinges that get used frequently. Also, I've posted in other areas about the heater fan being loud and they are ALL loud but the problem is, Forest River won't do anything about it because I seem to be the only one contacting them about it. Nobody else is complaining to them about it although there are some users like me who don't use it because of the noise. Their solution is to buy a heater and bring it along. That doesn't make sense to me since the trailer has one built in and I paid for it!
Rant over.
Okay, not much else has failed on the unit and I go over it with a fine tooth comb after each outing.
]]> Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:42:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34620#34620 2012 Rpod 177 problems : We bought our 177 used. The previous... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34564#34564 Author: Paige
Subject: 3625
Posted: 19 Jun 2013 at 11:47am

We bought our 177 used.  The previous owners had cut two square holes in the bench on the door side, near the floor. They then built wooden channels inside the bench.  So when we travel, we push the table legs into those two channels and then bungee the table.  We travel with our two bikes, so this enables us to store one bike alongside the table. It also keeps the table in place during travel.  Our furnace cover is fine, but the circuit breaker cover keeps popping off,,,a little duct tape? :)  ]]> Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:47:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34564#34564 2012 Rpod 177 problems : dshearer, for comparison with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34548#34548 Author: Outbound
Subject: 3625
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 10:00pm

dshearer, for comparison with my 2009 RP-171 which I've had for three years and eleven months:
  • Rear window leak - about two years in, I wasn't happy with how the seal looked from the outside, so I took the trailer in to my dealer and paid to have the rear window reseated
  • TV/DVD - I noticed that mine was loose in the first few weeks of ownership and tightened it down with blue loctite
  • Furnace Grill - After about a year, one screw that holds the grill in place popped out during travel.  I reinstalled both screws with a dab of blue loctite and it hasn't been a problem since.  While the loose grill rattled around, it rubbed the cabinetry and I used some furniture knick filler to clean it up.
  • Table - During the orientation session with my dealer, I was told that the table must always be lowered during travel.  This was unacceptable to me (I had just come from a tent trailer and was tired of putting up everything in the trailer before being able to use it).  Instead, I used a bungee cord to hold the back edge of the table to the support rails so that the table would stay relatively still during travel.  Its neat and out of the way - you'd never notice it even when sitting at the table.  In four years, I've never had any issues with it rubbing any walls.
  • Brackets for dump valves - noticed they were loose and used some blue loctite again
I've also had to tighten drawer slide screws, readjust the screen door (it was tilting down), tighten screws in the awning rail, replace the black sewer valve after 3 years because the gasket seal was failing, tighten screws for the bath light, re-caulk the r-dome mounting pegs, remount the propane detector (admittedly, that was because my dog kept knocking it off), replaced the seals around the outside storage bay hatches after two years, adjust blinds, replace the freshwater cap as it started to disintegrate from UV after 3 years, and so on...

I consider this all to be standard maintenance on a travel trailer.  Things jiggle and come loose.  UV dries out and rots plastics and caulking.  Screens rot.  Things wear out.  I've been fortunate to have spotted loose bolts and screws before they've completely let go and caused more damage.  But, really, all I've faced is normal wear and tear.]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34548#34548 2012 Rpod 177 problems : Originally posted by techntrekThere... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34547#34547 Author: Craneman
Subject: 3625
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 9:51pm

Originally posted by techntrek

There are two different makers of the torsion axle used on the pod.  The ride quality is much better vs. springs so I'd recommend sticking with torsion. 

   I'm waiting till I get the pod back home and then start looking at my options, I think I may good on a short camping trip brake less .
           Moe
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:51:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34547#34547 2012 Rpod 177 problems : There are two different makers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34541#34541 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3625
Posted: 18 Jun 2013 at 8:42pm

There are two different makers of the torsion axle used on the pod.  The ride quality is much better vs. springs so I'd recommend sticking with torsion. ]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:42:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3625&PID=34541#34541