R-pod Owners Forum : First Trip Problems http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : First Trip Problems Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 03:45:16 +0000 Tue, 08 Oct 2013 18:59:47 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3989 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ First Trip Problems : Yes, the pod was level and the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39292#39292 Author: EmptyNesters
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 6:59pm

Yes, the pod was level and the seals were all in the proper position and the caulking is good, I have no clue how the rain is getting in. ]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 18:59:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39292#39292 First Trip Problems : Water coming in corner of slide... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39291#39291 Author: Bill-GA
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 6:33pm

Water coming in corner of slide out - are you level? Are the seals deployed (out) on top and sides?]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 18:33:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39291#39291 First Trip Problems : Thanks! Found it at Home Depot... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39286#39286 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 2:56pm

Thanks! Found it at Home Depot]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:56:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39286#39286 First Trip Problems : Originally posted by EmptyNestersThat... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39285#39285 Author: retiredtraveler
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 2:45pm

Originally posted by EmptyNesters

That is exactly what happened to us, we were towing in the rain and the pod floor was soaked, but once we got to our site it was no longer raining. Later that day it started pouring and the water was coming in on the lower right corner of the slideout, I will keep you posted as to what we find out, so far I can't see anything wrong with the seals or caulking anywhere.

  
So that means it is not just traveling in the rain (where you're towing and causing rain to hit your pod at 60 mph). Water is running down from someplace and coming in at a lower level.

   I have not looked at the weatherstripping on a pod slideout. My pup as a slideout, but it has never leaked. 
]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:45:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39285#39285 First Trip Problems : I just bought a can at Lowes or... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39279#39279 Author: furpod
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 1:02pm

I just bought a can at Lowes or Home Depot.. it is just spray silicone lubricant. It's called "Fabulous Blaster" I would say by the font it's by the same people who make "P B Blaster" which is fantastic stuff also.
]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 13:02:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39279#39279 First Trip Problems : Furpod-I know this has been asked,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39275#39275 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 10:35am

Furpod-I know this has been asked, but can you give a brand of the spray you referrence? We also have that problem sometimes and want to correct it. Just don't know what to buy from Campingworld or whatever. Thanks!]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 10:35:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39275#39275 First Trip Problems : Originally posted by hogonei... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39274#39274 Author: furpod
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 10:04am

Originally posted by hogone

i mentioned in a prior post that i to have had a water issue (granted it was minimal) with water on the floor when driving through rain; and it was torrential!!  no issues however when parked.  i always make sure those rubber flaps are out when the slide is out.  i have noticed that they stick in once in a while, including the top one.  i also have never noticed any water after giving the pod a good bath.  so i guess i'm not sure where this water is coming in, maybe underneath somewhere.  i have checked and cannot find any breaches.  hogone


If you spray a little silicone spray on a rag and give those gaskets/seals/flaps a wipe, they won't stick..
]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 10:04:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39274#39274 First Trip Problems : We've had our 2013 R-Pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39271#39271 Author: Sandcamper
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 9:16am

We've had our 2013 R-Pod 177 for two summers and travelled almost 20,000 miles without major issues.]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 09:16:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39271#39271 First Trip Problems : i mentioned in a prior post that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39266#39266 Author: hogone
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 8:44am

i mentioned in a prior post that i to have had a water issue (granted it was minimal) with water on the floor when driving through rain; and it was torrential!!  no issues however when parked.  i always make sure those rubber flaps are out when the slide is out.  i have noticed that they stick in once in a while, including the top one.  i also have never noticed any water after giving the pod a good bath.  so i guess i'm not sure where this water is coming in, maybe underneath somewhere.  i have checked and cannot find any breaches.  hogone]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 08:44:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39266#39266 First Trip Problems : That secondreply was forHylandspirit... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39258#39258 Author: EmptyNesters
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 6:53am

That second  reply was for Hylandspirit View Drop Down ]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 06:53:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39258#39258 First Trip Problems : That is exactly what happened... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39257#39257 Author: EmptyNesters
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 6:50am

That is exactly what happened to us, we were towing in the rain and the pod floor was soaked, but once we got to our site it was no longer raining. Later that day it started pouring and the water was coming in on the lower right corner of the slideout, I will keep you posted as to what we find out, so far I can't see anything wrong with the seals or caulking anywhere.]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 06:50:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39257#39257 First Trip Problems : retiredtraveler, once I find out... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39256#39256 Author: EmptyNesters
Subject: 3989
Posted: 08 Oct 2013 at 6:44am

retiredtraveler, once I find out where the leak is and what the fix will be I will be sure to post. We can see the water coming in from the lower right hand corner of the slide out while in the pod, but from the outside everything looks fine, not sure yet exactly how its getting in. ]]> Tue, 08 Oct 2013 06:44:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39256#39256 First Trip Problems : We also have not had any problems.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39216#39216 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3989
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 1:53pm

We also have not had any problems. Heavy rains and some other storms have blown through. We haven't noticed any leaking at all. We weren't able to have a walkthrough do to our dealer being three hours away.

We looked at many trailers and rv's before stlling on the rpod. We were very impressed with the product. A couple things to mention..

The air conditioner is loud! We didn't care though because it's awesome!! Cools off the pod in no time. Also, it has vents that allow directing the flow. Very nice.
The furnace does have a fan that is a little loud, but very functional. We got the pod and it was 75 out. All the windows and the door was open when I turned it on to test it. The furnace made the pod hot enough for me to want it off within a minute.
We have a 182, so there is only the dinette sleeper. The cushions are comfortable, but thry are different sizes. A little wierd sleeping on them. We bought a Lyksele Lovase from Ikea. It was suggested on the forum and fits perfect!   We put it on top of the cushions and love it. It's futon mattress and folds in half which makes for easy storage on a bunk.
Overall, we are very pleased! The pod is great for our family.

Our wish list....
Dual propane and dual battery options!! Also, a built in water purifier for the sink. Good thing is that other owners have posted mods for the duals and a purifier can be purchased and easily installed.]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:53:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39216#39216 First Trip Problems : Are these same type of problems... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39213#39213 Author: asreichler
Subject: 3989
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 1:23pm

Are these same type of problems found on boats, which take as much of a beating as a RV.
Allen
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:23:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39213#39213 First Trip Problems : Originally posted by retiredtravelerI'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39212#39212 Author: furpod
Subject: 3989
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 12:44pm

Originally posted by retiredtraveler

I'm not a pod owner (yet), but I can tell you from years of owning a popup and being on RV forums that your experience is, unfortunately, very common. Contrary to what many people understand, a portion of assembly goes on at the dealership. Caulking is one of those things often done at the dealer, and often done badly. Other assembly tasks are done and again, often done badly.
   This is poor workmanship on the part of the dealer. And, as you did, many of us (including me), didn't go back to the dealer and instead, reworked these things ourselves.
   RV's, for the most part, are cheaply made and often poorly assembled. Having something that is not working properly, as your water pump, is due to dealer not setting up and inspecting the unit.   


Not on the pods. they do that at the factory. the pods leave there ready for delivery, other than cleaning and prep from the drive etc. seen it. Been there. got the T shirt, and a sticker.

The Fact is, that caulking, is and always will be, an ongoing issue that owners of all RV's have to stay on top of. It's way worse than, say your house, which is what most owners compare to, and just like keeping up with water fittings etc, it has to be done. I gurrreeenteee that if you took most owners homes (which they of course have never had these kind of problems with) and roll them down the interstate and through a few campgrounds and over some speed bumps etc.. they will find way more problems then they do with their TT's. Wink
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 12:44:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39212#39212 First Trip Problems : Do you know the cause of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39206#39206 Author: retiredtraveler
Subject: 3989
Posted: 07 Oct 2013 at 10:25am

    Do you know the cause of the leak?

     I'm 'lurking' on this forum as I'm interested in possibly getting a new pod and it's just this sort of nonsense that continues to put me off on trading my popup in. As I posted, it's almost the rule, rather than the exception, to have all kinds of fit-and-finish stuff to be done 'crappily' on RV's, across the board. I've talked to many TT owners, with expensive rigs, that have the same issues.
    But there are loose screws, and then there are major leaks due to bad caulking or weatherstripping that damage your brand-new unit and compromise it for the long run (rotten floor in a few years?).  I know some dealers (probably only a handful), due a major leak test on units by pouring a whole lot of water on them, sometimes via a pressure washer, to find leaks.  

   Please post problem and resolution (once you get one), if you would be so kind.
]]> Mon, 07 Oct 2013 10:25:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39206#39206 First Trip Problems : Emptynesters - we had that same... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39178#39178 Author: Hylandspirit
Subject: 3989
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 7:50pm

Emptynesters - we had that same wet floor problem on our second or third day out with our 2014 178.  We drove through rain all day and when we stopped for the evening, the floor was sopping wet.  We could not figure out if the water came up under the slideout.  It was not enough to ruin our floor, so we just wiped it up and have not been in rain since then.  We looked for rain coming in while we were stopped,but could not see a source.  It's interesting to hear of someone else having the same issue.  We will definitely have to watch it.   Thanks for the post.]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 19:50:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39178#39178 First Trip Problems : I removed those trim pieces almost... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39175#39175 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3989
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 6:14pm

I removed those trim pieces almost immediately.  No problem with the cushions moving even without the trim.  Same for the "peg and hole" they use to hold the table in place.  Removed it after it kept poking me and the table has never moved.]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 18:14:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39175#39175 First Trip Problems : The trim pieces on the dinette... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39170#39170 Author: EmptyNesters
Subject: 3989
Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 5:26pm

The trim pieces on the dinette seats are doomed to fail, ours were ruined by our second trip. I saw somewhere on here where someone had replaced them with solid wood. I have a 2014 178 and I have had a few problems so far, I had screws that popped through the exterior of the pod. Forest River had us take it to a body shop and the repair is unoticable. I am going to contact Forest River again this week as now our slide out is leaking. We towed it this weekend in the rain and the pod was full of water, there was so much water that the flooring in front of the bathroom is curling up. While we were camping we saw the water coming in from behind the trim around the slideout. It is a real bummer when stuff like this happens but at least Forest River stands behind their product and makes things right. ]]> Sun, 06 Oct 2013 17:26:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39170#39170 First Trip Problems : I'm not a pod owner (yet),... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39053#39053 Author: retiredtraveler
Subject: 3989
Posted: 03 Oct 2013 at 9:15am

I'm not a pod owner (yet), but I can tell you from years of owning a popup and being on RV forums that your experience is, unfortunately, very common. Contrary to what many people understand, a portion of assembly goes on at the dealership. Caulking is one of those things often done at the dealer, and often done badly. Other assembly tasks are done and again, often done badly.
   This is poor workmanship on the part of the dealer. And, as you did, many of us (including me), didn't go back to the dealer and instead, reworked these things ourselves.
   RV's, for the most part, are cheaply made and often poorly assembled. Having something that is not working properly, as your water pump, is due to dealer not setting up and inspecting the unit.   
]]> Thu, 03 Oct 2013 09:15:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39053#39053 First Trip Problems : Originally posted by RickandDenisewe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39044#39044 Author: kymooses
Subject: 3989
Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 10:06pm

Originally posted by RickandDenise

we have been out with our 178 about 8 times in the last two months and have had no problems


Awesome!!!!
]]> Wed, 02 Oct 2013 22:06:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39044#39044 First Trip Problems : we have been out with our 178... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39038#39038 Author: RickandDenise
Subject: 3989
Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 8:14pm

we have been out with our 178 about 8 times in the last two months and have had no problems]]> Wed, 02 Oct 2013 20:14:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=39038#39038 First Trip Problems : Keep in mind the aeodynamics of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38421#38421 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3989
Posted: 20 Sep 2013 at 1:13pm

Keep in mind the aeodynamics of the pod are much more important that the weight, once you are at highway speeds.  I also owned one of the largest popups, the Coleman Grandview SP, which like yours was much heavier than my pod.  The Sienna I had at the time never had any problems pulling the popup but with strong headwinds on one trip I did have problems with the pod.  I had it floored just to maintain 50 and ended up getting 8 mpg on that tank of gas (strong stormfront which produced many tornadoes behind us).

That said the pod is the easiest-towing trailer I've ever pulled.  Between the radial tires and torsion suspension it is very smooth.]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2013 13:13:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38421#38421 First Trip Problems : The other big thing for me,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38420#38420 Author: BigEyeDuck
Subject: 3989
Posted: 20 Sep 2013 at 12:31pm

The other big thing for me, the rpod is 700 lbs lighter then my current Utah.
I can tow the Utah just fine but will be nice to not tow something so heavy.
]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2013 12:31:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38420#38420 First Trip Problems : Bob, who did you work with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38417#38417 Author: BigEyeDuck
Subject: 3989
Posted: 20 Sep 2013 at 11:44am

Bob, who did you work with here in Oregon?? Fun Time in Portland or Sutton in Eugene??
 
I was down in Eugene last week for the Duck game and camped at Armitage Campground (great campground by the way) but their Sewer hookups were farther from the pad then my grey water hose so I ran over to George Sutton to grab a 6 ft discharge hose.
 
Of course Sutton has all the Rpods and Airstreams right out front and I could not resist a few walkthroughs.
 
We currently own the largest popup you can buy in a Fleetwood Utah CP. Love it but hate the "popup issues" with camping in Oregon i.e. rain, wet canvas etc.
 
I was really impressed with the 178 which is why talking with the wife the idea is starting to gain traction.
It is just the two of us and the 6 yr old.
]]> Fri, 20 Sep 2013 11:44:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38417#38417 First Trip Problems : We have now owned our west coast... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38400#38400 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 3989
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 at 5:41pm

We have now owned our west coast manufactured Rpod for 15 months and have traveled over 10,000 miles and 13 trips.  The Rpod has performed flawlessly, and other than having been delivered with brakes out of adjustment, it has been great.  I had read a number of posts on this forum before taking delivery and was able to add or change things based on others experiences.  I can't think of anything more aggravating while camping is to not being able to sleep because of an inadequate mattress or being too hot or too cold.  My wife and I are of average size and weight, but the original mattress was not acceptable.  Taking the advice of others before me, we opted to replace the mattress upon delivery. We couldn't be more comfortable.  Rather than have others find out about the mattress underperforming, I have felt that as a fellow podder, my advice was to advise them to replace the mattress. That still holds true.  As far as initial problems with you Rod, I truly believe the delivering dealer should do a complete inspection prior to delivery.  Most do, some don't.  Hope this clears up any concerns you may have about buying an Rpod manufactured here in Oregon.  Continue to read the posts here as they are invaluable in making your camping pleasureable.  Safe Travels     

]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:41:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38400#38400 First Trip Problems : We've had ours for coming... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38396#38396 Author: P&M
Subject: 3989
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 at 4:25pm

We've had ours for coming up on 1 year now, and we have had no major issues with it what-so-ever.  We have had a few minor issues to deal with, but nothing out of the ordinary in our minds.  Honestly, go around and really check out other trailers in this size and price range ... we did, and the Pods are far better built than anything else out there.  We also bought from a dealer that came highly recommended to us by another Podder, and the way we were treated when we went to pick it up really showed.  Top to bottom, side to side, and everything in-between was shown to us, demonstrated and explained.  Buying from a quality dealer is by far one of the most important things to being satisfied with the purchase.
 
Now, if you are having issues with holes not being sealed up, slides not working, major water leaks, and so on, I would not hesitate if I were you to take it back to the dealer and make them fix it to your satisfaction under warranty. 
]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:25:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38396#38396 First Trip Problems : None of the camper trailers we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38395#38395 Author: Paige
Subject: 3989
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 at 3:16pm

None of the camper trailers we bought were new...so we just assumed that there would be things we would have to fix.  We bought a Chalet,,,like an ALiner,,,and we had to tear up the whole floor and replace it...not a fun job.  But then we made lots of modifications.  We bought a 28 foot trailer that had floor damage due to poor window seals, we fixed the floor.  When we bought our 2010 rPod, second hand, of course, there was really nothing to fix!  We noticed a possible sealant problem around one of the windows, so we fixed that. We have been really pleased with the quality of work in the rPod.]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2013 15:16:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38395#38395 First Trip Problems : I agree with your post. It is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38394#38394 Author: Rabbit
Subject: 3989
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 at 2:31pm

I agree with your post. It is informative for me to here what is happening with other pods that is important one way or another. No one should post "angry" rants. ]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2013 14:31:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38394#38394 First Trip Problems : Originally posted by BigEyeDuck For... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38392#38392 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3989
Posted: 19 Sep 2013 at 1:14pm

Originally posted by BigEyeDuck



For a prospective buyer, this is not what I want to hear. Good thing the West Coast factory is only 70 miles from where I live.


Understand forums tend to have posts from people who have had trouble. Many of us have had little things but nothing major. And some of the complaints are things that bother some but not others. an example would be the forum member who without fail has to tell everyone that the mattress needs to be replaced. We are on the third year with ours and it is just fine. Or the people who dislike the shower, and the AC is loud and it goes on and on. Know that there are plenty of satisfied customers, far more than are angry.]]> Thu, 19 Sep 2013 13:14:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3989&PID=38392#38392