R-pod Owners Forum : Lousy Forest River support for buyers

R-pod Owners Forum : Lousy Forest River support for buyers http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Dealer Reviews and Comments : Lousy Forest River support for buyers Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 01:41:35 +0000 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 18:37:32 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5005 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Lousy Forest River support for buyers : We purchased a minimally used... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55090#55090 Author: Bonjour
Subject: 5005
Posted: 18 Dec 2014 at 6:37pm

We purchased a minimally used 179 and noticed that it was missing a small cushion that was necessary to make up the auxiliary bed. The dealer checked with the first owner but there was no cushion. The dealer agreed to replace it, they contacted FR, and it was delivered to my door in about 2 weeks. Honest people and good service - Kroubetz Lakeside Campers, Lake Crystal, MN.]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2014 18:37:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55090#55090 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Ultimately, I was happy with the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55072#55072 Author: Doll House Two
Subject: 5005
Posted: 18 Dec 2014 at 10:09am

Ultimately, I was happy with the work performed under warranty. Thanks for your comments.]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2014 10:09:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55072#55072 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : We did not buy our R Pod from... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55051#55051 Author: pepmac
Subject: 5005
Posted: 17 Dec 2014 at 6:15pm

We did not buy our R Pod from the dealer who services it.. You are free to take your R Pod to any authorized dealer no matter where you purchased it. We have been very happy with Forest River attention to taking care of any issue we have had.. It is not Forest River it is the dealers whom you need to be watchful of.. Service is not the same everywhere.. we found that out. If you are unhappy with the service contact Forest River let them know, they have dealt with any issue regarding there warranty or problem with their product that we have had.]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:15:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=55051#55051 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : My R Pod came home 6 weeks later... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=51408#51408 Author: Doll House Two
Subject: 5005
Posted: 14 Sep 2014 at 4:40pm

My R Pod came home 6 weeks later ! That being said, I think that the work on the flooring is acceptable. Hoping that there are not any other issues !! Well done , You are smart to be pro active.
]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:40:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=51408#51408 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Just an update on my replacement... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=51398#51398 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 14 Sep 2014 at 7:09am

Just an update on my replacement counter top-
it finally showed up after 13 weeks instead of the FR promised 2 weeks. The sticker on the countertop shows it wasn't even built by the vendor until 8 weeks after the order.
Caveat Emptor

PS- I have the countertop in my possession and prior to installation I am sealing all the exposed particle board edges with polyurethane to hopefully waterproof them so any future leaks or spills will not swell it up and delaminate the laminate surface.
]]> Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:09:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=51398#51398 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : I purchased an RP179 on June 17th... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49337#49337 Author: Doll House Two
Subject: 5005
Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 1:44pm

I purchased an RP179 on June 17th this year. Once home I noticed that there were two ripples in the flooring.
Notified the Dealer immediately. Made an apt for the camper to be taken in on 30th June after first camping trip in case something else needed to be tweaked; there were in fact a couple of other small issues. The R Pod sat for 10 days before the flooring problem was even addressed. It is now 31st July and I still do not have the camper.
Forest River's fix is to replace the main area of flooring up to the cabinets etc. I have mandated that this new flooring must be sealed so that if there are any spills/ leaks that no liquid can seep under the cabinets and then underneath the original flooring. Quite frankly, I agree that the response time from Forest River for warranty repair on a brand new unit is less than acceptable. I wrote to them (and to the dealer ) expressing my concerns about the original unit's integrity being compromised. I received no response from either parties. This was a real letter, not an e-mail. As of today having spoken again to the General Mgr of the dealership, the flooring has finally been shipped. I am hoping to have my R Pod back by mid week. Fingers Crossed.
]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2014 13:44:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49337#49337 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Well, all of the above would explain... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49264#49264 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5005
Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 9:33pm

Well, all of the above would explain the canter on my pod's wheels.]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2014 21:33:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49264#49264 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : My 2014 179 showed 3320 on the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49243#49243 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 5:52pm

My 2014 179 showed 3320 on the axle on a certified truck scale. That is with full water, empty black and gray tanks and no clothes or food as would be packed for a trip.
Yes, pulling out of a campground with full black and gray and even if you emptied the fresh water during the stay- you'd be over.
Some of the places I camp I have to go a long way to get to a dump station.

Also consider if you use a WD hitch you "force" more weight onto the axle.... Disapprove

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:52:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49243#49243 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : David:You were right. According... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49242#49242 Author: Newsguy12
Subject: 5005
Posted: 30 Jul 2014 at 5:16pm

David:

You were right. According to the sticker, total weight at 3700 pounds...minus tongue weight is about 3500. They're sure playing it tight. Dry weight at about 2700 lbs, and that doesn't include the A/C, spare tire and other options. Add about 240 lbs of fresh water...and god forbid you have anything in your gray and black tanks...and you're just about there. Wow.

]]> Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:16:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49242#49242 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : I believe you have a 3,500... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49169#49169 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5005
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 3:36pm

I believe you have a 3,500 lb. axle, if you look on the outside of your trailer I believe the left front side there will be a label with the GVWR subtract your factory tongue weight and that would be your axle weight limit. So if your GVWR is 3,900 lbs. and your factory tongue weight is 400 lbs. your axle limit would be 3,500 lbs.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 15:36:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49169#49169 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : David:I have a 2015 179 and since... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49155#49155 Author: Newsguy12
Subject: 5005
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 12:00pm

David:

I have a 2015 179 and since we bought it in February have put about 3500 miles on it and no sign of axle issues. How do I determine what the weight rating is on my axle? There is a "Lippert" decal on the tongue which I assume means I have a Lippert axle. Thanks.

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:00:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=49155#49155 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : It's very hot to go camping... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48723#48723 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5005
Posted: 23 Jul 2014 at 6:02am

It's very hot to go camping locally but hoping in a month or two to be up in Tennessee for a couple weeks. I sometimes refer to our camper as the Tennessee Express we are often traveling back and forth.]]> Wed, 23 Jul 2014 06:02:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48723#48723 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Thanks, David. What a horror story.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48703#48703 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 8:22pm

Thanks, David. What a horror story. I'm sorry for your troubles. I hope it works out for you. My advice to you: Fix that 4 mile problem. Go camping! ]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:22:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48703#48703 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : I will try to explain as best... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48702#48702 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 8:13pm

I will try to explain as best as possible. The wheels were slanting in at the top and the cargo capacity numbers on the label from the factory were greater than the rating of the axle 3,500 lbs. The dealer made some phone calls and it was agreed that Forest River would replace the axle with the newer 4,400 axle with 15" wheels. When I arrived home from Alabama where I purchased the camper I found out Dometic had a kit to quite the AC under warranty. When I had it at Camping World it was brought up that one wheel was slanted inward on top and the other wheel was straight. It was looked at by a technician pictures were taken and manufacturer confirmed it was a bent axle so another axle was ordered with new tires. So we are now with a third axle one the original 3,500 lb. and two the replaced bent axle and the present axle. There were a lot of complaints with the Vibe having only a 3,500 lb. axle with little room for cargo weight and my guess it hurt in the number of Vibes sold. Now all the new Vibes have the 4,400 lb. axle. And I believe they are all Lippert axles. We only have about four miles on our new axle and tires so can not say if this axle will work well in the future but I am hoping it will and the first axle was a defective axle from the factory. ]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:13:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48702#48702 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : I assure my r-pod has never been... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48696#48696 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 7:05pm

I assure my r-pod has never been overloaded.
I once hauled a 4,000 lb car 1500 miles on a 1500 lb car trailer with two 3500 lb axles.
They both bent and lost their camber on that trip. I-20 from TX to SC really pounds a trailer.
Point is- maybe axles need to be overrated more than they frequently are.
I see a LOT of RV trailers on the road with negative camber, indicating the axles are bent.
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:05:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48696#48696 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Well.. a 3500 pound axle.. is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48684#48684 Author: furpod
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 5:57pm

Well.. a 3500 pound axle.. is a 3500 pound axle. So unless you overload the trailer, the rating FR puts on it should be valid, yes? I suspect your aliner had the same axle because they only come in certain sizes, and that got them the cargo capacity + dry weight they wanted to use.. ]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 17:57:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48684#48684 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Yeah I find it curious that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48683#48683 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 5:50pm

Yeah I find it curious that my 179 uses the same rating axle as my Aliner, which weighed over 1200 lbs less..]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 17:50:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48683#48683 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Originally posted by David... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48681#48681 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 4:50pm

Originally posted by David and Danette

That may be true if the parts are coming from Forest River but we just had our axle replaced twice and it was about a two week wait for the new axle to arrive.

Dave,

I too am interested in the axle saga. I recall early on you were concerned about the cargo capacity on the Vibe. As I recall you were told FR would be using a higher capacity axle and they would upgrade yours. I see FR is now advertising the Vibe 65XX at GVWR=4700#+. Did you have trouble with the upgraded axle too? I've always thought the larger Pods should have been dual axle and the same for the Vibes. Livinlite (Camplite) uses dual Dexter 3500# axles starting with their 2400# empty weight models.

I also recall Gulfstream RV had a lot of trouble with their single axle 19' Visa/Vista trailers, although I think they used Lippert.
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:50:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48681#48681 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Tell me about your axle issues-... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48679#48679 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 4:06pm

Tell me about your axle issues- I have noticed the axle is bending on my new 179. It is a Dexter.
I think FR cut the capacity too close for a 3500 lb axle. The factory camber in the axle is gone, ie center of axle is now flat so the wheels are leaning in at the top. I confirmed with Dexter the axle was built with camber.
We've never had anywhere near maximum load and maybe only have 1000 miles on it, if that.
Reading on the net FR is well known for using too light of axles it seems....but they aren't the only one.

I actually had planned to order an axle from Dexter with a different angle on the arms to raise the camper a little bit, before I noticed the bending.
I have an email in to Dexter right now asking how strong of an axle they can build and still use the 5x4.5 bolt circle wheels.

Re:the countertop- no FR subs them out. That is why they said it would take 2 weeks....one week to get it from the supplier and one week to get it to the dealer.
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 16:06:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48679#48679 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : That may be true if the parts... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48675#48675 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 3:33pm

That may be true if the parts are coming from Forest River but we just had our axle replaced twice and it was about a two week wait for the new axle to arrive. But the axles I believed were covered under the manufactures warranty and were sent directly from Lippert. And I believe too that insulation for the refrigerator was covered under the Dometic warranty and it arrived from the manufacture. And now that I remember there was a vibration and sound upgrade package for the AC that too was sent directly from Dometic. So I guess it depends on the parts, counter tops I understand that is manufactured most likely by Forest River.]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 15:33:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48675#48675 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : True that FR is allowing warranty... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48670#48670 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 2:35pm

True that FR is allowing warranty claim work at CWs. The bad news is, if a large part is required, FR waits until another camper is scheduled for delivery in the area so they can combine shipments. The replacement counter top awaits a free ride in some other trailer. I had a similar situation awaiting replacement of improper waste water tanks. It stretched out to 4+ months, including when the trailer to be delivered went missing for more than a week. The driver ran out of allowable driving hours and just walked away. Go figure.]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 14:35:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48670#48670 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Good luck on any Forest... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48666#48666 Author: Budward
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 1:38pm

Good luck on any Forest River warranty work- my countertop was damaged by a leaking, improperly installed, rear window. Warranty will cover it.
I was told directly by Forest River personnel it would be 2 weeks to get a counter top. When I told the dealer this they laughed- yeah right they said!
It has now been 8 weeks.
So yeah they have a "bumper to bumper" one year warranty...but if they can't send out a part in a timely manner, what good is it?
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:38:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48666#48666 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : If there is a Camping World near... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48664#48664 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 1:10pm

If there is a Camping World near your home you can take your r-pod there for warranty work.]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:10:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48664#48664 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Forest River has ZERO control... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48661#48661 Author: furpod
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 11:54am

Forest River has ZERO control over what or how individual dealers handle their business. Like it or not, it's how the RV industry works.It's not always a best bet to purchase from a wholesaler, but people do it.

Here is a link to Couch's instructions on how to handle any warranty issues that might arise after your purchase.
]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 11:54:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48661#48661 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : What does Forest River have to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48658#48658 Author: kymooses
Subject: 5005
Posted: 22 Jul 2014 at 10:16am

What does Forest River have to do with bad dealers?

And what complaint exactly did you make to Forest River about this that they were indifferent to?

Very sorry to hear that you've had an unpleasant experience thus far, but certainly hope it doesn't dampen your spirits when it comes to enjoying your new Pod!

Safe and happy travels with it!

]]> Tue, 22 Jul 2014 10:16:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48658#48658 Lousy Forest River support for buyers : Hello.I'm new to travel trailers.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48606#48606 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 5005
Posted: 21 Jul 2014 at 10:21am

Hello.

I'm new to travel trailers. In southern WV there is not a good selection of dealers, I finally went to Couch's in Ohio for my R-Pod. The local dealer wanted to charge mucho $$ for a R-Pod with a 3rd rate brake controller and it's installation and no local dealer service if I didn't buy it from the robbers. (Couch's gave me a local name, so that's been handled)

Forest River is INDIFFERENT to my complaint. Obviously, they support dealers, absolutely, over users. I understand that JAYCO is superior, any dealer will service any trailer no matter where purchased. Nobody, as far as I am concerned, can beat an R-Pod for my needs, but if everything is equal Jayco, and similar companies that care about customers, might be a better choice.

I'm beginning to think that an honest travel trailer dealer is even rarer than honest car dealers.
]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2014 10:21:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5005&PID=48606#48606