R-pod Owners Forum : Water Tank Beam http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Water Tank Beam Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:34:38 +0000 Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:48:52 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5036 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Water Tank Beam : Did the same....through bolted... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50989#50989 Author: Sea pod
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Sep 2014 at 10:48pm

Did the same....through bolted the support on fresh water tank. Like to travel with it full, it seems to pull better with a lower center of gravity.  Just finished 3200 miles through the western states with thunder showers and high winds..no problems.]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2014 22:48:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50989#50989 Water Tank Beam : Bought a used 2010 R171. Checked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50984#50984 Author: frogpod
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Sep 2014 at 8:01pm

Bought a used 2010 R171. Checked the tank brackets after reading these posts. THANKS FOR SHARING. All the bars were the correct length but only 2 screws in each bracket. One of the screws on the fresh water tank was sheared off....leaving one cheap screw holding it up. Added a bolt through the center of each bracket and also put in the missing screws so there now are three screws and one bolt in each bracket. A bolt in the center of the brackets and through the center of the frame should not make the frame weaker....if I recall my structural engineering classes correctly. ]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2014 20:01:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50984#50984 Water Tank Beam : Checked my tank supports and all... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50780#50780 Author: J&Jcf
Subject: 5036
Posted: 30 Aug 2014 at 1:50pm

Checked my tank supports and all needed tightening. Only one bolt needed a washer behind it.other side of bracket was tight to frame.It was like the bracket was warped or welded poorly. Aok now.

This forum has been very helpful in researching for purchase and information to keep up dated

2011 171 pod purchased recently.]]> Sat, 30 Aug 2014 13:50:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50780#50780 Water Tank Beam : Today our new 2015 r-pod 171 was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50717#50717 Author: Blue's Pod
Subject: 5036
Posted: 28 Aug 2014 at 8:18pm

 Today our new 2015 r-pod 171 was delivered.  Thanks to this forum and all the helpful information hubby was underneath checking this out.  Two of the new screws were loose on the door side of the pod and there was the gap issue.  He is working on getting it fixed.  The only miles on the pod are from FR to Ohio, and then to NC. 

Also some of the wire wrap underneath had come loose.  He refit the wires into the wrap and added some wrap on the wires to the sensors in the water and holding tanks that were not wrapped.


]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:18:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=50717#50717 Water Tank Beam : Mine only has two screws in each... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49646#49646 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 04 Aug 2014 at 7:32pm

Mine only has two screws in each side. That should be enough until they get rusty and their shear strength is lowered.]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:32:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49646#49646 Water Tank Beam : Hi All my wife and i own a 2013... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49644#49644 Author: travelksjt
Subject: 5036
Posted: 04 Aug 2014 at 7:05pm

Hi All my wife and i own a 2013 177. I looked under and found pretty much the samething as everyone else with a twist. My water tank and waste take only have screws in the bottom holes not the top... One of the water brackets has a twist on it to. I for the heck of it check to see if the bolts fell out of the top holes. Get this they were never drilled for bolts or anything How could FR let this go? the space for those top holes are very hard to get to. I am not sure if just replacing longer bolts in the smaller holes is enough to carry the weight. Anyone else have any thoughts on this.
Thanks 
John
i pull my 177 with a 2011 four runner
]]> Mon, 04 Aug 2014 19:05:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49644#49644 Water Tank Beam : Several Tanks have to fall out... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49582#49582 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 7:13pm

Several Tanks have to fall out before a recall would ever be issued. Business reputation is damaged by issuing a recall and they're not going to do it unless there is a "realized hazard" not just a "perceived hazard". The burden of proof is unfortunately on the consumer. Heaven forbid a company or person take responsibility for their own actions in today's society. ]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 19:13:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49582#49582 Water Tank Beam : I would think that if this was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49563#49563 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 3:12pm

    I would think that if this was a automobile there would be a recall. With the r-pods mentioned that have problems with brackets and screws that should be of some concern for safety that Forest River would want to have the holding tanks secured properly. RV's are very different from the automobile industry.]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:12:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49563#49563 Water Tank Beam : Clearly the brackets are not the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49547#49547 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 9:54am

Clearly the brackets are not the right size for the trailers, or the tolerances for them or the frame spec is way too loose. ]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:54:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49547#49547 Water Tank Beam : Budward,I also checked the exposed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49546#49546 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 9:52am

Budward,

I also checked the exposed wood  spot that you found that was on both sides of the step and that was all sealed. I agree a new guy or someone who take pride in their work!! ( getting to be a rare find!!!)
]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 09:52:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49546#49546 Water Tank Beam : Originally posted by Leo BChecked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49543#49543 Author: Budward
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 8:16am

Originally posted by Leo B

Checked our 179 and it was all solid and tight.


Must have been a new guy that did yoursErmm
]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 08:16:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49543#49543 Water Tank Beam : Checked the fresh water tank last... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49542#49542 Author: trvlnlite
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 8:06am

Checked the fresh water tank last evening and one side of the beam has at least a 1/2" gap between the plate and frame. And all three screws inserted at an angle. Freak show! StarMy hair stood on end!  Will check them all out today and fill with washers if just those few.  If they are all like this, I think I will seek more professional help. Who would have guessed?  Thanks so much for all of your posts!]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 08:06:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49542#49542 Water Tank Beam : Checked our 179 and it was all... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49541#49541 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5036
Posted: 03 Aug 2014 at 7:38am

Checked our 179 and it was all solid and tight.]]> Sun, 03 Aug 2014 07:38:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49541#49541 Water Tank Beam : Originally posted by wildfire305Maybe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49384#49384 Author: COSPod
Subject: 5036
Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 10:32pm

Originally posted by wildfire305

Maybe it's a 179 thing?

My 2014 172 HRE has same issue, all 3 tanks door side have the gap. 

]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2014 22:32:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49384#49384 Water Tank Beam : Maybe it's a 179 thing? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49190#49190 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:18pm

Maybe it's a 179 thing?]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:18:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49190#49190 Water Tank Beam : ok, couldn't handle it... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49189#49189 Author: hogone
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:18pm

ok, couldn't handle it any longer; had to look.  100% perfect fit, brackets tight against frame, no gap, custom fit to perfection.  fr rocked on this pod.  hogone]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:18:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49189#49189 Water Tank Beam : CasaJack I was wondering how you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49188#49188 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 6:09pm

CasaJack  I was wondering how you would rate the response and service you got from Coach net?]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:09:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49188#49188 Water Tank Beam : I am glad my unfortunate situation... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49186#49186 Author: CasaJack
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:59pm

I am glad my unfortunate situation brought this to light and that some of you have done some preventative maintenance.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 17:59:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49186#49186 Water Tank Beam : Just checked mine, two bolts on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49183#49183 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:39pm

Just checked mine, two bolts on each bracket but no gaps.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 17:39:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49183#49183 Water Tank Beam : How does one determine where their... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49178#49178 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:06pm

How does one determine where their R-pod was made? My data tag on the side makes no claims.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 17:06:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49178#49178 Water Tank Beam : Mine must not be a Friday or Monday... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49157#49157 Author: Craneman
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 12:18pm

Mine must not be a Friday or Monday pod. I checked the bolts on our 2010. Rp174 and all was well no gaps and all but two bold were tight. Just a full turn on the loose ones

         Moe
]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 12:18:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49157#49157 Water Tank Beam : Curious, is the problem with Indiana... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49153#49153 Author: barbanjoe
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 11:08am

Curious, is the problem with Indiana and Oregon built or only the west coast ones?]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:08:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49153#49153 Water Tank Beam : Spoke with my dealer about the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49152#49152 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 11:00am

Spoke with my dealer about the QC issues. Bear in mind that I am still satisfied overall with the 179, and the sale. They apologized for the issue, and said that QC issues to some degrees are prevalent on most new trailers and they would be more than willing to fix anything else that I find at no charge. My dealer is only 30 minutes from my house, so it wouldn't be that terrible to take it to them if I found something else. They said they would share my findings with their Forest River Representative.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:00:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49152#49152 Water Tank Beam : Although mine is pretty snug... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49144#49144 Author: fwunder
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 9:19am

Although mine is pretty snug on both sides, I do wonder how many failures does it take to initiate a recall. This problem does not appear specific to the rPod:



fred
]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:19:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49144#49144 Water Tank Beam : Originally posted by wildfire305 Here... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49137#49137 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:43am

Originally posted by wildfire305

Here is the fix should help to prevent the shearing. Thanks CharlieM



Wildfire,

Thanks for the pix. I hope this helps and avoids problems for you and others.
]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:43:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49137#49137 Water Tank Beam : Originally posted by wildfire305Checked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49136#49136 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:39am

Originally posted by wildfire305

Checked mine yesterday to find all three tanks' brackets were short. Fresh water was nearly 1/2" gap. I added flat washers to fill the gap. Thanks OP for the tip.


This picture should be hung on FR's Wall of Shame in their QA Dept. I hope someone from FR stumbles across this thread and takes some action in the factory. This is a three point serial failure:

Engineering should have allowed for tolerances and expansion/contraction.

Manufacturing should have maintained specified tolerances and flagged assembly problems.

Quality assurance should have caught the problem and rejected it.

 
]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:39:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49136#49136 Water Tank Beam : Here is the fix should help... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49135#49135 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 8:14am

Here is the fix should help to prevent the shearing. Thanks CharlieM

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 08:14:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49135#49135 Water Tank Beam : Checked mine yesterday to find... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49132#49132 Author: wildfire305
Subject: 5036
Posted: 29 Jul 2014 at 5:09am

Checked mine yesterday to find all three tanks' brackets were short. Fresh water was nearly 1/2" gap. I added flat washers to fill the gap. Thanks OP for the tip. ]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2014 05:09:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49132#49132 Water Tank Beam : Just to offer a counter-point,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49109#49109 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5036
Posted: 28 Jul 2014 at 9:53pm

Just to offer a counter-point, my pod now has over 15,000 miles on it, with many of those miles hard and bumpy.  I usually travel with the fresh tank full, and many times with full waste tanks (and almost always at least partly full), without a failure.  I haven't checked how many bolts/screws are installed but I'll be working on other things on the pod tomorrow so I'll take a look.]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2014 21:53:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=49109#49109 Water Tank Beam : Hey Guys,I'm really disappointed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=48999#48999 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 5036
Posted: 27 Jul 2014 at 3:49pm

Hey Guys,

I'm really disappointed this problem exists. I didn't notice it on my Pod, but it may well have been there. I don't have my Pod anymore, but I'll add a few thoughts:

Drilling extra holes in the Al frame should not be detrimental if they are well away from the top and bottom edges. From Budward's pix it looks like they would be. A hole in the center of the beam will have almost no effect. A hole right on the bottom edge could induce tearing, bad. An inch or so in from the edge should be OK. Stick with 1/4 inch and it should be fine.

The bigger problem I see is the gap. Such a gap imparts a bending moment to the screws. Screws don't deal well with bending. Mild steel screws will bend and break, stainless screws are brittle and snap with no warning. The gaps need to be filled to limit the bending moment. Screws with their threads are  strongest in shear, less so in tension or compression, and weakest in bending. If you use 1/4 screws try to fill the gaps under the screws with big 1/4 inch washers. Fender washers, 1/4" hole with larger outside diameter,  would be good if you can find them and if they will fill. IMO it would be better to have no gaps and a tight stackup between screw head, bracket, and frame, even if this leaves a gap between bracket and frame, than to have a gap in the screw/bracket/frame stackup that allows the screw to bend. I hope this is clear as mud Smile
]]> Sun, 27 Jul 2014 15:49:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5036&PID=48999#48999