R-pod Owners Forum : rpod hybrids https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Wish List : rpod hybrids Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 28 May 2026 14:15:28 +0000 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:26:57 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=586 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ rpod hybrids : They must have heard me whining!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5733#5733 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 08 Oct 2009 at 9:26pm

They must have heard me whining!  They have the new floorplans up on their site.
Smile
]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:26:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5733#5733 rpod hybrids : Yeah, that floorplan kind of dwarfs... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5729#5729 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 08 Oct 2009 at 9:17pm

Yeah, that floorplan kind of dwarfs the others. ]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:17:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5729#5729 rpod hybrids : Cool, the 176T has a slide-out... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5724#5724 Author: techntrek
Subject: 586
Posted: 08 Oct 2009 at 8:18pm

Cool, the 176T has a slide-out along with the hybrid pull-out.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:18:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5724#5724 rpod hybrids : I am curious to see what the tongue... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5714#5714 Author: gmandual
Subject: 586
Posted: 08 Oct 2009 at 5:50pm

I am curious to see what the tongue weights are going to be when they get around to announcing them.   I would assume the tent mechanism of the unit will add weight to the back, which should in theory counterbalance more weight at the front which would reduce the tongue weight.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:50:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5714#5714 rpod hybrids : I see the specs are now posted... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5712#5712 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 08 Oct 2009 at 4:43pm

I see the specs are now posted on Forest River's website - the new models seem to all have the 36/35/35 tank sizes like the non-slide original versions.  I'm curious whether that was a typo or if they figured out how to fit the full-size tanks in the new models, and also whether this means they won't have split drain outlets.  Those two things were really the only drawbacks for me to the slideout models and if they're gone then it would be a no-brainer.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:43:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5712#5712 rpod hybrids : I will say this also. While Forest... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5627#5627 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:55am

I will say this also. While Forest River continues to innovate, with the r-pod, etc I was somewhat concerned at the dealer show 2 weeks ago. With consolidation in the RV market there is a negative impact on innovation. 

Two examples:
 I am a Starcraft dealer also. While Jayco and Starcraft have been part of the same company for years this is the year that they decided to stop building seperate products. Now every Starcraft product and Jayco product are the same, they simply put different decals on them. 

At the Forest River show, my surveyor rep faxed me a new floor plan 2 days before the show trying to build excitement and I was excited. The problem was when I got there that same floor plan was launched across every single product line and there are alot of product lines. Probably 10-12 different product lines. 

I hope that going forward they do not see the success of the r-pod and launch a sister product line with the same floor plans and different decal. Why have 1 dealer in a market when you can have 5 dealers carrying the same product with different decals. They sell more trailers, dealers suffer, customers suffer because there is no more innovation. 


]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:55:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5627#5627 rpod hybrids : I am a dealer, I read the posts.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5623#5623 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:43am

I am a dealer, I read the posts. ]]> Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:43:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5623#5623 rpod hybrids : Originally posted by rpodAdmin A... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5575#5575 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 5:27pm

Originally posted by rpodAdmin

 
A Japanese company like Toyota, Honda, etc will eventually take notice and come in a change this industry. They will bring their level if quality control and marketing to the industry they will blow the US manufactures up. And again, we will hear them crying about how jobs are lost, etc... they had better wake up now.

There is more margin opportunity on an RV than a new car, they will not let that business opportunity go for long...
 
This is one of the reason's I bought a Honda Truck (first year '06).
I had heard so many horror stories about Amercian product recalls, problems, Dealer issues .... etc etc etc ...
 
Im not proud that I did, but wanted to at least try it.
Best vehicle Ive ever owned !!!
 
1-recall .... tire air-valve caps ....
They mailed them to us .....
 
We have yet to see how it tows the Pod .... more to come on that !!!
 
We have learned alot about issues with the POD from this forum. But we are very
excited about getting the POD, learning about all its quirks, getting ideas from
other POD owners as to addressing the quirks, and possibly coming up with a
few suggestions ourselves. There are some very intelligent people that gather here,
(evidently because they have way to much time on their hands) and we are thankful
for each and every one !!!
Without forums such as this one the POD would be just another inexpensive, poorly constructed RV trailer made by some out-of-touch company trying to create a product to sell to a particular consumer base.
 
I believe that Couch's draws so many people for a good reason.
I bet most of their employees are Campers like us ....
 
Its the owner that makes it happen !!!
 
HAPPY PODing !!!
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:27:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5575#5575 rpod hybrids : It took a long time for the automobile... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5568#5568 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 4:56pm

It took a long time for the automobile to get where it is today. The biggest changes I think were in the 1980"s. I think that was mainly due to competition from Japan. With China now importing the Icamp a small fiberglass trailer, I think that others will follow. There is room for improvement they see this and they will try and build something better. North America has a lead and more experience but other countrys may catch up. My own experience having owned a Icamp is that they had some good ideas and some of it was good quality. But it was not very practical as a camper that is my opinion. It too had some quality issues. Usually you get what you pay for. But sometimes you may get something made well for a lower price than the competition. Sometimes it may be junk money wasted. The Rpod is good but it could of been better. The price was low it was worth what it cost. If it were better the price would of been most likely higher.  Smile    Happy camping     David ]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:56:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5568#5568 rpod hybrids : If the dealers and Forrest River... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5564#5564 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 4:24pm

If the dealers and Forrest River are not reading these posts then they are missing out on an excellent source of information.  They would be able to serve their customers better and happy customers recommend other customers!!Big smile]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:24:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5564#5564 rpod hybrids : You are so correct. I found the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5562#5562 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 3:22pm

You are so correct.  I found the R Pod by using the internet, and I have read every post on this forum.  When we go to get the pod, I will be looking under the pod, inside the drawers, and anywhere else you have suggested!   LOL
I am sure that there is someone from FR who gets on every day and reads these posts.  I, also, can almost bet you that someone at Couch's and probably other dealerships are reading the posts.
KEEP IT UP PODDERS!! I appreciate it.
Pepperpod
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:22:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5562#5562 rpod hybrids : It will take a shakeout - the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5558#5558 Author: rpodadmin
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 2:54pm

It will take a shakeout - the RV industry is the same as the auto was - too many 'old' time exec's and owner dealers that refuse to adapt to changing business climate. It is comical how they fear and fail to understand the internet .. instead they try and push against it or ignore it... big mistake. The consumer is getting wiser and more informed every day - the dealers and manufacturers that recognize this and cater to it will succeed...
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:54:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5558#5558 rpod hybrids : Originally posted by rpodAdmin A... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5557#5557 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 2:17pm

Originally posted by rpodAdmin

A Japanese company like Toyota, Honda, etc will eventually take notice and come in a change this industry. They will bring their level if quality control and marketing to the industry ...
 
As posted in another thread, when the customer has an issue, they're told that an RV is not like a car, is not subject to the same quality standards, and a certain amount of "fit and finish" and/or general quality issues are to be expected and are "typical for the industry."
 
That's just plain baloney, and should not be tolerated by the consumer. A savvy manufacturer will realize that if they get a certain number of complaints on an issue (some people can never be pleased) that they're not meeting their customers' expectations, and need to make adjustments to their processes. That's assuming they get the feedback from the dealer that they need to realize there's a problem in the first place.
 
The dealers have a tremendous "opportunity for improvement" as well. Some of the answers they give to their customers' questions are, well, just plain wrong. When I bought my rPod the dealer told me that if I ever had a problem to contact them immediately because "we're all about service here." The one time I did contact them, they never bothered to respond to their email. Not impressive.
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:17:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5557#5557 rpod hybrids : No, they are actually horrible... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5555#5555 Author: rpodadmin
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 1:36pm

No, they are actually horrible and have no concept of how to market their product on the web. Doug at Couch's created the r-pod buzz on the web for FR with blogs, sideshows, and his input on helping me get this web site running... If you take a look at their product material they have typo's, nine different font's etc.. there is no polish at all to their marketing.
 
A Japanese company like Toyota, Honda, etc will eventually take notice and come in a change this industry. They will bring their level if quality control and marketing to the industry they will blow the US manufactures up. And again, we will hear them crying about how jobs are lost, etc... they had better wake up now.

There is more margin opportunity on an RV than a new car, they will not let that business opportunity go for long...
]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:36:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5555#5555 rpod hybrids : Originally posted by GomjabberHow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5531#5531 Author: gmandual
Subject: 586
Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 11:41am

Originally posted by Gomjabber

How can Couch's have so many pics of the new trailers and Forest Rivers site doesn't have any that I can find?
I think those Hybrids are the cats meow and I would like to see more about them.
Generally the RV manufacturers show the new RV's to dealer/public at the RV shows prior to "formal" marketing of new models.   Looks like Couch's got his pictures from the RV show.   Based on consumer interest, comments, feedback at the shows they try to determine potential demand, fix last minute things, then develop their production schedule.    After that is done, that is usually when you usually see stuff up on websites.    But most manufacturer's do a horrible job on their web marketing info, as I don't think they  yet to understand the full dynamics and impact of the web on their business.   ]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:41:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5531#5531 rpod hybrids : How can Couch's have so many... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5506#5506 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 at 8:32pm

How can Couch's have so many pics of the new trailers and Forest Rivers site doesn't have any that I can find?
I think those Hybrids are the cats meow and I would like to see more about them.
]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:32:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5506#5506 rpod hybrids : Ok second thought maybe I am a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5480#5480 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 at 2:56pm

Ok second thought maybe I am a fan.]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:56:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5480#5480 rpod hybrids : No more news or pics on the hypods?... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5449#5449 Author: techntrek
Subject: 586
Posted: 05 Oct 2009 at 8:00am

No more news or pics on the hypods?]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2009 08:00:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5449#5449 rpod hybrids : Very clever. However, the first... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5133#5133 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 586
Posted: 29 Sep 2009 at 12:33pm

Very clever. However, the first thing SWMBO said was "there's no window in the back when it's folded up."
 
Guess you can't please everybody.
]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:33:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5133#5133 rpod hybrids : Really opens up and brightens... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5132#5132 Author: techntrek
Subject: 586
Posted: 29 Sep 2009 at 12:29pm

Really opens up and brightens up the interior with that back panel open!

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:29:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5132#5132 rpod hybrids : http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=601072... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5103#5103 Author: Tusten Traveler
Subject: 586
Posted: 29 Sep 2009 at 12:01am

http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=601072
 
Interior pics of the hybrid posted on couch's website. Check out the air mattress and the rear pop-out panel.
 
OK- I get it now. Looks like turtleing is easy on the dinette conversion- use the pop-out with air mattress only when extra room desired.
 
]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:01:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=5103#5103 rpod hybrids : Originally posted by nucamperJust... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4973#4973 Author: Tusten Traveler
Subject: 586
Posted: 27 Sep 2009 at 3:16pm

Originally posted by nucamper

Just ordered our first pod-so excited! It is the 177-anyone with photos? We ordered based on the floor plan only.
 
http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=599480
 
Link to 177 photos above...but please be sure to post your own when you get the unit!
 
Congratulations, and welcome!!
]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:16:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4973#4973 rpod hybrids : Just ordered our first pod-so... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4958#4958 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 27 Sep 2009 at 9:38am

Just ordered our first pod-so excited! It is the 177-anyone with photos? We ordered based on the floor plan only.]]> Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:38:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4958#4958 rpod hybrids : Love the lighting in the 177.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4928#4928 Author: Tusten Traveler
Subject: 586
Posted: 26 Sep 2009 at 1:16pm

Love the lighting in the 177. That one extra window really makes a difference.
 
I'm sorta wishing I waited the extra month or so to buy.... but then again I do love my sofa.Ying Yang
]]> Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:16:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4928#4928 rpod hybrids : I’m not so sure we should be... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4896#4896 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 6:39pm

I’m not so sure we should be calling this new thing a Hybrid, it’s more a POD-POP_OUTTongue (cause it's not a pop_up).

 

When I think of a Hybrid, I think of making my life better or simpler.  My version of a Hybrid would be

 

--Three television screens let’s say a 22” 16” and 10” (wait a minute that’s Roxy’s POD good goingBig smile)

--Power slide out bed (scene in the "Fifth Element")

--Solar power cell on outside skin to Power A/C and other electronics

--Self leveling and stabilizing feet, just drive to site drop hitch and it levels itself (or better yet a leveling rotating base that keeps your solar cells in line with the sun)

--A waste management system that provides fuel additives that improve your MPG.

--Mini Roomba POOP Vacuuming Robots! That keeps up with Pet PoopClap.

 Said my piece and I’ll be podding along

Lee

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:39:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4896#4896 rpod hybrids : "Buuuut, think about this:if... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4894#4894 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 2:55pm

"Buuuut, think about this: if it was set up in such a way that you had a choice whether or not you deployed the canvas, that would definitely change my mind. Think how versatile that would be, and probably the only camper on the market with that feature".
 
 
This sounds like a good idea to me. If you could use it when needed and cover when not. I think I love the new 177 better than my 175 Ouch. But with the slide out wouldnt everything in your cabinets get knocked around?
]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:55:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4894#4894 rpod hybrids : I see the prices are back on Couch's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4889#4889 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 1:17pm

I see the prices are back on Couch's website

If FR continues to make innovations on the Pod I could see us "upgrading" in a few years.  Right now we are enjoying the 172 as is, but I really like the pull out kitchen

 

]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:17:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4889#4889 rpod hybrids : Photos of the rp-176 are over... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4887#4887 Author: rpodadmin
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 12:44pm

Photos of the rp-176 are over on RV Nation here: http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=599483 
 
and the rp-177 here:
http://www.couchsrvnation.com/inventory_item.asp?id=599480
 
Here is a photo of the rp-176 slideout (used by permission)
 
]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:44:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4887#4887 rpod hybrids : Ah, thanks. For some reason that... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4884#4884 Author: Guests
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 11:43am

Ah, thanks.  For some reason that post wasn't showing up in my New Posts list.

The 173T is my personal favorite of the new ones.  I wonder if it will offer the option of chairs like the standard 173.
]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:43:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4884#4884 rpod hybrids : Rpodadmin posted the floor plans... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4883#4883 Author: gmandual
Subject: 586
Posted: 25 Sep 2009 at 11:20am

Rpodadmin posted the floor plans over here:
http://www.rpodnation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=607
 
So I am looking at the photo and the floorplan.  Looks like on the hybrids you lose the back window.  So if its closed there are even less windows in the 172/176 hybrid variants?
]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:20:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=586&PID=4883#4883