R-pod Owners Forum : New axle system for rpod? https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : New axle system for rpod? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 02:32:41 +0000 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:06:46 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7538 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ New axle system for rpod? : Got it. Thanks for the explanation......... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82396#82396 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 7538
Posted: 16 Sep 2016 at 2:06pm

Got it. Thanks for the explanation......]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2016 14:06:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82396#82396 New axle system for rpod? : Higher pitched axle means that... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82375#82375 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7538
Posted: 16 Sep 2016 at 9:00am

Higher pitched axle means that the angle of the arm on the axle that holds the hub and brake assembly (and with it, the wheel and tire) is set so that the axle is higher up than that of the old axle. On mine (old axle), the angle is such that if you look at it from the side, the hubs are higher than the line of the axle. Mine has the riser blocks to help give more ground clearance. The newer axle is such that when you look at it from the side, the hubs are lower than the line of the axle. These give almost as much boost in height as the risers with the old axle. It is kind of like (looking from the door side) this: Old axle's arm \ New axle's arm /. See this link to Dexter's Torflex for a picture. That will help. See the bottom where it has "Ride Height." Pitch angles are available from 45 degrees down to 22.5 degrees up, which is the angle of the arm in relationship to the axle.
]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2016 09:00:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82375#82375 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by kymoosesThe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82371#82371 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 7538
Posted: 16 Sep 2016 at 8:26am

Originally posted by kymooses

The new RPods with the higher pitched axle went into production from the Dallas Oregon Plant in late August of 2015, a week or so later they went into production at the Goshen Indiana plant.

If your R-Pod has a late August 2015 or beyond build date then it has the higher pitched axle.  However to even more easily confirm if your RPod has the yellow front jack flip foot on it, it is part of the 2015 changes to the RPod line and will have the new axle as well as the different slideout and the other 2015 change features.

And per my discussion with Forest River yesterday the addition of risers to a newer high pitched axle does not Void any warranty.  I will speak with them again today to confirm for a second time so that we can 100% put this question to rest though.

Will follow up later today.

I apologize for bringing up an older post, but can you explain what a higher pitched axle means?
I've Googled it and find nothing.

Thx
]]> Fri, 16 Sep 2016 08:26:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=82371#82371 New axle system for rpod? : Okay. I have the new slide-out... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71067#71067 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7538
Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 2:42pm

Okay. I have the new slide-out as we do have a 179 with the 2 tracks on each side.]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2016 14:42:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71067#71067 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by StephenH Thanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71064#71064 Author: kymooses
Subject: 7538
Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 11:28am

Originally posted by StephenH

Thanks for the correction. My remark was meant to be teamed with the other information on manufacture date regarding the new axle, not independently thereof.

What changes were made in the slide-out?

Mine was manufactured in May, yet was sold to me as a 2016. It lacked the yellow flip foot and the undermount stainless steel sink. It has the 2016 color scheme. I did not know about slide-out changes.

Unless you own a 179 you have what's known as an above floor slidout.  It's one track there on the floor that pulls the slide in and out.  Along with the late 2015 Fall changes they changed all RPods over to the new slidout, which is an in wall system, it has 2 tracks on each side of the slide to pull it in and out.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2016 11:28:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71064#71064 New axle system for rpod? : Thanks for the correction. My... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71063#71063 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7538
Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 11:17am

Thanks for the correction. My remark was meant to be teamed with the other information on manufacture date regarding the new axle, not independently thereof.

What changes were made in the slide-out?

Mine was manufactured in May, yet was sold to me as a 2016. It lacked the yellow flip foot and the undermount stainless steel sink. It has the 2016 color scheme. I did not know about slide-out changes.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2016 11:17:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71063#71063 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by StephenHMine... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71062#71062 Author: kymooses
Subject: 7538
Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 10:36am

Originally posted by StephenH

Mine was manufactured 5/15/2015. It still has the riser blocks. They are obvious. If you don't see blocks, then you have the new axle.

Seeing risers or not wouldn't be a good indication, many RPods produced from the Goshen Indiana plant do not always have risers on them.  Which could be misleading to use that as your visual clue.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2016 10:36:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71062#71062 New axle system for rpod? : The new RPods with the higher... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71061#71061 Author: kymooses
Subject: 7538
Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 10:35am

The new RPods with the higher pitched axle went into production from the Dallas Oregon Plant in late August of 2015, a week or so later they went into production at the Goshen Indiana plant.

If your R-Pod has a late August 2015 or beyond build date then it has the higher pitched axle.  However to even more easily confirm if your RPod has the yellow front jack flip foot on it, it is part of the 2015 changes to the RPod line and will have the new axle as well as the different slideout and the other 2015 change features.

And per my discussion with Forest River yesterday the addition of risers to a newer high pitched axle does not Void any warranty.  I will speak with them again today to confirm for a second time so that we can 100% put this question to rest though.

Will follow up later today.
]]> Fri, 11 Mar 2016 10:35:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71061#71061 New axle system for rpod? : Mine was manufactured 5/15/2015.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71029#71029 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7538
Posted: 10 Mar 2016 at 5:29pm

Mine was manufactured 5/15/2015. It still has the riser blocks. They are obvious. If you don't see blocks, then you have the new axle.]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2016 17:29:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71029#71029 New axle system for rpod? : I just got confirmation from my... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71023#71023 Author: JB pod
Subject: 7538
Posted: 10 Mar 2016 at 4:54pm

I just got confirmation from my dealer who checked with FR that our new R.Pod 179 2016 #4X4TRPT11GL013715 manufactured 8/12/2016 (August 12th, 2015 I presumed) has the new axle.

Would be nice if FR would post a date or VIN from which all the Rpod have the new axle.

Or if we could have a visual characteristic to check the axle for.

Thanks]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:54:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71023#71023 New axle system for rpod? : I have heard the same story. I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71022#71022 Author: Baypod
Subject: 7538
Posted: 10 Mar 2016 at 4:46pm

I have heard the same story. I recently picked up my new 2016 POD 178 and when I asked about risers, the dealer explained I don't need them any more because the 2016's come with a reconfigured axle that performs the same function without the spacers. My vin is 4x4TRPT12GL013948. Built end of August 2015. I am mostly pleased with my unit, but would like to clarify this issue. Can anyone provide a contact person at FR with a phone number who knows what they're talking about. Wink ]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:46:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71022#71022 New axle system for rpod? : See my second post in this thread.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71011#71011 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 10 Mar 2016 at 10:32am

See my second post in this thread. I spoke with a service representative at Forest River and was told that installing risers on rpods equipped with the new axle will void the warranty on the axle as the riser was not designed for the new axle.

The service representative also commented that rpod dealers have been instructed by Forest River not to install risers on rpods equipped with the new axle, but that owners are certainly able to do so, as long as they are aware of the warranty issue.

It's just a buyer-beware issue.]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2016 10:32:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71011#71011 New axle system for rpod? : The Risers for the new axle are... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71009#71009 Author: kymooses
Subject: 7538
Posted: 10 Mar 2016 at 9:38am

The Risers for the new axle are not part of the build and sales side any longer for Pods now.  Some owners are still choosing to purchase them from the parts department and add them to their Pods afterwards.

And no, it will not void any warranty at all on your Pod to add risers to the new axles.  It is okay to do if that is your choice.
]]> Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:38:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=71009#71009 New axle system for rpod? : W/o chains on the pod, if you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70954#70954 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7538
Posted: 09 Mar 2016 at 12:04pm

W/o chains on the pod, if you hit the brakes hard the pod will keep going and you'll jackknife.]]> Wed, 09 Mar 2016 12:04:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70954#70954 New axle system for rpod? : I've been told you can add... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70934#70934 Author: Capt Kidd
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 8:05pm

I've been told you can add the risers but it voids the warranty. Not sure that is true I would contact FR to verify.

With the new axel there is enough room to run cable chains.

What state are you in, in California they make you run chains sometimes but only if you have trailer brakes.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 20:05:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70934#70934 New axle system for rpod? : Thanks JB Pod. That makes sense.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70929#70929 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 6:54pm

Thanks JB Pod. That makes sense. It's unfortunate that FR lowered the fenders because I was looking for a bit more clearance to add some beefier tires. The added height from the new axle is certainly welcome, but I guess I may need to look at moving the fenders up if I want to add more meat.

I also was going to ask about chains on trailer tires. Chains are usually added to tires that drive the vehicle, otherwise, you're just dragging. Now, if you're adding tracks, that's another story....]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:54:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70929#70929 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70928#70928 Author: furpod
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 6:50pm

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Originally posted by Capt Kidd

I wanted the risers on my 2016 179 so that I could run tire chains if necessary. It came with the new axel and there seems to be enough room for chains if needed. Not that I have any intentions of ever running chains but just in case.


Why would you want chains on a trailer tire?


He is in Cali.. The sierras often have "all axles with brakes" requirements..
]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:50:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70928#70928 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar Why... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70927#70927 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 6:49pm

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar


Why would you want chains on a trailer tire?


Seems counter intuitive, but it's for braking. Some states require chains on all wheels with brakes. Makes great sense to me.
]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:49:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70927#70927 New axle system for rpod? : Originally posted by Capt... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70923#70923 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 6:19pm

Originally posted by Capt Kidd

I wanted the risers on my 2016 179 so that I could run tire chains if necessary. It came with the new axel and there seems to be enough room for chains if needed. Not that I have any intentions of ever running chains but just in case.


Why would you want chains on a trailer tire?
]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:19:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70923#70923 New axle system for rpod? : Just found this explanation on... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70920#70920 Author: JB pod
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 5:09pm

Just found this explanation on the FB Rpod page (3 nov 2015)

Seems to be from Forest River

I just want to clear up some discussion on the new r-pod axles and the risers. The Indiana r-pods have always had the axle risers as an option and the Hood River Edition had them built in the package. We monitor option usage and when it hits and maintains a high precenatge of use, we look at making it a standard item. With working with our axle company we were able to achieve the same height as the axle risers by using a different pitch axle without having to add the blocks. The new axle sits approximatly 2 1/2 higher at the beam, gaining more gorund clerance there. The rest of the height is achieved at the end of the axle with the different pitch for a total rise of approximatly 3 1/2", the same as we had with the risers. In doing this we also redesigned the fenderskirt to have a consistant clereance over the tire (no more hump in the middle) for better appreance. I think some of the cofusion here is with the newly designed fenderskirt, most are thinking it doesn't has the rise because of no large gap above the tire. I'm sure there will be more discussion here and I will keep my eye out and try to answer questions.
Thank you]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:09:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70920#70920 New axle system for rpod? : I don't know what the pitch... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70919#70919 Author: Capt Kidd
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 5:07pm

I don't know what the pitch is or how it is better but even without the riser you have more wheel clearance.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:07:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70919#70919 New axle system for rpod? : Hi, We just bought our first... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70918#70918 Author: JB pod
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 5:00pm

Hi,

We just bought our first Rpod this week-end (model 179) and it was really confusing about the axle riser. The dealer was saying there was some kind of new axle that provide a better clearance but when we look at the official options included on the unit, the axle riser was checked "X" but we could not find the riser.....

Can anyone explain was is the pitch of the axle and how the new one is better?

Thanks

JB]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 17:00:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70918#70918 New axle system for rpod? : That's a bit much. I'm... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70913#70913 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 2:11pm

That's a bit much. I'm looking for something similar to what comes on the HRE. Those are 29" tires on 15" wheels. That should be just fine.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 14:11:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70913#70913 New axle system for rpod? : See the pic I posted here. ht... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70908#70908 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 1:47pm

See the pic I posted here. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7401&title=the-ultimate-offroad-rv]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:47:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70908#70908 New axle system for rpod? : Yeah, I was looking for risers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70903#70903 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 1:32pm

Yeah, I was looking for risers (or at least the extra height) because I would like to eventually get larger tires. I have 35" tires on my truck and it would be nice to have more meat on the rpod. The rpod comes with 26" tires on 14" wheels and I'd like to get 29-30" tires on 15-16" wheels with a more aggressive tread pattern.

I hope the increased height of the new axle is sufficient to run larger tires. I don't want to install risers if it voids the warranty on the axle.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 13:32:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70903#70903 New axle system for rpod? : I wanted the risers on my 2016... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70898#70898 Author: Capt Kidd
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 12:06pm

I wanted the risers on my 2016 179 so that I could run tire chains if necessary. It came with the new axel and there seems to be enough room for chains if needed. Not that I have any intentions of ever running chains but just in case.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 12:06:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70898#70898 New axle system for rpod? : Well, I just spoke with the Forest... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70895#70895 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 10:50am

Well, I just spoke with the Forest River service department and gave them my VIN to confirm the specs on my unit. It appears that my rpod has a new axle with a higher pitch than previous models' axles. The higher pitch is the equivalent to installing the riser kit on the older models.

The axle riser kit, although still available from FR, is not covered under warranty if installed on the new axle system because of the increased pitch.

Confirmed. Good info.]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:50:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70895#70895 New axle system for rpod? : I placed an order for a 2016 model... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70894#70894 Author: taxman
Subject: 7538
Posted: 08 Mar 2016 at 10:39am

I placed an order for a 2016 model 179 and am scheduled to pick it up in the next week or so. Yesterday, I asked the owner of the dealer (Jeff Zimmerman of Country Roads RV Center) whether or not my unit included the axle riser option because I don't remember it being on the options list. I was told the following:

"They have changed the axle systems to now include the height of the old axle riser system. Totally different axle than what they used 6 months ago."

Is this true, or am I being fed horse manure?

Thanks!]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2016 10:39:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7538&PID=70894#70894