R-pod Owners Forum : Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Last 10 Posts Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 00:30:24 +0000 Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:58:04 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 30 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_topic_feed.asp?FID=6 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Forest River Build Quality http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155233#155233 Author: jmac2001
Subject: Forest River Build Quality
Posted: 12 Jan 2026 at 12:58pm

Thanks the replies everyone. I appreciate it.]]> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:58:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155233#155233 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Forest River Build Quality http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155226#155226 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: Forest River Build Quality
Posted: 10 Jan 2026 at 12:03pm

It has been reported on this forum a couple of times.]]> Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:03:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155226#155226 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Forest River Build Quality http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155223#155223 Author: jmac2001
Subject: Forest River Build Quality
Posted: 09 Jan 2026 at 4:21pm

With regard to build quality - has anyone experienced a cracked frame on a r-pod? I have a 2020 r-pod 195 that I have loved. We recently had an axle failure and fire in the hub. When a service person went to replace the axle he found that the frame was cracked at both welds where cross beam above the axle joins the side frame beams. The welds appear to be to be basic butt welds with no buttressing and the gauge of the beams at the welds struck me as small gauge. 
Has anyone had a problem with their frame? We were extremely disappointed to have this happen on a 5 year old unit that is in excellent condition in all other respects.
]]> Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:21:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15858&PID=155223#155223 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Fender Replacement http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16219&PID=154614#154614 Author: jato
Subject: Fender Replacement
Posted: 16 Jun 2025 at 3:45pm

I am looking at an "RV Parts and Accessories" catalogue that contains 982 pages.  In it there are a couple options.  The first is a 16 gauge galvanized steel fender that looks similar to what I have on my 2011 177.  The size is 9"W x 31.5"L x 13"H and will fit either a 14" or 15" wheel.  Item # is 618-17900G.

The other is a polyethylene fender designed for normal profile tires and require 2 mounting brackets.  It comes in either black or white and small or large.  Small is 21"L x 7.75"W x 5"H item# 241-17033.  The large is 45"L x 11.375"W x 11"H  item# 241-44331.  The bracket kit is 241-81231 - brackets are flush mount galvanized metal.
]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 15:45:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16219&PID=154614#154614 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Fender Replacement http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16219&PID=154613#154613 Author: oregonkramer
Subject: Fender Replacement
Posted: 16 Jun 2025 at 12:29pm

I had an accident and need to replace my fenders on 2018 179. What after market fenders are you buying. Thanks!]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:29:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16219&PID=154613#154613 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Is newer better? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154038#154038 Author: scroc
Subject: Is newer better?
Posted: 18 Nov 2024 at 11:25pm

Having spent many hours and days to bring high quality trailers and campers back to life and travel. All I can say is newer is better.
Are some things built cheaper, yes, cabinetry is not solid wood but mdf. New appliances seem to work as well or better than old ones.
The big differences to me are in the advances of frames, insulation, and materials.
Azdel and welded aluminum are great, 20 year roof coverings, good quality weather caulking.
These along with low mileage suspension and general wear and tear from travels and use make me go towards the newer is better, using it rather working on it is fun.
Enjoy the trip.
]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 23:25:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154038#154038 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Is newer better? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154037#154037 Author: StephenH
Subject: Is newer better?
Posted: 18 Nov 2024 at 12:28am

A tankless water heater may be more efficient but it has its drawbacks. It is worse than a tank heater as the flow of water is needed to signal the heater to start up which involves a purge cycle, then lighting, than heating, all the while water is going down the drain. It wastes a lot of water unless the manufacturer also installs a shower miser/sink miser valve to send that water back to the fresh water tank until the hot water arrives at the faucet. I ended up installing a shower miser in the current Grey Wolf just because of that. I thought the RPod wasted water waiting for hot water to get to the shower, but the GW is much worse mainly because of the on-demand water heater.

Also, expect that the more expensive trailers will also require maintenance and repairs. I know someone with an Airstream that has spent a significant amount on repairs. Cost of the trailer does not necessarily equate to immunity from damaged caused by the rolling earthquakes that come with driving down the road.
]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:28:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154037#154037 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Is newer better? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154030#154030 Author: Racer
Subject: Is newer better?
Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 9:52am

We had planned on owning the trailer for 8-10 years, add to this we have heard some RV resorts do not allow trailers older than 10 years. so we were looking at new vs something build pre-covid. As noted the walls using Azdel and aluminum is a longevity issue, and frames are better designed and stronger. I would think the A/C, tankless water heaters and furnace are more efficient and quieter. Also all the new trailers are set up for solar. But apparently to offset these costs and keep these trailer light, they are cutting corners on everything else. We have looked at many trailers in the 2017-2018 time frame and the wife not so excited with the dated interiors and smaller or less windows. The new trailers certainly are more inviting and bright inside. Especially the new 197! It's a tough decision, spend $30K for a decent quality trailer that will require more frequent repairs, or jump up to a fiberglass or InTech quality trailer but spend twice that.]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 09:52:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154030#154030 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Is newer better? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154029#154029 Author: StephenH
Subject: Is newer better?
Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 8:42am

The only addition to the above is in the wall construction. Luan plywood is more subject to delamination than Azdel so if you can find one acceptable that used Azdel in construction, that would be preferred to one that used Luan plywood. See post number 10 in this link to read why.

https://www.irv2.com/forums/f282/luan-or-azdel-496661.html
]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:42:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154029#154029 Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Is newer better? http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154028#154028 Author: David and Danette
Subject: Is newer better?
Posted: 17 Nov 2024 at 8:37am

I 75% agree overall campers are being built in the least expensive way. But there has been a few improvements like slam latch storage doors and the magnetic ketchs for them to keep them open and the use of azdel for the walls. But the basic construction of the interior has become poorer quality when we bought our 2009 R-pod the interior cabinet and dinette framing was made using hardwoods that soon changed to a soft white wood. The cabinette doors were made using hard maple wood. Our 2018 Vista Cruiser has crank open awning windows in 2020 they changed to less expensive sliding windows. It has been sometime since I have looked at a R-pod but last one was at a RV show and I noticed the cabinets as had been mentioned were made from a MDF type material. There are a lot of used campers for sale as we have found out trying to sell our own camper it's a buyers market. I would think it would be wiser to buy a used camper look for one that has been well cared for hopefully garage kept and you could save a lot of money and maybe better built.

Edited by David and Danette - 17 Nov 2024 at 8:40am]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 08:37:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16088&PID=154028#154028