Have You Done Any Mods?

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   My 2013 176T came equipped from the dealer with risers & 15" wheels.  It has easily handled some mean and nasty crosswinds (45 - 50 mph), and never being blown "out of line" with the TV.  I use a Reese WDH, and no anti-sway system.  The two or three times I was really concerned about crosswinds, I put water in the tank to add some weight to the bottom & lower the center of gravity,  and I'm not sure I even needed to do that.  
The other obvious benefit is the added ground clearance.  Now in my fourth season, I have not done any bottom-damage or hit a rear jack.  

The only downside, and this just manifested itself this summer... my wife broke her hip last Spring, and the height of the exterior step from the ground was too much for her.  I made a two-step box & that helped with that situation.  It might be something to consider for those who have trouble with steps.

Poll Question: Have you done any mods to your R-Pod?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Yes	686	[81.38%]
No	10	[1.19%]
I will be	135	[16.01%]
Factory is good for me!	10	[1.19%]
What's an R-Pod? :-)	2	[0.24%]
You can not vote in this poll

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Harry Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 10 Jul 2014 Location: Nova Scotia Online Status: Offline Posts: 38	Post Options Post Reply Quote Harry Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Have You Done Any Mods? Posted: 01 Aug 2017 at 7:09am
	My 2013 176T came equipped from the dealer with risers & 15" wheels. It has easily handled some mean and nasty crosswinds (45 - 50 mph), and never being blown "out of line" with the TV. I use a Reese WDH, and no anti-sway system. The two or three times I was really concerned about crosswinds, I put water in the tank to add some weight to the bottom & lower the center of gravity, and I'm not sure I even needed to do that. The other obvious benefit is the added ground clearance. Now in my fourth season, I have not done any bottom-damage or hit a rear jack. The only downside, and this just manifested itself this summer... my wife broke her hip last Spring, and the height of the exterior step from the ground was too much for her. I made a two-step box & that helped with that situation. It might be something to consider for those who have trouble with steps.
	2013 R-pod 176T TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline 3.5 L 4WD

RoyToy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote RoyToy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 31 Jul 2017 at 9:33am
	Thank You We are trying to be safe and get this right! Also.... Loving the Pod!

lostagain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2595	Post Options Post Reply Quote lostagain Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 2017 at 9:57pm
	I noticed no difference in stability with risers.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6472	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 2017 at 8:07pm
	I don't think so. The 'Pods have a wide stance since the wheels are placed on the outside of the body. We've towed on extended trips (just retuirned from one of over 3,000 miles), and we have risers. The only time I had problems was this past December when we hit ice with a strong 40 mpg gusting cross-wind. Risers or no risers would not have made a difference in that case.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

RoyToy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote RoyToy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jul 2017 at 7:52pm
	Do risers seem to have any effect on trailer sway or control?

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Post Options Post Reply Quote mcarter Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2017 at 3:03pm
	I also went with Save - A- Jacks, easy to install rear stabilizers at campsite.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Post Options Post Reply Quote Leo B Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2017 at 2:17pm
	Agree with SephenH and Lostagain. I have had the back end drag and damage the rear jacks on our 171 when we started. Went into a minimart in Maryland that had drainage ditches along their parking lot perimeter. ouch!!! Next move we did was put on the risors. no problems after that.
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

lostagain Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 06 Sep 2016 Location: Quaker Hill, CT Online Status: Offline Posts: 2595	Post Options Post Reply Quote lostagain Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jul 2017 at 8:47am
	I agree with StephenH, use the risers. They improve overall ground clearance, reduce the risk of dragging the back of the trailer when you go over driveways or other obstructions, and improve the geometry of the trailer vis-a-vi the TV.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

StephenH Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6472	Post Options Post Reply Quote StephenH Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Jul 2017 at 9:21pm
	Go for the risers. We have them on our 2016 179. If Forest River thought it safe to add them at the factory, you should be okay with having them installed after market.
	StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

RoyToy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 05 Apr 2017 Online Status: Offline Posts: 22	Post Options Post Reply Quote RoyToy Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 28 Jul 2017 at 8:46pm
	Our Pod is not the Hood River Edition and does not have risers on it either Thank You