The cabin jumps out of frame
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16398
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 4:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: The cabin jumps out of frame
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Subject: The cabin jumps out of frame
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 9:04am
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My 171 is a 2013 model. I bought it 7 months ago. I don't know how to describe this issue but here goes. As I drove it on a trip the two up front sides jumped out of the exterior one inch framing. So I removed that one inch right angle framing and replaced it front to back on both sides with two inch steel right angle framing. I thought I solved the problem but it did not. It seems the cabin jumps up while I am driving (or going over bumps) and moves out of the side 2 inch framing. Consequently the door is no longer aligned and I have to push the front of the cabin back into position. Can someone please help me find the solution to this problem. Thanks. Lonetraveler ------------- hole in one |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 10:45am
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Can you post a picture or two? ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 11:24am
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Yes, I can post a picture and will do so as soon as I get home. Thanks
Well, I could post a picture if I can figure out how to do that. I am still searching to find the 'add' button. Can someone help me? I am old and new to this site. Thanks ------------- hole in one |
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Date Posted: 17 Mar 2026 at 12:10pm
I think I found out how to upload a picture  ------------- hole in one |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2026 at 7:05am
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Hi Lonetraveler, sorry to hear you are having this issue. This is a serious issue with no easy fix. The fact that the sides/body of the camper are moving around on the floor, points to wall separation at the joints, probably due to water intrusion causing the wall to degrade and the fasteners to break free. Basically the walls have to be rejoined to the front and the floor. Having an RV repair shop do that is probably best, but it is going to be costly, probably challenging the value of your rig. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Honda SCL500 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2026 at 7:25am
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There are factory videos of the r-pods being built perhaps if you could find one you could get a better understanding of how they are built and what your problem is. But I agree with what has been said that it appears to be water damage to the floor and could be expensive to fix. The wood floor is attached to the frame with metal fasteners if the wood gets wet and rots the fasteners will break free from the floor allowing the body of the camper to shift from being attached to the frame. Sorry for your problem but when it comes to wood water will often cause a lot of damage. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025) 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) 2023 Aliner Scout Lite Middle Tn |
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2026 at 9:36am
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Thank you. I guess I will take a look at the floor and see if this old man can resolve the problem. It was so nice you gave me the bad news, but at least now I know what needs to happen. ------------- hole in one |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2026 at 2:40pm
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There are probably a number of non-elegant ways to deal with it. It all depends on what you're tolerance is for how good it looks in the end. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Honda SCL500 |
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2026 at 5:08am
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since I am a lonetraveler and only travel for 4 to 6 days 7 times a year, how it looks is secondary to safety. I certainly can't sell it without disclosing the issue. So my intentions are to take up the linolem and check the flooring. If the entire flooring needs to be removed and replaced...well I will think about it. If only the front section of the floor has rottened out I will figure a way to repair it. Regarding the exterior if I think it a good idea to put up side metal braces to keep the cabin centered, I know a good welder. In any case...this old retired guy has just found another thing to keep him busy. If anyone has resolved such a problem and has ideas, please share them with me. I don't mind being a copy cat! ------------- hole in one |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2026 at 12:52pm
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The major part of the problem is that the floor and the linoleum go wall-to-wall. So to replace either, you really need to lift the entire chassis from the frame/floor. Plumbing and some electrical go through in a few spots. It's a really (REALLY) big job.
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2026 at 3:08pm
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I think it would be a fun project if you had time and money to work on it. Just keep in mind that if you decide to "beef things up" like I would tend to do, you only have about 1000 lbs to work with before you hit your GVW of 3200 lbs. ------------- Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Honda SCL500 |
Posted By: Lonetraveler
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2026 at 4:55am
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Thanks, more bad news. But at least now I know the problem. After a few other projects I will get to work. Thanks again for all of your help. ------------- hole in one |