2017 axle risers

We also traveled from Colorado to Nebraska to purchase our R-pod two years ago (Nelsen RV, right?).  I estimate we saved at least $4,000 by making that trek.  For our generation of R-pod, the Hood River Edition (manufactured in Oregon and sold only in the West) came with risers as well as 15" wheels and knobby tires.  The non-HRE Pods (manufactured in Indiana and sold in the Midwest and East) did not come standard with risers, and had 14" wheels and standard tires. Since we bought in Nebraska, it was a non-HRE Pod.  However, ours already had risers added, which helps tremendously with clearance.

It's my understanding that the new R-pods, like yours, no longer offer risers.  They have a different axle than the older ones.  However, I've read that some have added risers, so I guess it's possible. 

But if you're issue is how it "rides" on your Jeep, that sounds to me more like your hitch not being at the correct height.  Is your Pod level or slightly nose-down when hitched up?  Or is it nose-high?  If it's nose-high, you need a hitch with more drop.  Last year, we got rid of our old tow vehicle, an '04 Durango, and upgraded to an '08 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel.  But the receiver is much higher on the Jeep than the Durango, so I had to get a new draw bar that was 2" lower than my previous one.  Check that out first.

As far as different frames, I believe they're all the same.  I added a second battery to mine soon after purchasing it.  You can fit two batteries on any R-Pod.  The frame has nothing to do with the height of the R-pod.  Rather, it's the axle/riser/wheel/tires that do.  So risers and bigger wheels/tires would certainly give you more clearance. 

I'm having a hard time understanding why you couldn't fit two batteries on any R-pod.  By "FRE," do you mean non-Hood River Edition ("Forest River Edition"???).  If they are putting different frames on the two editions of R-pods, that's a very recent development.  The A-frame hitch part of the frame on my non-HRE gave me plenty of room to add a second battery box.  I can't picture how the A-frame could possibly be narrower, since R-pods are all the same width, regardless of year or place of manufacture.

I'm not doubting you, just wondering if Kettelsen gave you bogus info. 

As far as adding axle risers to a 2017, a few people have posted about doing just that on the R-pod Owners Facebook page.  It's a closed group, but just request membership, and the moderator, Travis (who also posts frequently on this site) will accept you quickly.  Search for "axle risers on 2017" and you'll find info and pictures.

I have always wanted to test my mortality by having heavy unbolted things above me !   Thank you.  I will get this on this week.