172 Mod - Bunk Lift

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   Ok, this is my next major mod. I'd like to be able to fold that top bunk up and out of the way during the day. That would make the bottom bunk available (if not perfectly comfortable) for seating. It would also make accessing the storage under said bunk a bit easier. I know at least one of you has removed the top bunk and I would like to know what you found in the process. I don't foresee any issues with structural integrity, as I believe you can order it from the factory w/out the top bunk.

I don't know why they don't do this to every model in the factory.

-T

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ToddsPod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 20 May 2010 Location: Conroe, Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 77	Topic: 172 Mod - Bunk Lift Posted: 12 Sep 2010 at 2:14am
	Ok, this is my next major mod. I'd like to be able to fold that top bunk up and out of the way during the day. That would make the bottom bunk available (if not perfectly comfortable) for seating. It would also make accessing the storage under said bunk a bit easier. I know at least one of you has removed the top bunk and I would like to know what you found in the process. I don't foresee any issues with structural integrity, as I believe you can order it from the factory w/out the top bunk. I don't know why they don't do this to every model in the factory. -T
	'07 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Longbed QuadCab 4.7L V8 --- '10 Forest River R-Pod 172

Butterfly_Lee Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Corpus Christi Online Status: Offline Posts: 131	Posted: 12 Sep 2010 at 10:38am
	If you search the mods, someone cut the top bunk in half, left the structure next to the bath as is, put netting to keep storage in place. Lifted the other half so it would be out of the way, but still able to let down when needed. I think is was about a year ago so be sure to use advance search "any date". Good luck on the Mod. I think the answer to your second question is this (my theory based). The concept was to create a lightweight, affordable, RV that would appeal to the baby boomer's who are now empty nester's and the young with smaller nest. So frills, and some of the other nice to have's aren't weren't included. Each item added labor and material costs and/or weight. It's lightweight enough for me to pull with a 4 cyl standard truck, and fit my price range. Everything else was too pricey or heavy or didn't have a bath/toilet which was a requirement for me. So I do my own mods as I get to them and this is my second summer of camping which would not have happen if the r-pod where not available. Long Winded Sorry Lee
	Still a work in progress, lots of pictures. http://podterfly.blogspot.com/

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 12 Sep 2010 at 9:05pm
	ToddsPod - love the animated graphics, do you do that as a profession?
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

ToddsPod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 20 May 2010 Location: Conroe, Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 77	Posted: 12 Sep 2010 at 10:39pm
	No, I just downloaded Google Sketchup (sketchup.google.com), and played around with it in my free time. I built the model myself using pictures I had of my own as well as some from the web as a basis, as well as for the textures. The animated .gif I made on gifninja.com. If you're interested you can download Sketchup and search for Rpod in their 3D model warehouse. I've posted it for sharing. Just don't be too critical...this is my first model. -T
	'07 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Longbed QuadCab 4.7L V8 --- '10 Forest River R-Pod 172

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 13 Sep 2010 at 10:08pm
	Looks good to me!
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

ToddsPod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 20 May 2010 Location: Conroe, Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 77	Posted: 29 Nov 2010 at 6:41am
	So, have you seen the new model? The 182 G. It has a "garage" with outdoor kitchen, as well as a slide-out indoor kitchen, a wardrobe, queen/dinette and bunk beds. I don't want to toot my own horn, but the top bunk folds up... http://www.hrvc.com/rv/forestriver/traveltrailer/145/Forest_River_r-Pod_RP-182G_(TAILGATER!) Okay, so maybe just a little. Couch's also has a picture of one on their website with the bunk folded up.
	'07 Dodge RAM 1500 ST Longbed QuadCab 4.7L V8 --- '10 Forest River R-Pod 172

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 29 Nov 2010 at 1:06pm
	Yes, some useful features. Since we spend most of our time outside - including cooking and cleanup when possible - the "garage" could be useful. However, I could do much the same with an aftermarket (or make-your-own) camp kitchen. I'm considering making my own to get a bigger sink outside, most likely hooked up to the low-point drains after adding some quick-disconnects.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

g4royce Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Location: PortStLucie FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 335	Posted: 17 Jan 2011 at 5:33pm
	Does anyone have photos of the upper bunk mod in progress? I am nervous about cutting.
	ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6