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Topic ClosedAbandoned by FR and dealer - Event Date: 16 Mar 2017

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Bill-J View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Abandoned by FR and dealer
    Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 12:28pm

I have been holding off submitting this to the forum until I heard back from the dealer (PoulsboRV) and Forest River.

On October 22, 2017 we purchased a brand new 2017 Rpod 180RB for our trip to Palm Springs.  I immediately found some things wrong and took it back to PoulsboRV to get fixed before our trip.  After taking the unit back to PoulsboRV with problems two times, over several weeks. We were unable to get scheduled or have parts in prior to our departure date of 12-14-17. Despite extending our departure date we left with repairs undone and many questions. At this point in time it was either go the way it was or cancel the trip we had been planning for a year AND all reservations were already made and paid for.

We went on the trip which, because of the Rpod problems and weather, will forever be remembered as the vacation from hell.  We finally cut the vacation short, took our loses, and came home. As soon as we got home I delivered the Rpod back to PoulsboRV for the repair work on 1-12-17.

Got word today, 2-2-17, from PoulsboRV (and indirectly from Forest River) that they were finished and we could pick up our Rpod. We picked it up on 2-7-17 with most of the repairs being denied by Forest River and so PoulsboRV refused to fix.

Here are the problems that we had and the results & comments in red.

1:  When we got the unit home after purchasing on Oct 22. it sat in the driveway for 2 days before we had time to start loading it.  When I turned the lights on they were dim so I checked the battery voltage and it was 10.4 volts.  What the heck! I plugged the shore power in and the built in charger picked up the load.  

While connected to power I was trying to listen to the AM radio and the noise was so loud the radio was useless.  Finally figured out that the "converter" in the unit has so much RF noise that it totally blanks the radio. (This is common in the cheap solid state switching type chargers with poor filtering - OK for battery chargers but not OK for radio because of the noise it generates)  With the AC power disconnected the radio was fine.

Result:  I was told the "converter" was within specs, per FR, so PoulsboRV would not do anything about it.  At this point the battery is probably shot and they will not replace it either.

I had previously asked PoulsboRV if they could do a load check on the battery as I suspect that with the deep discharge it might be ruined.  I was told that I would have to pay for the load test if Forest River would not pay for it. PoulsboRV did not do a battery load test.

SOLUTION: On 3/10/17 I replaced the “converter” with a MJF power supply at a cost of $109. The radio now works perfectly and I have a voltmeter and ammeter on the MFJ.

Moving right along.

2:  With the power off for the night, having charging all day, the next day the battery was dead again.  I traced it to a ½ amp load on the battery ALL THE TIME.  There are some house loads that DO NOT GO THROUGH THE DC FUSE BLOCK and some that if you turn them off you also turn off the frig and water heater.  The ONLY way to keep the battery from going dead is to disconnect the battery. In a car this would be like not being able to turn your parking lights off…..unless you disconnect the battery.

Result: PoulsboRV did not even look at this after telling them about the problem.

SOLUTION: I installed a disconnect on the battery.

3:  When we got to Palm Springs after a couple of showers my wife questioned where all the water in the bathroom floor was coming from.  I removed the inspection plate on the shower stall and the floor was flooded.  The next shower my wife took, I was watching the plumbing under the shower and water was running all over the place from the drain piping.  Found out that the shower stall was only supported on the corners and while taking a shower it felt like you were on a trampoline.  The plumbing is all rigid ABS plumbing which does not tolerate flexing so it was broken.

(I GUESS I COULD HAVE JUST CUT A HOLE IN THE FLOOR UNDER THE P-TRAP TO THE OUTSIDE AND THE PROBLEM WOULD BE SOLVED)

4 pieces of 1”x2” in the corner were the total shower support… This was the total shower support and with the hole for the drain cut in the middle of the plywood it is very unstable.

A RV repairman was found in Palm Springs and he replaced all the piping with new AND then added three additional pieces of 2X4 putting them under the shower floor in the center to give it some additional support.  This was to get us through the trip.   

Note: Forest River did pay for this because we were extremely insistent it was their failure and we were 200 miles from the nearest dealer. They initially expected us to take it to a dealer which would mean leaving our paid for RV park, driving 400 miles round trip, and just hoping that the dealer could get us in and could fix the problem. This would of course force us into a motel for who knows how long.

Result:  After looking at the repair done in Palm Springs, PoulsboRV (not us) wanted to take the shower stall out and reinforce the support.  They were told by Forest River that the shower was "installed per spec" and would not pay for it so PoulsboRV would not do it.

SOLUTION: PoulsoboRV did re-replace the fittings ("customer gratis" as they said) as they said it was still leaking (which it wasn’t). I then added 4 more braces under the shower to further steady it up to prevent further damage. I hope this is sufficient.

4:  The cord that plugs into the tow vehicle had about 3/4" of the wiring exposed at the plug. 

Result:  PoulsboRV replaced the cord. But why was it sent out this way?

5:  All of the pull down night shades were installed crooked.

Result:  Dealer said they adjusted the shades. But why was it sent out this way?

COMMENT: The shades look just as crooked after the adjustment as they did before so they are still crooked and this is unresolved.

6:  The brake/tail lights had LED segments that were not working. I noticed this when we took delivery and it was noted by PoulsboRV at that time. They did not have any in stock so I had to leave it till we got home.

Result:  Lamps were replaced  COMMENT: Seems to be OK

7:  Just before leaving on our trip, the propane detector started going off and it COULD NOT be silenced nor reset.  I had to remove it from the wall and cut the power wire to the unit to silence it.  This is one of the loads stay on all the time and is part of the "phantom load" in the unit.

Result:  PoulsboRV replaced the detector just before we left. They said FR had gotten in some defective  units from the manufacturer.  They did not comment on the constant load it presents. COMMENT: Battery switch I added solved the problem.

8:   The brackets that hold the kitchen Venetian blinds were incorrectly installed as the brackets were installed wider than the blinds.  Therefore the blinds could not be secured at the bottom and flopped around.

Result:  They remounted the bottom brackets. But why was it sent out this way?

9:  The factory installed wires that connect to the battery were not crimped properly and were totally corroded and covered with a green corrosion and this was before a battery was even installed in the unit.  The battery was installed AFTER we bought the unit from PoulsboRV.

COMMENT: Before leaving on the trip I cleaned off the corrosion, re-crimped the wires and soldered the connection.  But why was it sent out this way?

10:  It was almost impossible to get the propane tank cover off and on.  Prior to my taking delivery of the 180 it had deep gouges in the plastic cover which was cutting the plastic deeply when you tried to remove or install the cover, which will be required every time you fill the tank.

Result:  It was being gouged by the over length bolts that were used to bolt on the plate that holds the pressure regulator.  I simply reversed the bolts.  Poor Installation. But why was it sent out this way?

COMMENT: PoulsboRV decided to replace the torn up cover “gratis”

11:  The door stop for the bathroom door was the door knob hitting the mirror mounted on the closet door.  VERY POOR design.

COMMENTS:  To prevent the mirror being broken by the door knob, I mounted a bumper on the bottom of the bath room door so that now it hits the on the floor mounted fire extinguisher instead of the mirror. But why was it sent out this way?

12:  I am installing a second battery in the space behind the power panel and converter AND installing a battery switch so I can disconnect the batteries.  As far as factory wiring is concerned this involved installing the battery switch in 1 existing wire.

Result:  I was told by the service rep at PoulsboRV that this modification has now voided the factory warranty on the electrical system. Be aware folks… make any electrical change and you have voided your warranty.

13:  Except for the exposed floor the 180 was filthy.  Sawdust and construction debris in all the storage areas, in the storage lockers, in the hot water tank area, in the water pump area, in the drawers, in the over counter storage areas..... Looks like the only thing done by Forest River and PoulsboRV was to vacuum the floor that you could see.

COMMENT:  My wife spent a day cleaning the unit.  Imagine delivering a unit in this condition to a customer... VERY POOR consideration for the customer by Forest River and/or PoulsboRV, which ever was supposed to clean the unit. But why was it sent out this way? 

14:  The hot water is so hot it will scald you.  I asked if it could be turned down.

Result: I was told by PoulsboRV that they would have to see if Forest River would pay for checking the water temperature... if they wouldn't I would have to pay for that. Today I was told that it was between 120 and 140 degrees that it was with in factory spec so they would not do anything.

COMMENT: Still unresolved but one added item. We used the unit for 1 month and the anode in the water heater is over 50% gone. I have purchased a new one which I will put in when we next use the unit. The RV repair shop I have taken the 180 to (NOT PoulsboRV) said they could put in a lower temperature sensor in very easily.

FINAL COMMENTS:

Over the years, and I am 80 so there have been many of them, I have owned; 1 truck/cab-over camper, 1 Scamp trailer, 3 Class B RVs, 2 Class C RVs, 1 Class A, and now this Rpod. Most have had some initial problems but all the dealers made them good with no problems and no arguments.

This is the ONLY one of the bunch that I am totally disgusted with. The design and layout is great but the factory craftsmanship is poor, Forest River does not support their customer, and PoulsoboRV will not do ANYTHING on their own. Really great customer service all around don't you think? 

Before my problems were apparent a friend saw mine just after I brought it home and he purchased an identical unit from PoulsboRV a week later. I just talked to him and he is experiencing some of the same problems I have had.

At this point if we could return the unit and get our money back we would.  I cannot recommend to anyone the purchase an Rpod, or Forest River product without a warning that you are on your own. I am also very disappointed in the attitude of PoulsboRV. All promises when you buy and abandoned when you need service.

WE ARE NOT HAPPY RPOD OWNERS and with all the bent axles being reported I’ll have something else to watch for. Oh goody.

I know that from now on I am on my own with any problems with this Rpod and have totally written off Forest River and PoulsboRV.

Bottom line: Yesterday I took the 180 to a independent RV repair shop that has an EXCELLENT reputation who believe that the customer comes first. I’ll let you know how it goes.



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furpod View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 1:13pm
Your best bet is to consider selling now while it still has as much value as possible, and moving on to something that makes you happy..
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 1:40pm
We thought of that.  Bottom line is that of all that we looked at the 180 was the best floor plan we found.  Also read LOTS on this blog and the comments were 99% positive.  So we went with the Rpod.

I am now taking care of everything myself which will cost lots less than what we would lose in dumping it now.  I just cannot tell you how angry the Forest River and PoulsboRV response makes me.  This is really the first time I have EVER been treated this way by anyone.

As I said I just realize that I have to do everything myself as their "warranty" does not exist.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 2:10pm
Bill-J,
I was wondering why you went silent.
 
  I agree that these things are slapped together and I have heard too many times, "Forest River got a bad batch" of this or that. And that the attention to detail is low, some construction is shoddy,(2 broken cabinet face frames), and every Pod seams to be wired different and In some cases poorly( had to re-crimp some light fixture connectors). And a few other minor things. 
And why is every hidden space, cabs included, so filthy when you get it? Sawdust, wire pieces and wood chips, Leaving the customer to open a cabinet and find Lots of sawdust? Do they even have a quality control department? Do all sytems get a real final test?, On battery? 

 I have gotten lucky(?) and just fixed a few little things like dripping drain lines and screws that fell out, were stripped out, or just not tightened all the way, and things that came loose, (lug nuts). And she vacuumed all cabs and storage areas.

 But overall am very happy with the unit for the price and would buy again, it is exactly what I was looking for!. BUT I would really go over it and test Everything for HOURS before I left the lot. I also tell friends looking to get one to be diligent while looking at and buying, and inspecting the Pod. Maybe now that Winnebago and Jayco are making almost exact copies Forest river may step it up a notch! 

 Sorry to here about your Issues, some of these are real and some serious, I too would be pissed if i had to deal with them and wouldn't be a happy camper. Hopefully your new RV guy can make it good or your next TT is better suited for you!
rgds John 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 3:21pm
Thanks for the comment.  The reason I went quiet as you said was I still had faith in the dealer and FR and wanted to give them a chance to make things right.  But when my wife and I just finally understood that we were not getting any help from FR or the dealer and just wrote them off it was a very calming moment.  Most of the anxiety was dealing with them the arguments with them and the frustration.  

Since I am a "handy man" it is OK.  FYI I built (from a hull) a 52' 38Ton 3 masted all aluminum Chinese junk.  Took 12 years and I lived on the boat for 25 years (wife 18 yrs) so there is not much I cannot do. Also been a "ham" for 63 years and a EE mostly in design and maintenance.

Again just the frustration for paying top dollar for junk.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 4:30pm
Thinking about my comment, understand, I am not in anyway trying to run you off or poopoo your issues.. but, at 80, I would rather see you happy, then unhappy.. I hope, if I should last that long.. I am happy.. Wink

That said, in reality, a couple of your issues are pretty minor, still issues, but they shouldn't, or were not hard to address. Take the battery to Autozone or Batteries +, they will test it for free.

Most of our owners don't have to many issues, and usually don't have a lot of problems getting them addressed. Some.. well, a lot of this, sounds to be a dealer issue. Unfortunately.

Hope you can get in some podding soon..
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 5:03pm
+1
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 16 Mar 2017 at 5:14pm
Bill-J,

Very eye opening post on issues with warranty, dealers and manufacturers. Have you considered posting your comments to the Forest River Forum, under RPods? It is a different group than this one, but has some common members. This group is by far the most positive, constructive and helpful, so I'm not saying you should look for support from other forums, but if I wanted to vent I would take a jab at a site that has a Forest River name attached to it. I spend a little time on the other site and there's others that are not happy with dealers and manufacturer not solely based on Pods. I know my 178 that is NOT under warranty has issues, I have fixed the problems I wanted to, and ignored or worked around the issues I didn't want to. I hope it all works out for you and Thank You for you for your post.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 2017 at 6:24am
I bought a 2017.5 180 back in November.  Worst issue so far is after a couple of trips the shower started leaking horribly (water pouring out on ground bad) and so did the kitchen sink a little.  Problem was FR did not fully seal the drains, so a little plumbers putty fixed those right up.  However, yes, I was pretty amazed (appalled really) that the shower supports the occupant with just a thin sheet of plywood and a 2x4 in each corner.   Would not be a bad idea to beef this up.  Sad to hear FR and dealership left you in the cold.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Mar 2017 at 7:17am
I agree with Furpod, many are dealer issues, we had a couple of the same issues when we bought our 179, went back to the dealer and they fixed all issue and most of them immediately. Our dealer cares that you are a happy Customer and will keep coming back!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
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