dry weight of R-pod 172

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   Back in July of 2017 we purchased a brand new 2018 R-pod 172, Hood River Edition.  We really enjoyed it this camping season and are looking forward to many more seasons with it.

During our shopping research, for a travel trailer, the dry weight of the unit was a significant factor and one of the reasons for choosing an R-pod 172 was it's ‘light weight’ as stated in the Forest River R-pod brochure; Unloaded Vehicle Weight of 2338 lbs (the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory) and a Cargo Carrying Capacity of 905 lbs. Once we purchased our R-pod the unit’s weight labels stated a dry weight of 2700 lbs with a cargo capacity of only 526 lbs.

I've attempted, unsuccessfully, to obtain an explanation from Forest River in regards to the discrepancy between their advertised weight and the actual weight of the R-pod. Has anybody else come across such a weight discrepancy in their new R-pod? Can anyone provide an explanation for the discrepancies in the weights? I realize that the dry weight, from unit to unit, may vary slightly; however there is a significant difference in the weights I've noted above. The only options on our unit are the microwave and the Hood River Edition. 

Cheers,

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2B's In A Pod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 15 Oct 2017 Location: Edmonton, AB Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Topic: dry weight of R-pod 172 Posted: 30 Oct 2017 at 10:19pm
	Back in July of 2017 we purchased a brand new 2018 R-pod 172, Hood River Edition. We really enjoyed it this camping season and are looking forward to many more seasons with it. During our shopping research, for a travel trailer, the dry weight of the unit was a significant factor and one of the reasons for choosing an R-pod 172 was it's ‘light weight’ as stated in the Forest River R-pod brochure; Unloaded Vehicle Weight of 2338 lbs (the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory) and a Cargo Carrying Capacity of 905 lbs. Once we purchased our R-pod the unit’s weight labels stated a dry weight of 2700 lbs with a cargo capacity of only 526 lbs. I've attempted, unsuccessfully, to obtain an explanation from Forest River in regards to the discrepancy between their advertised weight and the actual weight of the R-pod. Has anybody else come across such a weight discrepancy in their new R-pod? Can anyone provide an explanation for the discrepancies in the weights? I realize that the dry weight, from unit to unit, may vary slightly; however there is a significant difference in the weights I've noted above. The only options on our unit are the microwave and the Hood River Edition. Cheers,

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: 2588	Posted: 30 Oct 2017 at 11:04pm
	On the front left side of the trailer there should be a weight sticker indicating for that specific trailer (by VIN) it's weight and capacity. Our 172, for example, has a UVW of 2259 lbs. and a cargo capacity of 960. But each trailer is different, depending on how it is equipped and whether extras, like microwave ovens, are counted in the UVW. A heavier suspension, larger rims and tires, AC, etc. can all affect the UVW. We've lightened our trailer by removing the stock table, the upper bunk, and the TV (nothing worth watching anyway)and probably gained an additional 40 lbs. in capacity. We don't use microwaves at home so we don't miss not having one in our trailer. On the other hand, we swapped out our 12v battery for 2 6 volt, which more than doubles the battery weight, probably about 40 lbs. by coincidence. The most significant weight that is cargo is, of course, what's in the three tanks. The Pods come with 30 gallon tanks and that can add 750 lbs. of cargo weight when all are at capacity. That doesn't leave much for anything else and may put you well over the rated capacity.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 8:15am
	Dry weight, UVW, is a game trailer manufactures play. They all want to advertise the lowest weight to entice customers towing with a VW Bug, and they all play by different rules. The advertised weight does not include battery, propane, or 6 gallons of water in the WH. It also probably does not include microwave, A/C, and maybe the spare tire. It may not even include a propane tank. The 172 is still your best choice for minimum weight but the real truth is on the yellow "as built" label. Welcome to the world of "light weight trailers".
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 8:19am
	Sure. The listed dry weight is before all options etc. Says so right in the brochure AND on the web page, and they give you a list of what the options weigh. from the specs page: UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)* – is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit’s axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories. Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment. These are options... Options 13.5K BTU air conditioner (95 lbs) Convection Microwave Oven (51 lbs) 24" LED Flat Screen TV (std RP182G) (15 lbs) R-Dome awning with screen room (20 lbs) Thule Box awning (N/A RP171, RP172, RP177) (RP176, RP176T, RP178, RP182G - 8', 39 lbs) (RP179, RP180 - 10', 49 lbs) VIEW MORE* Bike carrier (2 bikes) (13 lbs) Power tongue jack (24 lbs) Hood River Edition (Advanced ground clearance, X-Treme 15" Off Road tires, aluminum rims, double entry step and MaxxAir® vent cover) (West Coast production only)

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: 2588	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 9:35am
	Does the as built weight sticker with the VIN number state the UVW with a battery, empty propane tank, and all accessories installed at the factory, such as the microwave? Seems to me, as a matter of safety, the manufacturer should be required to give the true dry UVW of the unit as is designed to use, sans liquids in tanks. If the factory installs stuff like TV's and other stuff as builtins in the trailer, that should be included in the actual UVW.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 10:06am
	So here's my SWAG. The yellow sticker shows "as built weight", not necessarily "UVW". It will include all options as installed at the factory such as A/C, microwave,TV, and propane tank tray. It does not include propane and battery. It also may not include the empty propane tank. My guess without all the facts.
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

mjlrpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 10:19am
	I have a first generation blue roof, 2017 RP172. The sticker says the dry weight of mine is 2433 #'s. The max cargo says 794 #'s. I do not have a hood river edition, and I have all the options that they offer. A/c, convection/microwave, power hitch, 24 inch t.v. and every other option they offered. That's my 2 cents
	2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding

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: 2588	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 3:21pm
	Based on the UVW and capacity of mjlr's 2017 172, it would appear that they count the appliances and such they add it in the UVW. Our Pod came without a micro, power hitch, and I suspect the TV was added by the way the antenna was wired. Our gross vehicle weight is 3219 (2259+960) while his/hers is 3227 (2433+794), leaving a total difference of 8 pounds, or about a 4 bottles of good wine for the trip. I'm taking the wine anyway! I wonder if anyone has contacted FR to find out what they include in the as built UVW? Seems they'd have no problem letting everyone know since it helps avoid overloaded trailers and resulting safety concerns. If I was their corporate counsel or their insurer, I'd make darn sure that they were very clear about what is included in the UVW so as to avoid overloading.
	Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

marwayne Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Oct 2011 Location: Edmonton AB Can Online Status: Offline Posts: 1002	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 8:03pm
	I have a 2011 172 dry weight 2113 # cargo 1066 #, total of 3179 #, but then in 2014 I found out that my axle was only 3000 #.
	If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd.

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3229	Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 8:28pm
	The yellow tag on our 177 shows a dry weight of 2440, the only additional weight would be the r-dome and the 2 12volt batteries that we added. So I feel we are pretty close to actual weight as we ordered ours without the following: no A/C, no convection/microwave, no entertainment system.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

dry weight of R-pod 172

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