Forest River 180 reviews

This was our 2nd RV. Purchased new in 2017. One trip to Luray Caverns and the frame of the schwintek slide out was separating from the outside wall. This was noted while fueling my SUV. I tightened the screws multiple times before getting home. Whole trip was < 1000 miles. I bought it from a dealership about 150 miles from my home. This was when I discovered, at least in DE, that they won’t work on it unless they sold it. Called Forest River & they told me they knew of the problem. Blamed (I guess all 180’s that year) on improper installation. I was so fed up I traded it on a used 2015 Cruiser RV Fun Finder. Went cross country in that with no issues. There is a lot online about R-Pods walls separating from the frame. Dig deep enough and you’ll find mostly negative reviews. Seems most good reviews are newer RV’s. I wonder if they’ve even been used yet. The concept and floor plan was good. Quality is poor, which I have found is rampant throughout the industry. I wouldn’t buy new & used is somebody trying to get rid of a problem at your expense. Show less

We bought the 2025 model 180 with the 15th Year Anniversary Package. Extras in that package included a backup camera, tire pressure monitoring system, a solar system. and a gas griddle which you can hang on a rail on the exterior of the RV. Additionally, ours has upgraded Good Year Tires for additional safety. The refrigerator is a 12 V two door model which is quite large for a trailer of this size. We know that a lot of trailers built during the Covid epidemic were found to have poor quality this year's model seems to be quiet well built. Show less

I know many of you have had good experiences with your rpods but I have had nothing but poor quality workmanship on my brand new R pod 153. Every single time which is about once a month since I purchased it in October 2022 something fails on the unit. Multiple trips to the dealer, which by the way is not very close to me. Yesterday I wrote Forest River and supplied them with all the details of all the warranty issues and requested that they standby their product by providing an extended warranty. I’ve had it all, water leaking, toilet, leaking black tank leaking whole cabinetry had to be replaced because of water damage the back panel of the unit itself illuminated and that had to be replaced. The dealer broke my door and they had to replace that now this weekend I took it out and I have wallpaper pilling on the inside and also it appears to be delaminating again from the front The reply I got back from the #Warranty administrator was “I’m sorry that you were disappointed with your new unit. These units are man-made and men make mistakes “ If anyone on this site is considering purchasing a forest river R pod just make sure you spend the several thousands of dollars to buy an extended warranty because you will need it.  Show less

I have traveled in my 2018 Forest River rPod 180 HRE for 4 years now. I bought it new. It's been an amazing little unit, easy to tow, fun to live in. Unfortunately, there was a recall on it to replace an axle. Forest River has been absolutely stellar about doing the recall work. Not only did they come and pick up my rPod on Vancouver Island to take it to the plant in Oregon for repairs, when I sent an email to enquire as to its status after 5 weeks, they responded almost immediately. And then the head service technician working on it phoned me with a detailed update. It's been an amazing littler rig and they've been amazing to deal with. Show less

I have had my 2018 Rpod 180 since 2018. The frame on my Rpod was showing rust in the first year, the dealer wouldn't fix it under warranty. I had to go under it and painted the whole frame with a rust converter then painted it to prevent more rust damage. Apart from things like trim falling off, cabinet doors breaking and the bathroom door no longer closing, it was pretty good until last year. Last year, I noticed the driver's side wall appeared to be sinking. I contacted Forest River in October and was put on a list to have my rig returned to the factory for a new axle, and repairs to the frame and cabin that resulted. It's now mid-January, and still, no date has been given to me for the repairs to take place. There was some mention of them taking it in June, right when I would be using it, but nothing is written in stone yet. Show less

I bought this little trailer new, in 2018. It's a Hood River Edition. Although it had a few small initial problems, the dealer was good about fixing them and I soon realized it was a perfectly liveable little RV. I moved in temporarily and then made it a temporarily permanent home wherever I choose to go. I have crossed the Canadian West twice with it, and although I had to add more suspension to my Nissan Xterra SUV, it has been awesome to tow. After living in it for 3 years full time, a few things need replacing. These are the cheesy pleated blinds and a couple of the drawers fell apart too. But honestly, it wasn't built to be lived in so I feel this is understandable. Early on in 2019, I found the frame was rusting in a few spots. The company wouldn't help with this, but I simply painted it with rust converter and it seems to be holding up. This is a great little trailer and I am still loving living in it and traveling. Show less

This Rpod was our first experience with a Travel Trailer. Overall the documentation and orientation provided by the dealer was outstanding. The Forest River owners group has been a great source for quick answers as we learned about our new toy. I created a checklist that makes setting up at camp and breaking down for the road a snap. It's been the right size trailer for the two of us. Our Rpod has all the amenities of the larger trailers without the big price tag. Very happy with purchase. Show less

Terrible quality all the way around and a refrigerator that is a complete waste of space. Lights installed crooked, ac shroud cracked and blew off and fender screws that fell off. Great concept but zero concern for the customer. Unfortunately it’s the only one on the market. Will not repurchase Show less

I have lived in my r-pod for 5 years now the roof has never leaked it has been outside the whole time I did have to replace the controller I have had the roof sealed once some things like drawers have had to be fixed and blinds have to be fixed. Show less

so far, we have not had any issues...maybe a couple of workmanship observations but i have not point of reference for better or worse rv's....i've found it fun to add improvements and storage spots/ideas, so that's not an problem... so far, no leaks but i'll be looking out after have read some of the reviews. the main reason we chose this model is the towability...we did the 34' fifth wheel experience in alaska and that was NOT our scene whatsoever! besides, the camping for us is about being outdoors...no need for all that space.... we did not buy new....we bought a used one and i imagine they may have dealt with any such problems....but i don't know... overall, we love our little 'hippiePODamus'! i might order an rv queen mattress though.....back to google for the improvements! 4 star for the factory support because i haven't had to test them and i'd hate to give a low rating without cause. Show less