Help: Convince me to buy an Rpod

   I think with the Lance the materials used for building the trailer may be less toxic than that used for the r-pods if that is a concern. Both have fiberglass roofs which I think is a advantage over a rubber roof. They are both good campers though my personal opinion is that you get more for your money with the r-pods.

If I was using it the way you intend, I would buy "save a jacks"..

Ahh found it:

We have lived in Colorado for 19 years, and have been camping here longer than that.  Prior to our R-pod, we owned popups.  We just got the Pod at the end of last season, so we haven't had it long enough for me to give you a thorough evaluation, but so far, we love it.  I have heard nothing but good about Lance campers.  We have friends with a really nice Lance slide-in for their pickup, and they like it. 

As already noted, the price is a big difference.  You said that you are more concerned about how much of your initial investment will you get back when you sell in a few years, than the initial cost.  Campers of all varieties are really hot commodities in Colorado.  I have sold two popups here (on Craigslist) and got full asking price for both, selling within days, and fielding dozens and dozens of inquiries.  I don't think there would be an advantage with either camper.

Like you, we have used it, and plan to continue to use it, mostly camping in National Forests via secondary roads (not off-roading, by any means, but not interstate driving and pulling into the paved RV campground).  So a couple of thoughts on that aspect:

First, I'd check the clearance on the Lance and compare it with the R-pod (which will be a Hood River Edition, if you buy it in Denver).  My R-pod was purchased in Omaha, so it is not a Hood River, but does have the axle risers, so I feel it gives us adequate clearance for the kind of camping we do.  The Lance may or may not.  If it has less clearance, I think that would be a major negative.

The other concern I would have about your camping in Colorado is your tow vehicle.  Toyota 4-runners are great vehicles.  You will be able to get where you want to go in the mountains.  But be prepared for a slow drive up out of Denver!  The V-6 is a bit marginal for mountain towing, in my opinion.  Looks like the Lance and the R-pod are about the same weight, so no advantage either way.  But I wouldn't go any heavier than either of them with your current tow vehicle.  If a new tow vehicle is in your future, consider something with a bit more tow capacity, like a Sequoia, Expedition, Tahoe, etc.

As far as "investment", in no way/how do I think this will be anything other than a money pit. What I'm trying to prevent is going past the "quick/easy resale at a reasonable cost cause it's still pretty much new" time frame. It seems that a 3 year old travel trailer in good condition should be an easy sell. It's "hand over cash and go camping", where in a 5 year old model, you start talking about what had to be fixed/replaced and might have to do maintenance. At that point, people would spend way less money and less quickly. Just IMO of course. But that's why I'm asking.