New guy - looking at lightweight TTs

We picked up our 176T yesterday, also sight unseen.  We saw tons of other rPod models, but this one is hard to find!  We couldnt be happier.  Kids love the big bunks and the pantry is great...lots of storage inside the entire rpod actually.  I do know there is one coming to an RV dealer in NJ, not sure how far that is for you.  Let me know if you need the name of the dealer.  We ended up buying ours in state, as the registration was easier to do and the price difference between the 2 dealers was $100.  Any other questions let me know...

We weren't able to look at an actual 176t either before ordering.  We looked at a few other models just to get an idea on the finishes and basics.  It was nice to see our car next to one of a similar size just to get a sense of that, too.  In the end we took a leap of faith and just ordered it sight unseen and we are really happy.  We were considering A lot of the dealers have fairly lengthy video tours online.  I don't know if there are any of the 2017's but like I said the new one has much wider bunks and way more storage.  Our runner up was a coachman clipper 17bh.  We went with the rpod because it was fun and different.  We are planning a trip to Pohick Bay in early August--you could see ours then :o)

We made the same change while we owned our Sienna, from a pup to a pod.  You'll be fine doing local trips, just don't plan on driving cross-country.  We took ours to Maine and Florida (From Maryland) and on the way to Florida hit a major headwind for a day - which convinced me it would not work for a trip to the Rockies.

Consider adding a wind deflector such as the AeroPlus by PurpleLine or the AeroShield by Icon. Either will help with the aerodynamics. I have the AeroPlus, and would highly recommend it. We are using a 2016 Ford Escape SE with a 2L Ecoboost engine rated at 3500 lbs. I noticed a significant improvement in mileage with the AeroPlus. I will be completing a trip tomorrow, at which time, I will be able to calculate mileage for this trip vs. mileage for a trip we took in December/January without it. Subjectively, it is better as both the instant read mileage readout as well as the average readout on the dash reflect the improvement.

I'm sure.  We aren't 100% sold on making the change yet, definitely need to see the different trailers in person to get a better feel for them and for how they might tow.  Still in full research mode on most aspects, so thanks for the feedback :)