New Rpod 178 owner

Hi everyone! We’re new to Rpod but been tent camping for years. Here's our quick story.  We bought a Casita when the pandemic started. Eventually it or proved to be too small. I’m 6'2. Now moved on to a 2017 Rpod 178.we think this is our camper for many years.  So excited. TV is a 2017 SantaFe with 5000 lb towing capacity. Installing a weight distribution hitch tomorrow. Appreciate any suggestions,input. Glad to be here. 

Welcome.

I agree with StephenH, you will find the 178 much more comfortable than the Casita. The slide will make it feel much larger as well. The downside of an rpod over a Casita is build quality and water proofing. By getting a used one you will probably get the benefit of the first owner having sorted out the initial build issues but do inspect carefully.

The construction of the rpods is very different from the Casitas and you have to be particularly vigilant about water entry and damage. Two key areas are around the slide and under the rear spoiler. But do look for floor damage around the whole perimeter of the trailer. Also check for any plumbing leaks under the bath and kitchen sink. Beyond that the actual appliances in the two trailers and in most RVs are the same.

The Santa Fe will tow the 177 ok, my Highlander has the same rating, But you will need to watch your weights in the TV and trailer, and especially the tongue weight, to stay in spec. You don’t have a lot of headroom in your TV capacity, and neither do I. Especially if you plan on boon docking, with water and an extra battery/propane cylinder, you will quickly exceed your TV specs.

I highly recommend you load up the trailer and TV with everything and everybody you plan to travel with and go to a public scale. Weigh the rig adding an axle at a time, then drop the trailer and weigh the TV adding an axle at a time. Leave your wdh installed but not tensioned for the weighings. You can get the trailer, tongue, and each axle weight by subtraction. Put all your specs and actual weights in this calculator and see how much headroom you do or don’t have. The calculator will also show you the effects of adding tension to your wdh.

https://www.ajdesigner.com/apptrailertow/weightdistributionhitch.php

178 owners are genetically superior. Just sayin...

Thank you! 

I bought my 178 new in 2013. Have camped all over west of the Mississippi and never had a problem.