I like this camper - Chalet Takena

 

But I really like this layout.  The exterior length is about the same as the 171 (5 inches longer), the exterior height and width are smaller (but I think the Takena's height doesn't include the A/C), and the weight is slightly higher.  Interior height is 2 inches smaller.  Grey/black tanks are the same but this only holds 25 gallons of fresh water. 

 

But note that this has a much larger fridge, dry bath, and always-available dinette.  I like that they save space by reusing the edge of the bed as one seat for the dinette - but that opinion may change the first time a drink is spilled onto the bed.  The kids won't fight over who has more room in bed since they'll have their own, and I will only have to climb over my wife's feet and not her whole body when I need to get up in the middle of the night.

 

 

Don't need it, don't need it, don't need it..... 

 

I looked over the various "lightweight" FR models and didn't see one similar.

 

 

But the floor plan is different

 

 

I'm thinking about removing the bench seat close to the door - just for more "elbow room".

At 7' wide, it is actually wider than the Pod's 6'8" (if memory serves).  However, the "track" (distance between the wheels) is more narrow, as the wheels are underneath the 7' box.  The squared off back allows for a dry bath and a "roomier" feel, to me.

 

Did you look ar FR's "Surveyor Sport" line?  I liked those...similar specs......but no dealer close by. 

In mine, the dinette benches are "fixed" and do not move (both have storage).  The table has 2 permanent flanges mounted to the floor with 2 removable upright tubes that support the table top.  These tubes can be removed from the flanges and table top and the dinette could be made into a bed, though I have never done so.  The idea of spanning a platform between the top of the benches for a second (bunk) bed never occured to me....it's a good idea.  But, like you say, it would be something else to deal with.

 

For your situation, what you are looking at is a better floorplan than mine.....it's already ready for the kids.  I agree with Terry, by the time you add on some options and your stuff, you'll likely be over 3000lbs.  Mine is 3018lbs as you see it above but, empty propane tanks, no battery, no fluids in the holding tanks and no "stuff".  I don't notice a big difference in pulling this vs. my old RP173.

 

Although mine was advertized as 27 gallon fresh water capacity, the tank is really only 20 gallons - according to my measurements and volume calculations.  20 plus 6 in the water heater plus about a gallon in the plumbing lines.  Many manufacturers seem to do this.  With that said, if I'm frugal, I can stretch this 3 days.  Until I get around to upsizing the tank, I carry a couple of 6 gallon water jugs and top off the fresh water, as needed.    I would suspect the one you are looking at probably has a 20 gallon tank.

 

Personally, I'm casually looking for a small lightweight 5th wheel.  So far about the only thing under 25' is the Scamp - which I think is kind of short on ammenities.