Hello and Thanks!

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   Hello, everyone....and thanks for your time and expertise on the forum pages!  
Sorry if this is in the wrong spot...I know sometimes people are particular about "what goes where", but this seemed like a good place to start.  :)  

After mulling it over and thinking about it for several years, we're finally ready to move forward and become "podders".  

I was hopeful that members might be kind enough to make a few recommendations for us.  

A) We like the "bunk" models...172 and 176.  We'll be traveling with 2 adults, 2 kids (10 and 8), a boxer, and a pug.  Part of me likes the simplicity and the lighter weight of the 172.  Part of me knows that we might end up wishing we had the extra space of the 176.  

The tow vehicle is an XTerra...which should be able to handle either model.  I'm confident that I could handle either model, and whatever sway/control options we need will be purchased and installed.  

Any thoughts/insights/inclinations?  

B) We live in PA and have intentions of using the rPod locally in the state parks, but also hopefully doing some summer "loops" down the east coast (OBX/Disney/Everglades/Key West) and out west (Rockies/Yellowstone).  

I've not seen the Hood River versions out this way, and local dealers seem reluctant (or less than enthusiastic) to talk about getting one.  

Do you think it's worth trying to get a Hood River edition?  I think it's probably not a bad idea, given that we aspire to go somewhat off-the-beaten path (not serious boondocking).  

C) Sorry to be lazy in my research, but is there a resource that you'd recommend for finding nice/strict campgrounds and state park facilities?  We'd rather err on the side of rules/safety/decorum as we plan out next summer's travels...

Thanks!  :)

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Granlobo12 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Topic: Hello and Thanks! Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 4:17pm
	Hello, everyone....and thanks for your time and expertise on the forum pages! Sorry if this is in the wrong spot...I know sometimes people are particular about "what goes where", but this seemed like a good place to start. :) After mulling it over and thinking about it for several years, we're finally ready to move forward and become "podders". I was hopeful that members might be kind enough to make a few recommendations for us. A) We like the "bunk" models...172 and 176. We'll be traveling with 2 adults, 2 kids (10 and 8), a boxer, and a pug. Part of me likes the simplicity and the lighter weight of the 172. Part of me knows that we might end up wishing we had the extra space of the 176. The tow vehicle is an XTerra...which should be able to handle either model. I'm confident that I could handle either model, and whatever sway/control options we need will be purchased and installed. Any thoughts/insights/inclinations? B) We live in PA and have intentions of using the rPod locally in the state parks, but also hopefully doing some summer "loops" down the east coast (OBX/Disney/Everglades/Key West) and out west (Rockies/Yellowstone). I've not seen the Hood River versions out this way, and local dealers seem reluctant (or less than enthusiastic) to talk about getting one. Do you think it's worth trying to get a Hood River edition? I think it's probably not a bad idea, given that we aspire to go somewhat off-the-beaten path (not serious boondocking). C) Sorry to be lazy in my research, but is there a resource that you'd recommend for finding nice/strict campgrounds and state park facilities? We'd rather err on the side of rules/safety/decorum as we plan out next summer's travels... Thanks! :)

Mountainrev Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Jul 2014 Location: Eagle, Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 193	Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 4:57pm
	Welcome! To your first question about 172 vs. 176, the slide-out does make a difference. We were set on getting a 171 (no bunks) until we got inside a 177 and a 178, which both have the slide-outs. Big difference. I'd suggest seeing both in person and make your decision based on what you feel. Be sure to bring the whole family so you can get a real taste of being inside both with four people. To question B, the Hood River Edition (HRE for short) is only available to dealers in the West (basically, Rocky Mountains to the Pacific). They are manufactured in Oregon, as opposed to Indiana. Eastern dealers can't get them, at least not new ones. There are very few differences between the HRE and non-HRE models. The biggest one is that HRE's have larger (15") wheels with knobby, off-road(ish) tires. Non HRE models in the past could get axle risers which raised the POD up several (4"?) inches, so that they were virtually the same height as the HREs, making it less likely to scrape on driveways, etc. New R-pods all come standard with axle risers, so you don't need to worry about that. So, long story short, you can't get a new HRE in the East, and there's really not much reason to get one, anyway. If you like the 15" rims and knobby tires, you could always do an after-market swap.
	2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."

dacolson Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 26 Apr 2015 Location: Farmington, MN Online Status: Offline Posts: 46	Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 6:21am
	To question A, we have a 2010 172t. I wish we had a slide out. Would kill for the extra space. 2 adults, 2 kids and 1 dog with us. Gets a little "snug." We love the bunks though. The kids have their own space.
	Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T

Granlobo12 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 9:22am
	Thanks, Dave...we really appreciate your input. Sounds like we'd also end up wanting the extra space.

Granlobo12 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 7	Posted: 01 Apr 2016 at 9:23am
	Thank you for your insights...that's one less thing to worry about! :) Thanks again and happy travels.