Author |
Share Topic Topic Search Topic Options
|
Guests
Guest Group
|
Topic: Pod People Wannabees Posted: 05 May 2016 at 4:57pm |
You won't notice one little bit of difference, in economy, towing any of the models. Plan on 12mpg (+or-). A couple of inches won't really make much difference in maneuvering, either. Get the one that best fits your needs/wants...the one that makes you happy!
|
 |
jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3331
|
Posted: 05 May 2016 at 5:40pm |
As already mentioned above, spend a good 30 + minutes in each of the models you are serious about. Take notes, talk to each other about your likes/dislikes about each, sleep on it for a few days before making the final decision.
|
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
|
 |
TheBum
Senior Member
Joined: 26 Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1407
|
Posted: 05 May 2016 at 6:14pm |
Originally posted by furpod
The 179 is really a couples trailer, the spare bed seems to be the worst of all floor plans. |
If you put an air mattress on it, it's very usable as a bed. In that respect, it has the largest second bed of any model as far as I can tell.
|
 |
furpod
Moderator Group - pHp
Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6128
|
Posted: 05 May 2016 at 6:51pm |
Originally posted by TheBum
Originally posted by furpod
The 179 is really a couples trailer, the spare bed seems to be the worst of all floor plans. |
If you put an air mattress on it, it's very usable as a bed. In that respect, it has the largest second bed of any model as far as I can tell. |
178 has a queen size dinette 58 inches wide.. biggest of the group. The 176T sleeps more, and has an equal size dinette, but you have to deal with the whole "T" thing.. Based on how rare they are, most people don't want to fool with it. The 179 dinette is 45 inches wide..
|
 |
Mountainrev
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Jul 2014
Location: Eagle, Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 193
|
Posted: 05 May 2016 at 7:23pm |
Originally posted by larbear
I gotta get my sea legs on the posting thing...I guess I shouldn't be trying to reply to each individually.Couple of great suggestions....I guess my subconscious mind had me thinking 177 or 178. I found a dealer who has both with the 178 only $300 more but with the 177 being a little lighter and a touch shorter, it may be better for mileage/maneuvering. Plan to check them out next week. The floorplans "look" like the floor space is the same in both? Does the larger dinette make it worth more? This is a Great service...love getting opinions from someone other than just the dealer I'll be meeting for the first time. Thanks All! |
Since the 178 is only something like 150 pounds heavier (maybe less) than the 177, any mileage improvement with the 177 would be miniscule. And since it's only like a foot longer, I doubt you'd find the 178 harder to maneuver. Personally, as a 177 owner, I'd go for the 178 unless you find a screaming deal on a 177. I believe the larger dinette is worth it, especially if you have a couple of grandkids sleeping on it. As far as floorplans, you're correct--they are the same, other than the u-shaped dinette (and outside-access storage in the front).
|
2014 177
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel
"I lift my eyes to the hills."
|
 |
Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1088
|
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 4:40pm |
Hello Pod People wannabee! we are Pod People!! welcome. we have an older model 173 which is no longer made. We love it -simple, easy and no problems. However, having said that if I had to buy a new model I would seriously consider a model with a slide out. I think the extra room would be a major plus factor. We don't miss it because we've never had it. but if we could have it, I think we would love our Pod even more.
there are a couple of potential downsides that I see with the slides. A buddy of ours has a slide model(not an Rpod, but a competitor). His kitchen cabinet/sink slides out and he has had several problems with the flexible drain hose becoming disconnected and leaking. The slide definitely is the culprit in this case. The other problem with the kitchen slide is that it will not allow you to extend the outer edges of the countertop. A lot of people use a folding shelf on either(or both) ends of the sink cabinet to extend the usable counter space. when the cabinet is in the slide, there is not enough clearance for any extensions.
Look closely, sit in each model for a while and think about how your use will best be accommodated. you will make the right decision and love it
Vann
|
Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
|
 |
julieboyles
Newbie
Joined: 03 May 2016
Location: Please select
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27
|
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 9:55pm |
I'm in a similar position as the original poster. I've looked at the 177 and 178 two times at the dealership and it's true, the 178 is absolutely the way to go. It's very slightly heavier, only a small bit cheaper, and 1 1/2 ft longer. I'll, too, occasionally have two grandkiddos (and sometimes my adult daughter) and they will not fit in the 177, but will all be able to cram into the 178 table/bed, if need be. From resale, the 178 is, too, the only way to go.
I'm trying to decide new or used. New comes with a 1 yr warranty and some of the new features that may not be had used (LEDs, flush sink with cover, solar ready, etc.). But, of course, the cost, as well as I'm not 100% sure that this is the right path for me and that I'm going to love it. I'm pretty convinced, but gotta do it first to know for sure. I know nothing about this trailer world so that means I should buy used and have the warranty and deal to cover everything. Oh wait, that means that it's not a sure enough thing and I should spend less with someone else having already eaten the depreciation. Help!
|
 |
larbear
Newbie
Joined: 05 May 2016
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12
|
Posted: 06 May 2016 at 10:07pm |
Vann Thanks for the input...I've my concerns about KISS...that's why my initial thoughts were the 171 but most most seem to think "a little" bigger is better. So I've now been thinking 177 or 178...I know the odds of slide problems must be low or there wouldn't be so many out there. I plan to take a look next week if time permits. Thanks again (and to all other podders too!) Larry
|
 |
Retroactive
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Mar 2016
Location: Bolton, MA
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 270
|
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 9:27am |
We were trying to decide between a 171 or 178. We ended up getting the 171 becuase we will be empty nesters in two years, and don't need extra sleeping space. The one thing to consider about the 171 is that it is a PITA to get out of bed, slide out models may make it easier to access the bed compartment. We love our 171, but I had to install an "Oh sh*t! Handle" in mine (so I don't come crashing down on the wife in the middle of the night).
|
 |
julieboyles
Newbie
Joined: 03 May 2016
Location: Please select
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 27
|
Posted: 07 May 2016 at 2:57pm |
See my post somewhere in this thread as I, too, was vacillating between the 177 and 178. It looks like if you're buying new, there's no debate--it's the 178 hands down--for length, barely added weight, barely more expensive, resale, everything.
|
 |