Purchase suggestions

Hi All....

I've been looking at the RPod for about three years now and have decided to buy one. My question to you all is.....

What do I really need??

I will be towing it with a 2007 4x4 Pilot

I know what I don't need: bunk beds or screen enclosure. I doubt I would do any off road camping. But what are the must haves??

I appreciate your experience, insight and honesty.

Christy.

Hello Christy,

Welcome to the forum.

First, your tow vehicle. Is it equipped for towing? What are the specifications. From what I can gather, your towing limit is 3500 lbs. While you should be able to tow up to and including an R-Pod 179, that would be pushing it. One of the lighter models might be better for your Pilot.

Other than that, go on Forest River's web site and check out the various floor plans. You are the one who knows what you want or don't want. Once you decide on the floor plan, all else are accessories. Any R-Pod you purchase should come with a power cord, a propane tank and a battery. If you don't plan on doing any dry (no hook-ups) camping, then the stock battery should be adequate.

You will need hoses (fresh water (only used for that purpose), utility hose for things like flushing the black water tank, sewage hose and connectors, chocks, leveling blocks or system such as the BAL leveler or Andersen leveler), sheets, blankets, dishes, cups, food, toilet paper, towels, and anything else you might need on a trip. You would have limited space, so you should make choices on what is really needed and what can stay home.

Read the forum topics. There are lots of suggestions which you may find helpful. I know I did.

Your Pilot will tow it just fine except for the mileage. Expect to only get about 11 mpg. We have towed our 179 behind my sisters Pilot and it worked just fine without any special hitch just trailer brakes,

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Especially about towing. Has anyone had experience with helper springs or transmission cooler installed on the car?

I'm looking at purchasing the 177 or 178.

Thanks again
Christy

Originally posted by StephenH One thing I found to be helpful was to install a wind deflector. I chose the PurpleLine USA's AeroPlus. It helped with the aerodynamics and has helped me to get better mileage. Not only that, it helps when encountering head/cross wind situations. I am towing with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with factory tow package and 2L Ecoboost engine. It too has a 3500 lb towing limit.

The manual says not to exceed 60mph with the AeroPlus. That would be a deal breaker for me.