Should we buy an Rpod |
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Vagabonds
Newbie Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Location: New Mexico Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Topic: Should we buy an Rpod Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 12:36pm |
Hi Everyone, We are a retired couple in our mid-60’s and would really
appreciate some insight and advice from the folks here. We used to live in Montana and now live in
New Mexico. We just finished our second
cross country trip in our 2004 Airstream Bambi (19 feet, 4500 lbs) towed by a 2007
Toyota Tacoma. In between Montana and
New Mexico we lived on the Bambi with our 80 pound Golden Retriever for 6
months. We would now like to downsize our tow vehicle, lighten our
tow weight, and use the trailer more on weekends and an occasional trip of a
week or two. Selling the Bambi would
also eliminate a monthly payment and allow us to use the proceeds more
efficiently. So, now the question, would
you recommend an R Pod and if so which one? We have always liked the way they looked but have come
across some pretty negative reviews on-line about construction quality and
Forest River products in general. So we
thought we better go directly to the folks who own them and get some straight
answers here. Look forward to hearing
from you all. Thanks again. Jo and David |
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Jo & David
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 3:12pm |
Welcome to the group! My suggestion would be to swing over to a dealership and go through the models and see which one you like and feel comfortable in. We are on our second r-pod, don't know if we are just lucky or what but we have not had any problems to speak of and have no serious complaints.
Give them a try, the group here can help solve just about any problem that could arise. Or tell tou how to modify them for extra room and comfort! Good luck!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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Vagabonds
Newbie Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Location: New Mexico Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 3:21pm |
Thanks so much for you reply! Will keep you posted on our research.
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Jo & David
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Guests
Guest Group |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 4:27pm |
Personally, I would put the Rpod up against anything in it's class, for quality. Your Airstream is probably a notch above it but, there is a price difference. The majority of owners have had no/few problems. The Rpod tows/feels about the same as anyone's 18-20' travel trailer. In other words, you will likely want to use the same "class" of tow vehicle for it, as you would the Airstream. Most folks seem to agree that something with a 5K tow rating, or better, will do the job - OK. More is better. |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 5:00pm |
+1 - PODs are my favorite after owning multiple RVs.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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jato
Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3226 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 6:33pm |
Although not a popular model today we have thoroughly enjoyed our 177 going on year 7 now. We have had a few minor issues over the years, mainly owner generated. As Leo stated above, go to a dealer, check out the models available and set in each one for at least 30 to 60 minutes and take notes independently of each other, compare your likes/dislikes on each one, and make your decision to purchase/look elsewhere from there.
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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." |
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Richand Cindy
Senior Member Joined: 16 Apr 2016 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 328 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:06pm |
We have taken a few trips now with our 180 and love it but we are concerned about taking a several month trip across country with it. We were limited in our selection due to the tow vehicle having 4500 lb max capacity. So if you are taking short trips it may be perfect for you but some things to remember. Although you are used to towing an 8 foot wide the RPOD is only 6.5 feet wide making it easier to see with a small TV. But the wheelbase is still 8 feet. So you are getting a narrower rig. Thus there is no walk around bed and no closets on the sides of the bed. Also the refrigerator is very small with no separate freezer. We cannot stock up on food and have to shop more often. So if we had to do it again (and we may just upgrade in a couple years) we would purchase a slightly larger and heavier Coachmen Ultra Lite 192 RBS. Its 1000 lbs heavier at 3852 but has everything for the long haul. Our dealer who sells the RPOD, Surveyor and Coachmen (all Forest River) says the Coachmen's are coming into dealership with no work needed and therefore better built than the other Forest River products. But if really small is what you want, RPOD is the best under 3000 lb RV hands down. Then you have to decide if you want bigger kitchen and more storage (179) or dry bath (180). Probably those are the only two RPODS to choose from coming from an Airstream.
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OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |
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birderdiane526
Senior Member Joined: 08 May 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 320 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:41pm |
Hi!
We full time in a 2016 179 and like it a lot! Everything's working with no issues. A few interior issues like trim coming loose, but that's about it! Oh, and a problem with the cheap tires so we replaced them recently. Otherwise, smooth sailing! Having some thoughts of going a few feet longer though. There are now 3 cats traveling with us! Good luck! |
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Diane and Michael
2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
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bigbearcraig
Newbie Joined: 10 Dec 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 36 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:52pm |
I would rate the rpod quality as average in it's class, but no better. Airstream has a better reputation for quality, but you pay a premium for that. The rpod tows very well and is very compact. Probably only you can decide if it's right for your needs.
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fwunder
Senior Member Joined: 04 Oct 2013 Location: New Jersey Online Status: Offline Posts: 1676 |
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 10:23pm |
Have you considered Casita or Escape? Personally, I would go for Oliver over Airstream (or an rPod if I had the money).
I'm extremely happy with my rPod 178 and have traveled tens of thousands of miles with it, but it's not even close to an Oliver. Yes, the Oliver is a few wheel barrows full of cash more, but it shows. If you are handy and can overlook or fix construction deficiencies, go for the rPod! You could get three or four for the price of your Bambi. fred
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2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
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