which r-pod should I buy?

Hi!  I've been reading this forum for days now, and want to thank all of you for your friendliness and helpful information!  This is a great group of people!

I live in Utah, and I'm getting ready to purchase a 2014 r-pod, model 178.  I'm getting a price from my local dealer (Hood River edition) and from the dealer in Ohio (my family lives there and would meet me half-way with the unit).  Both units are fully loaded, but there's quite a difference in price - $13,900 for the Ohio one, and $17,500 for the local Hood River one.  Also, the Ohio one includes the R-dome, and the local one doesn't; I'd have to purchase that separately.

I don't know what to do.  Are the only differences in the Hood River the 15" tires and the diamond plating?  I know the axle is raised a bit, but the one in Ohio also has the raised axle.  I'd get the WDH with stabilizers on either one, and that price is about the same.  I'd love to hear what you all think - if it's worth the extra money for the Hood River edition.  Someone wrote that the frame was stronger and there was more insulation in the Hood River.  I haven't been able to confirm that, though.  Both dealerships are pushing for the sale - but I trust this group more!

Welcome.  Unless you are able to dip into your trust fund, it seems to me that the one from Ohio is the one to buy.  We have the Hood River edition and are very happy with it.  If the Ohio dealer includes the risers, go for it.  If not, just add them for about $250.  Having read so many who have had to add them makes me think it is a major improvement.  The diamond plate addition is a questionable addition in my mind.  Although, I did go to the factory here in Oregon, to see the construction,  I can't speak about a heavier frame or more insulation.  Hope that helps.  Safe Travels. 

I would go with your one from Ohio.  The HRE is a novelty at best, bit of diamond plating that if you want any of us can order and have put on a normal Pod.  Axle risers standard, but most Rpods "now" have them standard also, and then the different tires.  Which have IMO an ugly hub on them.

I have a few more questions as someone that's not only going to be new to r-pods but to any trailer camping!  1) Is condensation an issue inside these units?  If so, any tips on avoiding it?  2) If I'm adding a hitch to my car in Utah, then driving across a few states to pick up my new unit, is it possible to pre-wire my car for the trailer's braking system?  Does someone setting up my car for the braking system actually need the trailer to do it properly?  I don't understand how it all works.  3) Does the water heater have an electronic ignition, or do I have to light a pilot manually outside the unit?

Thanks, furpod!  I'm still interested in what the changes might be for the manufacturing year.  Of course, my salesman says he has talked to his Forest River Rep., and other than the "Crown" package changes - which he said my unit would have; they were put into production two weeks ago - they are planning no other changes for the 2015 model.  The unit I'm looking at does have a different interior color scheme called Pebble.  Is there somewhere out there on the Internet that I could go to see what might be any additional changes planned?  I don't want to buy this unit now if there's a good chance I'll be disappointed that I didn't wait!