Advice

Been shopping around for our first camper, we spend a lot if time tent camping on the weekends and are getting tired of all the set up, sleeping on the ground, packing and unpacking associated with it and have determined having a camper would make things a lot easier to just take off and go when we want to. They're four of us total, a teenager and a toddler plus myself and my wife. We're leaning toward the R pod line, but have also considered the Wolf Pup and Apex Nano trailers as well. Which of the three would be better for taking on mountain gravel roads in National Forest for dry camping because that's where we prefer to go? The roads are not extremely rough, but fairly narrow with steep hills and some moderate turns. We live in a rural area in Southwest Virginia with plenty of public land to camp on and most of our time will be spent in these areas. Next conundrum is if we go with and Rpod should we go new or used? Price is not a huge option but we are of course looking for the best deal available and so far like the 177 and 176 models. We can get a 5 year old well taken care of 171 but wanted some input on the pros / cons of the 2010 models vs the 2014 / 2015 models? What would be a fair price to pay for the used one? Have received some quotes from Couchs on new Rpods and just looking for more input. We could probably get a better price on the new Wolf Pup or Apex models, but want the brand that would be best for our camping needs. The full bath in the latter two are the only advantages I see, not crazy about the all aluminum siding on the Pups either. Space won't be too much of an issue because the teenager has a tent cot that he uses and will continue to do so, but do want the space for him in the event if bad weather or if he chooses to sleep inside. TV won't be an issue either have a 1/2 ton 4x4 V8 Silverado with Z71 suspension, towing package with transmission cooler. Hope all of this makes sense and thanks in advance for your help.

You will definitely want risers.  If you can find a Hood River Edition, you will also get the bigger tires.

Thanks for the input! I was thinking the space in the pod might be an issue, but after a few years when the teen is gone off to school the pod may be more realistic for three. Really interested in which one is best for rougher roads and new vs used?

Well, I'm just saying you're not limited by your TV so that kinda opens it up for several other possibilities. The R-POD is a lightweight premium, I have seen other traditionally built campers 18' and less for less money. I'm not trying to steer you off the R-POD, just pointing out that most people buy them because of there weight class not size. 

Thanks for the input folks, you've all been very helpful. I will look up the Surveyor and see what it's about. Any additional advice from anyone will be greatly appreciated.