Introduction and Dilemma

We are newly retired in PA and have decided an r pod is right for us.   We're having trouble deciding on the 171 or 177.  We are towing with a Honda Odyssey, so weight is a factor, but the slideout would be nice.  Our choice is between a new 2014 177 for $13,500 or a new 2017 177 for 14,415.  The 2014 has the crown package, otherwise they are the same.  The 171 model costs $12,870, but would we regret not having the slideout?

Have you spent time inside a 171 as well as a 177?  We were set on getting a 171 until we sat in a 177 and a 178.  The slideout, while it doesn't add a lot more square footage, adds a lot in terms of how open it feels.  For us, the small additional weight and the relatively low chances of mechanical issues with the slideout were well worth the extra space. 

If you have spent time in both models, and don't feel that the extra space in the 177 is that great, then the 171 would make more sense.  But we have definitely not regretted getting our 177.  In fact, had we not gotten such a great deal on it, we probably would have gone for a 178 just for the extra bit of space (as well as external storage) they offer.

I feel claustrophobic in my 182G without the slide extended. I know the no-slide models are arranged differently than mine, so I can't make a direct comparison. I agree with Mountainrev, feel is everything. At least to me.

Originally posted by DavidW If I read your question that you have a choice between a "new 2014 177 for $13,500 or a new 2017 177 for 14,415" you may wish to do a comparison of the two. The 2014 might not have the LED lights, solar option, and other upgrades that started to come out either at the end of that model year or in 2015. Most of us are switching out our lights to LEDs and the other features would have been nice. We have a 178 which is almost identical to the 177 except with a u-shaped dinette. I think that you will appreciate to extra space that a 177 has over the 171 but that is my own view. Our slide-out has never caused us any worries after 2 1/2 summers. Whatever you choose you can't go wrong. David

To the 2014 vs. 2017 (have they really come out with 2017s already????) question, I would add a few things.  First, the lack of LED issue in 2014s can be easily addressed for less than $50 (that's what I did), so I wouldn't make too much of that.  The "solar-ready" feature of newer Pods might be a factor if you truly think you might go the solar route.  Most of Podders don't seem to use solar panels, so it may not be an issue at all. 

But what might be an issue is simply the age of the 2014.  You say that it is being sold as "new," so I assume that means it's been sitting on the dealer's lot for perhaps 2 years or so.  That's a long time.  I'd look it over very carefully.  Has it gotten damaged from the elements?  Hail damage?  Has it been a demo where lots of people have been in and out of it, and perhaps scuffed up, etc., the interior? 

All that might be to your advantage.  If it looks good, and/or you don't mind some minor cosmetic issues, I'd low-ball the dealer on the 2014.  I'll bet he wants to get rid of it ASAP.  We purchased our 2014 177 new in the fall of 2014, after the 2015s were out.  It was in perfect condition.  We paid $12,500.  I'd offer them that if I were you.  All they can do is say no.  But I'll bet you could get it for quite a bit less than $13,500.

I don't think you would ever regret going for the extra space of the 177. We have often commented to ourselves how glad we are that we went for the 177 over the 171. The floor plan of both is perfect for us, but we are SO glad we opted for the 177!