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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: RPod Shopper
    Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 10:21pm
Unfortunately, my scam sense was on vacation that day. I think that with the 179, I wound up with something that suits the two of us better than a Casita, Burro, or Scamp would have. My wife and I both like the room of the 179 and the kitchen is what sold us on this model. I understand why some people would rather have the 180 with its larger bath, but we figured the larger kitchen would be of more use to us. So far, it has worked out well. Any of the fiberglass eggs would have been much more cramped with the possible exception of the Scamp 19" fifth wheel model. However, since it does not have a slide-out, even it looked cramped in the floor plan and photos I saw on the Scamp web site.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Lapine Rider View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Dec 2016
Location: Columbia, TN
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 10:00pm
Originally posted by StephenH

Whatever you do, don't go on Craigslist and fall for a sob story about someone needing to sell a Casita due to family hardship. I learned the hard way that any Casita (or other Fiberglass Egg) you find at a low price is almost definitely a SCAM. If you can't lay eyes on it and see the title, don't believe it. I learned a $2,000 lesson. Angry


Ouch! Yeah, I've had my scam-sense tickled once already over a Casita, and now will be more careful still. Thanks!
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 9:25pm
Whatever you do, don't go on Craigslist and fall for a sob story about someone needing to sell a Casita due to family hardship. I learned the hard way that any Casita (or other Fiberglass Egg) you find at a low price is almost definitely a SCAM. If you can't lay eyes on it and see the title, don't believe it. I learned a $2,000 lesson. Angry
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 6:44pm
That's a good start. My sister is also looking for a casita, anyone she does find is way over priced.
I think you will be impressed with how well the rpods tow. The only bad part is your mileage will be greatly affect ted by the wind. We average 13-14 in Vermont/New Hampshire mountains and 14-17 once we get down to Massachusetts and below.
Plenty of power for driving on the interstate etc.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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Lapine Rider View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Dec 2016
Location: Columbia, TN
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 6:25pm
I priced out a brake controller and tranny cooler today, Leo. Also looked at the wind deflectors mentioned by StephenH. I plan to get the work done next week, then hope for a Christmas sale to buy the 180 itself. About the only thing that might change my mind is if I can finally find a Casita locally for sale in good shape. The Casita is the only contender left, and rapidly fading due to a combination of lack of used units available on the local market and incredibly high prices on the new ones.

Your help is again much appreciated, everyone!
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 5:15pm
Any specific questions about the grand caravan towing, don't hesitate to yell.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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Lapine Rider View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Dec 2016
Location: Columbia, TN
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2016 at 1:17am
Thank you guys very much!

I looked at an RP 180 today, and definitely liked what I saw. I can absolutely see myself as a future owner, probably in the next few weeks. I also think I like the 2017 1/2 improvements enough that I'll not even bother shopping for a used bargain, as is my usual habit. The shower is tighter than I'd like-- I'm a big guy, as mentioned before-- but not to the point of being totally unusable. In fact, I'm going to look at options and upgrades on another webpage as soon as I'm done here. Suggestions are welcome!

I'm extra-grateful for the towing advice. Thank you especially for that! I've towed a lot of boats and cargo-trailers in my time, but never anything tall and light like this. And, more importantly, never with anything but a pickup. So the confidence-boost was most welcome.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6289 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 11:03pm
I use a wind deflector to help with the wind resistance. I also limit my speed to 60 mph. The reason for doing so is because that is what PurpleLine, the maker of the AeroPlus deflector says I should do to prevent damage to the deflector. I have occasionally gone a bit faster, but only for short periods. I have no doubt that the deflector can survive 65 mph or even 70 mph. However, a second reason for sticking with 60 mph is that it seems to be a sweet spot for moving along well and still getting reasonable mileage. Without the AeroPlus and trying to hit 65-70 mph (especially with a headwind), I was getting an average of about 11 mpg. With the AeroPlus and limiting my speed to 60 mph, I am getting an average of about 15 mpg. Third, 60 mph is a comfortable speed at which to be towing.

An alternative to the AeroPlus is the Icon AeroShield. Check them out and see if one of the two might be something that you would wish to purchase.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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finder9 View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Oct 2014
Location: Maryland
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Posts: 25 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 10:30pm
Can't tell you about towing with your car but I can tell you about hard side popups. Aliner, Rockwood, and some others are available.  The high ends have full bath and showers installed.  My second Aliner had the full bath.  The bath was roomier than our current Rpod (179) but not as big as the 180.  We changed to a Rpod because we didn't want to have to put it up and down anymore.  Arthritis has had an impact on the shoulders.  Plus we like to be able to stop for lunch and a bathroom break. Hard to do in a pop up. And it's easier to deal with an Rpod in the rain.  We looked around for several years before deciding on the Rpod.  We're still getting used to it but so far so good.  Initial shakedown trip was 400 miles and had no problems.

The hard side pop up is very easy to tow.  Did it for years and a lot of miles without any special hitch or sway bar but we used a full size conversion van.  And they can be pricey. Many of their options come included with the Rpod.

Take your time to decide and look at everything available to you.  Aliner has an owner's group page that has a lot of info as well as a "For Sale" section.  Good luck!
Jack
2017 Rpod 179
2015 Dodge Ram
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 2:50pm
Welcome to the group!! We tow with a 2013 Grand Caravan with the Pentastar engine, put out 283 horse power. We have no trouble towing our 179.We regularly tow up and down the east coast along with the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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