Bed length

It is not a design flaw. It is a fact that small RV's can't pack full-size 80" queen beds into a space that is only 75" wide. The width of the R-Pod is such that the body can be lower, which makes the center of gravity lower which, in turn, makes for a more stable trailer. In order to have a wider trailer, one would have to make it higher to fit the wheels underneath (higher CG, less stable) or have wheel wells which intrude into the inside. This is what the Coachmen Apex Nano does. It sits higher and has wheel wells inside the living space. That means their exterior width of 90" includes the wheels underneath. The 96" width of the R-Pods includes the wheels and fenders which sit outside the trailer walls with no wheel wells intruding.. The fact that one can order "Short Queen" mattresses lets us know that the R-Pods are not unique in using this size mattress. Otherwise, it would have to be a custom order.

One other thing is that the R-Pod's slide out has to clear the wheels. That is why the dinette in the 179, for example, has the back bench with no storage underneath. The bench is the bottom of the slide-out. On the Apex Nano, the bottom of the slide is closer to floor level so the seating there can be used for storage.

Ultimately, you look at the different options and choose that which is right for you. It might be the R-Pod. It might be something else. However, you are the one that has to live with it, so pick that which will work for you and that you will be happy with. It is better than choosing something and then within a short period, selling it because it does not meet your needs.

 Find one and lie down in it, then decide if you could live with it. That's an easy solution. I toured a 177 for about 15 minutes, carefully considering the amenities. I also spend about 10-15 hours online researching. I finally decided it was what I wanted. There are a lot of good choices out there but for it's size I think the Pod has the best feature set for the price. Can't beat those 30 gallon tanks.

I'm 6'2" and have a 179. If I share the bed will my wife my toes sometimes touch the wall. However, sleeping alone my feet don't touch.

So just kick her out right?

In all seriousness, the "RV Queen" bed is a standard item, and in fact, until recently, unless you were in a very expensive custom rig, it IS what you got. You should be fine. But the best advice given is true, go lay in one.