Shopping for 180 or others

Pricing:
So the prices I see listed here always seem lower than locally.
Like I see people saying 15k is normal for new? Most locally list around 22k? Even assuming 15% off I'm thinking 18k new?
I've found a 2017 ex-rental (eek?) for 14k which looks like one of the better deals?


Floorplans:
So right now we have a small family of 4. i.e one <1 year, 1 3 year old. Pretty outdoorsy people, primary reason for the trailer(vs tent) is bathroom and extending the season.
My wife prefers a dry bath, but I could probably sway her. It seems like the 178,179, 180 are teh best candidates.
178: seems good, but wet bath
179: larger slider? seems riskier. Also lowish roof over kitchen?
180: lots of wasted space in bathroom, least amount of relaxing space, but maybe that's ok. Worried about those narrow cushions sliding around on dinette/cot-bed.

Any feedback on the different 20' models?



There's some very crafty mods that are enticing, but ultimately my goal is to use this thing a lot over 2 years and not spend TOO much time tweaking/investing time/money. What are some MUST do mods? (I'm thinking 2 propane tanks, and 2 6v batteries to extend comfort.

Winter camping:
Has anyone used their r-pod for a couple nights at 20 degrees? We like to ski/xc/snowshoe. Are there some easy ways to improve the trailers weather tightness? Only a few nights so probably "dry"?

Looks like your solution just became available in WI. 

For cold weather camping, go to your local Lowe's or Home Depot. Pick up some of the insulation that looks like foil-coated bubble wrap. Cut pieces of this to fit the shape of the window and sit just inside the inside frame. Place these in the windows and lower the shades to help keep them in place (or use hook and loop tape). On our 179, we have them in the bed area windows (cuts cold drafts and darkens the bed area better) and in the dining area window. This is easily removed for when you want to open a window but does help insulate the windows when you need to keep heat inside better.

In addition to this, I did add some rigid foam board insulation underneath the bed platform in our 179. I think it helps there also. I could have used more of the reflective insulation and may still do so as another layer. I don't know how much it helps, but I got it before getting the memory foam mattress which is much thicker than the original and, I would think, insulates better against the cold from below.

The 'Pods are pretty tight already, so you should not need to do much. They have to be in order to not get water inside as they are going down the road. One area of concern is if you have a slide-out, check the trim on the inside under the base. On ours, it was loose, allowing a cold draft when the slide was extended. Getting the rubber tighter to the floor of the slide-out helped. When it is in, there is no problem as the rubber seal around the outside flange will seal the area. As for water, carrying water in a container for use is your best bet. We were staying in our RP179 last December in low single-digit temperatures. I had purchased an 8 gallon Reliance Hydroller at Walmart. It is quite heavy if it is filled full, but it does have wheels and a folding handle which make it easier to maneuver as needed.

+1 on Richand Cindy suggestions. When I shopped for our 180 I looked with in a 200 miles distance around us for the best deal. I was lucky that my closest dealer offered the best competitive package.

You may want to call FR and see when they will be making the 189/190 in the west coast.  It may be the better floor plan for your needs. Also there are several wholesalers that will actually ship the RPOD to you.  Even if they charge $1500 you could still save thousands on a new model and maybe get the 189/190 that way.  Some however prefer getting a slightly used RPOD and let the owner get all the warranty work done.  Personally I hate to pay for used when I could get new for the same price