Hi! Newbie Here!

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   Hi!  I don’t have an R Pod yet, but I am looking at one tomorrow.  Actually, I looked at it a couple months ago when it was up for sale privately.  It’s now on a dealer’s lot.  It’s listed as a 2006 R Pod 173.  When I originally looked at it, it was listed as a 2009.  So, something to ask the dealer about.  Probably the standard issue package of options.  It has AC/heat, microwave, 2 burner stove, refrigerator, queen bed up front (where the table drops down).  Everything looks to be in very good condition.  No leaks or rust anywhere that I can see.  Tires seem to be in good condition.  There was a TV, but that is missing.  Also there is supposed to be a sofa or a couple chairs that are missing from the back.  That the seating is missing is fine with me.  I travel with my dogs to agility competitions, so this is where their crates would go once we were set up.  And the TV isn’t a big deal either.  I have a laptop, tablet and portable DVD player to amuse myself with.  I believe it comes with an awning or screen house attachment.  The asking price is $7,500.00.  Does that seem like a fair price?

My tow vehicle is a 2003 GMC Envoy.  It’s rated to tow up to 6600 lbs.  Doesn’t look like the R Pod would come close to that.  I have a Class III hitch already.  But I would probably need to see my mechanic about the braking system for towing.  Anything else??

I am a tent camper right now.  But that’s getting old with three Border Collies and a husband.  The size and set up of this seems about perfect for what I want.  Big enough to be in during down time and small enough for me to tow on my own (DH would be with me maybe half the time). I’ve never towed anything or owned a camper.  Any tips for a newbie?  What types of things do I need to ask the dealer?

Thanks in advance for any info!

Kate

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BeachBCs Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 May 2013 Location: Beaufort NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Topic: Hi! Newbie Here! Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 12:50pm
	Hi! I don’t have an R Pod yet, but I am looking at one tomorrow. Actually, I looked at it a couple months ago when it was up for sale privately. It’s now on a dealer’s lot. It’s listed as a 2006 R Pod 173. When I originally looked at it, it was listed as a 2009. So, something to ask the dealer about. Probably the standard issue package of options. It has AC/heat, microwave, 2 burner stove, refrigerator, queen bed up front (where the table drops down). Everything looks to be in very good condition. No leaks or rust anywhere that I can see. Tires seem to be in good condition. There was a TV, but that is missing. Also there is supposed to be a sofa or a couple chairs that are missing from the back. That the seating is missing is fine with me. I travel with my dogs to agility competitions, so this is where their crates would go once we were set up. And the TV isn’t a big deal either. I have a laptop, tablet and portable DVD player to amuse myself with. I believe it comes with an awning or screen house attachment. The asking price is $7,500.00. Does that seem like a fair price? My tow vehicle is a 2003 GMC Envoy. It’s rated to tow up to 6600 lbs. Doesn’t look like the R Pod would come close to that. I have a Class III hitch already. But I would probably need to see my mechanic about the braking system for towing. Anything else?? I am a tent camper right now. But that’s getting old with three Border Collies and a husband. The size and set up of this seems about perfect for what I want. Big enough to be in during down time and small enough for me to tow on my own (DH would be with me maybe half the time). I’ve never towed anything or owned a camper. Any tips for a newbie? What types of things do I need to ask the dealer? Thanks in advance for any info! Kate
	Kate

Seanl Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 1:56pm
	Hello and welcome. I am pretty sure that it has to be at least a 2008 because I don't think that forest river made the rpod in 2006. I have a 2011 173 with the couch. Your Envoy will have no problem towing it. I tow mine with a Jeep Liberty. I took the tv out of mine is was just a little 8 inch with a dvd player anyway. As to tips read though the older posts on this forum there is a lot of good stuff.
	Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition

Sleepless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 2:27pm
	You may want to check the date code on the tires. Appearance alone is often misleading. My experience has been that motor home and travel trailer tires will fail due to age rather than to mileage. This would not be a deal-breaker, but could be a negotiation point. I, too, have a 173 with the couch.
	2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche

David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 3:38pm
	I thought that 2009 was the first year the rpods were built. I am sure it was not 2006. I think the first (2009) advertised year from the the owner is the correct year. As far as the price I think that $7,500 is a fair price if it is in good condition. Maybe you could get some information on it from the previous owner or maybe the dealer is selling for the owner. Check under the trailer around the frame in the corners. The first trailers had some problems with the wood floor being exposed in the corners and could rot from being exposed to water. And there has been a recall on the lights, has that been completed. If not you can still get that completed I believe since it is a safety concern. As far as your tow vehicle that would have no trouble towing the rpod. Hope it all works out and welcome to the forum. There are several members on this forum who travel with there dogs some larger than a border collie. David
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

BeachBCs Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 May 2013 Location: Beaufort NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 7:55pm
	That makes sense b/c I could find ZERO info on a 2006. Thanks for the info on the recall. I've been researching a bit, but I confess, I've been a bit overwhelmed. Any and all information is beneficial. At this point, I don't know what I don't know! My criteria is pretty simple. I want something lightweight, room to stretch out, with a bathroom and AC. Everything else is bonus! When I've mentioned staying with the dogs in this to others they've thought we might be a bit cramped. Please...the RPod will be generously spacious compared to our last camping trip. It poured so we (me and three dogs) slept in the back of my Envoy. I'm hoping that minus the sofa, I can build a bench in its place that the dogs crates could fit under.
	Kate

Sleepless Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 8:43pm
	I don't know if you know about the light recall, which I am in the midst now. The recall is to install amber lights on the front of the fenders and red on the back side, plus a "spoiler" with 3 red clearance across the roof just below the highest point of the roof when viewed from the back. No big deal either way since it is covered by the recall, but it is nice to avoid the hassle of having them installed.

David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 8:45pm
	I don't know if there is anyone that lives near you on the forum that could help you in taking a look at the rpod. I thought someone who has a rpod could give you some help in any questions. Perhaps in the list of podders helping podders there could be someone near you willing to help. Yes I agree with you the rpod would be a lot more comfortable than your Envoy. David
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

BeachBCs Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 07 May 2013 Location: Beaufort NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 3	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 9:44pm
	I looked at the list, closest member is about 2 1/2 hours away.
	Kate

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 12 Jul 2013 at 10:40pm
	Welcome. Yes, the 2009 is the earliest year. I think that price is probably reasonable but I would negotiate down some if it is missing items inside. Your TV (tow vehicle) will be perfect for towing the pod, but I highly recommend getting something like the E2 weight distribution hitch (WDH) which will add sway control and also make the ride much more comfortable. I use an E2 with my Suburban. You will need a good brake controller, I (and many others) recommend the Prodigy line. They even have a fully wireless version which I would consider myself if I needed a new one.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

kymooses Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Location: Louisville, Ky Online Status: Offline Posts: 1807	Posted: 13 Jul 2013 at 11:51am
	Yup 2009 are the first model years of Rpods. If you want to check it yourself just look at the VIN number and it will tell you all the information you need to know. Off to the right of the VIN you'll see the manufacture date. Also with the VIN the 8th number in the series will designate the model year of it.
	RPod Rallies RPod Owner Map