Choices Rpods
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Topic: Choices Rpods
Posted By: shooterrick
Subject: Choices Rpods
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 5:53am
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Hi all. I am a bit older (59) and have owned pop ups, tow behind, and motor homes in my time. Would like to get back to camping as I am single now and enjoyed the people you meet. A smaller self contained appeals to me and have a Nissan Frontier rated at 6000 lbs max. Considering the 179 with large kitchen area and 180 with dry bath. Both have their appeal in there own right but would like some feedback from owners before I buy as to the trade offs of bath vs large kitchen. Never had a wet bath before so comments appreciated. Thanks Rick
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 6:29am
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Welcome to the group! We have the 179 and really like it. The large kitchen and added storage sold it for us. The wet bath is small but you get used to it. We stay at campgrounds more often then boon docking so we have the use of the campground facilities when needed. It boils down to going into each one for a while try the couch, the dinette and beds, bathrooms and the choice will jump out at you. Good Luck!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: eye95
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 6:37am
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We forewent the larger kitchen for a bigger dinette and more storage underneath. 178. ------------- <0> 2017 178 The "eye-Pod" 2011 Nissan Titan |
Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 8:08am
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Hi Rick, We ended up going with the 178 only because we wanted to have the extra sleeping area for the odd time when someone else would be with us and we like cooking outside when camping. We liked the bigger dinette as well. Like Leo said, the campground showers would be used most of the time, so the larger bathroom was not a big priority for us. Can't go wrong either way, it'll be your preference. We're happy we went with Rpod tho, great units! Kasper ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: bigbearcraig
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 8:38am
| We have the 179. The larger kitchen, pantry, and small closet are it's best assets, and the wet bath is a negative one. If you happen to be large in girth, the wet bath will be a problem. I'm almost 6'4 and weigh 210 and I make it work, but I'm not real large in diameter. Installing a longer shower hose helps, and the useless sink can be removed for a little more room. The big kitchen counter is a real plus. |
Posted By: shooterrick
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 8:47am
| Well I have some girth. LOL 6 ft 235lbs. Interesting taking sink out. Hmmm |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 8:51am
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I have no problem at all with the wet bath. It takes a minute to dry it off with a microfiber towel, if you can't wait for it to dry itself. Not saying a dry bath wouldn't be nice, but I'd go for a little extra room to put stuff instead, I think. Most of the places we go don't have hookups, and a lot of them don't have showers so our shower gets a good bit of use. It's probably been at least 5 years since we tent camped but I still consider any kind of hot shower a wonderful luxury. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 8:55am
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First of all, I tow with a frontier as well. It gets the job done, and will easily pull any pod, so your all set there. I have a 172 for the wife and myself, and we find it has plenty of space. The bunk beds waste very little space and we still have the large dinette. For one person, or occasionally 2 or 3, it would be fine. I also find many state parks are very tight fits, so if you go to big you need bigger, more expensive sites. I can fit in many tent sites. My last stay, over this labor day weekend, cost me 17 bucks a night, no utilities. If you use the r-dome, now your space more than doubles. The wet bath is no issue for us, but, some may not like it. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: eye95
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 9:34am
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We pulled a rental with a Frontier to try out TT camping. The rental was pod-like, but smaller. Frontier handled it well, but struggled with hills. We now have a Titan that yawns and says, "What R-Pod?" ------------- <0> 2017 178 The "eye-Pod" 2011 Nissan Titan |
Posted By: shooterrick
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 10:16am
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I am leaning towards the 180 for a couple reasons. Dry bath and my size. Smaller kitchen little concern. I since single discovered freeze dried food stuffs and even use them at home. That means no significant prep of veggies and such. Believe it or not they taste and smell like fresh if quality is purchased. Also no fridge veggies and very light and compact. Just a note freeze dried not same as dehydrated and wished when I had small kids at home knew about them. Dry bath and privacy if I have a companion with me could be issue with some.
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Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 10:37am
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We went with the 180 because my "partner" said a wet bath is NOT an option for her, so that's something to think about. We've found we have more then enough kitchen space, seating, and storage for just us and the dog. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: Live2Camp
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 4:15pm
We are older than you (mid 60s) and love our 179, complete with wet bath! Love the roomier kitchen area and everything else about it. But ... your comment above changed my suggestion for you. Since you're returning to camping (good move  ) and likely will indeed be making new friends and traveling companions, I think the dry-bath privacy and space would be a good assest to have. Let us know what you choose, and whichever one it is, you're going to love it. ------------- 2017 R-Pod 179 HRE (the green one) His:Ford F150 double cab 4WD; Hers/mine:Tacoma V6 double cab 4WD Still love rugged, diggin' comfy too |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 5:12pm
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We have a 177 with wet bath, and have agreed that when using the shower the other goes outside and takes a walk or something. Pods are small enough so a little privacy is good once in a while. I am larger than the sizes discussed earlier and make the bathroom and shower work, but I have to say the first few times I wasn't sure it would. Now in our seventh year it is second nature. Good luck with your decision and do let us know what you decide. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: shooterrick
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2017 at 9:14am
| Well I think I am going with the 180. First just to exercise due diligence I am going to look at a Jayco Hummingbird similar configuration. Mostly due to the 2 year warrantee of the Hummer. Once I buy will let you all know but the 180 in the lead now. |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2017 at 9:28am
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Good Luck! The 180 does have a good floor plan ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: DaleH
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2017 at 2:32pm
I'm the same age and we bought the 179 for the spacious kitchen. We had a very large popup before this and have found the R-Pod to be pretty darn luxurious compared to the old trailer. The bathroom is pretty cramped for me (6 foot, 200 pound former rugby player) but is fine for my wife. We both agree that in several years, if were still rv-ing that the 180 might be a good choice for when we're less mobile and supple. 
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Posted By: shooterrick
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2017 at 7:19pm
| Maybe a touchy subject. What can owners of RPods tell me about the quality of the build? I have seen some pretty negative reviews but human nature being what it is you almost always hear of a negative and much less often the positive. |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2017 at 8:01pm
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I think some things get out of the plants that should be caught and fixed. I also think that the best thing any Pod owner should have is a good dealer. I was lucky to buy our pod in spring of 2011 from a great dealer that prepped our trailer, and had been there for me since we picked it up with regular service and advice. The other point to consider is that this is a light weight RV, and built to a low price point. It doesn't have solid surface counters and solid oak cabinets. I have found it serviceable and it has held up well for a number of seasons and thousands of miles. We love our Pod and hope you do too. YMMV ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 6:31am
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i saw a flatbed of hummers the other day. i have never look at them, looked sharp though. i did notice they had attached awnings on them. hogone
------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: BandL
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 7:50am
| We bought our 2018 179 in June and have camped at least 10 times in it with our two young boys. We have camped in it from the Mackinac Michigan to Florida. We couldn't be happier with our choice. We haven't any issues with things breaking like others have reported and it still looks brand new. I would say the quality is as good as other travel trailors at this price. We had a 20 year old Jayco pop up prior that still looked great when we sold it. My husband took care of the upkeep and we will do the same for the Rpod. |
Posted By: DaleH
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 10:17am
I agree completely. We did have a couple of small issues when we took delivery of our 179, but this were quickly rectified and we've also used ours a lot since we got it and have not had any further issues. In fact, we've slept more nights in it than out this summer! Your point about upkeep/maintenance is an important one. I never let any little thing go or think I'll do it later. Everything that needs attention gets it right away. We, too, came from a popup, a 10 year old Coachmen 1285 SST. In fact, the value the dealership gave us as a trade-in was the thing that clinched the deal for us. The tech inspecting it when we brought it in said it was pretty rare to see one so clean and well maintained. He couldn't remember the last one they took in trade that didn't need any work at all. I took it as a compliment. Further to maintenance, I sure like the easy access to the water system and furnace in the 179. Way easier than our old popup!
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Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 4:59pm
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I can understand where shooterrick is coming from. We bought our 178 earlier this summer and with all the problems highlighted on the forum I was starting to wonder if we made the right choice. Thankfully, we have thoroughly enjoyed it and are glad we made the investment. There were a few small matters we needed to modify or address (loose trim, construction debris left on the roof of the push-out, etc) but our dealership did a great initial review and also caught a few things. I liken it to when we were expecting our first child; everyone tells you the horror stories but no one tells you everything will be fine :). The nice part about hearing about the problems is that you know what to look for. I wouldnt have thought to check some things were it not for this forum. Thank you to everyone for their input & suggestions. Enjoy your new purchase and just embrace the fact that nothing is maintenance free! ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 7:40pm
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The majority of owners never or rarely post. The problems are reported by a relatively small number of people. I learned when doing customer support that there is a difference between qality and specification. R pods are not Airstreams, and are built to a different price point. There are also some well meaning folks with a long list of Must Haves that cost a bunch of money. Almost all of these items are a matter of choice, not a necessity. It concerns me when we have folks that hate everything. I am afraid they scare away potential podders that would really love one. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 10 Sep 2017 at 8:08pm
 ). I have seen trolls in a few that seem determined to mess with everyone.------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: DavMar
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 10:30am
I'll be upfront and say I believe the QC from the factory can and should be better on the Pod. Yet with every make and model of campers there are issues. Most issues can be resolved by yourself if you have a little bit of skill but if you don't that's where a good dealership and their service department are invaluable. We compared the Hummingbird to the R-Pod inside and out. Came to the conclusion the R-pod had a better floor plan for us and looked to be built better to our eyes. Glad we chose the Pod but I'm sure if they have a Hummingbird forum you'd hear the reverse. ------------- Dave & Marlene J with Zoey the wonder dog. 2017 Rpod 180 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 Lexington, NC |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 10:49am
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 12:27pm
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A relative bought a used Jayco and found the first time out that all of the cabinets were loose from the camper wall. I don;t know of it was manufacturing or something the -r\\previous owner did.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Bama Pod
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 10:05pm
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Keep in mind the 179 not only has rear galley but a rear window as well. ------------- Bama Pod Huntsville, AL 2017 Ford F250 2017 Airstream 26U |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 4:34pm
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I have another question concerning the wet bath. I thought I would check it out prior to using it and I pulled the shower curtain into position but with the Fantastic fan on it sucked in the curtain. Do you think a heavier shower curtain would work or is there a trick or clips you can buy to hold the curtain in place? ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 7:10pm
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Was that with the door open or shut? I found that it helped to not turn the fan on until I was done with the shower. More weight at the bottom of the curtain would help, but probably would not eliminate the fan pulling the curtain inward. Too bad the door is not watertight. Then a curtain would not be needed. One possibility: Make some openings at the top of the curtain to allow air to enter there. A mesh panel could be inserted for that purpose. Since the door is there, make it the same dimensions as the opening in the door at the top. That will allow the air to enter there instead of billowing the curtain to make a way to enter. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 8:00pm
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Thank you for the response and ideas. The door was open as I was just testing it, not in it. Weighting the curtain is an idea that never occurred to me although I have read somewhere that a waterproof fabric curtain works better as it is heavier. As far as the mesh panel, I'm not that talented. Best I could do is use a hole punch, thats as far as my talent takes me. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 9:00pm
You don't necessarily need to be talented if you know someone who can do it for you. You could also look for a suitable replacement that has a mesh top already. I have seen them in some stores.------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 9:09pm
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I'll have to do some looking. Let you know how it worked out. Thanks again. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 9:15pm
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I just went out and looked at the one in our 179. I had a thought. Get some magnetic strip material and slide it into the bottom of the curtain. Then glue a strip of it where the bottom of the curtain is so that the magnet in the seam at the curtain bottom can stick to the strip below the door. That should solve the problem. Also, when you run the fan, be sure to have it on low while you are in there. Afterward, you can increase the speed to help dry out the shower. A squeegee or microfiber cloth helps as wiping down the walls will help them dry faster. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 18 Sep 2017 at 9:35pm
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I'll go out and check out mine tomorrow. Thanks for your efforts. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2017 at 8:30pm
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Coming in a bit late on this as we just returned from a 4050 mile trip to RMNP in Colorado for 2 weeks. Our 2011 177 pod has over 26,000 miles on it and still looks great and we really don't have anything to really complain about, except maybe making the bed, a bit of a chore BUT with all the pluses, it is quite insignificant. As always we gave quite a few tours to interested campers as well as when we would be at the filling station, people would come up and ask if they could have a 'peek' inside. We did have a couple of evenings where we considered maybe it would be nice to have A/C as it was 100 degrees at Sterling, Colorado on our way home and 88 at Anita, Iowa, but in both cases by sunset the temp had dropped to the lower 70's, so we just ran the fantastic fan and enjoyed great nights of sleep. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:05am
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2017 at 9:20am
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On some of the nights we have stayed while traveling, the temperatures were quite warm. Once we had the fan on and the windows at the head and foot of the bed open. It rained during the night and we woke up to wet feet. Not only the linens got wet. The mattress got wet also. It took a little doing, but we got everything dried out. I really would like to figure out a way to be able to open the windows and have rain protection. Something like jalousie windows would work better to keep water out. I remember the camping trailer my parents had when I was young had those. They were much better than the sliding windows we have. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: scentralmt
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 10:12am
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I solved the shower curtain issue by using some velcro oval stick-on patches. First thing was that they didn't stay stuck on. So I used a staple gun to fasten them to the corner molding and a regular stapler to hold them on the curtain. Only need 4 or 5 to hold the curtain in place. http://www.staples.com/VELCRO-Brand-Wafer-Thin-Pre-Mated-Ovals-Black-40-sets/product_816239?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:816239&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=816239&KPID=816239&cvosrc=PLA.google-SALES.Office%20Supplies&cvo_crid=39506866422&cvo_campaign=176604222&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1dLLjoa51gIVSJd-Ch3ceAz7EAQYAiABEgKhrvD_BwE - http://www.staples.com/VELCRO-Brand-Wafer-Thin-Pre-Mated-Ovals-Black-40-sets/product_816239?cid=PS:GooglePLAs:816239&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=816239&KPID=816239&cvosrc=PLA.google-SALES.Office%20Supplies&cvo_crid=39506866422&cvo_campaign=176604222&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1dLLjoa51gIVSJd-Ch3ceAz7EAQYAiABEgKhrvD_BwE Curtis ------------- Curtis 2014 177 2001 F150 |
Posted By: wooleeman
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 11:34am
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Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't gotten back to the shower curtain as when I purchased the Pod the previous owner hadn't washed it in a year and a half so I have been detailing the outside, inside is immaculate. Once weather cools down here in PA I'll go back in and look at it. Thanks again. ------------- 2022 RP-202 2016 RP-179 (Sold 9/2020) 2014 Silverado Crew Cab. 6-1/2' Bed Golden Retriever (DOB 6/16/2020) English Bulldog (RIP 6/15/2020) |
Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2017 at 11:53am
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On our 180 the shower curtain does not go straight down and clings to ones body while taking a shower. Adding weights on the bottom on the curtain helped slightly. Adding plastic magnetic strips was not strong enough to grab. We ended up buying super strong magnets (four separate rectangles) and gluing them to the bottom of the shower (fortunately we have access to the inside of the shower and thus one cannot see them when attached to the inside). We then glued washers to the bottom of the show curtain. It worked great and holds the curtain along the outer edge of the shower
------------- OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel |