Opinions: Would repairs cost more than the trailer is worth? I can't say it is warranty, since it did happen when we hit really rough terrain. I have not idea of what it would cost to have these repairs done. If It did go to the factory, it would be the second trip for repairs.

So you Rpod is 7 years old, and it sounds like there are some serious structural issues. I don't know, but surely part of the evaluation is that you may only have 3-5 more years of useful life to it? If it's at all possible, you should see if you can get some estimates for the repair and then run a comparison between a (for example) 5 more years in the Rpod, versus 10-12 more years in something newer?

Life's too short. Get something you and your wife would enjoy and fits your budget and TV.

https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/grey-wolf/24JS/7036 - https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/grey-wolf/24JS/7036

It is a 2023 model, and comes with a lot of features. It is heavier, but also has dual axles. As long as we don't load it down, we should still be okay to tow with the Frontier, but we will seriously begin looking for a half-ton pickup.

I won't miss the E/W bed. This one has ducted heat and AC, so it will hopefully be quieter. It includes the Base Camp package and from what I am reading, includes the Limited and Campfire packages too. It has a tankless water heater. It has a real oven and a 3 burner stove. It has just a microwave, not a convection microwave.

One thing it lacks and I am glad it does is a window on the front. I really did not want one. It has a real oven and a 3 burner stove. It has just a microwave, not a convection microwave.

It is still a Forest River product, so we will still be FROG members. I plan on sticking around the forum. I hope to still see many of you in person again.

Hello Stephen,

congratulations on your new trailer. I hope you and your wife will love it as much as your 179.  I know you spent a lot of time, money and effort to make the  mods that personalized your 179.  You gave us a lot of inspiration and ideas.

Please stay in touch with the RPod crowd here-your knowledge and insight has been very valuable through the years.

Best of luck

travel safe and often

Vann

2023 Ford towing capacities:

Ford F-150:  Up to 14,000 lbs with the 3.5.L Ecoboost, depending on configuration

Up to 12,300 for the F150 Powerboost and up to 10,000 with the F150 Lightning.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r1_Dec1.pdf - https://www.fleet.ford.com/content/dam/aem_fleet/en_us/fleet/towing-guides/2023_Ford_RVandTrailerTowingGuide_r1_Dec1.pdf

The F250 SuperDuty (Diesel) can tow when properly equipped a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer up to 22,300 lbs!

Originally posted by gpokluda We have the 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package so our TC is 14,000lbs. Like GlueGuy said, it is very comfortable. The MTP includes a 36gallon fuel tank. It's nice to be able to get gas when you want to and not when you have to.

I do miss the 36 gallon fuel tank.  On my '94 F-150 with 322,000 miles and a 2011 F-150 - both had 36 gallon fuel tanks.  On the 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 EB, it has a skimpy 23 gallon tank.  Kind of a bummer, it was nice to be able to travel a much longer distance with the larger fuel tank.  Does anyone have an idea if it is possible to change the 23 gal. to the larger 36 gallon tank?

GlueGuy pretty much covered it. It does have something called a Trailer Backup Assist which I have yet to use, but the built in brake controller is really nice. 

https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2023/2023cherokeetrainingmanual.pdf - https://forestriverinc.com/brochures/2023/2023cherokeetrainingmanual.pdf

This seems to indicate that solar prep at least is present. I think the I-beam frame with outriggers will perform well. If the cargo capacity listed is any indication, it is a much sturdier build than the RPod's box frame.

We brought home the Grey Wolf today. It tows nicely with the Frontier, but we will be looking for a half-ton pickup in the near future. I can now say for sure that it is not just equipped for solar, but it does have a 50w panel on the roof and a PWM charge controller. That is likely to be upgraded to an MPPT controller when I install the LiFePO4 battery. The big question is where to mount it.

It does also have the on-demand (tankless) water heater. The ducted AC is quiet. We can carry on a conversation with it running. and don't even have to raise our voices. It has a battery cut-off switch. It is not next to the battery, but is inside next to the power center. I think I like that as it will be out of the weather. The down side is that it is one of those with the big key that sticks out and is likely to be a place to catch one unawares. I may switch it out to the flatter one I was using in the RPod (see my mods). 

One thing I found surprising is that with the on demand water heater, it does not have the shower saver. I may be investigating that as a modification. I won't need to make too many mods as many of the things I did with the RPod already are present with the Grey Wolf. Of course, it is early and I may wind up doing more than I think that I will at this point.

With this, I will wind this topic down and go back to other areas to post. Thanks everyone for your friendly advice.

Take care.

Excellent choice! Many happy travels with your new rig.

Be safe

i think you will really like that truck.

Originally posted by StephenH We are getting a 2018 Ford F150 XLT with the 3.5L Ecoboost engine. It is 4WD and has the max tow package. With this configuration, it should be a 12,000 lb tow rating. I think it will tow the Grey Wolf with no problem.

Great choice!  We enjoy ours, seats are great and lots of storage compared to our Explorers that were used for the first 8 years towing a 177.