It occurs to me this is a common theme: learning on an RP, then getting something more suitable. Any stories to tell?

Bill

We moved from a 2016 RP-179 to a 2023 Cherokee Grey Wolf. It has a tandem axle. It is longer and wider but has no slide-out. It also is of a completely different construction as it is essentially stick-built with aluminum siding. I have mixed opinions. I like the tandem axle. I like not having to worry about whether a slide-out will work or not. I don't like the aluminum siding. Like the R-Pod, it is a combination of really nice features and "What were they thinking?" quality issues.

Bottom line is that we do like it as it has a walk-around bed, but there are definitely different choices I would have made if I were designing this trailer.

The trailer is as easy to tow as our Pod and fits into small campground spaces the same as our Pod.  It is 84"wide so it doesn't require any mirror extensions on our TV.  It tows very comfortably with the WDH that we used on our Pod with only a few minor adjustments needed to level out our F-150.  

Our Pod was a great first trailer and I learned a tremendous amount in both how to maintain a travel trailer and what we wanted in its replacement.  It will be our last travel trailer and we'll probably sell it in a few years before it is too old and becomes a problem sell.

LA, what is the loaded weight of your Sonoma 167RB?  Also, have you had any issues with the turbo on your 2.7 Ecoboost?  Thanks

The truck is well balanced for the trailer and rides smoothly and comfortably, almost as though there is no trailer attached.  This is true even in some nasty winds we have experienced.  We use a Fastway e2 WDH.  The truck has had one warranty repair that involved replacing the dashboard due to a "bubble" that formed on it.  The dealer in Carson City made the repair and it's been fine since.  We got much better mileage in NV, I think because they don't put so much ethanol in the gas there as in CT.  Typically I got 24 mpg driving back and forth from Dayton to a Habitat build site in Reno.  Towing was typically 14 to 15 in that area.  Now everything has dropped by 2 or 3 mpg.   I am very happy with the truck.  

I've probably told you a lot more than you really wanted to know.  But if I didn't answer something you were wondering, give me a shout.

I did exactly as you say. I bought a 2016 172 in about 2018. I couldn't have loved it more. The floor plan with the twin bunks was perfect for me. I upgraded the dinette cushions and dumped the table and put a cute little bistro table in my "living room."

I learned SO MUCH especially from this forum. I spent a lot of time in it over 4 years (including a 15 month full-time stint). I drove on forest service roads and worse, and parked in precarious spots getting really good at maneuvering but bumping things here and there. 

Since I travel everywhere, mostly by myself, it just seemed safer to buy a better built newer camper. I went with a 1475 Lance which is beautiful and similar in size. There's a lot I like about the fancy set-up. The lithium with the rooftop solar all set up to be self sufficient is really something (I spent many days with my volt meter on the batteries shifting around my portable Renogy panels.)

But I still really miss the pod. The new floor plan is good but it doesn't give me the view from inside the camper that the pod did. There are places I don't go now so as to "not mess up the camper" (not many but more than I'd like). If something isn't working I'm less inclined to dive in and learn as I go because the new one is expensive and a I can make costly mistakes. It also feels less customizable. I had really made the pod mine but there just not to mess with in the Lance. There isn't even anywhere to hang a damn kitschy "Happy Camper" sign and I'm afraid to put a hole in the wall to do it anyway.

Still, when I'm on some highway in Wyoming in the middle of nowhere I do feel less worried about a breakdown. Oh and the "four season" thing with the ducted is nice and toasty.  :)