Hybrid campers
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Forum Name: Reviews and General Information
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5765
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 11:35am
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Topic: Hybrid campers
Posted By: podvader
Subject: Hybrid campers
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 1:44pm
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Ok, so after a year of discussion, feedback and research I did decide on my r-pod model. The one thing that has me hesitating a little bit is the possibility of going the hybrid route. I am curious if any of you came from, considered or moved on to a hybrid travel trailer? Hybrid cons: - about 1000# heavier and a foot wider, a more substantial tow for sure - trying to separate fact from fiction on leaking bunk ends - no r-dome!!!!!! - roof maintenance - no cool factor or rpod owners group - larger frontal area = rougher tow Hybrid pros: - full bathroom...nice! - much more interior storage - more interior space - much larger fridge - ducted, quieter AC. I would be purchasing the 182g so I am eliminating the whole canvas idea as a negative. If I don't open the ends I basically have a 182g. A dinette bed I will need to convert. That is how we will camp if my wife is with me (half the time)...I would sleep under canvas every time. We have two teenage boys that join us 1 - 2 times per season. I know that many of you have 1/2 ton trucks or similar so you at least had the option to step up 1k in trailer weight. Has anyone towed both and was it a huge difference? Do the dual axles make up for the extra weight? Did you consider a hybrid and why did you dismiss it? |
Replies:
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 5:43pm
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After owning a tent trailer, anything involving tenting or requiring any sort of setup was out of the question. Also, I've had my lifetime fill of fiddling with wet tenting during and after rain. My requirements were simple: I wanted to be able to stop, open the door, go inside, make dinner, use the bathroom and flop into bed. If that happened to be at a secluded lakeside campsite, a crowded KOA at a major vacation destination or in a Walmart parking lot, so be it. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 6:06pm
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+1 to what Outbound said! I'll add that we like to sleep in and the pod was much quieter in the morning compared to the popup we had before it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: podvader
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 7:13pm
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Thanks for the feedback. My only counter is that I cannot imagine camping without the r-dome and I think the r-dome will actually take longer than popping out bunk ends. It also carries the same need to let it dry out. I do understand the disadvantages while sleeping though...and I appreciate the replies.
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Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 7:19pm
Well said, Sir. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 02 Feb 2015 at 11:07pm
| I like what Outbound and techntrek pionted out. I had a tent trailer for many years before getting a 179 and locking my goods in the r.pod is a lot better than any canvas encloser. |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2015 at 7:08am
What you say is true, however, the R-Dome an in option while camping, usually reserved for longer stays and rarely deployed for a night or two. Good luck Sir with your decision, at the end of the day camping is camping and it's all good.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: podvader
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2015 at 10:00am
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Thanks podster. I actually love camp setup. I have always loved setting up tents and such so you better believe that r-dome will go up for even 1 night stays! Now taking tents down...well...yeah....not so fun....but honestly the r-dome is 50% of the reason I am considering the r-pod. If most of you really find it a pain for short stays that is a little alarming as my camping is nearly always 2-3 nights at most. Thanks again!
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2015 at 12:47pm
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For weekends we would almost always use our EZ-ups. Still something to put up and take down, but it has more flexibility. If your campsite slopes, has boulders or close trees, you may not be able to put up the dome. We would set up the dome if we knew it would rain all weekend (although we often still just used the EZ-ups and added sides), or for week-long trips. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: podvader
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2015 at 1:15pm
| I would think the r-dome would handle wind and such better wouldn't it? I have had an ez-up wrecked in a windy day. Is it just the faster setup you like with the ez-up or the ability to move it around to find the best spot? |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Feb 2015 at 2:34pm
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One of our EZ-ups was damaged slightly after rolling down the beach because we didn't secure it, but no issues in many years since then. If it is windy we secure them, if it is too windy we take them down. I'd say the dome is about the same - if it gets too windy you need to take it down. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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