Shopping for used Pod
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6740
Printed Date: 21 May 2025 at 12:00pm
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Topic: Shopping for used Pod
Posted By: nicfortin
Subject: Shopping for used Pod
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 6:48pm
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Hi all, Nicolas\Dolores from Quebec city, Canada. Many years tent camping then small ultra-light trailer, then small class B RV and now we fell in love with the pods we saw over the last few years. Class B just got sold now it's full time shopping for an R-Pod! Choice choice 171 to start or 177 or go strait to 179 which is our favorite (on paper). I guess It'll depends on deal I can find... Will need/read all advices I can find in this forums. Cheers Nic
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Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 7:53pm
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Bonjour mes amis. Bienvenue au groupe! We started with a 171 back in 2009 and in 2015 bought the 179 and love it. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 9:41pm
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Welcome. ------------- 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: Up the Pitt
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 12:49am
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Hi Nicolas & Dolores, from some fellow Canadians on the other side of the continent :-). We just took possession of our new RPod 179 a couple weeks ago. Like you, we started out looking at the 171 and the 177 (leaning hard towards the 177 from the start), then the dealer "happened" to show us a 179 he had sitting on the lot, and we were pretty quickly sold. We are big people (my husband is tall, and we're both a little "fluffy"), so it felt great to have the extra space around when the slider on the 179 was out. I think we've made the right decision going straight to the 179 -- if I have any misgivings at all, it's that our Nissan Frontier 6-cyl pick-up is working a little harder to tow the 179 than might be optimal. Enjoy your shopping experience. My guess is that you'll be able to eliminate one of those three (171, 177 and 179) pretty quickly in your browsing, then it'll come down to what feels best for your particular situation. Hope you enjoy the process! Deborah & Len Pitt Meadows, British Columbia ------------- Traveling with Len (the fella) and Ted (the cat) 2016 RP 179 - 2010 Nissan Frontier (6-cyl) http://www.upthepitt.com - http://www.upthepitt.com |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 10:25pm
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Something to consider, the heavier pods are on the edge - or over - the capacity of 3500-pound-rated vehicles. You can easily add 1000 pounds between stuff, food and water. The ones that are near the max might be just ok if you don't add water until you get to the campground, and don't come home with the waste tanks full. ------------- 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: 2015 Red Xterra
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 11:02am
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I believe the 2010 Nissan Frontier has at least a towing capacity of 6000 pounds which is the vehicle the poster listed in the sig line. I agree that any tow vehicle with a 3500 tow rating should not go with the side out/heavier trailers. My tow rating is 5000 with the factory hitch and a weight distribution hitch added. I have to deduct from that passenger weight, 2 dogs and 2 kennel weights and then whatever I will put on the roof and add to the inside. Must deduct trailer weight. Deduct 17 pounds for one propane tank plus the 20 pounds of propane. Deduct 50 plus pounds for battery weight. Those huge water tanks must be empty to pull and then add my stuff. Yes, it adds up fast. I am not buying until I finish weighing what I want to take to be comfortable and have fun camping and then I'll see what I'll buy. I am hoping I can do the 179 because of the storage and room but if I have to worry about whether or not I can take a hammer or blow up boat or whatever because the A/C that weighs 95 pounds must be deducted along with the stereo, microwave and other "conveniences" the factory installs. Be sure and read the fine print - the "weight" of the trailer often does not take in the "goodies" the dealers order to make the trailer more appealing. Just because it fits doesn't mean you can take it with you but you won't know until you add up what you are towing/carrying. In my trailer search the first things I look at are the trailer weight and hitch weight, then the carrying capacity and deduct the dealer add-ons to see if it is one I can consider. The 179 is still in the running but I have yet to add up my list of take along items (just bought the dog kennels yesterday and actually will exchange at least one for a larger one). Christine ------------- Looking At RPod 179 Currently 1989 Dodge Class B Former 1983 Chalet Aframe |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 1:43pm
It's good that you are taking all these things into account, one thing to note.. the pods have a yellow sticker, left front, or on the screen door, that lists the weight of that pod as built, with all included options. You do have to add the battery and full propane tank, but that's it. They literally scale each trailer as it comes off the line. With a 5000lb tow rating you shouldn't have any issues. You won't get up the Rockies as fast as someone with a bigger vehicle, but you will get over.  ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 9:10pm
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But make sure you know which options the dealer added because they aren't in that sticker weight. In most cases things like the A/C are factory installed, sometimes not (maybe the dealer ordered a bunch of them at a discount). Things like the dome and bike rack aren't included. My 1000 pound rule-of-thumb includes the extras that aren't in the sticker weight. ------------- 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: 2015 Red Xterra
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 11:29pm
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Yes. The R-pod brochure says to add 95 pounds for an A/C and gives other weights. I was going to call and ask about that. Christine ------------- Looking At RPod 179 Currently 1989 Dodge Class B Former 1983 Chalet Aframe |