Introduce Yourself: New at this...buying a travel trailer

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New at this...buying a travel trailer

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7391
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 7:26am
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Topic: New at this...buying a travel trailer

Posted By: dlbarr
Subject: New at this...buying a travel trailer
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 10:20am

Currently own a Jayco tent trailer and looking to move into a smaller TT. I realize this is an RPOD forum, howewver, the local dealer has me interested in the Starcraft Extreme AR-One 17RD model. Also like the Rpod RP-180. I want to stay <$22K, the Starcraft certainly is well below that, the Rpod is close to that range. Am happy to be convinced by you all why I should choose the Rpod over any other brand....

I really know nothing about RVs in general, but just like to camp and travel around with my wife (& occasionally a child or two). We don't need alot of room but just something that can be towed behind our Suburban or perhaps even my Jeep GC.

Would appreciate any & all suggestions on models to consider and any other items of thought that I should be having. Thanks in advance

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 10:44am

We had a '92 Jayco Tent trailer (22' long - slept 6) until we purchased our 177 in March of 2011. The Jayco was a great unit but now with kids all gone, we wanted to upgrade to where we would not have issues with wet canvas (we normally camp in spring/fall) when weather is an issue. Definitely much smaller going to an 18' but much warmer and drier when the weather is inclement. And instead of taking 7 minutes setting up the Jayco, the 177 takes us about 3-4 minutes. Having bathroom facilities INSIDE the camper is a huge plus. No problem towing this behind our Ford Explorer either. With an occasional child or two the 180 is an excellent choice. As you read the myriads of posts here you will see there are some issues others have encountered but that is to be expected with any camper I suppose. We have been very blessed with ours with no issues.

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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: Yanni
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 1:14pm

There's a closed Facebook group about Rpods and not being an owner myself, I have posted a few questions to those guys. We are trying to decide between an Rpod and a T@b ( I know not the same as what you guys are trying to decide) but the group on Facebook has also been very helpful in getting this information, tips and tricks, and real life usage scenarios which are impossible for us to figure out without actually using the camper. Look for R-pod owners on Facebook

Posted By: dlbarr
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 2:02pm

Originally posted by Yanni

There's a closed Facebook group about Rpods and not being an owner myself, I have posted a few questions to those guys. We are trying to decide between an Rpod and a T@b ( I know not the same as what you guys are trying to decide) but the group on Facebook has also been very helpful in getting this information, tips and tricks, and real life usage scenarios which are impossible for us to figure out without actually using the camper. Look for R-pod owners on Facebook

It's a closed group, as you say. How does one pose a question then? I see no place to do so on that page...

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 2:38pm

Welcome!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: CozyPod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2016 at 6:40pm

Originally posted by dlbarr

It's a closed group, as you say. How does one pose a question then? I see no place to do so on that page...

You must request to be a member of the FB group. You will then be contacted requesting some information. If everything goes OK, you will be given access to the group.

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David & Suzanne

Posted By: Toph
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 3:40pm

One think to consider is the fiberglass vs. aluminum construction. Fiberglass is much more durable and ding resistant where the aluminum models can be dent magnets. I also think the fiberglass trailers tend to hold their value better.

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 5:28pm

Also, if your dealer is asking near $22K for any model R-Pod.. shop around. Please.

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Posted By: dlbarr
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 5:34pm

Originally posted by furpod

Also, if your dealer is asking near $22K for any model R-Pod.. shop around. Please.

looks to me like a 180 is around $21k, that's why I said like to stay <$22k.

I'm in the Pac NW, if you know of dealers in my region that are selling at reasonable or better prices, I'd appreciate a heads up. Thx

Posted By: codycountry
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 6:48pm

I do know a good dealer in Post Falls, Id. and other locations around the P>N>W. Blue Dog RV. Check out their web site and or call them. They provided superb service and a great value on our 177 HRE a few years ago. I would go with them again in a heartbeat. I shopped around the western U.S. for a HRE for months before purchase, and no one even came close to their price, and their courtesy and follow up service has been perfect.

I believe they also have a dealership in Portland, and they have one in Courdelane or however you spell it Idaho. Hood River edition is what you will find there. Have fun with it.

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 8:37pm

Originally posted by dlbarr

Originally posted by furpod

Also, if your dealer is asking near $22K for any model R-Pod.. shop around. Please.

looks to me like a 180 is around $21k, that's why I said like to stay <$22k.

I'm in the Pac NW, if you know of dealers in my region that are selling at reasonable or better prices, I'd appreciate a heads up. Thx

Couch's in OH is about $6,000 less.. for $6,000, I could drive a long ways..

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Posted By: scentralmt
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2016 at 1:45pm

I thought they have R Pods manufactured in Oregon. There should be good deals close around there hopefully. If not then look into Blue Dog RV. I got a good deal on a 177 in Oct 14 in Post Falls. I did my deal with Lydia, great to work with and everything was ready when I went to pick it up. I looked at their site and there are 180s for $19200 or make an offer.

Curtis

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Curtis
2014 177
2001 F150