R-pod Owners Forum : Should we buy an Rpod http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Should we buy an Rpod Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 02:36:55 +0000 Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:49:34 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=10341 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Should we buy an Rpod : After a 52-day trip and having... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96515#96515 Author: Kokopod
Subject: 10341
Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 10:49am

After a 52-day trip and having owned our Rpod for a year, we decided we needed a dry bath and a bed that we didn't need to crawl over each other to get out of. We settled on a 19 ft. Premier by Keystone. It weighed 4200 pounds, so our Durango V8 was definitely at its limit, but the difference in trailer was wonderful FOR US. Our son purchased our Rpod from us; and he and his wife, two children and black lab have owned it ever since and love it. My point is, for the two of us and our dog, the Pod wasn't for us, but for our son and his family it was perfect. He lives in Denver with limited parking space, and the Pod fits perfectly in his city, alley-access back yard - he couldn't even go a half foot bigger. Everyone has their reason for having their particular trailer/motorhome. Spend a good long time inside a Pod, and see how it compares to your Airstream.]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:49:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96515#96515 Should we buy an Rpod : Agree with all here, and Jato's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96512#96512 Author: Live2Camp
Subject: 10341
Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 9:49am

Agree with all here, and Jato's advice is right on. Spend time inside each model you're considering. Also make a list and carry it with you, re: what attributes you must have and what you do not want. I use the "gotta have/gotta not have" approach with big decisions (and sometimes with small ones :-) Also, re the comments on fridge space (which I agree with) my perspective is skewed as a life camper and being somewhat restaurant-averse. But I would never ever go on a trip without an ice chest. Even if we were in a 40-foot mansion on wheels. The best systems can fail, and there's no replacing a good ice chest. Plus when you leave your trailer parked and go off hiking or sight-seeing or whatever, you have food with you and can replenish ice while not hauling a trailer to the mini mart or whatever. Let us know how you're research goes, and have fun with it  Smile]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:49:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96512#96512 Should we buy an Rpod : Agree with Richard and Cindy.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96510#96510 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 10341
Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 9:11am

Agree with Richard and Cindy. Coming from the Bambi you will miss the space with the smaller pods. Also, as ToolmanJohn said, stay with the Tacoma. Owners with 3500# class TVs are usually disappointed. Stick with 5000 or better. I like the Taco, but I admit a bias. Wink]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:11:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96510#96510 Should we buy an Rpod : You won't be happy if you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96503#96503 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 10341
Posted: 17 Jul 2017 at 5:28am

You won't be happy if you "downsize" from a Tacoma. Stay with a tow vehicle that has a minimum 5000 pound capacity for the traveling you want to do. If you want an SUV instead of the p/u truck, get one with a 5000+ tow capacity.

 My former 177 was great for the 4 years of weekend trips I used it for, but it was also just me and my mountain biking stuff. I always found ways to take too much with me every time. If you already have spent 6 months living out of a small travel trailer, you have the experience to know what small travel trailers are like. Always check out the floor plans an do serious walk arounds to determine which Pod floorplan is right for you and your furry passenger.
]]> Mon, 17 Jul 2017 05:28:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96503#96503 Should we buy an Rpod : Have you considered Casita or... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96498#96498 Author: fwunder
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 10:23pm

Have you considered Casita or Escape? Personally, I would go for Oliver over Airstream (or an rPod if I had the money).

I'm extremely happy with my rPod 178 and have traveled tens of thousands of miles with it, but it's not even close to an Oliver. Yes, the Oliver is a few wheel barrows full of cash more, but it shows.

If you are handy and can overlook or fix construction deficiencies, go for the rPod! You could get three or four for the price of your Bambi.

fred
]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 22:23:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96498#96498 Should we buy an Rpod : I would rate the rpod quality... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96490#96490 Author: bigbearcraig
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:52pm

I would rate the rpod quality as average in it's class, but no better. Airstream has a better reputation for quality, but you pay a premium for that. The rpod tows very well and is very compact. Probably only you can decide if it's right for your needs.]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:52:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96490#96490 Should we buy an Rpod : Hi! We full time in a 2016 179... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96487#96487 Author: birderdiane526
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:41pm

Hi!
We full time in a 2016 179 and like it a lot! Everything's working with no issues. A few interior issues like trim coming loose, but that's about it! Oh, and a problem with the cheap tires so we replaced them recently. Otherwise, smooth sailing! Having some thoughts of going a few feet longer though. There are now 3 cats traveling with us! Good luck!]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:41:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96487#96487 Should we buy an Rpod : We have taken a few trips now... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96484#96484 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 7:06pm

We have taken a few trips now with our 180 and love it but we are concerned about taking a several month trip across country with it.  We were limited in our selection due to the tow vehicle having 4500 lb max capacity.  So if you are taking short trips it may be perfect for you but some things to remember.  Although you are used to towing an 8 foot wide the RPOD is only 6.5 feet wide making it easier to see with a small TV.  But the wheelbase is still 8 feet.  So you are getting  a narrower rig.  Thus there is no walk around bed and no closets on the sides of the bed.  Also the refrigerator is very small with no separate freezer.  We cannot stock up on food and have to shop more often.  So if we had to do it again (and we may just upgrade in a couple years) we would purchase a slightly larger and heavier Coachmen Ultra Lite 192 RBS.  Its 1000 lbs heavier at 3852 but has everything for the long haul.  Our dealer who sells the RPOD, Surveyor and Coachmen (all Forest River) says the Coachmen's are coming into  dealership with no work needed and therefore better built than the other Forest River products.  But if really small is what you want, RPOD is the best under 3000 lb RV hands down.  Then you have to decide if you want bigger kitchen and more storage (179) or dry bath (180).  Probably those are the only two RPODS to choose from coming from an Airstream.
]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 19:06:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96484#96484 Should we buy an Rpod : Although not a popular model today... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96482#96482 Author: jato
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 6:33pm

Although not a popular model today we have thoroughly enjoyed our 177 going on year 7 now.  We have had a few minor issues over the years, mainly owner generated.  As Leo stated above, go to a dealer, check out the models available and set in each one for at least 30 to 60 minutes and take notes independently of each other, compare your likes/dislikes on each one, and make your decision to purchase/look elsewhere from there.
]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 18:33:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96482#96482 Should we buy an Rpod : +1 - PODs are my favorite after... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96481#96481 Author: mcarter
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 5:00pm

+1 - PODs are my favorite after owning multiple RVs.]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 17:00:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96481#96481 Should we buy an Rpod : Personally, I would put the Rpod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96479#96479 Author: Guests
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 4:27pm


Personally, I would put the Rpod up against anything in it's class, for quality. Your Airstream is probably a notch above it but, there is a price difference. The majority of owners have had no/few problems.

The Rpod tows/feels about the same as anyone's 18-20' travel trailer. In other words, you will likely want to use the same "class" of tow vehicle for it, as you would the Airstream. Most folks seem to agree that something with a 5K tow rating, or better, will do the job - OK. More is better.]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 16:27:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96479#96479 Should we buy an Rpod : Thanks so much for you reply!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96476#96476 Author: Vagabonds
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 3:21pm

Thanks so much for you reply!  Will keep you posted on our research.


]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 15:21:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96476#96476 Should we buy an Rpod : Welcome to the group! My suggestion... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96475#96475 Author: Leo B
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 3:12pm

Welcome to the group! My suggestion would be to swing over to a dealership and go through the models and see which one you like and feel comfortable in.
We are on our second r-pod, don't know if we are just lucky or what but we have not had any problems to speak of and have no serious complaints.
Give them a try, the group here can help solve just about any problem that could arise. Or tell tou how to modify them for extra room and comfort!
Good luck!
]]> Sun, 16 Jul 2017 15:12:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96475#96475 Should we buy an Rpod : Hi Everyone, We are a retired... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10341&PID=96468#96468 Author: Vagabonds
Subject: 10341
Posted: 16 Jul 2017 at 12:36pm

Hi Everyone,

We are a retired couple in our mid-60’s and would reallyappreciate some insight and advice from the folks here.   We used to live in Montana and now live inNew Mexico.   We just finished our secondcross country trip in our 2004 Airstream Bambi (19 feet, 4500 lbs) towed by a 2007Toyota Tacoma.   In between Montana andNew Mexico we lived on the Bambi with our 80 pound Golden Retriever for 6months.

We would now like to downsize our tow vehicle, lighten ourtow weight, and use the trailer more on weekends and an occasional trip of aweek or two.  Selling the Bambi wouldalso eliminate a monthly payment and allow us to use the proceeds moreefficiently.  So, now the question, wouldyou recommend an R Pod and if so which one?

We have always liked the way they looked but have comeacross some pretty negative reviews on-line about construction quality andForest River products in general.   So wethought we better go directly to the folks who own them and get some straightanswers here.  Look forward to hearingfrom you all.  Thanks again.

Jo and David    

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