R-pod Owners Forum : rpod decision http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : rpod decision Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 19:24:49 +0000 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:12:18 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=10570 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ rpod decision : Originally posted by Richand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102905#102905 Author: sportbikenut
Subject: 10570
Posted: 13 Dec 2017 at 4:12pm

Originally posted by Richand Cindy

You made a good choice.  While we love our RPOD 180 it is too small for long trips.  We decided that we have two more years of trips that would be three weeks or less.  Then we will trade in our Jeep Cherokee for a Grand Cherokee and buy a larger RV and go cross country for several months.  For long trips the climbing over a person in bed, the small refrigerator not being able to hold a gallon of milk, the lack of storage space so we live out of suitcases and nowhere to sit comfortably to watch TV, read a book are all reasons to upgrade.  The Micro Lite 21DS and 21FBRS are on our short list.  It seems that adding 1200 lbs and 4 feet of length and 1.5 feet width will make all the difference in the world.  There are many on this board who travel great distances in their RPODS and they have a TV that could tow much larger RVs.  I cannot see the logic to that since the prices are not much more for a bigger unit.  We bought the RPOD because it was the lightest with the most  features and can be towed well with our Cherokee. Its the best for weekend camping but I cannot recommend it for long term touring around the country.  Just my opinion

Thanks. Some of the reasons you mention were also on my list. I see that you are in NJ. When you are ready, I highly recommend Keystone RV Megastore located in Greencastle, PA. They sell many brands including Flagstaff and rpods. Honest, ethical, and great deals without haggling. Worth the drive. 
]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:12:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102905#102905 rpod decision : Originally posted by sportbikenutHello... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102875#102875 Author: Live2Camp
Subject: 10570
Posted: 11 Dec 2017 at 6:25pm

Originally posted by sportbikenut

Hello - Back again to give an update. First, wanted to thank everyone for the information and guidance. After MUCH research of many brands/models/types etc., I decided to stay with FR, but went with the Mini Lite line. Ended up with the Flagstaff 21DS. ... Hope to get in many more trips and can't wait for spring. 

Congratulations on making a choice you're really happy with! Wishing you and your wife lots of great trips and fun times. Now you can focus on planning those trips Smile
]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:25:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102875#102875 rpod decision : You made a good choice. While... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102859#102859 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 10570
Posted: 11 Dec 2017 at 9:52am

You made a good choice.  While we love our RPOD 180 it is too small for long trips.  We decided that we have two more years of trips that would be three weeks or less.  Then we will trade in our Jeep Cherokee for a Grand Cherokee and buy a larger RV and go cross country for several months.  For long trips the climbing over a person in bed, the small refrigerator not being able to hold a gallon of milk, the lack of storage space so we live out of suitcases and nowhere to sit comfortably to watch TV, read a book are all reasons to upgrade.  The Micro Lite 21DS and 21FBRS are on our short list.  It seems that adding 1200 lbs and 4 feet of length and 1.5 feet width will make all the difference in the world.  There are many on this board who travel great distances in their RPODS and they have a TV that could tow much larger RVs.  I cannot see the logic to that since the prices are not much more for a bigger unit.  We bought the RPOD because it was the lightest with the most  features and can be towed well with our Cherokee. Its the best for weekend camping but I cannot recommend it for long term touring around the country.  Just my opinion
]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:52:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102859#102859 rpod decision : Hello - Back again to give an... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102832#102832 Author: sportbikenut
Subject: 10570
Posted: 10 Dec 2017 at 11:44am

Hello - Back again to give an update. First, wanted to thank everyone for the information and guidance. After MUCH research of many brands/models/types etc., I decided to stay with FR, but went with the Mini Lite line. Ended up with the Flagstaff 21DS. Yes, it is heavier, not that much more expensive (in real dollars, MSRP's are significantly higher). With the larger slide, it feels much bigger inside and looks and feels more luxurious. 
I picked up a 2018.5 model at the end of the year and was able to get in one trip before storage and winterization. All went well and very enjoyable. Hope to get in many more trips and can't wait for spring. 
Thanks again.  
]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2017 11:44:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=102832#102832 rpod decision : We just found a very good slity... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=99097#99097 Author: rda54
Subject: 10570
Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 9:52pm

We just found a very good slity used 178 and love it. What ever you get don't second guess it. They are all good.]]> Mon, 04 Sep 2017 21:52:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=99097#99097 rpod decision : It is a hard decision to pull... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=99095#99095 Author: OurPodRod
Subject: 10570
Posted: 04 Sep 2017 at 9:41pm

It is a hard decision to pull the trigger on one when the good features of each are so attractive.  We went with the 178 for the traditional camping experience of 5 or  6 people  around the dinette for games etc.  We have been amazed how roomy it is. Nothing more fun than laughing around the table as it pours rain outside.  After tent camping, the bathroom is heaven, even if small and agree Navy shower is the way to go to conserve filling up the grey tank.  NO problems with having hot water. ]]> Mon, 04 Sep 2017 21:41:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=99095#99095 rpod decision : I've thought a lot about... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98690#98690 Author: Live2Camp
Subject: 10570
Posted: 28 Aug 2017 at 11:29am

I've thought a lot about this since you (SportBikeNut) posted. My personal perspective is useless since I'm still completely in love with backpacking and dispersed tent/pickup-bed camping, and also in love with our 179 which I consider the ultimate in luxury. The 179 floor plan is best for us. But ... I'm also empathetic and I have a number of close women friends who aren't campers but would enjoy RVing and I've been thinking about it from their perspective. At our various homes they spend a lot of time in the bathroom after the shower goes off, getting ready (this is said NOT in criticism, just describing) even when other rooms are available to move to. They emerge fully dressed and "ready". Maybe many men do this too, the man I live with doesn't linger, just very quickly emerges clean :-) but I bet there are many who do the "getting ready" thing as well. All of which is to say, I'm guessing the best opportunity for your wife to fully and comfortably enjoy your RVing time together, which is what we all want for her and for you and for all of us - would be to provide a dry bath so she has that space to do her thing and to take her time doing it. 

For those with 179s who lament the lack of privacy coming out of the shower, consider using a tension rod with black-out fabric (mine is white, it's readily purchasable, let me know if you need sources) in front of the dinette windows. Or you can put blackout fabric onto a lightweight rod and just set it on the valance. Hard to describe in writing but easy to put up and take down and you don't have to fuss with closing the windows or the blinds. Hope this helps at least a bit, and please do let us know what you decide. -Live2Camp
]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2017 11:29:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98690#98690 rpod decision : We had a 177 for years. (step... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98687#98687 Author: moseyman
Subject: 10570
Posted: 28 Aug 2017 at 10:35am

We had a 177 for years. (step up over a lip into the tiny wet-bath)

We upgraded to a 180 this year primarily because of the bathroom.

I'm not as agile at 3 am as I used to be.]]> Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:35:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98687#98687 rpod decision : We have a 179 and are both a wee... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98668#98668 Author: pedalho
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 8:49pm

We have a 179 and are both a wee bit thicker as well as older. If we could do it over again, we would go with the 180. Yes, we camped while serving in the Army and tent camped there after. We also had a pop up and our 179 is better than all of that, but showering is not an option for us. Basically we use the bath for the toilet and for a storage space during transport. Hindsight. ]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 20:49:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98668#98668 rpod decision : Why would the floor be wet? ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98654#98654 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 4:58pm

Why would the floor be wet?]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 16:58:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98654#98654 rpod decision : The boss said no stepping on a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98650#98650 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 3:08pm

The boss said no stepping on a wet floor in the middle of the night for her so we have the 180 model. More then enough room for us and the dog. Plenty of water to shower and the only time we use propane to heat the water is when we first hook up to shore power and want it fast or when were not using shore power.]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 15:08:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98650#98650 rpod decision : Originally posted by sportbikenutThanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98648#98648 Author: eye95
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 2:23pm

Originally posted by sportbikenut

Thanks for all of the quick replies. Much appreciated. Yes, I'm used to tent camping. Still do motorcycle tent camping too. The most trailer we've had was a nice Coleman Sun Valley Pop Up. But, as you know lots of work with set up and take down. Plus I want a hard side for western National Park trips in the future. So, most camping will be at campgrounds with facilities, but not those Park trips. So, for space and storage, I would lean toward the 178/179 but the wife will want that 180 bathroom. 
Next comment. I've of course noticed a growing list of knock-offs. Has anyone compared the quality of them against the rpod? Also, I've noticed that if bought at Couches, one gets a fully loaded unit as compared to the competition and at a good price. I like the recent upgrades that FR has done too, like window in door, power jack, 15" tires, awning, higher ride height etc.. This post is getting long, better stop here!  Thanks again!   Just thought of another question, if you use the rear for a receiver bike rack, where do you put the spare?  In the Tow vehicle?  Thx.

Wife is wrong.

But she wins.

I looked at a Comet this past week. Dead ringer for a 178. Cheaper workmanship. More $. Happy with the 178.
]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 14:23:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98648#98648 rpod decision : We went with the 180 for the dry... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98642#98642 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 12:24pm

We went with the 180 for the dry bath and love it.  We were going to get a Truma tankless water heater so we would not run out of hot water.  But guess what?  We still take long showers and have not run out of water.  We use both propane and electric and it works great.  So no need for the Truma but it is a nice option if you want more hot water (when connected to water supply). While there is less storage space we can do the mods people have suggested to get more space but there is no mod you can do to make a dry bath ]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 12:24:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98642#98642 rpod decision : For me, a "dry" bathroom... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98641#98641 Author: Guests
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 12:21pm


For me, a "dry" bathroom is important as, I use it. I spend most of my time outside anyway so, a little more living space didn't matter much. Regarding showers - see the comments on "Navy" showers above. You can do a good job with 4-5 gallons of water.

Regarding the bike rack, I don't favor placing weight (far) in back of the axle. There are those that do it, however. It would be my least desirable place. I have a truck and the bike travels in the bed. There are kits for mounting the spare tire on the tongue. Check Amazon, Ebay, etc.

]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 12:21:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98641#98641 rpod decision : Originally posted by sportbikenutNext... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98635#98635 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 10:13am

Originally posted by sportbikenut

Next comment. I've of course noticed a growing list of knock-offs. Has anyone compared the quality of them against the rpod?
That would be a great idea for a thread; where people might do qualitative comparisons of all the various R-pod knock-offs. Of course, most of the posts would be subjective, because no one buys two to compare on an apples-to-apples basis.]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 10:13:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98635#98635 rpod decision : Thanks for all of the quick replies.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98632#98632 Author: sportbikenut
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 9:26am

Thanks for all of the quick replies. Much appreciated. Yes, I'm used to tent camping. Still do motorcycle tent camping too. The most trailer we've had was a nice Coleman Sun Valley Pop Up. But, as you know lots of work with set up and take down. Plus I want a hard side for western National Park trips in the future. So, most camping will be at campgrounds with facilities, but not those Park trips. So, for space and storage, I would lean toward the 178/179 but the wife will want that 180 bathroom. 
Next comment. I've of course noticed a growing list of knock-offs. Has anyone compared the quality of them against the rpod? Also, I've noticed that if bought at Couches, one gets a fully loaded unit as compared to the competition and at a good price. I like the recent upgrades that FR has done too, like window in door, power jack, 15" tires, awning, higher ride height etc.. This post is getting long, better stop here!  Thanks again!   Just thought of another question, if you use the rear for a receiver bike rack, where do you put the spare?  In the Tow vehicle?  Thx.
]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 09:26:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98632#98632 rpod decision : 178. Living/storage space was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98625#98625 Author: eye95
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 7:32am

178. Living/storage space was more important to us than bathroom space (180) or kitchen space (179).

No long, steamy, hot showers. But, hey, you are camping. Navy showers as mentioned above. Use campground shower for the more home-like shower.
]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 07:32:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98625#98625 rpod decision : Welcome to the group! We have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98623#98623 Author: Leo B
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 7:13am

Welcome to the group! We have a 179, we use the shower on a regular basis when camping. It works well, though we prefer KOA's with full hookups, so we have plenty of water and sewer so those aren't an issue.  ]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 07:13:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98623#98623 rpod decision : We have a 180. I like the privacy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98620#98620 Author: blimey
Subject: 10570
Posted: 27 Aug 2017 at 6:59am

We have a 180. I like the privacy of the bathroom. Like my wife says "you aren't stepping right out into the living space when you get out of the shower" You can get dressed etc. in your own space.No need to close all the windows in the camper just so you can get out of the shower.We use the shower when we camp. I turn both gas and electric on when someone is in the shower to recover hot water quicker.I turn off the propane after the showers are done in the morning. We don't take long showers and have never had an issue with running out.]]> Sun, 27 Aug 2017 06:59:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98620#98620 rpod decision : The shower is fantastic if you're... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98617#98617 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 10570
Posted: 26 Aug 2017 at 11:35pm

The shower is fantastic if you're used to tent camping and not getting to take a shower at all.  It's all relative.  It probably isn't like showering at home, no matter what.  As for the WH, there's plenty of hot water for a shower, but unless you have full hookups, with sewer, the problem is the amount of fresh water in the tank for a week's stay and the possibility of filling the grey tank.  I think most people take "navy showers" in the pod.  Get wet, turn the water off, get soapy, rinse, turn the water off.  That's why RV shower heads usually have cut offs.

TT
]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2017 23:35:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98617#98617 rpod decision : Hello. Considering getting an... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98615#98615 Author: sportbikenut
Subject: 10570
Posted: 26 Aug 2017 at 10:35pm

Hello. Considering getting an rpod. Looking at the 178, 179, and 180. I like the space of the 178 and 179, but is the wet bath usable? How many people actually use the shower? And is the hot water heater even big enough to have a long enough shower in any of the units? I like the dry bath in the 180, but it takes up so much valuable room. I watched the pros and cons YouTube video of the 179 vs 180 and he raised some good points. And information or recommendations much appreciated. Thanks!]]> Sat, 26 Aug 2017 22:35:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10570&PID=98615#98615