Hi and welcome! Three thoughts in addition to what others here have said: 1-You could try renting to see if you like hauling and using a travel trailer. 2-If you have your own RPOD maybe you'll go camping more than twice a year. 3-Yes I have and do recommend RPODS to my relatives and friends. Let us know what you decide! 

+1

Also, if you have any concerns, please clarify before leaving. I recently had a misunderstanding about some repairs that could have been avoided if I had asked for clarification or if the technician explaining the repairs had been more detailed in his explanation. Now that I have the correct information, I am very satisfied with my dealer's support.

greetings:

I've owned 2 pods, a 171 and a 179 (2015)  Pods like everything is built to a price point.  They are not perfect but I've had very few problems and they have never left me stranded.  From a purely economic point of view, RV's don't save you much as far as traveling.  However, it's sure nice to have your own bed and stuff along and if you enjoy parks, and having a roof, it's great. Folks spend a great deal of money on many toys.  If you enjoy and can afford it::: go for it.

Crankster78 R-179

Minor details :) 

Those trailers sure looked nice from the outside though...

About 2 years ago we were in the same boat that you are in; we ended up buying a 178 and have not regretted our decision one bit!  It is light, very functional, and a joy to use.  We have increased our outings since we bought it and enjoy it as a home away from home.

There is an incredible amount of support and wisdom in this forum.  With that, there is a lot of opinion too - which is a good thing but just keep in mind that it is just "opinion".  For instance, we love our Thule awning, but others prefer the R-dome - that doesn't mean the awning or the R-dome is useless, although that might be how someone may describe them.

Also, keep in mind that there will be maintenance involved.  You can't use a trailer year after year without working on it.  Things will break down, that's just the way it is in our lives (our own bodies included!:-))

Personally, I would have no problems encouraging you to get an RPod and use this forum to help you along.

But ... Maybe you should rethink this. Using an over $10,000 shelter twice a year??

We don't know anything about water, electricity, toilet facilities etc where you are going.

You might think about getting a good quality wall tent with a stove and use that for a while, or maybe renting a trailer, or get something like this - Moosejaw pickup bed tent

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/kodiak-canvas-canvas-truck-bed-tent-mid-sized_10418601?hybridPLA=true&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&utm_source=GooglePlusBox&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=Kodiak-Canvas&scid=scplp4918398&sc_intid=4918398&adpos=1o2&cm_mmc=PLA-_-Google-_-SC_Shopping_NoPromo_Nonbrand_Desktop|SC_Shopping_NoPromo_Nonbrand_Desktop-_-google|652804451|30576947942|113834596963|pla-510378503919|c|9009147|4918398&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrM_Pv9jZ3wIVB77ACh3ztgb7EAQYAiABEgJfoPD_BwE

Let us know what you settle on.

As trailers go, though you hear a lot of pissing and moaning about shoddy workmanship and poor quality with rPods, I really doubt it is much different with other brands unless you want to go to one of those really nice European caravan trailers, for example: https://www.m3caravaning.com/m3caravaning/375/caravana-nueva-fendt-bianco-selection-390-fh.html

But importing one into Canada may be very complicated and expensive.  Since Canada has a little stricter travel trailer requirements, you may end up with a little better trailer just because it meets your national standards.

Probably any small trailer in good condition would meet your needs, whether new or used.  If you get a new one, you might find it easier for warranty purposes to get it from a local vendor.  Some dealers are not anxious to work on warranty issues if they didn't sell the trailer.  

Good luck with your purchase and catching lots of steelhead.