Only other thing I will need to power when boondocking is my laptop (this r-pod is unfortunately going to primarily used for work).  I did install a 12 volt outlet (cigarette lighter style), so I guess I could just get a low watt inverter and plug it in to that to charge my laptop.  

Why not just heat water for coffee on the stove while boondocking? I put coffee of my choice in empty teabags and do it that way, others use a french press, others a single cup dripper. The hair dryer is another story, but is that really necessary while boondocking? 

Yes, you could install it under the bed, and do put it as close to the batteries as possible. You will be pulling upwards of 150A so you'll want to use a minimum of 1/0 cable. That is big cable, so shorter is better. Also, don't connect directly to the battery, place a 150A fuse at the battery positive terminal to protect that circuit. The other consideration is heat, inverters are roughly 80% efficient, which means that about 20% goes to heat the area around the inverter. That is a couple of hundred watts in your case. So, you will need some good ventilation under there. 

I'm thinking the easiest way to install it is to place it in the basement under the bed frame wired directly to the batteries, and then wire an outlet on the bed frame, it will be fairly close to the kitchen and bathroom.  I plan on getting one that has the remote on/off switch that can be installed near the outlet.  Most of the videos and advice out there show how to wire the inverter to the main electrical panel, and not directly to the battery.  Is there an issue with setting it up directly to the battery?  It will be closer to the batteries this way and thus have shorter leads.

I am also researching solar systems, and that may change how I do things.

Thanks!