R-pod Owners Forum : Need advice from RPodders http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Need advice from RPodders Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:42:06 +0000 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:33:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1950 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Need advice from RPodders : I am quite satisfied with the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17826#17826 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 8:33pm

I am quite satisfied with the quality of our 2011 177, and pull it with a 2010 F-150.  I get about 15 MPG with the pod behind, and about 16.5 without it.  So far have had no sway problems.  No doubt the F-150 is a larger truck than a Rav 4.
]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 20:33:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17826#17826 Need advice from RPodders : You're making the right choice.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17822#17822 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 7:28pm

You're making the right choice.  I know what it feels like with my Tacoma pulling my RP-151.  I'd not want to try your potential configuration.
]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:28:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17822#17822 Need advice from RPodders : Sorry to hear, if you have further... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17803#17803 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 2:02pm

Sorry to hear, if you have further questions let us know.  BTW, I just looked at the wheelbase for the RAV4 and more recent models may not be an issue at approximately 105 inches.  Older models were far shorter.]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:02:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17803#17803 Need advice from RPodders : Thanks to everyone who responded... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17800#17800 Author: JD
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 11:16am

Thanks to everyone who responded to my questions about the Rpod. Based on your feedback and other research I've done my conclusion is that we cannot tow an RP saftely and efficiently with our RAV4. 10 to 12 miles per gallon and a questionable wheelbase make the decion obvious, not easy as we do like the RPs.
Thanks so much for your candid input.
 Have a good summer camping.
JD]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 11:16:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17800#17800 Need advice from RPodders : Dropped ours off today for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17799#17799 Author: kymooses
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 10:55am

Dropped ours off today for some warranty work.  Even with that I still find it a very amazing quality product and love it.
 
I have nothing but good things to say though, it tows well, suits all of our needs and then some.  And most of all it has amazing character.
 
I'd buy another one this very second if I had it to do all over again.
]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:55:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17799#17799 Need advice from RPodders : Overall we love ¡Podtástic!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17797#17797 Author: tpierce220
Subject: 1950
Posted: 18 Jul 2011 at 10:42am

Overall we love ¡Podtástic! even though we're discovering some minor issues that are being covered by warranty.  The weather stripping started coming off as we were driving a few weeks ago, so we stopped at a gas station to cut it off with a knife.  The other problem that developed the same weekend was that we were laying in bed when we heard a boom from the water tank.  Nothing seemed to come from it until yesterday when I noticed that my clothes from the day before I had left by the bed on the floor were saturated with water.  We then noticed the leak.

While the weather stripping needed to be caulked better, the water heater seemed to be more a fluke than anything.  For the price we paid for it, we are happy, and we talk up the Pod whenever people come by to look at it.  

Whatever you buy make sure that it's the right fit for you.  Stay inside the camper without the pressures of the salesperson and ask yourself realistically if it is something that I can stay inside if the weather was nasty outside without feeling claustrophobic as well as it is something that I can sleep in comfortably.  Also, you want to get in the bathroom and wrap that shower curtain around you and see if it is something that you can shower or do your business in.  At the end, it has to be something that fits for you and whoever else will be in the trailer with you.  

Tim
]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:42:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17797#17797 Need advice from RPodders : Given some time I could probably... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17788#17788 Author: FISHTAIL
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 9:43pm

Given some time I could probably tell you more about how a Rav4 tows.  My parents have a 2006 Rav4 V6 with a tow package, and are considering an R-Pod 177 to go camping with us.  I personally tow with a 2011 Ford Explorer, and it does fine.  My gas mileage seems to hover around 11-12 driving along at 60-65mph. 

The build quality of mine seems fine so far.  I haven't found any issues yet, which isn't to say I won't come across something later.  I did have some cleanup to do when I got it (sawdust and knockouts) but that's about it.  I just took mine out for it's first shakedown night Friday, and the only problems I had were things I forgot (butter, the dogs bed, etc).


]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:43:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17788#17788 Need advice from RPodders : nascar, as always we welcome all... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17778#17778 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 6:39pm

nascar, as always we welcome all comments positive or negative.  If you posted that on the other forum it would have been deleted, but not here.]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:39:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17778#17778 Need advice from RPodders : The RPod being our first trailer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17772#17772 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 3:10pm

 The RPod being our first trailer to camp with, I was surprised the build quality is far from a automobile that is what I was trying to compare it to. We have a 2009 as was mentioned the first ones had problems but I understand they have been corrected except for possibly the sawdust and chips of wood not cleaned up. As for ours it is still a pain to open and close our windows we had it back to the dealer and little was done to fix the problem. It is now out of warranty. The newer RPods I believe may have a little different made window there may not be a problem with windows any more. Over all I think the RPod is well built for the price it cost to buy one. And by reading reviews there have been many with the same concerns you have with quality, and after comparing the Rpod to other campers they chose the Rpod. Not including myself but I think there are a lot of intelligent and experienced campers on this form who have chosen the Rpod as there camper.       David and Danette]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:10:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17772#17772 Need advice from RPodders : I buy an rp 171 this week and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17764#17764 Author: Damour
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 10:07am

I buy an rp 171 this week and we adore it . The R-Dome too, for us it's a big part or our R-Pod.
 
And we are two big people too and get fine it the queensize bed.
 
Good luck to take your decision.
]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:07:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17764#17764 Need advice from RPodders : At first, I was unsure as to what... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17759#17759 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 9:47am

At first, I was unsure as to what you're asking advice for, but then it appears you are asking for advice the R-Pod itself.  I'm in the minority, especially being on one of the two R-Pod forums saying this, but I would never own or recommend an R-Pod again.  My unit was plagued with issues from the get go and continues to have issues.  Yes, I've had things fixed under warranty, so that process seems to work OK, however this thing should have never been issues to begin with.  The build quality of these units (again, using mine as the example) is terrible.  Very shoddy installation, with the "who gives a sh*t" attitude during the build and installation process.  Saw dust all over the place, wooden knock-outs not removed, wires strung all over the place without be nicely run or secured-down, pipe opening that haven't been filled and the list goes on and on.
 
I've had 2-sets of decals blister and peel off, had to have all my moving window replaced due to bad installation and the AC fan went.  The TV was replaced once is is acting up again.  This is just a few of my issues.  Like always, I'll get my b*lls busted for posting this here, but if you wanted only positive opinions, I'd expect you would have noted that.
 
]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 09:47:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17759#17759 Need advice from RPodders : Originally posted by JDIt's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17756#17756 Author: Guests
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 6:05am

Originally posted by JD

It's tows easily and dosen't kill our gas mileage, we get between 18-19.5 towing with a 2010 Rav4 6 with the towing package but no weight distribution hitch.  The Rpod 173 may be just what we need if we can tow it without dropping our mileage too far.  Most everyone gets about 10-12 mpg, regardless of what they tow with.  The short wheel base of the RAV may be a concern, as mentioned.
 
If you have a173 how do you like sleeping on the coach? My wife and I are big so we would use both the dinnette and the coach for sleeping.  I am a former 173 owner and I slept on the couch all the time.  I thought it more comfortable and convenient than the dinette.  Big-OK.  Tall-some over 6' have problems.
 
What about the quality of construction?  I was very satisfied with the overall quality of construction.  I only had a couple of minor caulking issues that I fixed myself in just a few minutes. 
 
Any recurring problems with the major components?  Again, none.  Everything did what it was supposed to do.
 
Can you purchase just an awning or do you need the entire R Dome.  See other comment - Forest River only has the dome available. 
 
How do you like the R dome?  I never took mine out of the bag.
 
What about warranty issues? How responsive is Forrest River on warranty issues? N/A
 
 
Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search!  Smile
]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 06:05:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17756#17756 Need advice from RPodders : We, too, had a Chalet, but... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17754#17754 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 1950
Posted: 17 Jul 2011 at 12:28am

We, too, had a Chalet, but it was a larger model with a shower and bathroom. If you like Chalets, that may be something you would like to look at. Unlike you, we weren't satisfied with the build quality of the Chalet in our five years of ownership.
 
We now have an RPod 175 and feel it is much better built. The Chalet did have a full sized queen rather than a short queen as do RPods. That didn't matter to us, as we're both short. The couch in our 175 is too short to sleep an adult comfortably.
 
Our initial tow rig ( Dodge Dakota w/tow pack, 3.92 rear end, and 4800 tow rating) didn't tow the RPod nearly as well as it did our Chalet. The fact that an RPod will push a lot more wind than a Chalet will tax your RAV a lot. Our tow MPG went from 13-14 with the Chalet to 9-11 MPG with our RPod. A RAV is also a short wheelbase SUV, so the added wind buffeting with the taller RPods will probably cause some hobby horsing and sway problems without a WDH/sway control.
 
I don't want to sound too negative about your trying to tow an RPod with a short wheelbase, but I wrecked a 20' Layton slabside that had a WDH and sway control, because my short wheelbase full sized pickup couldn't be controlled during  an extreme gust along the Columbia River Gorge. Wheelbase is very important with tall trailers. 
 
 
]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 00:28:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17754#17754 Need advice from RPodders : Most people here report getting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17752#17752 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1950
Posted: 16 Jul 2011 at 11:14pm

Most people here report getting mpgs around 12, but with a heavy headwind some have gone as low as 8 on some trips.  No major component or quality of construction issues.  There were some things in the first production run or two but nothing lately.  Some here have had custom awnings made, others like the R-Dome, and others don't.  We prefer our EZ-up awnings and use them most of the time, reserving our Dome for weekend trips where we know it will rain most of the time and for week-long trips.  Several have had issues with the decals on the front and back peeling (most likely due to ice running down the curved sides) and they've been replaced w/o issue.  I haven't heard anything about problems with major appliances.

Welcome!

]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2011 23:14:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17752#17752 Need advice from RPodders : JD, we bought a gently used 2009... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17750#17750 Author: NorthStarPodders
Subject: 1950
Posted: 16 Jul 2011 at 9:34pm

JD, we bought a gently used 2009 173 model a few months ago, and I've slept on both beds. I find the couch to be very comfortable. I usually let my teenage son have the dinette bed, because he's a lot taller than me. I bought a 3-inch memory foam topper to put over the cushions for that bed, and we keep it stashed behind the couch when not in use.

We're still pretty new to rPodding, but we're very pleased with the quality so far and haven't had any problems with any of the mechanicals.

We set the rDome up for the first time a few weeks ago. It went up very easily. (Great tips on here for that.) Loved the extra space and the fact that our lawn chairs stayed dry after rain storms. Also, the inside of the camper seems to stay cleaner with the rDome as sort of the "mud room." :-)

Good luck with your research, and happy camping, whatever you decide to do!

]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:34:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17750#17750 Need advice from RPodders : I have a 173 and I always sleep... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17749#17749 Author: tdrace
Subject: 1950
Posted: 16 Jul 2011 at 9:29pm

I have a 173 and I always sleep on the couch. I just let it down, very easy to make the bed. I pulled mine with a Hyundai v-6 with no problem.Love my R-POD! ]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:29:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17749#17749 Need advice from RPodders : Hi JD, Welcome to the forum.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17747#17747 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1950
Posted: 16 Jul 2011 at 8:53pm

Hi JD,
Welcome to the forum.
I can answer your question about the R-dome.  There is no awning specifically made the r-pod but some have had theirs specially made to fit in the dome track.
We love our r-dome and put it up if we are going to be camping more than just overnight.  It doubles the size of the living space and keeps mosquitoes and rain out very effectively. It is far easier to put up with two people and a two-step ladder but can be done by one person.
We have only had to work with our dealership on a few minor warranty issues and they were fixed up very quickly.
We were towing originally with a Grand Caravan 3.3 V6 but my husband did not like the rpms so we moved up into a Dodge Durango which has lots of pull.
The r-pod seems to make getting over 12 mpg almost impossible. It is not as gas efficient as it looks but....
we love ours.
B
]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:53:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17747#17747 Need advice from RPodders : Hello everyone, My name is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17743#17743 Author: JD
Subject: 1950
Posted: 16 Jul 2011 at 5:26pm

Hello everyone,
 
My name is JD and I just joined your forum. I do not own an RPod - Yet- but am seriously considering one . Before we go much further in our research I would like to ask for your feedback and advice.
 
First, we have Chalet hardsided pop up which we have used and loved for the past five years. It's tows easily and dosen't kill our gas mileage, we get between 18-19.5 towing with a 2010 Rav4 6 with the towing package but no weight distribution hitch. The Chalet is easy to use and has never had a serious mechanical or operating problem. In short we truly enjoy it but want to look for something a bit larger with a shower and bathroom so we can spend even more time camping. The Rpod 173 may be just what we need if we can tow it without dropping our mileage too far.
 
Does anyone tow with a Rav 4 6 with tow package and if so how does it do? What's the gas mileage like?
 
If you have a173 how do you like sleeping on the coach? My wife and I are big so we would use both the dinnette and the coach for sleeping.
 
What about the quality of construction?
 
Any recurring problems with the major components?
 
Can you purchase just an awning or do you need the entire R Dome.
 
How do you like the R dome?
 
What about warranty issues? How responsive is Forrest River on warranty issues?
 
Well that's enough for now. I do appreciate any feedback I can get. When we started looking at Chalets I joined thier owner forum and they we exceptionally helpful. Thanks so much for your help and advice.
 
Sincerely,
 
JD
 
 
]]> Sat, 16 Jul 2011 17:26:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1950&PID=17743#17743