R-pod Owners Forum : Looking at a new POD http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Looking at a new POD Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 12:45:31 +0000 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:47:55 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1965 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Looking at a new POD : Originally posted by Footslogger03We... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=18604#18604 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 1965
Posted: 03 Aug 2011 at 6:47pm

Originally posted by Footslogger03

We were quoted $12,850 about a week ago for the 177 model. That included every option but the axle lifters and bike rack.

MJ


We spent in the 13s for a fully loaded 177.  So far so good.  We have spent several long weekends in it, and are getting ready for an early fall long trip.
]]> Wed, 03 Aug 2011 18:47:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=18604#18604 Looking at a new POD : Originally posted by techntrekIt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=18002#18002 Author: Damour
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 9:08pm

Originally posted by techntrek

It is also about 300 pounds heavier if I remember right.
 
I think that's right
My 171 is 21** pounds  ...
 
 
The heater in the 177 is under the bed and I don't like that.
If you put things there you need to remove it to turn the heater on.
In the 171 you have the full storage space under the bed.
 
Only 2 drawers in the 177 instead of 3 in the 171 .
 
More cupboard and deeper in the 171 (like I said before)
 
The TV is far from the table in the 177 (over the bed)
 
The 171 have some little things  that's not perfect too  .. like the access at the table
But it was the best for us .
 
The extra space to walk in  is not important for us, we don't stay IN the trailer.
 
The shower, the bed, the table and other things are almost the same .
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 21:08:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=18002#18002 Looking at a new POD : It is also about 300 pounds heavier... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17998#17998 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 8:26pm

It is also about 300 pounds heavier if I remember right.]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:26:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17998#17998 Looking at a new POD : I think what appeals to us is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17996#17996 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 8:15pm

I think what appeals to us is the slide-out and extra "elbow room" of the 177. Maybe we are wrong but coming from a backpacking background we tend not to bring along a whole lot of stuff anyway and we really value the extra "space" that the 177 provides. I think we need to see the RP 171 again and compare it to the 177. Maybe the slide-out and added price of the 177 isn't worth the extra price. Sooooooo many options !

MJ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 20:15:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17996#17996 Looking at a new POD : Like I said before, we choose... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17992#17992 Author: Damour
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 6:47pm

Like I said before, we choose de 171 instead of 177 because it has more storage, cupboard are deeper, etc
 
We were looking for the 177 before see and compare side to side with a 171 .
 
 
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:47:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17992#17992 Looking at a new POD : Originally posted by Footslogger03We... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17982#17982 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 4:00pm

Originally posted by Footslogger03

We were quoted $12,850 about a week ago for the 177 model. That included every option but the axle lifters and bike rack.

MJ
For a 2011 RP177?  That would be a really good price with almost all the options.  I bought the 177 for the very reason you mention -- I didn't want to have to convert the bed back to a dinette every day.]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:00:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17982#17982 Looking at a new POD : We got ours from the dealer in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17972#17972 Author: FISHTAIL
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 12:22pm

We got ours from the dealer in Ohio for 12,700.  RPod 176, all options included, minus the bike rack and risers (which I later installed myself).  ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:22:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17972#17972 Looking at a new POD : Most places will negotiate. Our... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17966#17966 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 11:54am

Most places will negotiate.  Our dealer wanted something in the high teens for a 171 when we bought 2 years ago.  After the inital negotiations he wouldn't go below the low teens.  Then I pulled out a printout from the dealer in Ohio who was asking $11,900 (might have been $11,999) and immediately my dealer came down to almost the same price.  A few hundred more.  All options at the time, the risers and bike rack weren't offered yet.
 
Welcome Footslogger.
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:54:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17966#17966 Looking at a new POD : Prices seem to have dropped since... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17964#17964 Author: Podsible Dream
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 11:29am

Prices seem to have dropped since last fall when we were looking. Low prices were in the 13's then. ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:29:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17964#17964 Looking at a new POD : We were quoted $12,850 about a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17962#17962 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 11:02am

We were quoted $12,850 about a week ago for the 177 model. That included every option but the axle lifters and bike rack.

MJ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:02:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17962#17962 Looking at a new POD : Just looked over the layouts again... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17961#17961 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 10:58am

Just looked over the layouts again in the brochure and I can see why you like the 182G. If we went that route though ("G") it would probably be the 181, mainly because of the permanent bed. We have spent the last 3 years converting the living area to the sleeping area every day in our T@B and REALLY want a bed that is always a bed, if you know what I mean. Plus, the extra 2 feet of length and added weight is a consideration for us.

MJ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:58:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17961#17961 Looking at a new POD : Dollars are tough to be specific... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17960#17960 Author: Podsible Dream
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 10:53am

Dollars are tough to be specific about. Some dealers discount deeply, some don't, some obviously will negotiate, others have sticker prices. Collecting info here on the forums, it looks like 12,500 to 18,500 is the range, depending on the dealer, the model, and the equipment included. MSRP ranges up to 20,000+, depending on configuration. ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:53:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17960#17960 Looking at a new POD : The 177 is nice, but we ended... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17957#17957 Author: tpierce220
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 10:29am

The 177 is nice, but we ended up getting the 182G after seeing it at the Chicago RV show in January.  We loved it at first site.  We looked around at other trailers and still came back to it.  

Just about any trailer will have issues, even ours had some minor issues, but the dealer has been responsive in getting things fixed quickly and getting us back on the road.  
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:29:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17957#17957 Looking at a new POD : Hello...new to the group as of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17956#17956 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 9:38am

Hello   ...new to the group as of yesterday. Currently own a T@B but tired of converting the bed to living area every day and want a bathroom - - otherwise we are pretty happy with our little teardrop after 3 seasons. Recently saw the R-Pod and it really caught our eye. We live in Wyoming but are vacationing in Ohio and stopped in at a dealership near Cincinnati the other day. Like both the 175 and 177 but think that the big table in front of that slideout sofa would be a royal pain in the arse    ...so it looks like the 177 is the model for us.

Just wanted to get registered and recognized here so that we could begin getting feedback from other R-Pod owners, especially those who own the 177. We are used to having an active user group after owning our T@B so this is great. Scanned over some of the forums and see that there are some issues with the R-Pod but as others have pointed out, all rv's have issues. For the most part it seems that R-Pod owners are satisfied with their purchase.

Would appreciate any feedback anyone would offer on what questions to ask and what options are useful/useless. I am pretty handy and have made a number of modifications to our T@B so I would expect to do the same with an R-Pod.

Thanks in advance   ...

Mark J]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:38:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17956#17956 Looking at a new POD : There is not much that we could... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17953#17953 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 9:00am

There is not much that we could add to what has already been said other than we spent 3 years looking for a 60's Shasta canned ham. I really wanted one bad until we found the R Pod. All the character with more conveniences than anyone could ask for at this price point. Perfect for the two of us. Now if we could just get the grown kids to stop asking to borrow it. Oh well.


    Sorry for the double posting it wasn't intentional. ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:00:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17953#17953 Looking at a new POD : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17952#17952 Author: Footslogger03
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 8:58am

]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:58:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17952#17952 Looking at a new POD : There is not much that we could... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17951#17951 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 8:57am

There is not much that we could add to what has already been said other than we spent 3 years looking for a 60's Shasta canned ham. I really wanted one bad until we found the R Pod. All the character with more conveniences than anyone could ask for at this price point. Perfect for the two of us. Now if we could just get the grown kids to stop asking to borrow it. Oh well. ]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 08:57:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17951#17951 Looking at a new POD : Originally posted by akwagon... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17949#17949 Author: Guests
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 6:01am

Originally posted by akwagon


Reading the forum Im still not clear of what people think the quality of this trailer is compared to other manufactures?
Personally, I would say the build quality is as least as good, or perhaps better, as any other manufacturer, in this price range.  A couple have had significant issues, but the vast majority have had little/minor issues.  This is going to be true no matter what you buy - RV, car, refridgerator, lawn mower, spouse/significant other (LOL), etc. You COULD get a "lemon" but, more likely, you will get something with no or a few minor issues.  Keep in mind you are not looking at, say, an Airstream ($$$$).  You are looking at an affordable camper.
Another question would be, how does it tow compared to more of the traditional square shape design trailer vs the teardrop rpod shape? Does the shape really make it any better to tow or for mpg reasons or did you just buy it for the style?  My personal experience is that, fuel mileage wise, it tows just about the same as just about anybody else's 18' travel trailer-regarless of shape.  Expect about 10-12mpg.  I think the unique/retro shape is what initially catches most folk's eyes. 
Great forum
and my TV is a 2011 Xterra Smile
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 06:01:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17949#17949 Looking at a new POD : I bought my RPod 177 for3 reasons: 1)... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17946#17946 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 12:41am

I bought my RPod 177 for 3 reasons:

1)  I needed to downsize to something smaller and simpler to tow.
2)  In downsizing I didn't want to have to set up and take down a pop-up trailer or a tent.
3)  I wanted the same conveniences of my 5th wheel trailer (the RPod has a 36 gallon black water tank, a 36 gallon gray water tank, and a 30 gallon fresh water tank -- comparable to the big trailers, hot water, toilet, shower, and kitchen).
 
Pros:  The RPod is well made, and well insulated.  It's easy to hook up and tow. 
 
Cons:  MPG on the tow vehicle is not great, and the length of the bed and the height of the bathroom may be a challenge for anyone over six feet tall.  I'm short so it doesn't matter.
 
But overall, I LOVE my pod!
 
Diane
]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:41:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17946#17946 Looking at a new POD : Great feedback so far. Curious... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17944#17944 Author: akwagon
Subject: 1965
Posted: 22 Jul 2011 at 12:18am

Great feedback so far.
 Curious what people have paid for new rpods. In AK its a little tough for me to shop different dealers (there is only one. I feel like the dealer is wanting a hefty premium for the new one.]]> Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:18:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17944#17944 Looking at a new POD : We bought our 177 after driving... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17940#17940 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 10:54pm

We bought our 177 after driving past the dealership and seeing it in the yard. I did some internet research and could not find anything we liked better. We've tent camped for fifty years and this is our first trailer.  We would have liked better mileage but in general we are very happy with our choice.  We found it nice and cosy on cold evenings and in the rain and we don't need anything bigger for two of us and a big dog. It still feels luxurious to us.
Oh yes, we lurked on the forum for a bit too so we could find out what the other folk thought of their R-Pod.
B
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:54:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17940#17940 Looking at a new POD : Welcome. We looked at about... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17937#17937 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:55pm

Welcome.

We looked at about 20 different lightweight campers online before we narrowed our search down.  We saw the 'pod first and kept coming back to it.  Probably would have gotten a 177 but they didn't announce the slide-out models until the week we picked up our 171.  Still like it, and its way better than setting up a popup.  It tows better than any trailer I've used in 25 years, I didn't even use a sway control for 1 1/2 years, although I now have a weight distribution hitch (with sway control) and it tows even better now.

I'd say the shape doesn't help with mpg.  Our van gets 23-24 mpg unloaded, it got 16 fully loaded and pulling our popup, and gets 12 pulling the 'pod.  Even though the 'pod is easily 750 pounds lighter than the popup.  I even got 8 mpg during one trip with a heavy head wind.

]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:55:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17937#17937 Looking at a new POD : All about weight and style for... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17935#17935 Author: profmagickb
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:49pm

All about weight and style for me, then I got it and bought a truck so the weight issue dropped off, as for the style I cant seem to find anything like it without building it myself, or buying it from the 50's. ]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:49:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17935#17935 Looking at a new POD : We were looking for a small camping... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17934#17934 Author: Podsible Dream
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:40pm

We were looking for a small camping trailer to get ourselves up off the ground after many years of tent camping. After visiting a RV show with several brands of lite and ultra lite weight trailers that all weighed 3000 lbs or more, we took our search to the Internet and discovered the RPods. We priced them on the net and decided to look at used ones. We found a 171 only used for 3 weeks and fell in love on first sight. We found the quality to be better than or equal to those we saw at the show. More importantly it had all the amenities we needed, and was the right size for our vehicle. Other than some loose screws on the cabinet door hinges, we have not seen any problems. I have found that most forums tend to highlight the good and de-emphasize the not so good. But for our money this little pod was a great value, good quality, and comfortable.]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:40:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17934#17934 Looking at a new POD : Other things to compare it with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17929#17929 Author: FISHTAIL
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:23pm

Other things to compare it with in the same tow class:
MPG ( pretty much an identical knock-off, although slightly larger)
Gulf Stream Visa
Trailmanor Elkridge?  This is a nice trailer, but they are expensive compared to the pod.

I personally liked the pod the best for the money, weight, and charm.  I wanted bunks, and I didn't like the bunk floor plan of the Visa, didn't like the lack of forum support for the MPG, and didn't want to spend the money on the trail manor. 

I'm towing with a 2011 Explorer.
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:23:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17929#17929 Looking at a new POD : Hi , I own a 171 and we choose... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17926#17926 Author: Damour
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:13pm

Hi , I own a 171 and we choose that for the weight we can pull.
And I love the look .
 
A good choice for us.
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:13:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17926#17926 Looking at a new POD : We bought for style, the Rpod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17925#17925 Author: kymooses
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 9:11pm

We bought for style, the Rpod has a character about it that just can't be beat in our own opinion.
 
Granted we shopped for 3 years before buying anything, we started off thinking we'd be pUp owners and looked at those for an entire season.  Nothing wrong with pop-ups but the wife and I eventually made the decision that we wanted a unit with a more permanent bathroom and that the pUp might be more setup and takedown than we wanted to deal with.
 
We moved up from 14 years of tent camping so we wanted something easy and quick to set up.
 
We spent a second season lurking on the Rpod forums and having dismissed pUp's we started looking at comparable size and weighted hybrid campers.  The only one I can recall off hand was the Kodiak Cub that we got really attached to.  It had some character to it and looked nice but just didn't feel right to us in the end.
 
A third season arose and more and more reasearch on this and the other Rpod forum really made us stop considering the Rpod and made us start playing with them instead.  We visited several dealers, made numerous trips and played around in as many models of Rpod we could find.  We poked, we prodded and we pushed.  And then this year Forest River came out with a model that was made for us, the 181g.
 
Not sure about how you're shopping currently or what your guidelines are but my wife and I had spent quite a while thinking bigger was better.  We thought of all the times friends and family would camp with us and that we needed something bigger.  Smart decision on our part though, is that we didn't need anything bigger, this Pod was made for us and again, it has a huge amount of character and for me at least, it looks nicer in my driveway than a boxier unit.
 
Does the shape help with towing?  I couldn't wager to guess, but I'll make a noticeable comment, that I have noticed with our own Rpod and tow vehicle.  While many will say their mileage drops down sometimes as near as half and most might comment around 12mpg.  My pod is pulling along and we're averaging 15mpg still, that's down from my Jeep's normal mpg of around 19.4mpg.  Ours came factory with the rear light assembly and spoiler on it.  Does that make the difference?  Again I can't say but I remain pleased with my mpg and how it tows with my vehicle.
 
I'm glad to be out of a tent, and I've not found anything about my unit that wouldn't make me buy it over and over again.  Some might mention that with all the modding and things that need tightening or fixing when you first buy it makes it bad.  I dunno, thats not how I see it at least, it's something I plan to have for what I hope is years and years and years to come.  Everything needs some TLC to keep it running at it's best, the amount of waterproofing and cleaning I had to do to our old tent to make it last as many years as it did is proof of concept.
 
I think you'll enjoy hearing how much many of us like our units and get some of the cons that others might have experienced.
 
Good luck!
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:11:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17925#17925 Looking at a new POD : I have been looking for a small... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17924#17924 Author: akwagon
Subject: 1965
Posted: 21 Jul 2011 at 8:00pm

I have been looking for a small camping trailer for a while. The Rpod has really caught my eye. Over the years I have done plenty of camping in tents, rvs, etc. But, I want an easy way to take my young son out camping. So the trailer seems to be the easiest way to go for the 3 of us.
I'm looking for something like the 171 rpod. What else did people cross shop it with and why besides style did you choose the rpod. Reading the forum Im still not clear of what people think the quality of this trailer is compared to other manufactures?
Another question would be, how does it tow compared to more of the traditional square shape design trailer vs the teardrop rpod shape? Does the shape really make it any better to tow or for mpg reasons or did you just buy it for the style?
Great forum
and my TV is a 2011 Xterra Smile
]]> Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:00:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1965&PID=17924#17924