R-pod Owners Forum : I like this camper - Chalet Takena https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : I like this camper - Chalet Takena Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:52:36 +0000 Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:53:06 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2330 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Heh, here at the RV park had a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=22930#22930 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 2330
Posted: 14 Mar 2012 at 12:53am

Heh, here at the RV park had a couple with an Aliner stop and check out Eddy.  They were on their way out when they saw him, but had to stop and come over when they saw the slide out.]]> Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:53:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=22930#22930 I like this camper - Chalet Takena :  Too true, sorry for mixing up... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21880#21880 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 7:34pm

 Too true, sorry for mixing up the A-liners with the A-frames from Chalet!  Some interesting models in that video, love the sauna!

I don't have an answer about the window.

]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:34:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21880#21880 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Here's a video from Messe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21874#21874 Author: g4royce
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 5:00pm

Here's a video from Messe Frankfurt, a German tradeshow that includes everything from sporting goods to raw cotton (but at different time frames).  Apologies in advance bc the video is in German.

The first camper is awesome for you 2-in-1 camper & houseboat needs ;) while the last one looks like something that would've been nice for the French Creek Roundup :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=DoPdOc2R11M
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21874#21874 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : I know this is a bit off topic,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21871#21871 Author: g4royce
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 4:12pm

I know this is a bit off topic, but look at the windows on the Aliner doors.  Are they double-hung? Do you think they would fit the pod door? It would be nice to have airflow on that side of the pod.

Just to avoid completely confusing every, the Aliner is another company that makes A-frame style campers and is not related to Chalet mentioned in this thread.

We originally looked at hard-sided pop-ups, A-frame and decided we liked the T@B.  Then instead of bringing in the newer (and bigger) designs from Germany, they discontinued the entire line!  Cry  We were hoping they'd import their high-end model T@B L400.  A German friend of mine sent us the link and we fell in love with that large sunroof.  It can open and has built-in track netting and blackout shade in the frame. <drool>

Just around that time, the r-pod was introduced and so we went for it Big smile  
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:12:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21871#21871 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Will keep that in mind if I ever... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21870#21870 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 3:58pm

Will keep that in mind if I ever tour the Takena.  I'll have an extra-critical eye on contruction now!]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:58:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21870#21870 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Tech,We had a 1930 (one of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21867#21867 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 3:04pm

Tech,
We had a 1930 (one of the larger Chalets). We purchased it new, and it wasn't cheap. We had hoped to keep it for a long time, but the bubble roof windows warped around the edges and leaked profusely, as did the roof vent. The frame rails rusted worse and more quickly than any other trailer we had owned (2 Skylines, and an Arctic Fox). The  cabinets were very poorly constructed. After 5 years of ownership I was spending more time with maintenence than camping. I know lots of people love their Chalets, but I'm not one of them. It did tow nicely and I got good mileage compared to the Pod @ 12-15 mpg compared to the Pod standard 10-12 mpg.
 
The Arctic Fox and our current RP 175 are much easier to live with. RVing is supposed to be fun, and it wasn't for us with the Chalet. The low end Skylines (Aljo and Layton) were even better built at much lower prices.  
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:04:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21867#21867 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : I seriously thought about getting... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21865#21865 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 2330
Posted: 23 Jan 2012 at 8:59am

I seriously thought about getting the Chalet A frame - but that was before I found the R-Pod.]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:59:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21865#21865 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Very interesting, thanks. A lot... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21858#21858 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 22 Jan 2012 at 8:01pm

Very interesting, thanks.  A lot of A-frame owners I've spoken with (in person and online) seem to be satisfied - what model did you have?]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21858#21858 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Hey tech,When we bought our... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21855#21855 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 2330
Posted: 22 Jan 2012 at 3:11pm

Hey tech,
 
When we bought our RP 175, we really liked the layout of the Takena too, but immediately eliminated it from our list of possible purchases. We had a Chalet, and weren't impressed with the quality. The longer we owned it, the more tight jawed we became with it. Five years was way too long-leaks, poor construction, and cheap accessories. Of the 5 trailers we've owned it was our worst experience. Just my experience, but never again with that company for me!
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:11:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21855#21855 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : We&#039;ve been dreaming about... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21854#21854 Author: g4royce
Subject: 2330
Posted: 22 Jan 2012 at 1:22pm

We've been dreaming about going up to a 172 or 171 because of the dog situation, but it all comes down to the fact that we got the 152 for the low hitch weight and if we got anything bigger, we probably won't take it out as often which would kind of defeat the whole purpose of owning one.

Originally we had planned to sleep in the bunks and leave the dinette up, but the dog wouldn't settle down and played musical beds throughout the night.  So we ended up extending the dinette so we could both squish in with the dog.   

]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:22:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21854#21854 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Funny......I was talking with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21853#21853 Author: Guests
Subject: 2330
Posted: 22 Jan 2012 at 1:05pm

Funny......I was talking with my insurance man a couple of months ago and he owned a boat.  The way he explained the "boat experience":
 
The second happiest day in your life is when you buy a boat.
The happiest day in your life is the day you get rid of it!  LOL
 
I'm much the same with the samll 5th wheel...just dreaming ahead.  This kitchen remodel I'm doing is going to keep me poor and humble for a while.
]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:05:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21853#21853 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : You ain&#039;t spending my money... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21825#21825 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 20 Jan 2012 at 8:22pm

You ain't spending my money yet.  My Pod is paid for, and a new TV comes first.  But its nice to dream a little.  Pinch

I swore I would never own a boat (unless I won the lottery) because it is a black hole in the water into which money enters but never comes back out.  Now I'm starting to wonder if camping isn't much different than boating.  Except we get to make campfires, and smores.

]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:22:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21825#21825 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Wait a minute.....I thought... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21818#21818 Author: Guests
Subject: 2330
Posted: 20 Jan 2012 at 5:04am

Wait a minute.....I thought we were spending TECHNTREK's money!!!! LOL
 
Thanks for the tip and link.  It seems similar to the Scamp but, I like it's look/styling much better.  I wonder if they would do some custom work? Ying Yang I really don't need or want a big dinette and would rather have a larger bathroom/floor space.  The tank sizes are a bit smaller than I would like but, when dry camping, one could always use the external/portable tanks.  Weight and size wise, it's right where I want to be. 
 
My Coleman is aluminum framed with fiberglass walls that are gel coated, similar to the Pod.  It has the EDPM rubber roof.  I found the article very interesting.  Personally, I don't worry about it.  With proper maintenance, it should last longer than I will own the unit.  IMHO, anything is going to weather and oxidize with time....even fiberglass with gel coat.  My old 5th wheel had a solid aluminum skin for a roof and other than checking the sealer around the vents, etc., it was maintenance free.  But, as the aluminum oxidized, the black streaks were a constant (and difficult to remove) battle.  The proposition seems to be; what kind of maintenance/problems does a person want to deal with?  To each his own.
 
Buying and selling in general.....about the only one who comes out ahead (money wise) in the proposition is the RV  dealer.  With that said, there are folks who spend much more on boats, motorcycles, etc.  I think Tech and I camp about the same amount - 30 to 40 days per year.  Spending that much time in an RV (by my reasoning) justifies getting something that I like and fills my needs.  Does buying/selling a camper make good financial sense....hell no!  Everything about these things are money gobblers....right down to buying wood for the campfire.  But, sometimes in life, it's OK to get something just because you want it. Smile 
 
 
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:04:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21818#21818 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Here&#039;s a direct link to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21815#21815 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 8:47pm

Here's a direct link to their 5th wheel.  http://escapetrailer.com/Products/Escape50.aspx

I agree that FR plays the same game with the Pod on the fresh water size.

And I agree that the fiberglass construction is probably better long-term.

]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:47:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21815#21815 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : I would rather have the Rpod with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21810#21810 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 8:07pm

     I would rather have the Rpod with a fiberglass roof. The extra space would be very nice to have. One of the reasons we chose the Rpod was the fiberglass exterior roof and sides. Easy to maintain and lasts a long time. ]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:07:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21810#21810 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Have a lock at the escape,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21808#21808 Author: marwayne
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 5:18pm

Have a lock at the escape, I found them to pricey, but very nice. escapetrailer.com]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:18:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21808#21808 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Originally posted by techntrek Adding... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21806#21806 Author: Guests
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 5:02pm

Originally posted by techntrek

Adding an additional platform over the dinette is a good option - and much cheaper!  Although that would be something additional to maneuver and store if we want to use the dinette (which isn't often).

I just double-checked the SS line and the two 18 foot models are similar to yours - no dedicated dinette.  I'm surprised the Takena has dual axles considering it is so light. 

In mine, the dinette benches are "fixed" and do not move (both have storage).  The table has 2 permanent flanges mounted to the floor with 2 removable upright tubes that support the table top.  These tubes can be removed from the flanges and table top and the dinette could be made into a bed, though I have never done so.  The idea of spanning a platform between the top of the benches for a second (bunk) bed never occured to me....it's a good idea.  But, like you say, it would be something else to deal with.
 
For your situation, what you are looking at is a better floorplan than mine.....it's already ready for the kids.  I agree with Terry, by the time you add on some options and your stuff, you'll likely be over 3000lbs.  Mine is 3018lbs as you see it above but, empty propane tanks, no battery, no fluids in the holding tanks and no "stuff".  I don't notice a big difference in pulling this vs. my old RP173.
 
Although mine was advertized as 27 gallon fresh water capacity, the tank is really only 20 gallons - according to my measurements and volume calculations.  20 plus 6 in the water heater plus about a gallon in the plumbing lines.  Many manufacturers seem to do this.  With that said, if I'm frugal, I can stretch this 3 days.  Until I get around to upsizing the tank, I carry a couple of 6 gallon water jugs and top off the fresh water, as needed.    I would suspect the one you are looking at probably has a 20 gallon tank.
 
Personally, I'm casually looking for a small lightweight 5th wheel.  So far about the only thing under 25' is the Scamp - which I think is kind of short on ammenities. 
]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:02:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21806#21806 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Good question. I found this article... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21799#21799 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 1:26pm

Good question.  I found this article which has some really good info:
 
http://www.mydrv.net/roof_maintenance.htm
 
 
]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:26:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21799#21799 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : I like the layout, the only thingI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21787#21787 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 2330
Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 7:01am

    I like the layout, the only thing I am not sure of what is a TPO vinyl roof ? ]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:01:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21787#21787 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : If you fill up with fresh water,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21776#21776 Author: TerryM
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 7:55pm

If you fill up with fresh water, food, cooking equipment, etc & etc it would be over 3,500 pounds.  They say any vehicle with a 3,500 pound towing limit can pull it.Shocked

Terry



]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:55:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21776#21776 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Adding an additional platform... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21771#21771 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 6:29pm

Adding an additional platform over the dinette is a good option - and much cheaper!  Although that would be something additional to maneuver and store if we want to use the dinette (which isn't often).

I just double-checked the SS line and the two 18 foot models are similar to yours - no dedicated dinette.  I'm surprised the Takena has dual axles considering it is so light. 

]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:29:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21771#21771 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : PS - with 4 wheels on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21766#21766 Author: Guests
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 4:52pm

PS - with 4 wheels on the ground on an 18' trailer.....sway....no way!]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:52:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21766#21766 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : The specs are very close... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21765#21765 Author: Guests
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 4:39pm

The specs are very close to this
 
 
But the floor plan is different
 
 
I'm thinking about removing the bench seat close to the door - just for more "elbow room".
At 7' wide, it is actually wider than the Pod's 6'8" (if memory serves).  However, the "track" (distance between the wheels) is more narrow, as the wheels are underneath the 7' box.  The squared off back allows for a dry bath and a "roomier" feel, to me.
 
Did you look ar FR's "Surveyor Sport" line?  I liked those...similar specs......but no dealer close by. 
]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:39:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21765#21765 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Your kids don&#039;t like to sleep... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21763#21763 Author: g4royce
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 2:46pm

Your kids don't like to sleep in the r-dome?  How about adding a convertible/removable bunk bed over the dinette?

The Chalet looks nice, but again, it's more weight.
]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:46:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21763#21763 I like this camper - Chalet Takena : Dang it, I do NOT need a new camper!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21762#21762 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2330
Posted: 18 Jan 2012 at 10:55am

Dang it, I do NOT need a new camper! 
 
But I really like this layout.  The exterior length is about the same as the 171 (5 inches longer), the exterior height and width are smaller (but I think the Takena's height doesn't include the A/C), and the weight is slightly higher.  Interior height is 2 inches smaller.  Grey/black tanks are the same but this only holds 25 gallons of fresh water. 
 
But note that this has a much larger fridge, dry bath, and always-available dinette.  I like that they save space by reusing the edge of the bed as one seat for the dinette - but that opinion may change the first time a drink is spilled onto the bed.  The kids won't fight over who has more room in bed since they'll have their own, and I will only have to climb over my wife's feet and not her whole body when I need to get up in the middle of the night.
 
http://www.chaletrv.com/travel_specs_1860BH.php
 
Don't need it, don't need it, don't need it.....  Cry
 
I looked over the various "lightweight" FR models and didn't see one similar.
]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:55:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2330&PID=21762#21762