R-pod Owners Forum : Introduction and Dilemma http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Introduction and Dilemma Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 17:38:11 +0000 Tue, 19 Apr 2016 19:56:11 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7692 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Introduction and Dilemma : Snyder,Just checked my insurance,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73532#73532 Author: jato
Subject: 7692
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 7:56pm

Snyder,

Just checked my insurance, Pioneer State out of Lansing, MI.  1000 deductible collision, 500 on comp. and all other damages.  Yearly rate is $ 74.00.  So I think that is a bit high.
]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2016 19:56:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73532#73532 Introduction and Dilemma : 1) We occasionally leave our dog... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73525#73525 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7692
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 6:27pm

1) We occasionally leave our dog alone in the trailer but we know her well and she doesn't bark. No one would know she's in there.

2) +1 on insurance running about $150 per year.
]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2016 18:27:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73525#73525 Introduction and Dilemma : Glad to hear that the Honda is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73518#73518 Author: Guests
Subject: 7692
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 4:17pm


Glad to hear that the Honda is working out OK.

For insurance, my camper is covered for "comprehensive". The collision and liability are covered under the tow vehicle's policy. (That is what my insurance guy says). Contents - that I don't know about. I don't carry anything worthy of stealing. I've never worried about it.

$150 per year is about what I pay for the camper, if memory serves. ]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2016 16:17:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73518#73518 Introduction and Dilemma : We picked up our 178 yesterday... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73502#73502 Author: Snydercrew
Subject: 7692
Posted: 19 Apr 2016 at 7:41am

We picked up our 178 yesterday and had no trouble towing with our Honda Odyssey.  My question is: what does everybody do for insurance?  I couldn't find a thread on this specifically.  My agent is telling me I need liability, but I think only comp and collision.  She also tried to sell me vacation and contents insurance, which we don't need.  We travel very close to home and aren't putting much in the camper.  She did quote for replacement cost coverage.  With a 1,000 deductible, cost is $149 per year.  Is this reasonable?  What does everyone else have on their policy?  I tried the Progressive website, but it's very glitchy and not very clear on their package plans.]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2016 07:41:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=73502#73502 Introduction and Dilemma : We do what David does. We leave... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72941#72941 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7692
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 8:46pm

We do what David does.  We leave the A/C fan on high to drown out the outside noises to prevent barking.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 20:46:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72941#72941 Introduction and Dilemma : Originally posted by SnydercrewFor... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72925#72925 Author: Guests
Subject: 7692
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 4:50pm

Originally posted by Snydercrew

For those that travel with dogs, do you always take them everywhere with you or do you sometimes leave them in the camper?  Like if it's hot out and you want to go grab dinner?


I try to avoid leaving Dixie alone in the camper. In many places, it is contrary to the rules (No unattended pets). However, she does stay alone at times - usually when I am doing my volunteer work.

One of the reasons for the rule is that a percentage of dogs will bark, howl, etc. if they feel that they have been "abandoned" in a strange place. This disturbs nearby campers.

When I do leave her alone, if it is at all hot, I leave the A/C running AND crack a window (2-3 inches) and turn on the bathroom fan. I also make certain her water bowl is full. I do the window/fan thing just in case the A/C or shore power would malfunction. These campers can get hot in a hurry - kind of like a vehicle. I imagine it gets real hot if one is wearing a fur coat.

Here in Indiana, most of the DNR folks (that I know) are quite reasonable. They intervene if there is a problem. If your dog isn't raising a ruckus, there is no problem and no reason to intervene.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 16:50:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72925#72925 Introduction and Dilemma : We handle it just like we do at... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72909#72909 Author: furpod
Subject: 7692
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 11:37am

We handle it just like we do at home. If we are going somewhere they can't, or we don't want them to go.. they stay in the camper.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:37:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72909#72909 Introduction and Dilemma : For those that travel with dogs,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72908#72908 Author: Snydercrew
Subject: 7692
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 11:35am

For those that travel with dogs, do you always take them everywhere with you or do you sometimes leave them in the camper?  Like if it's hot out and you want to go grab dinner?]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:35:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72908#72908 Introduction and Dilemma : Congrats! If I were buying a pod... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72904#72904 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7692
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 11:23am

Congrats!  If I were buying a pod now, it would probably be the 178, too.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 11:23:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72904#72904 Introduction and Dilemma : Congrats!! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72775#72775 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7692
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 11:04am

Congrats!!]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 11:04:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72775#72775 Introduction and Dilemma : Originally posted by SnydercrewThanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72771#72771 Author: Guests
Subject: 7692
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 10:58am

Originally posted by Snydercrew

Thanks to all for your help.  We ended up with a 178 and will pick it up in a couple of weeks.  Would have gone with 177 but the dealer didn't have one in stock.  Can't wait to pick it up!!  :)


Congratulations!    ]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 10:58:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72771#72771 Introduction and Dilemma : Congratulations! Our final decision... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72763#72763 Author: Retroactive
Subject: 7692
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 9:18am

Congratulations! Our final decision was down to a 171 or a 178. If our teenagers were actually interested in going places with us, which they mostly do not because of jobs and activities, we would have definitely gone with the 178.  I'm jealous!]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:18:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72763#72763 Introduction and Dilemma : Congratulations! Our final decision... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72762#72762 Author: Retroactive
Subject: 7692
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 9:17am

Congratulations! Our final decision was down to a 171 or a 178. If our teenagers were actually interested in going places with us, which they mostly do not because of jobs and activities, we would have definitely gone with the 178.  I'm jealous!]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 09:17:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72762#72762 Introduction and Dilemma : Thanks to all for your help. We... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72758#72758 Author: Snydercrew
Subject: 7692
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 8:13am

Thanks to all for your help.  We ended up with a 178 and will pick it up in a couple of weeks.  Would have gone with 177 but the dealer didn't have one in stock.  Can't wait to pick it up!!  :)]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 08:13:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72758#72758 Introduction and Dilemma : I agree, will never get another... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72684#72684 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7692
Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 8:04pm

I agree, will never get another camper without a slide out!]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2016 20:04:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72684#72684 Introduction and Dilemma : Our 171 was fine for camping since... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72681#72681 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7692
Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 7:32pm

Our 171 was fine for camping since we spent most of our time outside.  If we still only camped we might still have it.  But when we starting doing long touring trips and had long nights at truck stops and Wal-marts, the 171 was a bit cramped for the 4 of us.  We probably would have considered the 177 over the 171 when we purchased, but the slide-out models weren't even introduced until the week we picked up our 171.  I'll say even in our current (big) camper, there is a dramatic difference between having its slideout open and closed.  I would never buy a camper w/o a slideout now.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2016 19:32:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72681#72681 Introduction and Dilemma : Not much to add to the above comments,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72674#72674 Author: jato
Subject: 7692
Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 5:55pm

Not much to add to the above comments, have to agree with them all.  Like Keith-N-Dar we have had our 177 since March of 2011 and have had no problems and no issues outside of a couple owner-induced ones like when I fried my hot water heater element.  But we have used our slide numerous times w/o any problems.  We give a lot of tours as many are still curious as to how it looks inside, I am sure over the past 5years we have made a few sales along the way, most of the people like the floor plan and the slide adds a nice dimension (plus room) to the interior.  Like mentioned above, sit in both for awhile and purchase the one you are most comfortable with.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2016 17:55:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72674#72674 Introduction and Dilemma : We have had our 177 for fice years... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72651#72651 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7692
Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 2:04pm

We have had our 177 for fice years and have had no problems.  Furthr in that time I can't recall any real problems by anyone on this forum.  There are a couple of folks that are concerned about potential problems and post that but I have never seen any proof that problems occur.  Personally I can't imagine having a pod without a slide.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2016 14:04:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72651#72651 Introduction and Dilemma : You may find this interesting: link... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72628#72628 Author: Guests
Subject: 7692
Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 6:34am


You may find this interesting:

link - click here

One forum member recently bought a Pod and towed it home with a Honda.
Reading may give you an insight into what kind of performance to expect.]]> Tue, 05 Apr 2016 06:34:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72628#72628 Introduction and Dilemma : We started in a 2010 171, it was... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72626#72626 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 10:07pm

We started in a 2010 171, it was comfortable but it was a little tight. The slide out make a huge difference. ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 22:07:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72626#72626 Introduction and Dilemma : I think it comes down to how much... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72625#72625 Author: Retroactive
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 10:01pm

I think it comes down to how much time you plan on spending in your Rpod, and how cramped it might make your movements. If both are an issue, you will most likely want more room. I'm 5'10" with lanky proportions, and if I was much taller I could see the 171 being a potential problem for me.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 22:01:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72625#72625 Introduction and Dilemma : Thanks for all the great responses!!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72614#72614 Author: Snydercrew
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 5:29pm

Thanks for all the great responses!!  I knew I came to the right place. :)  No one in our area has the 171 so we don't know how "tight" it will be.  We don't plan on spending much time in the unit, more like a traveling motel room.  We don't cook much either, so I like the convection microwave.   The Honda dealer said we could tow 3,500 lbs, but on their website in very small print, it says an ATF should be installed.  The dealer said it wasn't necessary.  I was wrong on the above price for the 2017 177...should read $14,240.  The 178 is $14,415.  ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 17:29:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72614#72614 Introduction and Dilemma : I understand your desire for simplicity... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72613#72613 Author: shroomer
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 5:25pm

I understand your desire for simplicity and the lack of mechanical things that can break, but after being a member of the forum and an owner for  a few years, I have to say that there are very few reports of people having problems with the slide mechanism. As others have said, check out the space difference and see how you feel about it. I wouldn't sweat the reliability of the slide.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 17:25:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72613#72613 Introduction and Dilemma : I don't think you would ever... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72610#72610 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 5:10pm

I don't think you would ever regret going for the extra space of the 177. We have often commented to ourselves how glad we are that we went for the 177 over the 171. The floor plan of both is perfect for us, but we are SO glad we opted for the 177!]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 17:10:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72610#72610 Introduction and Dilemma : If you could get the opportunity... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72608#72608 Author: Guests
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 4:55pm

If you could get the opportunity to just "sit a spell" in the 171 and 177, that would be great. Just a few inches can make a big difference in the "feel" of a camper. Personally, (2014 vs. 2017) I would lean towards the 2017. It's a little more now but, I think you would come out better when it is time to trade or sell it.

As far as towing, I don't think you would notice a huge difference in pulling the two. It is not the weight that "gets you", as much as the wind/aerodynamic drag.

You likely won't win many drag races with the Honda, but it should work. I recommend consulting your Honda dealer regarding any needed equipment (like a transmission cooler, etc).

Also, Welcome to the forum and congratulations on retirement. I've been doing it for 2 years and the only thing I miss is the paycheck.    It can be busy...sometimes I wonder how I found time to work!]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:55:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72608#72608 Introduction and Dilemma : Originally posted by DavidWIf... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72607#72607 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 4:42pm

Originally posted by DavidW

If I read your question that you have a choice between a "new 2014 177 for $13,500 or a new 2017 177 for 14,415" you may wish to do a comparison of the two.

The 2014 might not have the LED lights, solar option, and other upgrades that started to come out either at the end of that model year or in 2015. Most of us are switching out our lights to LEDs and the other features would have been nice.

We have a 178 which is almost identical to the 177 except with a u-shaped dinette.

I think that you will appreciate to extra space that a 177 has over the 171 but that is my own view. Our slide-out has never caused us any worries after 2 1/2 summers.

Whatever you choose you can't go wrong.

David


To the 2014 vs. 2017 (have they really come out with 2017s already????) question, I would add a few things.  First, the lack of LED issue in 2014s can be easily addressed for less than $50 (that's what I did), so I wouldn't make too much of that.  The "solar-ready" feature of newer Pods might be a factor if you truly think you might go the solar route.  Most of Podders don't seem to use solar panels, so it may not be an issue at all. 

But what might be an issue is simply the age of the 2014.  You say that it is being sold as "new," so I assume that means it's been sitting on the dealer's lot for perhaps 2 years or so.  That's a long time.  I'd look it over very carefully.  Has it gotten damaged from the elements?  Hail damage?  Has it been a demo where lots of people have been in and out of it, and perhaps scuffed up, etc., the interior? 

All that might be to your advantage.  If it looks good, and/or you don't mind some minor cosmetic issues, I'd low-ball the dealer on the 2014.  I'll bet he wants to get rid of it ASAP.  We purchased our 2014 177 new in the fall of 2014, after the 2015s were out.  It was in perfect condition.  We paid $12,500.  I'd offer them that if I were you.  All they can do is say no.  But I'll bet you could get it for quite a bit less than $13,500.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:42:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72607#72607 Introduction and Dilemma : Welcome to the group! We have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72606#72606 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 4:25pm

Welcome to the group! We have a 179 and love the room the slide out gives you. We tow with a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. We have towed all round VT and NH and up and down the east coast without any problems, seems to have plenty of power for the hills and exiting and getting on the interstates. Our mpg is actually pretty good also.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:25:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72606#72606 Introduction and Dilemma : I feel claustrophobic in my 182G... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72605#72605 Author: G-Pod
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 4:21pm

I feel claustrophobic in my 182G without the slide extended. I know the no-slide models are arranged differently than mine, so I can't make a direct comparison. I agree with Mountainrev, feel is everything. At least to me.]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:21:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72605#72605 Introduction and Dilemma : If I read your question that you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72604#72604 Author: DavidW
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 4:19pm

If I read your question that you have a choice between a "new 2014 177 for $13,500 or a new 2017 177 for 14,415" you may wish to do a comparison of the two.

The 2014 might not have the LED lights, solar option, and other upgrades that started to come out either at the end of that model year or in 2015. Most of us are switching out our lights to LEDs and the other features would have been nice.

We have a 178 which is almost identical to the 177 except with a u-shaped dinette.

I think that you will appreciate to extra space that a 177 has over the 171 but that is my own view. Our slide-out has never caused us any worries after 2 1/2 summers.

Whatever you choose you can't go wrong.

David
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:19:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72604#72604 Introduction and Dilemma : Have you spent time inside a 171... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72603#72603 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7692
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 3:16pm

Have you spent time inside a 171 as well as a 177?  We were set on getting a 171 until we sat in a 177 and a 178.  The slideout, while it doesn't add a lot more square footage, adds a lot in terms of how open it feels.  For us, the small additional weight and the relatively low chances of mechanical issues with the slideout were well worth the extra space. 

If you have spent time in both models, and don't feel that the extra space in the 177 is that great, then the 171 would make more sense.  But we have definitely not regretted getting our 177.  In fact, had we not gotten such a great deal on it, we probably would have gone for a 178 just for the extra bit of space (as well as external storage) they offer.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 15:16:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7692&PID=72603#72603