I need HELP!!!: 2025 RP-180 vs 2026 RP-180

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2025 RP-180 vs 2026 RP-180

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16233
Printed Date: 20 May 2026 at 8:23pm
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Topic: 2025 RP-180 vs 2026 RP-180

Posted By: Frosty
Subject: 2025 RP-180 vs 2026 RP-180
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2025 at 3:34pm

Hi everyone,

We are about to pull the plug on a new R-Pod, unless the many comments here about build quality put us off. 😁

We were about to sign a deal on a 2025 R-Pod 180 Hood River/15th Anniversary Edition when a different dealer offered us a 2026 R-Pod 180 Hood River for only $1500 more (Canadian). That second dealer is also much closer, which will make it easier for warranty work.

There is scarce information about the 2026 180 on the Forest River website but the dealer said there is a new frame and it is 200 lbs heavier. Since we will be using a light duty pickup, the extra weight is a consideration.

I’d appreciate any thoughts on deciding between a 2025 and a 2026.

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2025 at 11:18pm

Given my experience with the box frame on a 2016 RP-179, I would go with the 2026 new model frame. In the long run, it will work out better for you, especially if the frame is I-Beam instead of box.

This may not provide any information beyond what you already have, but it might.

https://www.broadmoorrv.com/product/new-2026-forest-river-rv-r-pod-rp-180-2915158-29 - https://www.broadmoorrv.com/product/new-2026-forest-river-rv-r-pod-rp-180-2915158-29

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Frosty
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2025 at 10:51am

Thanks for the reply and for the link to the 2025 180 specs. That's more than the local dealer has on their website.

What experience did you have with your box frame? I don't know if the 2026 is an I-Beam or box. All I know is that it's now a Norco frame.

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2025 at 2:18pm

I can't find any information about Norco frame except to see that it is used as framing for the windows.

As to the box frame, here is a link to why I am happy to not have it now.

https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151071&title=frame-replacement#151071 - https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15611&PID=151071&title=frame-replacement#151071

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Frosty
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2025 at 11:24am

That's an unfortunate turn of events with your R-Pod!

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2025 at 9:45pm

Yes it was. I liked it and miss it, but I'm glad to have a walk-around bed now.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Frosty
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2025 at 1:09pm

I bet. Originally we wanted an R-Pod 192 because of the walk-around bed, but because we'll be towing with a Honda Ridgeline we though the 180 would be a better match due to lighter weight and narrower body.

Appreciate your answers here. We are hoping to make a decision between the 2025 vs 2026 this weekend.

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2025 at 3:49pm

One thing to consider is whether it has a tank or tankless water heater. If it is tankless, is it close to or at the other end of the trailer from the shower. If it is at the other end, does it have a shower miser so that you don't waste a lot of water getting the hot water to the shower. The Grey Wolf we got has a tankless heater at the front and the shower is in the back. I added the shower miser so we would not dump several gallons of water down the drain waiting for hot water to arrive at the shower. It was bad enough with the tank heater, but the hot water was already hot when it left the heater. The tankless has to detect water flow, then fire up the burner and start heating the water. It is a water waster, suitable for campgrounds, but certainly not for boondocking unless a shower miser is installed.

Good luck on your purchase.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Frosty
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2025 at 12:57pm

We finalized a deal on the 2025 180 over the weekend. We were happy with the combination of price and feature set. We're hoping to pick up this weekend and put it to use.

Thanks again for your thoughts on this.

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2025 at 2:04pm

Congratulations on your new R-Pod! I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories with it.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS