Introduce Yourself: need tips on buying used

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need tips on buying used

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16276
Printed Date: 28 Feb 2026 at 6:26am
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Topic: need tips on buying used

Posted By: wadevcamp
Subject: need tips on buying used
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2025 at 7:28pm

My wife and I ae retired and want a camping trailer to go fishing for 3-4 days at a time. We live in Boxeman MT and will likely spend most of our time camping in places accessed by forest service roads (i.e., dirt and sometimes somewhat rough).

We are drawn to the R-Pod trailers (or maybe No-Bo), and are wondering if anyone has a list of things to check on the RPODS before buying used (or new?).

I've looked at some posts on this forum, and watched some videos (e.g., by John Marucci) on RPOD problems, but if there is a more comprehensive list I'd like to have it. Any help is much appreciated.

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Wade

Replies:

Posted By: ppine
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2025 at 12:35pm

Bought a 2015 rPod yesterday 177'

Tires, batteries, solar, hitch, locks, condition of the interior.

Does everything work?

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Forester
2022 Ram diesel
2019 Nash 26N
2015 rpod 177

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Nov 2025 at 2:43pm

If I were to choose between the two, I would choose the No-Bo. If I recall correctly, they are built with a bit more ground clearance and would be more suitable for the off-road camping you are describing. The R-Pod would be suitable for paved and well-maintained dirt roads. Forest Service roads are likely to be a challenge for the R-Pods to travel without damage.

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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: ppine
Date Posted: 31 Dec 2025 at 11:35am

After some review, check for bent axles, delaminated floors and problems with slide outs.

Any leaks in the roof are not acceptable.

Rpods are worth more if they have good batteries, solar, and other amenities like AC, TV and convection microwaves. They don't really need weight compensating hitch.

It is a plus to have water hose, power cord, and drain hose, load levelers.

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Forester
2022 Ram diesel
2019 Nash 26N
2015 rpod 177

Posted By: wadevcamp
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2026 at 10:53am

Thanks for the replies. I have switched to favoring No-Bo. The 19.2 with C-Series and Beast Mode pkgs seems to be a great fit.

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Wade

Posted By: poohbill
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2026 at 3:46pm

R-Pods can be towed down Forest roads, with care. The primary challenge is shake and dust, as they breath and their cabinets are largely stapled. The drainage lines off grey and black tanks are lightly hung and can be easily knocked loose by sage brush or washboarding. Beast Mode caught my eye when it first came out, but the details were offputting—more marketing than improvement, particularly for Hood River Edition owners.

For used, look for older tires, particularly any showing cracks, and replace all three at your trustworthy tire store and have them look over the brakes and wiring.

Let me echo everything else offered earlier and offer my wishes for your Good Luck!

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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 7:11am

Originally posted by wadevcamp

Thanks for the replies. I have switched to favoring No-Bo. The 19.2 with C-Series and Beast Mode pkgs seems to be a great fit.

From what I have seen, the No-Bo campers are quite nice and sturdy. I would definitely look to those over an Rpod if rough, forest roads are in your future.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: poohbill
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 2:20pm

Oh? What I saw viewing when they first appeared on the lot locally was the Beast Mode branding and a handful of boondocking amenities. Is the line known to be build better? I’m still considering something new and would appreciate your insights.

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2016 179 Gastropod
2017 Ridgeline

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2026 at 3:19pm

Originally posted by poohbill

Oh? What I saw viewing when they first appeared on the lot locally was the Beast Mode branding and a handful of boondocking amenities. Is the line known to be build better? I’m still considering something new and would appreciate your insights.

I had spoken to a few owners over the years at campsites when we began to actively research what to get to replace our tired 179. We were initially interested in GeoPros, but they had slides. Owners of NoBos seemed quite happy with them. Notable is the higher dry weight which, to me, translates into a more robust build. The payloads are higher, plus they don't have a slide which, to me adds to the rigidity of the body. All that said, it's still a Forest River product.

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500