Introduce Yourself: Want to be rp171 owner-new to forum

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Want to be rp171 owner-new to forum

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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: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16405
Printed Date: 22 Jun 2026 at 7:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Want to be rp171 owner-new to forum

Posted By: Gary63
Subject: Want to be rp171 owner-new to forum
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2026 at 1:45pm

Hello All,

New to this forum, but not campers. Currently have a 2010 Cassita Spirit Deluxe (17 feet). I have it all set up and working great, but for personal reasons would like to sell it and get an RP171 Hood River. Trouble is I haven't been able to find any newer (2022-2025) used 171's for sale in the Northern Colorado area. So, have been looking at pictures of ones for sale farther away than I would like to drive. I have a few questions about these little guys though and figured go straight to an owners forum. So,

These look like they have much less storage, and no closet, than the cassita. How do folks handle the reduced storage or do they not have any issues with the storage?

I've seen listings for an R Dome. I believe that is an awning/wall system, but can someone explain or provide some pictures?

Does anyone ever use the central vac and if so does it work well?

What about the electronics for solar panel/inverter/"shore power" management? Any issues to watch out for?

Any good and/or bad issues with these guys that a newbie should know?

Thanks for listening and for any answers in advance.

Gary

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Thanks,
Gary

Replies:

Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2026 at 9:19pm

There is a lot of storage under the bed and under the dinette benches. But not much cupboard space. We use large plastic tubs under the bed and benches as well as above the fridge. A lot of podders add a shelf over the bed with baskets. The 171 works fine for my wife and I for trips up to a couple weeks, but I would not want to live in it full-time. We use a large pop up mesh gazebo that stores under the bed for additional shaded space. Easier to setup and take down, and much less expensive than the R Dome. Can also take it in our SUV for non-camping activities.

Our 2021 171 has the central vac. Requires 120V AC. Works well and we use it a lot. We haven’t jumped on solar yet. Most of our camping is state parks with electric hookups. The 171 has a wet bath. I wouldn’t recommend it for larger people, but my wife and I are skinny.

I like the quick connect exterior propane connection. I mounted a couple rails on the exterior to hang a large shelf and gas grill for ease of outdoor cooking.

I like the simplicity of the 171. No slide outs or elaborate plumbing to deal with. Easy to tow. Works fine for up to a couple weeks, but I wouldn’t recommend it for full-time RV life.

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Steve & Elaine
2021 R-pod
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2026 at 6:57am

+1 on the gazebo style screen tent. We have a Clam Venture that we use a lot more than we thought we would. It has bug proof mesh, so it will limit airflow but we haven't found that to be too big of an issue. We also have panels we can use for privacy or to block sun. An added benefit is our dog can stay in there with us off leash.

I know the OP has specific reasons for going from a Casita to the Rpod, but for me, knowing what I know now going from an Rpod to a fiberglass trailer, it would be really hard for me to go from our fiberglass trailer back to a panel built camper.

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

Posted By: Gary63
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2026 at 10:55am

Thank you for the replies so far. Talked with an RP171 Owner yesterday and found some interesting things. One the fridge is big, but only electric. I camp dispersed much of the time and all electric would be tough. Also the hitch jack is electric and no battery storage place, just a weatherproof (hopefully) box outside. Last post reply sounded like they would stick with a fiberglass over the R Pod-just want to make sure that is correct and am understanding correctly.

I have an EZ Awning (about $400 from Bus Depot and very large) which can be an awning or screened room via removable walls. Works great and allowed me to remove the Cassita awning (heavy and can't be deployed in windy Colorado easily). Thinking I'll stick with the Cassita for now. Appreciate the responses and the information.

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Thanks,
Gary

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2026 at 11:11am

Originally posted by Gary63

Last post reply sounded like they would stick with a fiberglass over the R Pod-just want to make sure that is correct and am understanding correctly.

That is correct. There is a caveat, however. I'm on a couple of fiberglass camper forums and people do move away from FG campers to panel built when they need more room. Most FG campers max out at around 24'

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

Posted By: Gary63
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2026 at 2:42pm

Thanks for the clarification. Not planning on anything over 21'. The 5.0TA is eventual goal-sweet camper and looks just perfect for 1.

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Thanks,
Gary

Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2026 at 8:25pm

Gulfstream Visa makes a 17'RWK It has a little more room than the R-pod 171 it may be a camper you would like and maybe closer to your home. I think most of the newer smaller campers have switched to 12 volt refrigerators. If you could find a older R-171 in good condition it would have a three way refrigerator. We had 2009 R-pod 171 it towed easily but wife thought it to be too small. Back then they were built better than the newer ones today better cabinets and better framing for the dinette. But they didn't have Azdel for the sides which the newer ones have.

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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-2025)
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
2023 Aliner Scout Lite
Middle Tn

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 29 Mar 2026 at 8:31am

Originally posted by Gary63

Thanks for the clarification. Not planning on anything over 21'. The 5.0TA is eventual goal-sweet camper and looks just perfect for 1.

We love our Escape 5.0TA, but it's not for everyone. You need at least a full size 1/2 ton pickup to pull it and you lose a good amount of storage in the truck bed because of the hitch. The target customer is definitely limited, but it works very well for us. Good luck on your camper hunt.

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