2010 R-Pod 171-Thoughts?

That model was the top of our "look-see" list earlier this year when we were shopping. We decided against it for a number of reasons:
- Headroom (I'm 6'5" and it was pretty tight)
- Bed length 72" (ditto)
- Access to bed from one side only (the crawlover factor).
- Minimal storage room. And I mean really minimal, we'd have to store clothes and many supplies in the tow vehicle
- Really low clearance on the gray/black water tank drains. I could see jumping a curb or hitting a pothole and wiping it out. The sales guy assured us this was not a problem, but what would we expect him to say?
- Tiny bathroom. Though we didn't foresee using the on-board bathroom exclusively, you can use the toilet, brush your teeth, and shower without ever having to move.

We opted instead for a 19' Ascend (191RB) that seems much more spacious for the extra couple of feet length.

Forest River is pretty dang good, one of the top 5 RV manufacturers. The R-pods are good LITTLE Hybrid TT's, light weight too. $7k sounds like a good price if you think the thing is in good shape.
Good Luck!!!

Saw one at Florida Caverns SP last weekend being towed by a Toyota Tacoma. Too small to suit me, but it was a nice looking rig with the comforts of home in tidy little package.

Remember I said Little...

We've owned 2 FR Rockwood campers and have been pleased with both. No problems other than a manufacturer recall on the Dometic frig and it was done in about 30 min or less at a local dealer. Had a chance to tour a cute little R-pod camped next to us and it has some nice features. The couple using it took extended trips and from the amount of "stuff" they had in there it was really hard to see just what was what. Had a nice u-shaped dinette at the rear that made into the bed - not a plus for us because that can get old in a hurry. Had decent kitchen space. I think that bathroom was the wet-bath type rather than one with a separate shower, etc. Our big boat had that type of head and we didn't object to it at all....just a personal preference. This couple had installed a clothes rod in the bathroom and it was FULL, so again, hard to tell. I think in their time not traveling, they helped supply American Pickers.

If you are looking for something for weekends or short trips, don't need a lot of storage space, lighter to tow, this may be the answer. The price sounds very good, but would still go on NADA and check it out. Just list the year, make and model....no options, even standard options, and this should give you a ballpark.

Check the tires for the manufacture date....it will be a 4 digit number close to the rim. Something like 2310 would mean they were manufactured the 23rd week of 2010. If you're nearing that 4 -5 year time, you'll need to consider new tires. Being a 2010 SHOULD mean that the tires were made in 2010, but it could have been an early 2010 model and could have been manufactured in the summer of '09. And who knows how long the tires could have been sitting around.

Good luck, they're pretty darned cute campers and nicely finished.

This is definitely going to be a Weekender. I've camped in tents, pups, a 27 ' TT and now a tent again, so this unit, while small, will feel like a mcmansion compared to our 3 person tent. After owning the 27 footer, a much smaller TT appeals a great deal. We see it tomorrow, pretty excited!

Personally, I'd rather spend $7K on a used fiberglass trailer such as a Casita, Scamp or Escape. You will get far more for your $. I've looked at them & agree that the storage is almost non existent, and, with standard trailer construction, expect leaks, etc in the future. Fiberglass eggs hold up much better, and for most of them, are better designed for camping & traveling.

bhh wrote:
That model was the top of our "look-see" list earlier this year when we were shopping. We decided against it for a number of reasons:
- Headroom (I'm 6'5" and it was pretty tight)
- Bed length 72" (ditto)
- Access to bed from one side only (the crawlover factor).
- Minimal storage room. And I mean really minimal, we'd have to store clothes and many supplies in the tow vehicle
- Really low clearance on the gray/black water tank drains. I could see jumping a curb or hitting a pothole and wiping it out. The sales guy assured us this was not a problem, but what would we expect him to say?
- Tiny bathroom. Though we didn't foresee using the on-board bathroom exclusively, you can use the toilet, brush your teeth, and shower without ever having to move.

We opted instead for a 19' Ascend (191RB) that seems much more spacious for the extra couple of feet length.

excellent choice in a small TT. :)
I looked at the Rpod RP-177 but it had NO hang up storage and minimal storage, all in the slide out. bath was tiny which I could have lived with but I estimated that when brushing your teeth you would have to smash your head into the corner to be able to spit in the sink. ;)
paid $5,000 more for my Ascend Rd-171
that rpod also came with the screen room which would be useful only if you went someplace and stayed a week or so. I much prefer an awning to easily open and close. did see a bunch of those rooms in use in europe, and they basically doubled your living space.
bumpy

We were looking for something small that could be towed with our Nissan Frontier but still extend our camping season. We considered the R-Pod line and all models are just too small. The 12 foot pup was far roomier. The Pods did look like they were well put together and there are some unique features on the 178 model that could be useful.

In the end we were excited to find our Econ by Pacific Coachworks with an island bed, larger bathroom and 12 foot awning. I'm 6' 3" and I can stand up in the Econ in all areas but couldn't in the Pod.

Good luck in your search.

dmkkjacobs wrote:
This is definitely going to be a Weekender. I've camped in tents, pups, a 27 ' TT and now a tent again, so this unit, while small, will feel like a mcmansion compared to our 3 person tent. After owning the 27 footer, a much smaller TT appeals a great deal. We see it tomorrow, pretty excited!

We have a Rockwood 28' TT and are satisfied with its construction, fit and finish.
OK, you're a tent camper. That means you are used to cooking/living outside and have the equipment to do so comfortably, right? You are also used to using camp facilities for toilet and shower, right? Storage is nonexistent in a tent, so you are used to working out of suitcases/duffels and using the TV for storage, right?
Then you will be very happy in the R-Pod.

Teach