looking for opinions on R-Pod and NoBo's

Even if R-Pods don't increase mpg, I wonder if the aerodynamic shape makes for more stable towing?? It's not an Airstream, but I bet it tows better than a sharp-edged cube (which is what I've got).

Not that I'm complaining, of course. ;)

I thought I would like the R-Pob, but I didn't realize just how dark they are inside. R-Pods have very few windows, making it feel very boxed in and dark inside.

We have a friend who bought an R-Pod and I went to help her with the walk-through and initial training. Then she brought it over again and we discussed more after she was using it a couple of times. I'd have to look up the model, it does have a slide (mid-kitchen) and rear bed with front dinette (convertible to a bed).

Very, very little storage. The biggest space is under the dinette, but not convenient to access. What looks like a storage nook under the bed is not, as that's where the furnace is and blows.

She tows with a Toyota Tacoma and for short hauls uses it without the Equilizr bars. I don't like that, as I can see the relative lack of stability.

I'm not aware of any warranty/quality issues, but I don't see her too often.

Do look at the yellow sticker on your SUV to see total payload capacity - Factor in family and gear and see what you realistically have left for tongue weight.

We have a 2017 Coachmen Apex Nano 193bhs. 3500 pounds unloaded. We really like it and it has a lot of interior room with the slide. No issues with any defects. Have had 7 people inside and felt comfortable. Their line of Nanos might be worth a look.

The Ford Towing Guide for your explorer lists a towing capacity of 5000 lbs when equipped with optional Class III Towing Package and a WDH. The maximum payload capacity is around 1500 lbs (depends on trim level and equipment). The guide also lists a max tongue load of 500 lbs. A 5000 lb trailer will put the weight carried above that.

Your truck may be the better vehicle for towing.

Sorry but I don't have any experience with either of your choices but I do have something to share. You have spent your time, up to now, living in the out of doors, camping under the stars and I am assuming inside of a tent. The wife and I did exactly that although we did not do the backpacking thing. She loved the open air and resisted moving into any kind of trailer.

After one particularly wet few days after we had both of our daughters with us, she agreed to look at a tent trailer. We still camped "outside" but used the trailer when we had to get out of the weather. It afforded plenty of space and it worked well for us. We still had the canvas feel and with the sides zipped down it was like being outside. We camped this way for 17 years.

We then moved up to a hybrid since the girls were gone and we wanted to get out earlier when it was colder. The closed in feeling is what hit us first along with the chore of putting up and taking down when we went on long road trips.

Today we have our current trailer and it works well for a couple of late 60 types who take very extended trips these days.

After reading your plan, I had a flashback to our earlier days. We found the closed in feeling of a small trailer just too much of a change. A tent trailer is small enough and easy enough to tow and you can take them anywhere. We pulled ours up logging roads and through fields. Camped by lakes and streams and had great times.