2010 R-Pod 171-Thoughts?

[dmkkjacobs]

Going to see a used, one owner 2010 RP-171 tomorrow. It seems perfect for just the two of us empty nesters.

Any thoughts on quality of the Forest River brand and Rpods in particular? we'd pull it with a 2011 V6 4Runner.

Seller is asking $7,000, unit has a/c, microwave, tv/dvd, and screen room.

Thanks all!

David

[Bumpyroad]

IndyCamp wrote:
Someone on the FR forums just posted a 177 for sale:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f101/for-sale-2010-r-pod-177-with-slide-out-52137.html

I could have bought a new one 2014 with warranty, etc. for $16,757. it would be worth the extra money to do that.
bumpy

[IndyCamp]

Someone on the FR forums just posted a 177 for sale:

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f101/for-sale-2010-r-pod-177-with-slide-out-52137.html

[xteacher]

We have an Easy up and camp kitchen (great storage!) for longer trips in our Aliner. It would work well for the R-Pod, as well. The OP may already have these things, being a tent camper.

[Bumpyroad]

dadmomh wrote:
Note that the OP said they were tent campers, so obviously not used to a hanging locker for clothes or cabinets for storing "stuff". The R-Pod does include a screen room, so if need be, they could certainly store cooking supplies, clothes, etc in a couple of Rubbermaid containers and be perfectly fine. I took a peek at the unit they're checking into online with videos and it does offer some storage + the small pass through, and for a couple, it may be all they want/need. Pretty much the amenities they're after in a small package.

I would bet that after putting up that room one night, breaking it down the next, and repeat it would never get used. yep, great if you are staying some place for a week but not otherwise. JMHO
bumpy

[dadmomh]

Note that the OP said they were tent campers, so obviously not used to a hanging locker for clothes or cabinets for storing "stuff". The R-Pod does include a screen room, so if need be, they could certainly store cooking supplies, clothes, etc in a couple of Rubbermaid containers and be perfectly fine. I took a peek at the unit they're checking into online with videos and it does offer some storage + the small pass through, and for a couple, it may be all they want/need. Pretty much the amenities they're after in a small package.

[xteacher]

Compared to a tent, the R-Pod will seem wonderful! We had an R-Pod 173 (no slide either), but found that the lack of storage, and nowhere to add any, was frustrating. Also, b/c it's a TT, you will take a hit on your gas mileage - pulling a sail into the wind.

We ended up getting our Aliner. Yes, it's small too, and doesn't have a bathroom (some do have potties/showers, btw), but it tows like a PUP, which is great for gas mileage. Also, there are counters that we can set Sterlite slide-out drawers on, once we get to the campground (stored under the table and bed while traveling). We can fit 5 of them high on one of our counters, and still have another counter to set the tv and other things on. We keep clothes, kitchen stuff, towels, etc. in these. We still have to keep our hang up clothes on a rod in the back of the Pathfinder, but no biggie.

We have a porta potty and use the campground showers. Since we stay mainly in state/corp parks, we were used to using the campground showers anyway.

Just some more information to confuse you - lol! Good luck with whatever you decide!!

[_tiredTeacher]

Bumpyroad wrote:
As they say in the carpentry business, measure once, cut twice.

LOL! Say what?

[Bumpyroad]

rwoods61 wrote:
down this road. If it suits your needs at this time then get it! There is always time to move up or down the ladder (as the situation changes)

rwoods61

the comments made here are intended to avoid the OP having to trade in 6 mos. to a year and take that $$$ beating. As they say in the carpentry business, measure once, cut twice.
just because he is used to not having storage, or some other thing, doesn't mean he should stick with that concept.
bumpy

[rwoods61]

My camping experiences are similar to the OP's. We started out in a tent moved up to a teardrop, a hybrid, and now a full TT. Each has it advantages and disadvantages.

Things I like about a smaller trailer:
1. Can put it any where! The smallest of sites is ok.
2. Can pull it with just about anything.
3. Way better then a tent!

Things to consider:
1. Have to have an outside room.
2. Everything is smaller.
3. Have to start worrying about tank levels. Propane levels. Winterizing.

With that said. You have been down this road. If it suits your needs at this time then get it! There is always time to move up or down the ladder (as the situation changes)

rwoods61

[rebelopie]

gmw photos wrote:
...I talked to a couple in a campground a year or so back that traveled/camped extensively in a TAB. That little camper was all scraped and scratched down the sides where they had dragged back into the back country, it was all muddy and the tires were about worn out. They loved it, and all the places they could take it. Just goes to show, "small" has it's advantages...

It sounds like the OP will be perfectly content in a R-Pod or similar small trailer based on their camping requirements. Myself, wife, infant son, and two dogs camped comfortably in our T@B for many years. It was mostly for weekends, but a few times a year would take it for a week trip. Ours had the add-on room which doubled our square footage. We found that the T@B had a lot of interior storage space, with enough room to set up a "crib" for our son on one side of the rear closet. However, once he outgrew the closet, we decided it was time to upgrade to something larger. Alas, I wish I had kept the T@B. It was so much easier to deal with than our current rig, particularly for short fishing trips with my buddies.

[Bumpyroad]

GrandpaKip wrote:
n

Bumpy-looked at the 177. Granted, not much storage as compared to most box campers. Actually had about the same as our 29' sailboat. Like I said, how much storage is required is up to the individual, and how much stuff they want to tote along. Personally, we've replaced all our hanging storage with shelves.
To the OP, let us know how the visit went.

yep, most of the smaller units I looked at that had a decent hang up closet would have needed the shelves that came with it. my a-171 only has about 6-8 inches of hang up closet but that is way better than absolutely none. JMHO
but in the rpod what little overhead storage there was in the slideout would be needed for cooking "stuff" and there was NO, I repeat NO place to put clothes. it had a funky little hang up canvas shoe toter type of thingy in the bath room.
bumpy

[GrandpaKip]

Bumpyroad wrote:

GrandpaKip wrote:
I've always liked the Teardrops. I really liked the R-pod, except for no walk around bed and no real awning. Storage is in the mind of the owner. Some people have to have most everything, others don't need much. I really liked the fit and finish of the ones we saw. Good luck with your search!

have you actually seen the "storage" in a R-Pod. there is nothing there to be in anybody's mind. no hanging storage. exceedingly limited storage over the stove/sink. nothing in bath, nothing in bed room area, etc.
when we looked at one I pointed out to wife that we would be living out of suitcases and plastic boxes. at least the Rpods have a private bathroom, not a port a pot sitting out in the middle of the unit.
bumpy

Bumpy-looked at the 177. Granted, not much storage as compared to most box campers. Actually had about the same as our 29' sailboat. Like I said, how much storage is required is up to the individual, and how much stuff they want to tote along. Personally, we've replaced all our hanging storage with shelves.
To the OP, let us know how the visit went.

[gmw_photos]

For sure, there is a camper out there for each one of us. What is "claustrophobic" to one person, is "snug and cozy" to someone else.
I talked to a couple in a campground a year or so back that traveled/camped extensively in a TAB. That little camper was all scraped and scratched down the sides where they had dragged back into the back country, it was all muddy and the tires were about worn out. They loved it, and all the places they could take it. Just goes to show, "small" has it's advantages.
To the OP, hopefully you all will find just the right one for you. Let us know what you think of the RPOD after you've looked it over.

[dadmomh]

All valid points mentioned above. However....used to tents, prepared not to store half their belongings, would like a potty and not having to sleep on the ground. The R-Pod fills all those requirements. Even has a/c and stove and frig. This is a nice upgrade. The price sounds good.

Looking at pix of this model, it does have a queen bed, so no nightly set up, nice size dinette, frig, microwave and it does have a small front pass through storage area. The only thing that I would seriously consider changing is the OEM legs for the dinette table to the post-style. MHO, the posts are much sturdier.

For the uses you're describing, I think it sounds just about right. Hope it will work out for you.