Great points!! I went with the rpod 202 because even though the comparisons you showed are close to its weight the rpod is still lighter. Having a half ton I didn’t want to go any heavier, it ended up being the perfect fit to be able to get the most out of my camper without exceeding where I wanted to go with the weight.
Wow, this is a really good video. Very objective and no sales pitch. As a potential new RVer, this video addresses some features I wouldn't have thought of. Thanks for putting this together.
Welp! I'm back at square one, lol! 😂 I had made up my mind to accept the bathroom in the middle of the trailer which blocks you from both ends if someone is engaged in the bathroom. Sigh! At least you gave me a few more to look at and consider that are comparable. Thank you for that!
Glad the video was helpful. There is a lot to think through to find a good RV layout. Lots of people love their R-Pod 202s but there are drawbacks as mentioned. It seems to be that there are always tradeoffs. All the best as you look for your next RV!
I been looking at r pods in particular for my first rv. Thankx for all the info on them. Used is cheaper but more work than wanted so then maybe new is better.
It really depends as some used trailers have been worked on and dialed in of most issues. New can be better and will come with a one-year warranty, but this may mean a trip or two back to the dealer to have work done. It actually not an easy answer. If you do go with used, inspect it well and use my video on inspecting a used trailer. All the best!
John thanks for your very informative video. Have a toyota tacoma 6 cylinder and have been looking around for something similar to the R Pod 202.. And I prefer dual axle. I think i will continue looking around.
As an owner of a 202 I would second this..I have a 2013 Tundra with upgraded brakes, a weight distribution hitch, and trailer brakes and still feel the pressure on the steep 2 lanes of northern California...go small and get confident then look for the upgrades down the road (cheaper option too)
We are very interested in this unit. I really wish there was more you tube videos of folks sitting up in camp ground. Do you have any suggestions of owners that do videos of 202??
I do not know of specific owners of the R-Pod 202 that have videos. You may want to join the R-Pod V2 Facebook group if you haven't already. There are many R-Pod 202 owners on this group. Thanks!
Hey John, overall I like this new model in fact going to look at it Wednesday morning. I think it does have a outside spray hose by the outside sink maybe in place of the outside shower?
Sorry Cheri, I don't know of any trailers that are this narrow, yet longer. You can search by length on RVtrader.com to see if you find anything close. Thanks!
Great video John. Very helpful info. I’m in negotiations with a local dealer on a 202. They’re pulling all the normal sales tricks stuff on me (it will sell tomorrow + forever warranty + low on inventory). Got the guy to $31,600 total including a distro hitch install, break system install taxes and fees included. Wondering if you think this is fair or bad deal? I’m not trading anything in and this would be our first travel trailer.
I am not sure it is a fair price. I would ask on the R-Pod v2 Facebook group. There are a bunch of folks on that group who have recently purchased the same model. Thanks!
Ordered a 2021 RPod 202 in Jan received it in Aug. the unit has not been camping once as the front cap has been on the floor at my local dealer and my 1 month old unit has water and mold damage to the front cap structure and flooring. This damage was caused by negligent work when you cut the hole for the window a quarter inch bigger then the window itself and try and fix it to sell it because your so far behind. My unit is on its way back to Forest River as I write this. My feelings are they are pushing them out however they can and making our local dealers deal with the aftermath on the back end. The problem is the manufacture is only paying Pennie’s on the dollar to the dealer for there poor work and cutting corners. Our local dealers the people that have to show face seem to be the only ones at the moment that want to repair the relationship with the customer. #poorqualityrv
Robert, thanks for sharing the comment. I have been tracking the news about poor quality this year due to record production levels and the very low unemployment rate in Elkhart Indiana just now. I think the factories are finding it hard to get and retain workers and it is showing in quality. Hopefully they will recompense you for your troubles. Thanks again and all the best!
I am seeing about 6500 lbs fully loaded. So as long as your 1/2 ton truck can tow this with buffer for gear in the truck, you should be ok. My Tundra tows just under 10k lbs. for example, so no issues if I went in this direction. Know you tow and tongue weight capacity before pulling the trigger. Thanks!
Al, I am seeing that all Surveyors have ducted heat and A/C and enclosed underbelly. They mention that some models have heated underbellies, but I can’t find specifics around this per model. You may need to talk to a dealer or Forest River to confirm. Thanks!
Knowing which type of toilet is used just isn't easy to find out in general. You may want to call a dealer if you find a model you are interested and ask directly. Thanks!
Great points!! I went with the rpod 202 because even though the comparisons you showed are close to its weight the rpod is still lighter. Having a half ton I didn’t want to go any heavier, it ended up being the perfect fit to be able to get the most out of my camper without exceeding where I wanted to go with the weight.
Glad to hear it! All the best!
Wow, this is a really good video. Very objective and no sales pitch. As a potential new RVer, this video addresses some features I wouldn't have thought of. Thanks for putting this together.
Glad the video was helpful. Most dealer reviews don't speak to the weaknesses of what they review. All the best as you potentially get into RVing!
Welp! I'm back at square one, lol! 😂 I had made up my mind to accept the bathroom in the middle of the trailer which blocks you from both ends if someone is engaged in the bathroom. Sigh! At least you gave me a few more to look at and consider that are comparable. Thank you for that!
Glad the video was helpful. There is a lot to think through to find a good RV layout. Lots of people love their R-Pod 202s but there are drawbacks as mentioned. It seems to be that there are always tradeoffs. All the best as you look for your next RV!
Great video, John! Objective data, presented without hyperbole or hidden agenda. Refreshing, to say the least.
Thanks for the comment, very appreciated!
Great comparison. Gave me some pointers I had not thought about
We mistakenly referred to the Grand Design Imagine XLS 22RBE as a 23RBE. Sorry for any confusion.
Thank you! I've been considering this new RPod for a few months and you just did a lot of my homework. Very helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
More great info! Thanks. I am still 1 - 2 years away from another purchase and an R-Pod 196 or similar will be on my list.
Glad the video was helpful. All the best!
such great info. I'm trying to find out which trailer to buy this size. You've helped a lot. Thanks!
Glad the video was helpful!
I been looking at r pods in particular for my first rv. Thankx for all the info on them. Used is cheaper but more work than wanted so then maybe new is better.
It really depends as some used trailers have been worked on and dialed in of most issues. New can be better and will come with a one-year warranty, but this may mean a trip or two back to the dealer to have work done. It actually not an easy answer. If you do go with used, inspect it well and use my video on inspecting a used trailer. All the best!
John thanks for your very informative video. Have a toyota tacoma 6 cylinder and have been looking around for something similar to the R Pod 202.. And I prefer dual axle. I think i will continue looking around.
Gene, the 202 is no light weight and may be more than you want for towing with the Tacoma. All the best as you find a best fit!
As an owner of a 202 I would second this..I have a 2013 Tundra with upgraded brakes, a weight distribution hitch, and trailer brakes and still feel the pressure on the steep 2 lanes of northern California...go small and get confident then look for the upgrades down the road (cheaper option too)
We are very interested in this unit. I really wish there was more you tube videos of folks sitting up in camp ground. Do you have any suggestions of owners that do videos of 202??
I do not know of specific owners of the R-Pod 202 that have videos. You may want to join the R-Pod V2 Facebook group if you haven't already. There are many R-Pod 202 owners on this group. Thanks!
Greetings from Saint Albans Queens NY!
Great reviews how about a review on the R-Pod 193.
Good idea. I’ve hit the 192 and 195. 193 is pretty different and likely worth its own video.
Hey John, overall I like this new model in fact going to look at it Wednesday morning. I think it does have a outside spray hose by the outside sink maybe in place of the outside shower?
Danny, I think you are correct. You may want to double check on one of the R-Pod forums. Thanks!
Thank you 👍
I think you have done a wonderful job. Do you know of any TTs that are only 84 inches wide but about 24 to 28 ft long?
Sorry Cheri, I don't know of any trailers that are this narrow, yet longer. You can search by length on RVtrader.com to see if you find anything close. Thanks!
Great video John. Very helpful info. I’m in negotiations with a local dealer on a 202. They’re pulling all the normal sales tricks stuff on me (it will sell tomorrow + forever warranty + low on inventory). Got the guy to $31,600 total including a distro hitch install, break system install taxes and fees included. Wondering if you think this is fair or bad deal? I’m not trading anything in and this would be our first travel trailer.
I am not sure it is a fair price. I would ask on the R-Pod v2 Facebook group. There are a bunch of folks on that group who have recently purchased the same model. Thanks!
Ordered a 2021 RPod 202 in Jan received it in Aug. the unit has not been camping once as the front cap has been on the floor at my local dealer and my 1 month old unit has water and mold damage to the front cap structure and flooring. This damage was caused by negligent work when you cut the hole for the window a quarter inch bigger then the window itself and try and fix it to sell it because your so far behind. My unit is on its way back to Forest River as I write this. My feelings are they are pushing them out however they can and making our local dealers deal with the aftermath on the back end. The problem is the manufacture is only paying Pennie’s on the dollar to the dealer for there poor work and cutting corners. Our local dealers the people that have to show face seem to be the only ones at the moment that want to repair the relationship with the customer. #poorqualityrv
Robert, thanks for sharing the comment. I have been tracking the news about poor quality this year due to record production levels and the very low unemployment rate in Elkhart Indiana just now. I think the factories are finding it hard to get and retain workers and it is showing in quality. Hopefully they will recompense you for your troubles. Thanks again and all the best!
Is it not the Grand Design XLS 22RBE, not 23RBE?
Daniel, you are correct, we got the model number wrong on the Grand Design. It is the XLS 22RBE. Thanks for catching this mistake.
John Marucci Thank you. Very informative comparisons and well delivered.
If an RPOD is over 3500 GVW, is it still an RPOD?
That’s a real point of debate right now for those of us who have owned them for some time.
Is this trailer half ton towable?
I am seeing about 6500 lbs fully loaded. So as long as your 1/2 ton truck can tow this with buffer for gear in the truck, you should be ok. My Tundra tows just under 10k lbs. for example, so no issues if I went in this direction. Know you tow and tongue weight capacity before pulling the trigger. Thanks!
Does thr surveyor have an enclosed and heated underbelly? Really enjoyed the comparisons
Al, I am seeing that all Surveyors have ducted heat and A/C and enclosed underbelly. They mention that some models have heated underbellies, but I can’t find specifics around this per model. You may need to talk to a dealer or Forest River to confirm. Thanks!
Thanks John
One of the things you did not mention, which one of these have porcelain toilets. I can’t stand plastic toilet.
Knowing which type of toilet is used just isn't easy to find out in general. You may want to call a dealer if you find a model you are interested and ask directly. Thanks!
Standard plastic setup that is well built..but plenty og space for an upgrade...good luck!
Great video. Just found you.
Thanks! Hope you find the content concise and helpful going forward. All the best!