Forest River R-Pod Honest Owner Review
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RPod Buyers Guide:
• Forest River RPod Trav...
Note: The RPod has undergone major changes since I did this review. This is a 2017 model in the review and a lot of my complaints have been addressed since then. Subscribe for future Rpod videos including an overview of the 2020 and 2021 models and floorplans.
The ups and downs of R-Pod ownership over 2 years and many camping trips. Honest unbiased owner feedback.
UPDATE: I HAVE POSTED MY LANCE REVIEW HERE: • Lance Travel Trailers ...
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To each their own, we love our RPod 178! Tows like a dream behind our 2016 4Runner. We placed 3 inches of foam over the stock mattress and no discomfort on our old bones. Sure, these are not made for long term living, but it works for us up to a week out camping.
Tim, I have a 2015 4Runner and looking at getting one of these. Is the towing really a dream? Have you taken it through mountain passes? Thanks.
@@richardmiller1556 We towed our 178 on a 3,000 mile trip through British Columbia all the way up to Golden BC. The BC mountain inclines require a downshift going both ways, up and down. The ride inside the 4Runner is certainly more comfortable than riding inside a full size pickup!
Richard Miller towed our 178 for the last time through the Canadian Rockies in 2019. 3,000 miles and no problems encountered. Traded the 178 for a 191 so I could stretch my legs while sleeping on a longer bed. Our 4Runner tows the 191 with hardly any difficulty over the Oregon Cascades earlier this summer.
Exactly! We replaced mattress with a trailer made memory foam mattress, took out entire shower and made it cedar. Built in some dressers, carpeted. It’s all what you make it. Pulled out 2017 over 17,000 miles now, same stock tires! Just added solar panel “suitcase” for time in Arizona and it’s perfect!
This fellow has very strong communicative skills and does an excellent job here describing the R-Pod.
I have the exact same model and tow with a half ton as well, I find it tows just fine and I live in the Canadian Rockies. I'll agree that the placement of the fresh water tank is a let down but it's a problem with only the 178 model. Other than that it's been an excellent trailer for us. A place to warm up when the weather is chilly and a safe place for Mommy and babies to sleep and use the potty in the middle of the night. We're still camping and spend 75% of the time outside, cooking included. Wire up two 6 volt batteries and you can spend a week off grid in this camper no problem.
Bradley J Boudens what’s the problem with the water tank?
Thank you for your honest review. Regardless of how much it cost, it’s good for people to be informed. People can make better decisions based on honest reviews. I’ve always loved these trailers, but had never thought of all the things you pointed out. Thanks again.
To each their own. I’ve owned my 178 for 6 years and I take it out several times per year. Many times, for several weeks straight. I just finished a 32 day trip. I love it! The size, the look and the weight are the very reasons I bought it. That being said, I usually camp alone. Perhaps a ‘family’ would want a larger size. In terms of storage, the ever-popular Lowes closet shelfs above the bed (& and in my case the dinette as well) make a HUGE difference!
Patti P - I did the Lowes shelf as well over the bed of our 178. How did you attach it to the walls above the dinette?
David DeVos I actually used a brackets, screwed into the wall. Many use suctions cups.
We love our 171, no complaints. All depends on the people and their personal experiences. Do your research people, dont just listen to one :)
Do you find it has enough storage? I don't see any places for pots/pans, food, silverware or even clothing.
Minimal storage. It’s a minimal camper, not a house. I love ours!
We made the move from pop-up (Santa Fe model) to a TT to get a bathroom and less "set-up" as we age. We have the Heartland Prowler 26BH. LOVE IT! We are towing with a Ram 1500 and the TT is dry 4,900 lbs. - light enough (any think a Hemi 5.7 will pull more, I caution against it. I've done the CAT scales and we are just right... tow weight - a whole 'nuther topic...).
Things we love - why we moved up:
- 2 axles. a must. Had a blow out with the pup. Not fun and damaged wheel well. ALSO had a burnt-out wheel/brake tat required an entire axle replacement.
- walk around queen bed - nice that it isn't against a wall (other than the headboard) for making the bed or not having to climb over each other.
- tons of interior storage (under sink in bathroom, pantry beside fridge, over fridge, under bench table seats, above/beside couch, under queen.
- decent outside storage (front under bed pass thru) door side under bunk storage
- power awning with LED lights and under unit lights
- full bath (non-wet)
- nice fridge! (the thing MAKES ICE - this has been the biggest step up for me. No ice runs. We can fill the chest with ice we make)
- NO slideouts (YES, I consider this a thingI love. Less to break - no worries of the seal, etc.)
Cons/concerns:
- the tires (are they the notorious "china bombs"?),
- no outside kitchen (wanted this, but those models were too heavy - so, a table and propane 1# tanks with a camp stove it is)
- top bunk access, (a pain to get to - but that's for young kids with the energy to climb)
- "cheap" interior (not a surprise - EVERY camper has this. They are built to be lightweight. We take measures for some things. The seats we covered with 'chair covers', I check the panels and pipe hookups often, etc.)
- simple design (not so much a con, understandable - BUT changing out the water-heater - that's gonna be hard, any need to deal with plumbing on the bath drain or spigot - space is TIGHT)
- 1 AC not ducted (again, simple design and keeping it lightweight)
- covered bottom (YES, this is a PRO. But like my NO slideouts is something I love. This insulation is good, but leaves me concerned with my ability to easily inspect connections and frame condition - like how well the tanks are in, etc.)
@11:00 you mention the water and sway - I wonder if anyone has designed a tank with baffles to keep it from causing sway issues with water weight? Now I want to check where my water tank is relative to the axle. But we do parks with hookups and have yet to tote any water with us... I would be concerned towing with water - the sway, but also tanks falling out...
You gave a very fair review and have noted many of the same issues that I have experienced with my 2016 Rpod 178. I thought about changing the tires to Goodyear endurance but my procrastination led to a tire failure last weekend on I5. I now have replaced both tires and consider myself fortunate that nothing really bad happened when changing the tire in rush hour traffic. BTW, when looking at the stock tires more closely they were manufactured two years before the trailer was manufactured.
Storage is really an issue with the 178 and anyone that has one will find ingenious ways to utilize every possible nook and still wish they had more. There is access under the dinette seats which we sealed off from the outside and use for dry food storage as well as pots and pans. We also have the Rdome which greatly increases the living space and we often cook in it as well.
Your comments regarding a single axel trailer are spot on plus I would add that there is some added security with two axels should one of your tires fail.
Lastly, I tow my Rpod with a 2016 Toyota Tacoma. Living in the Northwest we’ve got a lot of grades to climb and I find the Tacoma pushes hard to maintain close to the speed limit. I often pull over and let others go by as I myself hate to be stuck behind someone towing way under the speed limit. The Tacoma does great when on the flat or slight hills but expect high rpms and dropping down to a lower gear or two on significant grades.
Looked at these a few years ago. All your observations are mine also. I have a 2007 FR Salem, 20 ft box, 4000 lbs, full bath, big fridge, two axels, and tons of storage. Good quality. Wouldn't want anything smaller.
"unless you have no standards of comfort" We are looking to upgrade our trailer and appreciate this look at the r-pod :) Thank you!
Caroline Parker that line made me chuckle.
This is an accurate review and helpful, although I suspect the reviewer may have liked the 179 (rear kitchen model) a bit better than the 178 for his needs. (Just my humble opinion! 😊)
We have a 179 which has LOTS of interior storage and the rear kitchen has more counter space....in a great location, as you are out of the flow of traffic while preparing meals, plus really quick access to the outside. (And it is wonderful when the weather is not cooperating!) The 179 has the largest slide out of all the models (houses the dinette / refrigerator / microwave), which makes it one of the heavier RPods at about 2900 lbs dry weight. Spacewise, a very easy modification can be made for added floor space by removing the ottoman nearest the bed, and using wooden TV trays in place of the bulky table that easily store under the bed. Fresh water tank is located in front of the axel. For a cheaper trailer, we have really liked ours. A few small bugs to work out, like most trailers these days, but overall, we have had a great experience with it. (Would love a Lance, but a bit out of our price comfort zone 😊.) We did replace the cheapo China tires right away with Carlisle tires (similar to Goodyear Endurance tires, but less costly), and immediately replaced the matress with a Zinus 10 inch short queen which fits perfectly and is oh so comfortable...reasonably priced also. As this reviewer said, don't let this review scare you from considering an RPod...it is an accurate review. I am just saying, take into consideration which model suits your needs best before you take the plunge. The RPod forum on Facebook is super helpful with really great people at the ready to answer any newbie questions!
I’ve been looking for the perfect model, 179 is definitely what I’m getting. Bought it, just waiting for it 🎉 also like the kitchen in the back right by the door. Bed on other side is perfect ❤
In fairness, some of the issues with head space, the wet bath, and lack of storage space have all been greatly improved in more recent floorplans.
The R-Pods are not made to live in or for weeks long camping (or for large families). We bought a 2017 177 because 1. it didn't break the bank 2. we didn't want to get a bigger truck 3. there are only 2 of us (well 2 humans and 2 65lb dogs) and 4. we are not retired, so our trips consist of a few days. Yes, there is virtually no storage, look on R-Pod forums or Pinterest, there are literally 1000's of different ideas for making your own storage and getting creative. If you have to make gourmet meals or take 20 different outfits, then, no, the R-Pod is not for you, we have no problem taking (and storing) everything we need for a week long camping trip. Yes, it does have a sway issue, get a weight distribution hitch (we got the Blue Ox, $600) . Yes, duh, it is small, if you don't want a small trailer why would you buy a small trailer? We also got the R-Dome ($800), that almost doubles the space. It basically adds a whole other room, it attaches to the trailer like an awning, but has sides that you can close up like a tent or leave open like a gazebo. When the kids and grandkids go with us, they sleep in it at night and then during the day we have a shaded 'family area' (or a roof for inclement weather). Bottom line, R-Pods are not 'luxury' trailers, which means they don't have 'luxury' price tags. They are for people who just like to get away for a few days but want more than a tent and outhouse.
KYM DARLING
Good comment, Rpod is good for a single person like myself, I don’t need a lot of space and it’s all about price.
I feel your review was basically accurate, but comparing it to the Lance 1685 is like comparing apples and tunafish. We have a 2016 R-pod 177 and really like it and it tows fine with a 2017 Kia Sorento V-6. We even feel comfortable on the Chinese mattress (I guess we have no standards of comfort) The R-pod has a dry weight just under 2500 pounds. The Lance has a dry weight just under 4000 pounds. That adds a lot to your fuel use and requires a vehicle with a much higher towing capacity. The R-pod costs about $17000 the Lance cost about $49000 and the 4 season model is more. So if you are OK with towing a lot more and spending a lot more, of course you will get a lot more. The sky is the limit.
apples have a skin and so does tuna fish.. there i compared apples to tuna fisg
Thanks james ...what would be a con for you ?
Excellent review for the person towing it. Internal storage is a show stopper, similar to most A-frames. The absence of a detailed sales pitch as other (read dealer) videos is refreshing.
This is one of the best and most informative videos I have seen. Thank you.
We just traded our 171 in for a NO BO. Our pod didn't have the pop out which I would recommend for those looking. Its small and the extra 5 sf doesn't sound like much but it is. The trade off after watching this video is storage. We had a lot more than the pop out model did.
My pros and cons
Pros:
Great price point and a good value! I had to fix a few things (crooked cab door, loose trim, etc.) I would definitely recommend trading out the mattress and removing the bath sink.
Being small, it's easy to pull (can pass slow traffic easily with a Tacoma), easy to store and you can get it into really tight places (we got it into several tent only sites). My water tank was up front (2016 model) and sway wasn't too bad though I did have to slow down in high wind.
It's really cozy for a small trailer. We had to hang out in it several times due to rain and didn't mind it.
One bonus to no pop out is we had way more storage space. I also pulled the oven out for more storage space since 90% of our camping was dry camping or off grid back roads.
The structure was well built. Ours had the lift and I was able to get it down some pretty crazy roads with no damage. I even jumped it once hitting a deep dip when pulling off for traffic. It bounced a good foot and a half off the ground and I expected broken shelves or other damage but nothing.
Cons:
It is small which can be a challenge. With no pop out, there is no walking by someone at the stove. 2 people is fine, 3 is not really practical but doable.
With 2 in the bed, one has to climb over the other for bathroom or if they're an early riser.
The bathroom is small. I'm under 6' and occasionally hit my head on the wall sitting down. We never really showered in it. I mostly used the outside shower or the campground shower when we stayed at them.
All in all, we loved it. Great little camper. I would highly recommend for someone looking for a small rugged little trailer for back country camping. If I did it over I would have opted for less extras like the AC, oven and TV that we never used. We seriously considered keeping it for our son and likely would have if we had space to store it available.
Great and fair review!
Not a criticism, but more of a warning to others: Anyone who has towing experience in RVs KNOWS not to tow with a full tank. Not only does it throw off the balance, it also stresses the tank and fittings beyond the design specs. Should have gotten a 179 - lots of space, tows great, mattress OK. Enjoy your Lance, they are great trailers.
I immediately subscribed the minute you said Lance. I'm hoping you bought your Lance by now, and can't wait to hear your review. You were so honest about your Rpod, giving both pros and cons. We are also looking at Lance models, and would love to hear your list of pros and cons. Thank you!
th-cam.com/video/fD-1u-28Ryk/w-d-xo.html
This is a very informative review, especially since I have been looking seriously at an R-pod. You have several good points on safety and design flaws. Thank you for your honesty! Best wishes on your new Lance!
I liked the video. I always wondered what the R-Pod was like. You covered it very well. My wife and I have a 2006 class A diesel pusher. We carry 100 gallons of fresh water when are traveling and staying at Walmarts. Fortunately we have never had a away problem. I think I would have a heart attack if we did. I can't wait to see your new trailer. Be safe and happy camping.
This guy. Everything is 'too small', 'too small', however it's a good review. He should just get a 30' Airstream.
The fix for the wet bath issue you mention is a drain-thru mat in the shower pan. Kind of like the old safety mats, but with the focus on drainage & use of hydrophobic material so it just can't stay wet...
I love your articulate, thoughtful and even handed review.
I have never owned a travel trailer. I appreciate your in depth review. Thank you for not candy coating it.
Thanks completely opened my eyes - storage is a Hugh problem.
Excellent review. I am looking to buy a used r pod 171 this weekend and you have provided me with a lot of good info. Might just rethink my decision. Thanks
Excellent point about the position of the fresh water tank. Makes you wonder....Another example of "you get what you pay for".
It’s a $17,000 trailer what do you expect? In my opinion that’s pretty nice for that price
Hahha my thoughts exactly! 3 minutes in I'm like BRO - Buy a bigger trailer in the first place.
Awesome review, I believe that's about the best review I've ever heard,. I didn't take it as being negative or biased just honest.👍👍👍
I have to agree. I don't think of it as negative either... it's a very Realistic review of real world design and situations.
All of the negatives he pointed out are why I have my 178...
Thanks for your honest opinions on this unit. Storage would be a big issue for me with this unit, I can’t stand the sight of clutter.
R-pod or not, you have presented a lot of things to consider when purchasing a trailer, which I and my wife are thinking about. By the way, I had that experience of a ‘wandering trailer’ once before when we rented a tent trailer unit. It was disconcerting to say the least.
I appreciate the honest review. What one finds an issue, might not be a big deal for others, but it's a good reminder to take each point into consideration just in case you forget to think about it.
Thank you for the review!! Shopping for a new trailer. First time buyer
This is normal and it happens to a lot of RV owners. You learn what you like, don’t like and what’s important to you. You learned from it and now you’ll get what you want. The Lance’s are nice, yet you’ll still have some things you won’t like. It’s normal.
When you had that sway incident you mentioned backing off the speed but didn’t say if you used the manual brake controller button. Did you and if so did that noticeably help? I got just a little sway only once and the brake controller instantly stopped it but it was minor so it doesn’t quite count. I am interested in how people solve this because there is no time to experiment when it happens. I don’t tow with water in the tank because it’s so heavy and read about that possibility so this confirms that. I do bring drinking water in 2 1/2 gallon dispensers that I can strategically place. And perhaps just enough to flush the toilet. Thanks
good saying, one thing I particular wondering about Rpod was why they decide the trailer box should be narrower than the wheel.
Pls don't tell me aero-dynamic stuff, it is same air resistance for trailer to be wider/thinner or bigger/smaller. Why they choose not to utilize the full width while build that silly slide out.
And look at that floor jack sticking out, you still tow a full-width trailer.
For a first time buyer with a v-6 truck who was attracted to the aesthetics of the R-Pods, this was a VERY helpful review and a reality check on some of the features. Not an engineer and haven't analyzed the dynamics but your assessment seems reasonable: the wheels outside the box has the disadvantages of the wider base and none of the advantages, and given where the center of mass is I'm not sure how much the 1-ft clearance on each side adds to stability. Also point taken about the positioning of the fresh water tank. What made most of an impression is the cheap interior... I gotta say ICK. I would rather a more minimalist interior with higher quality materials. Not sure I could spend long time trips in this. Also you do not have to be OCD to dislike having stuff everywhere... you can be disorganized, like me. If you are a natural organizer you can probably find your own system. If you are like me, it will be chaos and you will spend 45 min looking for things every morning. All in all, thanks for the honest review. And to all of those who posted negative comments... I don't get it... this was a fair but honest review. Make your own video if you think this one is biased or lacking.
Thanks! And the newer rpods have improved some btw.
Thanks! You gave me some great pros and cons on this model that really helped.
We have the Rpod 189 & love it of course it has a dry bath
The wheels outside the box is a good design for stability.
Meh. Proper design is going to keep the majority of the wt. down low anyway; keeping the trailer narrow by not overhanging the tires loses too much space. LOTS cheaper to build it that way, but that's not reflected in the price, so skip it...
And by doing that it gives you more space inside..
Otherwise you’re have the huge wheels inside to build around
If you are towing with an suv or a smaller truck hitch weight is a big issue. Hence the rear water tank. On a single axle set up leverage keeps the weight off the hitch. Also, when you get sway a touch of the trailer brakes will usually cure it. Plus, your f150 should have an anti sway system installed if you have a trailer package.
Yes, I was attracted to Lance when I inspected one that was a little smaller. You pointed up many issues I was wondering about, such as the single axles, the sloping rear and the a.c. sound level. These low-priced units appeal to our pocketbooks but they aren't worth the sacrifices. A sway-prone trailer would be a nightmare.
Overall a decent review and probably timeless review of the R-pod. I own the same unit since 2015. Like him, I bought my unit when I owned a less capable vehicle (Toyota 4 Runner 6 cyl.) and was at the max what that vehicle could handle. So at that point the short comings of the RPod was totally acceptable since the alternative was a pop up (or something similar) with a cassette bath. Now that I have upgraded my towing vehicle it is only natural to consider something better. Good point why they located fresh water behind the axle but as others have said - obvious solution is to travel empty unless you are dry camping. I have been in some pretty severe wind here in Texas and noticed just a little sway. I don't have anti-sway bars. Never frightening and not convinced dual axles would make that much difference. If swaying became a problem I would get anti sway bars and hopefully this would do the trick. Lack of storage and wet bath are the biggest draw backs. We have added some netting storage above the bed. Basement storage is not bad. I agree the tear drop shape is dumb considering how much storage is lost. Other R-pod models have corrected this. The narrow box is more aerodynamic when towing with a mid-size vehicle. Never bothered us since we are short people and don't require a +6 foot bed and for taller people, I am sure the R-pod is a problem (also with the height). Adding a quality foam pad to the mattress improved comfort. I have owned other RVs and build quality is comparably better with aluminum/steel framing and composite sides. Material/aesthetics are also a cut above. I really like the layout of this model. While somewhat expensive for its size, I believe it is a very good value and if replacing it probably buy a larger r-pod.
All your points are excellent. My opinion on the R-Pod is more positive, looking back on it. And the newer models are a lot better. And when I think about how much more our Lance cost, I am not sure it was worth the difference. But you can't take the money with you when you die, so I guess it's OK. I do maintain that a dual axle is much better for stability though. I would have a hard time going back.
Let us know what lance you bought please.
Ty
If you did ,I am NEW to your channel.
Why no on demand hot water units?
Ty for pointing all this out
Mary Jane NPR Fl..
I've been looking at truck campers. And I don't know what to do I'm older now 66 and I was looking at the host Mammoth a lot and then arctic fox.
I really didn't want to pull along and wanted something simple and I want it is so hard.
I had one before and it's just seems like too much work.
I just hate that they automatically take out the oven don't put on demand hot water heaters in them and everybody should have a choice if they want to dinette or not I hate them personally.
I want to dry bath.
These things should have side cameras on them good things are in a lot of these campers and some good things are not you know I like that outside lighting like emergency lighting.
There should be front camera is not only back cameras.
I just don't get it and I hate Brown everything is brown brown brown brown brown brown lighter makes you feel better did I rather have a black and gray cool long for truck camper versus brown.
Well enough. Thank you for waiting list all out to me and I am not going to wear with you down the road with this camper at all.
Really good, honest review! I have an RP180 of the same vintage and I have to say it has a way better layout. Bathroom in back, wardrobe, fresh water tank in front. Still, it is a total POS as far as quality... pretty much everything has broken and needs constant attention. And if you are over 6' tall, you should look for another trailer. Thanks for such a thoughtful review.
I have an suv and am looking into the R Pods. You said you did not like the mattress. Is that something that can be replaced with a better one? Couldn't you fill the fresh water after you get to the campground to help with the problem of the weight on the back provided you are not boondocking?
Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the great info. We’re considering buying a camper for retirement. I’m 6-5, and thanks to your helpful video, I don’t think the r- pod is an option for us. Excellent review!
HONEST (PAINFUL??) review; Fotest River are you listening? This is/was an exvrlent review!! 🙃😃👣
"The mattress is terrible, and it's really not usable for most people, unless you have no standards of comfort." 🤣 lolol That made me laugh. My standards of comfort are relatively low, but all the other things would completely annoy me too!
Great honest review! I appreciate the many details you pointed out, thanks. 👍
I have a RPOD-179 and agree with the comment regarding the quality of the TIRES.
very helpful !!!! thanks for taking the time. looking forward to seeing your Lance review !!!
Thank you for the honest review . Perfect .
Thank You for a good realistic interview of this teardrop style TT. I feel that the quality in the NuCamp T@B's far exceeds that of this Forest River product, especially as to aesthetics and overall construction . Hope you enjoy the Lance. I feel they are much better made also.
Small suggestion for those with a wet bath like these: get or make a duck board.
Freshwater tank in the RPOD-179 is in the FRONT. However, you don't travel with water in the TANK, you fill up at the PARK or just before you enter you campsite.
Agree with comment about the noise of the AC, and the comment on the location of the HEATER. My Coleman Bayside Pop-up had more interior space and better number of windows, but of course it is not a HARD BODY that impacts staying at NATIONAL PARKS.
To say it simply that it's a piece of shit for 17K plus 3K in CA tax.
Thanks for you're honest review.
Not to be disrespectful, but if this Pod has so many negatives with you, why did you buy it? I think you may have just out grown/matured the Pod. It’s not that bad of a trailer. I will note that it would look better if the door had a window in it. Thank you for the information on it and the vid.
We outgrew it, correct. We still have good memories of it.
QUESTION 💥💥💥 do u have 4 cables going out to your battery 2 red, 1 black and 1 small white for ground....I’m about to hook up 1 Duracell deep cell battery ....is this correct?
Thanks...
Back in the ‘50s my dad had a Shasta he towed begins a 55 Ford wagon. We lived in Roswell, NM then and there were three kids. It was busy but we were happy. Better interior room, without the skide
Excellent review. What's azdel? Never heard of it is insulation? But other than that question that's probably the most honest concise review I've ever heard. Good job man
I live in a r pod and you got to learn how to use it right like totes for storage in your truck or suv for me and my girl its just fine and enjoyable easy towing it with jeep cherokee there is no such thing as the perfect rv
How long have you been doing that and did you buy new?
Good review, thanks for that. I inspected a 2017 R Pod 171 for my buddy, and it seems to be in good condition. It has no slide out , so it seems incredibly cramped to me, but he likes the fact that it is low weight (2500 lbs dry) , so his 2021 Tacoma can tow it with no difficulty. Did you have any leaks through the rear spoiler? ( I have heard that is one thing R Pods are notorious for).
Pretty comprehensive. Thanks for the insight. Inside storage would be the major problem for me.
Putting all your weight forward the axels is very important. I found I had to tow with an empty fresh water tank. Filled up at the campground. And storage and spare tire needs to be forward the axel. It’s a “Traveler” Trailer nit so much for living in one spot in for too long. Good you USED it and had some good times in it. You didn’t mentions Sway Bar ,
I use a brake controller for stability....I tow empty fill before I get to my site....how do you take a motorcycle?
Smart man to mention no storage. Being a dumb possible buyer I never noticed there wasn't any storage, I just looked at the layout.
I'm a really picky person, and even I was like, "This is a very good review."
Thanks we’ve looked at them and never noticed the storage problem thanks for pointing it out
I have a 23ft thor 2-axle and I'd still never ever drive around with full tanks ;) ...even pulling with a gmc 2500.
It's all about weight distribution on the road. Water can go in cans or bottles if no campsite source. Then hook up load balance and sway control for the trip.
As for the purpose of no pullouts, that rp171 is really light. I'm considering pulling one with a jeep unlimited at well under tow cap. But yeah, it needs mods. I'd go with a nobo, but they skip the low 2k lbs model which imo makes the nobo limited and still looking like a doctors office.
Why can't anyone just make a bed and bath trailer + a little storage in the middle. And off-road capable? It's like the designers never use the smaller trailer class themselves.
Were you using stabilizer bars on your hitch when you were towing? I was just wondering if that would make any difference with the control of the sway issue with this model?
I own the 17 ft Jayco Hummingbird. The Rpod and mine are pretty much the same. The 2 bars with chains on them that go on the hitch are "load levelers" and used for making the trailer and tow vehicle level when hitched together. What is needed to "stablize" the trailer against sway is an "anti-sway bar". While these do work to a certain extent, they aren't that helpful when in any high wind situations.
Thank you for an honest review. I am going this weekend to check one of these out.
I also prefer dual axle on a 20' trailer. However, I don't think you need anti-sway/weight distribution if you are towing with at least a haft-ton truck, exception is if you overload the read-end in extreme case like the water tank or towing with a small truck/SUV.
I do agree that dual axle provides more stability on the highway, and if one tire is down, you can limp to the next exit to change it.
I agree that single axle tends to be very sensitive to turning in backing up.
I got a Forest River product as my starter 22.5' dual axle trailer (Salem Cruise Lite). Inexpensive but it was also glued and stapled together. Very poor quality. I would not buy that level of trailer again.
If anything starts swaying as you mentioned, you don't slow down or come to a stop with the trailer swaying. You apply the trailer brake more first to get control of the RV so it stops swaying, then you continue on slower if the roads are bad, or you pull over if the winds are too strong.
I absolutely love my 2015 178 HRE! I've pulled it almost 50,000 miles with 0 problems. Not sure why this relatively poor review but think he just needs a different camper.
This was so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to do this.
Great review. You pointed out many issues very clearly and easy to understand. Good luck and safe travels with Lance!
Bought a 2016 model today, first camper I have ever owned. Thanks for the review, we will be cautious and be sure to break it in on short trips to get used to it.
Sway bars are a different component from load lifters. I did an experiment with my 24 foot trailer and towed some with and without sway bars. The sway bars help a good bit in controlling your trailer. Also tandem axel trailers are much easier to tow and maneuver when backing in because they track better but they are heavier and there are twice as many tires brakes and bearings to maintain.
Best R-Pod review yet.
did your midsize truck tow this with ease up hills and track well? i have a nissan frontier and wondering if this is an option
Short answer yes, and your frontier will be great match for rpod
What was the "new" 2017 price for your R-Pod 178 when you purchased it?
My 2015 model 179 has an exterior side panel separating from the wall at the front corner. The dealer says Forest River won't cover it as I bought it one year old and it is used. This is a manufacturing defect. Any advice?
I started off renting a 22 foot Forest River Class C motorhome. What I decided was that I didn't want a class C, and I especially didn't want anything built by Forest River. Maybe that unit is build a bit better, however I'd bet against it.
I have a 2007 23 foot Forest River travel travel trailer. Pretty satisfied with the quality, but I have heard that most major manufacturers are building as fast and as cheaply as they can. It is a basic trailer but suits our needs very well. Lots of storage. It has a walk around queen, mattress is normal sized, home model. Very comfortable to sleep on. Trailer is paid for and that makes it great.
kurt danielson it May be different with trailers The class C was very poorly made Staples, no glue, plastic that looks like wood with pressboard
Awesome and honest review! Thank you sir!👍
Thanks for keeping it real, great information.
The idea is to travel with an empty fresh water tank and fill it at your final destination. Or you can partially fill it as ballast for weight ditribution. It's not very smart to fill the tank completely and use up all that extra fuel during your drive. Did you read the user manual? It explains this idea.
Thank you for your review Ian. Actually we are in a similar situation. We purchased the newer 195 RPod last summer and realize we want something with quality and a little larger living area so I've been researching the Lance 1985 or the 2285 which would be our MAX for a half ton truck. I like the layout of our RPod - it actually has a "so-called" walkaround queen (still a tight squeeze) and it has a dry bath. I thought we'd have to go several years before a trade in but after hearing your story perhaps we can trade in as early as you did. Saw your Lance video...glad you like it...Ive read a few horror stories from some Lance owners but I think you have to think like you do - be prepared to work on these things yourselves otherwise it's a headache dealing with dealer service. I know, we've already been there, done that. Thanks again.
Thanks for the note. We are happy with the upgrade. I guess we just have to view the cost over the long haul.
Big Rock Moto Can I ask what you paid for your Lance 1685 - out the door cost?
I just sold my 42' Diesel pusher and got an r pod 171 we towed my wrangler unlimited before now we are using it to tow cuz we moved to the sunbelt instead of snow birding and I love my Rubicon so getting a other truck is not an option cuz I don't need 3 cars my jeep tows the 171 Great Just got to get use to the loss of space But I'm not Living in it for 3 or more months We also have a dog and cat too
Great review. I was considering this but after your comments nope.
Check out the new ones, they are better. th-cam.com/video/xrnpFROqOd0/w-d-xo.html
Good review. Many RVers say sliders are problematic.
Very fair review. Both good and bad pointed out.
trailer brakes help a lot with sway. because you can activate the brakes and create a anchor effect.
What are you trading it in on?
Great and very fair review. Thanks!
We looked at these too and also hated how the shape took away from space. We ended up with a Scamp 16. Good review!
Thank you for your candor! Love the truth bombs! ["tires are Chinesium; mattress is crap; etc..."] X-D
yep!