Should we buy an Rpod

Agree with all here, and Jato's advice is right on. Spend time inside each model you're considering. Also make a list and carry it with you, re: what attributes you must have and what you do not want. I use the "gotta have/gotta not have" approach with big decisions (and sometimes with small ones :-) Also, re the comments on fridge space (which I agree with) my perspective is skewed as a life camper and being somewhat restaurant-averse. But I would never ever go on a trip without an ice chest. Even if we were in a 40-foot mansion on wheels. The best systems can fail, and there's no replacing a good ice chest. Plus when you leave your trailer parked and go off hiking or sight-seeing or whatever, you have food with you and can replenish ice while not hauling a trailer to the mini mart or whatever. Let us know how you're research goes, and have fun with it  

You won't be happy if you "downsize" from a Tacoma. Stay with a tow vehicle that has a minimum 5000 pound capacity for the traveling you want to do. If you want an SUV instead of the p/u truck, get one with a 5000+ tow capacity.

I would rate the rpod quality as average in it's class, but no better. Airstream has a better reputation for quality, but you pay a premium for that. The rpod tows very well and is very compact. Probably only you can decide if it's right for your needs.

We have taken a few trips now with our 180 and love it but we are concerned about taking a several month trip across country with it.  We were limited in our selection due to the tow vehicle having 4500 lb max capacity.  So if you are taking short trips it may be perfect for you but some things to remember.  Although you are used to towing an 8 foot wide the RPOD is only 6.5 feet wide making it easier to see with a small TV.  But the wheelbase is still 8 feet.  So you are getting  a narrower rig.  Thus there is no walk around bed and no closets on the sides of the bed.  Also the refrigerator is very small with no separate freezer.  We cannot stock up on food and have to shop more often.  So if we had to do it again (and we may just upgrade in a couple years) we would purchase a slightly larger and heavier Coachmen Ultra Lite 192 RBS.  Its 1000 lbs heavier at 3852 but has everything for the long haul.  Our dealer who sells the RPOD, Surveyor and Coachmen (all Forest River) says the Coachmen's are coming into  dealership with no work needed and therefore better built than the other Forest River products.  But if really small is what you want, RPOD is the best under 3000 lb RV hands down.  Then you have to decide if you want bigger kitchen and more storage (179) or dry bath (180).  Probably those are the only two RPODS to choose from coming from an Airstream.

+1 - PODs are my favorite after owning multiple RVs.