Questions about R-Pods

I'm new to shopping for a TT and am looking closely at the R-Pod.  I was all starry-eyed at the dealership and only thought of these questions after, and thought you guys might be able to help.

1)  If I'm cooking inside my R-Pod, is there a vent to release smoke/steam/etc? Where is the vent? On top of the trailer or on the side?

2)  Where is the heater located?  I thought I read somewhere that it's under one of the dinette seats?  This seems a weird place, under a seat/bed.  Is this where it is, and if so, does having the heater there present any problems?

3)  I have 2 teens, plus the husband - so I was originally thinking of the RP-172 or the PR-176.  However, hubby doesn't like the idea of the slideout, and he also points out that in a few years the teens will be gone and it will be just us, and at that time, we wouldn't need the bunks.  So now I'm looking more closely at the floorplans and thinking the RP-173T might be a better way to go.  It looks like the RP173T would sleep both us us where the dinette is, then one teen on the sofa and the other in the extended tent thing (I don't know what this is called).  So my next question is, is the extended tent actually sturdy?  Has anyone had any trouble with it?

4) My local dealer quoted me a price (that we would need to negotiate down) of over $15k.  Of course this is many thousands more than Couch's RV.  I'm a little confused by what different dealer websites say about nationwide networks, should a repair issue arise.  Does the place I buy my TT have any bearing on whether I'm going to be able to find good service somewhere? (I know this is a dumb question, but I'm seriously confused about this).

Thanks for any help or insight!

1)  If I'm cooking inside my R-Pod, is there a vent to release smoke/steam/etc? Where is the vent? On top of the trailer or on the side?

It depends on the model.  I have a R-pod 171 and the heater is under the sink.  Not sure were others have them.  I did try looking on the floor plans but I did not see anyplace they are shown.

3)  I have 2 teens, plus the husband - so I was originally thinking of the RP-172 or the PR-176.  However, hubby doesn't like the idea of the slideout, and he also points out that in a few years the teens will be gone and it will be just us, and at that time, we wouldn't need the bunks.  So now I'm looking more closely at the floorplans and thinking the RP-173T might be a better way to go.  It looks like the RP173T would sleep both us us where the dinette is, then one teen on the sofa and the other in the extended tent thing (I don't know what this is called).  So my next question is, is the extended tent actually sturdy?  Has anyone had any trouble with it?

I was just in a 173T this past weekend looking at the actual tent area. It was sturdy.  The 173t sounds like it might be the way to go as it will serve your needs now and also when the kids leave. 

4) My local dealer quoted me a price (that we would need to negotiate down) of over $15k.  Of course this is many thousands more than Couch's RV.  I'm a little confused by what different dealer websites say about nationwide networks, should a repair issue arise.  Does the place I buy my TT have any bearing on whether I'm going to be able to find good service somewhere? (I know this is a dumb question, but I'm seriously confused about this).

Funny you mention shoes.  They were always in our way, too.  Last trip we finally banished all shoes from the camper.  All shoes off before entering, under the awning.  Helped keep the floor cleaner, too.

Hmmm... is it possible that your teens would appreciate getting away from their parents in a tent of their own?

If you get a 172 and put up curtains, each teen will have a privacy.  When they(teens) leave you take out the top bunk, rise the lower bunk and put a futon one it with pillows or whatever and you'll have a relaxation area and more storage.