Not an owner, yet...

That is what we have also. Welcome. You can see my mods by using the link in my signature below. Whatever model you end up with, I hope you have many fun adventures and make many great memories with it.

Thanks, great info.  That’s the type of stuff I like and need to get into.  Finding the camper we like is one thing, but now knowing it’s mechanical short comings and needed mods are next. I like to head off possible issues before I’m stuck out somewhere.

We have been looking since late early to mid camping season, and we don’t rush into things but we finally have a first choice.  Any end of season buying tips? Most dealers around me are sold out, do dealers have preordering for next year? The pandemic has of course seemed to accelerate things, but in general the 179’s seem to go quick even before.  What’s the best way to get a hold of them?  In the northeast inventory is less than say Midwest, as well as prices a bit higher.  Traveling to buy isn’t my first choice, but maybe it is what it is.

First off my wife and I purchased a new 179 2019 in July of 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed the trailer and the floor plan.  In a little over the 2 years we have had it we have had 2 major trips (out to New Mexico) of 2 months each logging over 12,000 miles and had endless shorter trips around Michigan in the summer time logging an estimated additional 3,000 miles.  In all that traveling we have had no major failures.  We have had some warranty issues where the trailer had to be serviced by the dealer we purchased it from.  The major issues were the replacement of one of the slide out walls due to delamination of the exterior skin (the fiberglass was not glued correctly) and the seal was leaking on the rear window.  The reason that I am pointing this out to you is that if you are going to purchase a new R-Pod with a warranty it will "most likely" have to be serviced by the dealer that sold you the trailer.  However if you are purchasing a used unit, warranty work will not be a issue however getting repair work scheduled at a closer reputable RV dealer could be tricky.  

We started with a used 179 and really liked how it towed behind the Taco. DW wanted a dry bath and island bed so when the 195 came out we looked around and found the early run without a front window. She loves it; I like it. It tows ok, but the width causes more drag and less visibility and maneuverability. The sweet spot tow speed dropped about 3 mph but the mileage didn't change much. Do notice the weight, bulk on uphill grades more, but not a big issue. (Can gain speed between curves just fine.)  Strong head winds can be an issue. Mine comes across the scales about 3800 lbs with about 400 lb tongue weight. The WDH helps move the weight off the rear axle, especially on the Taco.