Hello, another new owner

Welcome Erich

We had a 2009 173 for about 5 years and loved it. In general. I think the original units were built with more care and thought than current units.

We traveled all over the US and it performed well.  It is a simple RV and it has all of the basic needs covered. We did a lot of mods to personalize it and used it extensively.

 In 2017, we traded up to a 179, but still look back favorably on our 173.

I hope you have good luck and enjoy your Pod.

Travel safe and often

Vann

For a permanent winter cover I would get an old school high quality heavy duty canvas tarp. They aren't cheap or 100% waterproof but they're pretty darn water resistant, breathable, and they last much longer and hold up to wind better than anything else. They also stretch and shrink  to conform tightly to the shape  they're covering. Use ropes or bungies to hold them tightly to the trailer. I used one to cover my boat when I lived on the Outer Backs and it held up to multiple 100+ mph hurricanes. Sometimes old technology works best. 

Have fun!