How offroadable is the r-pod?

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   Hello –

We are considering purchasing an r-pod 177 Hood River Edition (HRE). 

We originally had higher hopes for offroad after reading about the HRE features (axle risers, 15” tires, diamond plate). However, after talking with various folks about different options (r-pod, small toy hauler, truck camper, etc.), we have come to believe that most travel trailers are just not too well-suited to bumpy dirt roads.

So we scaled back our expectations. Our assumption is now that even with the HRE features, the r-pod is probably best restricted to well-graded, relatively flat dirt roads.

First of all, does the r-pod hold up OK to a well-graded, relatively flat dirt road?

Has anyone done much beyond that? What type of ground have you covered?

Has anyone done any modifications beyond the HRE specs to improve offroadability?

Is there anything you would recommend other than the r-pod?

Any other insight would be appreciated.

Thank you very much. 

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fugawi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 30 Oct 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Topic: How offroadable is the r-pod? Posted: 30 Oct 2012 at 9:14pm
	Hello – We are considering purchasing an r-pod 177 Hood River Edition (HRE). We originally had higher hopes for offroad after reading about the HRE features (axle risers, 15” tires, diamond plate). However, after talking with various folks about different options (r-pod, small toy hauler, truck camper, etc.), we have come to believe that most travel trailers are just not too well-suited to bumpy dirt roads. So we scaled back our expectations. Our assumption is now that even with the HRE features, the r-pod is probably best restricted to well-graded, relatively flat dirt roads. First of all, does the r-pod hold up OK to a well-graded, relatively flat dirt road? Has anyone done much beyond that? What type of ground have you covered? Has anyone done any modifications beyond the HRE specs to improve offroadability? Is there anything you would recommend other than the r-pod? Any other insight would be appreciated. Thank you very much.

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 30 Oct 2012 at 10:10pm
	Welcome! For starters you would need additional height - even with the risers the pod isn't very high. Flat roads would be fine.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 31 Oct 2012 at 8:57am
	No basic TT's are built for that sort of thing. Just not what they are about. Now if a person went real slow, kept track of the fact that there is only 7" or so under the axle, and that all your plumbing and elecrical is hanging on the bottom.. it can go most places it doesn't scrape/drag/bottom out. But it is not an expedition rig. If you need/want something like that.. google "adventure trailers". http://www.vmioffroad.com/ http://www.adventuretrailers.com/ http://www.tentrax.com/index.html etc etc etc...

fugawi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 30 Oct 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 9:47am
	Thank you both for the feedback. We have researched the adventure trailers, but unfortunately haven't found the right combination of size and offroadability. We really want something that has a toilet inside and that you don't have to spend a lot of time setting up. At this point we are leaning toward the r-pod and realizing that it's offroad limitations will guide our destinations to some extent. We are OK with the trade-off. Anybody else take their r-pod offroad?

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 12:08pm
	I have taken my Pod off road on some fairly rough terrain. You have to make sure that ANYTHING that would fall is put somewhere safe. Then go slow. If you think you would need more ground clearance you can change your tire size. For every inch higher, in the tire size, you will gain 1/2" more ground clearance. An inch more lift is a lot when off roading. Be sure to remember your hitch height too. You want the camper to tow level. Good luck with your decision and be sure to keep in touch with us. Terry
	RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565

Seanl Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 12:45pm
	I looked at these and they have an offroad option but I could not find a local dealer http://www.livinlite.com/camplite-overview.php
	Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition

this_is_nascar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Location: NJ Online Status: Offline Posts: 466	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 2:54pm
	I responded in your thread on the other forum, but in short, I wouldn't use the R-Pod on much more than a flat dirt road, without pot-holes.
	"Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 4:42pm
	The R-Pod is not really meant to be taken off road. But, if the original poster has any off road experience he will know how to avoid any trouble. You have to know how to read the terrain and pick the best line. Take it very slow where needed. Then go slow everywhere else. Terry
	RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565

TerryM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Location: Saint Augustine Online Status: Offline Posts: 1950	Posted: 02 Nov 2012 at 4:57pm
	http://www.flickr.com/photos/terryandkay/8148741336/in/photostream
	RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565