Noobie in the house

I'm probably here under false pretenses, since I'm not actually an R-Pod owner. But my wife and I are very interested in getting more information, learning what kind of experiences you've had with yours, if you'd buy another R-Pod (are you a happy owner?), and any other experiences, both good and bad.

My wife and I are both retired; I'm an AF retiree (24 years, both officer and enlisted), with another almost-15-years working with a military contractor supporting the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY. My wife worked as administrative assistant to a financial planner for a number of years. We've both been "ultimately" retired since late 2008.

We started out tent camping in Germany, then bought a used Cobra conversion camper (Dodge 3/4 ton Tradesman van chassis); we continued to use that after we returned to the States; later, we sold that and bought a Coachman 17' pop-up, which we towed with a Mercury Lynx 2L diesel w/ 5-speed manual transmission. We've been out of the camping business for many years, but want to get started back, maybe with a road/camping trip out west.

I'm here to find out everything I can about R-Pods. The R-Pod looks like a happy compromise between full-size camper trailers and the pop-ups. Like I said, we're just examining possibilities.

Thanks in advance for your responses to our "noob" questions.

Guess I'll jump in with my two cents worth. We are both retired and have camped for years when our sons were small. Dragged them and our 25' trailer all over the Western US for years. Long story short, had not camped for 20 years. Last year while shopping at Costco saw my first Rpod and was fascinated with the size of it. Immediately went to the web and started researching Rpods. Came away with the quality of the build and the amazing resource this forum is. Purchased a new 2013 171 Hood River edition. Went to the factory to see them assembled. Was very impressed. Took delivery last June and promptly put on 6,000 miles. Other then a few minor concerns, it is all that we could ask. Now you have to ask yourself what type of campers are you? Do you need to be entertained, or does the outdoors provide all your entertainment. After all, they are very compact but contain all the necessary accoutrements that make our mature years comfortable. Hot shower, heat, A/C, refrigerator for the basics and to cool the tonic water for the Gin and whatever your other personal poisons are. As we speak we are in Washington State camping in Port Townsend in a wonderful campground right on the sound. For two people and possibly a pet, these really provide all that you will need to camp and be comfortable. We just ran into another couple at the same campground with a 2010 Rpod. He has had much larger trailers including a motorhome and finally saw an Rpod and sold the big rig and bought an Rpod. He and his wife couldn't be more delighted with their Rpod and do not miss the bigger rigs. Quality wise, I think you will hear from most on this forum that the build quality of these units is the best in this price/size range. Could go on but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying. Do your research diligently and possibly go to a local RV show and compare other units in this size/price range. Don't think you will find anything better. Next to us is a 35' Teton 5th wheel. They were the gold standard for years. Unfortunately, they went bankrupt a few years ago. Forest River is the manufacturer of Rpods. They are the largest manufacturer of RV's in the country, and incidently owned by Warren Buffet. The point is they are a very healthy company and will be around for many years. Read on this forum how responsive Forest River has been when a problem has arisen with any of our Pods. I think most have been very satisfied with the workmanship and service after sale from Forest River. Will get off my soap box but I would suggest you won't have made a mistake by purchasing an Rpod. We certainly haven't. Good luck and Safe Travels.

I'll echo CamperBob's comments, especially on what type of camping you want and like to do.  If you enjoy being outside of the camper for most of your time then it is a great fit.  If you would rather limit your exposure to nature whilst being out in nature, I would recommend getting something different.

Camper Bob: well put.
our 2011 RP-172 is actually our first, we did the kid raising working etc. went to r v shows in Louisville Ky. We really liked the Airstream Bambi, but I wouldn't come off the wallet. I think you hit the nail on the head as to what you want to do while camping. Donna and I like to walk, set outside, we fish some from the bank (put 71 blue gill and red ear in the freezer) We spend as much time as possible outdoors when camping, and the pod is the perfect compliment to our situation. It has everything needed and is well built and a good unit for the price. If I want to set in a recliner and watch a big screen t.v. with a fire in the fireplace I will stay home. We have been discussing being able to stay away from home longer when we are able to finally fully retire. I guess the Pod would be tight for 2 or 3 weeks, but I think if you select a camp area that has attractions close by, it will as Donna says, be our Hotel room on wheels.

Ahhh. Okay. I appreciate the clarification. Well, I don't see how we could POSSIBLY push any more air with the R-Pod than what I was pushing with the Cobra Camper conversion. THAT was a beast.