RPod 179 dropped?

Originally posted by StephenH The only thing that would be desirable is the walk-around bed.

I preferred the 179 for towing and it served my purposes when camping alone. We're old, DW did not like the wet bath and chose to trade the kitchen space for a dry bath, bigger fridge, and island bed. Towing the 179 was a pleasure with the Tacoma, except for one time in a very strong head wind. I'd go back if I had the final say, but I don't (thankfully, yes dear.) Sad to think FR would do away with the 179.

Actually, I feel the 195 / 196 are the 179 taken to it's next logical step. It's only 2 feet longer, so it's not like a HUGE difference. The slide out is larger so it adds space, you really do feel like you have some elbow room.  They got the bed going north and south, a big improvement. Although the counter is smaller, the big fridge and large storage pantry are more than a reasonable trade off. Not to mention the fridge keeps stuff cold in 100+ temps with ease. Although some say the wet bath is fine, once I got used to the dry bath, there's no going back. It's nice to be able to use the toilet even if someone is in the shower. The worst part is the weight trade off, but it's only about 550 - 650 pounds heavier. Not really that much considering the things you gain. It does make it pretty tough on the 5000 pound max vehicles, but you can buy a nice pathfinder for as much or less than the highlander, and have a higher tow capacity. 

mjlrpod, glad that all works for you, truly. It doesn't at all for us. I don't have an coffee maker or an electric stove or any other 120Vac appliance  in our trailer beyond the microwave as we almost never camp where there is electricity. We like to be off the grid. We go to beautiful remote quiet places where there might be rain, wind, cold, or bugs and cook inside most of the time. We grill outside occasionally, just like at home. My wife likes to cook, and has a nice big space to work in, that's always comfortable, convenient, dry, and bug free.