Wannabe Rpod Owner
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Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14000
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 11:09pm
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Topic: Wannabe Rpod Owner
Posted By: Belgirb
Subject: Wannabe Rpod Owner
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2020 at 8:03pm
Hello. New to the forum. Though not much is available, I’ve been watching Craigslist. Originally thought we’d be looking at a clamshell, like a small T@b, but after thinking about inclement weather, decided to focus on something more than a bed on wheels. Due to having a Toyota Tacoma as my tow vehicle, I’m guessing I need to stick with the smaller trailer, e.g. the 171 - which is big enough for us as a retired couple with 2 smallish dogs - mini Aussies. Is there an appropriate thread someone can guide me to that covers buying/inspecting tips? As we’re going to buy used, are there years to avoid, and years that are more desirable? In comparing NADA values to asking prices, they are worlds apart; is that always the case, or this part of the COVID phenomenon where demand for RVs has gone through the roof? Thanks in advance for helpful insights and guidance. Jim...Wenatchee, WA
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In His Palm
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Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 9:28am
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Watch out for Craigslist. I got scammed on a Craigslist advertisement. Look at http://www.rvtrader.com - RV Trader . That is more reputable. If you do see something on Craigslist, make sure it is local and make sure you go see it and verify that it is genuine and that the seller has a valid title. Do not send any money until you are 100% sure it is not a scam.
Depending on your Tacoma, you may be able to tow one of the larger RPods. We tow an RP179 with our Frontier. Does your Tacoma have a V6? Is it 2WD or 4WD? Does it have a factory tow package? What is the tow rating? All these are factors in what you can tow.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 10:04am
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Welcome. You are right to be cautions about how much trailer you buy. Many people are mislead by the way the trailer and tow vehicle ratings are presented.
To get a general idea what you can safely tow, look at the max trailer weight NOT the empty trailer weight. Your actual loaded trailer weight will likely be closer to the max than the empty weight. Then, take your tow vehicle tow rating and subtract 1000 lbs to allow for cargo and people in the TV and a little safely factor so you're not right at your vehicle's limit. Tow ratings assume an empty tow vehicle. If the max trailer weight is less than the tow rating minus 1000 lbs you should be OK.
You also need to be within your TV tongue weight limit, which is usually listed at 10% of the tow rating. In reality you don't want your trailer tongue weight that low, because low tongue weight can cause trailer sway. Multiply the max trailer weight by 15% and try to keep the TV tongue rating above that if you can.. Once you buy a trailer you can load it with weight in front of the axle to keep the tongue weight in a safe range.
I bought my trailer on Craigslist and had a good experience. I've bought and sold several vehicles on CL. Never buy anything on CL or any other web sales venue without inspecting the item and completing the transaction in person. In my case, money only changed hands at the DMV at the same time as title transfer, because NC requires notarized documents. Also be sure the trailer VIN matches the title.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 1:03pm
Welcome to the forum. Most taco's are 6 cyl, rated at 6500 pound tow capacity that i've seen. I am assuming your's is too. I would look at some of the larger models before buying. Although the 171 is a nice camper, we all get that "I just wish we had a little more room" feeling after several trips. Especially if you ever have a one night stop over on your way someplace. It really stinks that you have to unpack stuff just so you can sleep there for one night. A 179, 180, 189, 190, etc., are almost surely a better choice. It's obviously up to you, but if your vehicle can handle it (it should) at least consider it. Good luck with whatever you choose and let us know how it goes, and when you need help, try here first.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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Posted By: Belgirb
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 6:13pm
Thanks for the helpful responses. I’ve completed many transactions via CL, traveling hundreds of miles to buy cars, trucks and motorcycles. In most cases, I’ve had good experiences. And a few horrible ones, to be sure. Seems like it has become a LOT worse in recent years, doggone it. Still the advice is appreciated and warranted.
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In His Palm
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Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 8:10pm
I think Craigslist has gotten worse because many people have migrated to Facebook Marketplace (and its somewhat less anonymous). I'm not on Facebook but a friend found my 172 for me on there.
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Julie
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Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 9:10pm
Welcome to the forum. We also live in the NW and use CL to buy and sell a few vehicles and trailers. For our first Rpod we decided the 179. Comparing prices on CL, RVTrader, NADA, and local on line newspaper adds we came up with ball park prices for year model, features, etc. in our region. Then called and talked to sellers. Ended up driving 500 mi checking two units and buying one. We used it for over a year and moved up one size when the new ones came out. We've towed both over the Blues, Cascades, Coast ranges, and those in ID and some in MT. Only real issue we had was a strong head wind in ID. Had to get off the freeway and put it up overnight for safety's sake. Let the forum know how your Taco is set up and we can be more helpful there. BTW I'll be in your area in a couple weeks. PM me if you'd like.
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Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE
'07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages
1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff
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Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 9:13pm
Do check the rating on your Taco. We have a Taco that we can pull the RP179 with, and for the most part it does great. HOWEVER, when we get into the high Sierra, it kind of struggles in the thin air above 7,000 feet or so. Thankfully, most of the time, that is not the case. If we have any altitude issues, we will generally take the turbocharged F-150.It laughs at altitude.
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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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Posted By: Belgirb
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2020 at 10:21pm
Based on your experiences with Rpods, have the prices on used models taken a spike due to so many people turning to camping during COVID-19, or are the prices pretty stable? When plugging in a 2014 171 with a variety of upgrades, NADA provides an average retail of $9200. But in evaluating CL (West Coast) and RV Trader, I’m seeing prices $14-16k for similar. I realize there is a seasonal factor as well. Also, on new units, I sense from some comments that buyers occasionally get deep discounts from suggested retail. Can anyone speak to that. Again, your wisdom is much appreciated.
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In His Palm
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Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 7:14am
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We spent about 4 mo looking, when we started looking we found 3 yr old 179's from 14K-17K. Prices were higher on the West coast than in the books or on RV Trader. Make sure you watch Forrest River Forum's classified adds as well. It also depended on how often used, number of owners, cabin attachment, condition, etc., as told by owners. Dealers were more proud of their stuff than private citizens. I'd be real careful spending 15K on a 6 yr old rig when newer ones are available, but have not been searching the market for over a year. As often happens, after purchasing at 15K found same for 13K closer to home. :-(
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Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE
'07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages
1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff
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Posted By: Belgirb
Date Posted: 13 Sep 2020 at 11:24pm
Greg, your warning is appreciated - spending too much on a 6 year old rig. Being new to the game, I don’t know the problems these trailers experience as they age. Further, when they get to a certain age, does a prudent buyer avoid altogether regardless of price? With no odometer, how does one go about doing some sort of pre-purchase inspection - in addition to having the seller demonstrate functionality of components? Thanks again. Jim
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In His Palm
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Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2020 at 7:15am
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Water damage. That can destroy any value in a travel trailer, and can happen in any TT that has been through even one rainy season if its been outside and not properly maintained, even if its never been camped in. Sometimes its hard to find, look for rippled or stained walls but also carefully inspect the floor all the way to the outside walls all the way around, Look for softness and lifted flooring. Moldy smells. Look underneath especially at the wall to floor connection. Any sagging or dampness?
Bent frame or axle from rough use or overloading. Also could be present in any TT that isn't right off the lot. Ask the seller where he has been camping. If he had taken it on a lot or rough forest service roads it might be better to look elsewhere, rPods aren't well suited to rough road use.
Look at the wheels from behind the trailer. Are the tops of the wheels bent inward (called negative camber)? Uneven tire wear? Park the trailer on a completely flat spot. Does it lean to one side? is the bottom edge of the trailer cabin the same height above ground on both sides (within half an inch or so)? Look at the trailer from the sides. Is the frame straight from the tongue all the way to the rear bumper?
Other than that, the most expensive thing age related item that you could run into would be replacing the fridge. RV fridges have a limited life, figure on replacement every 10 years or so, and they cost north of $1K,
Have the seller run all the appliances and equipment for you, if it all works then it might nickel and dime you later but shouldn't break the bank.
Did I mention water damage?
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: Dirt Sifter
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2020 at 8:37am
I agree with offgrid. One thing is make sure you look under the trailer. Does it look like wires have been rewired? Factory tries to keep wires tight to avoid being ripped out. Repairs to that wiring not always done right or poor factory job may indicate a problem. Are the tank drain pipes beat up? I told myself it was from brush and gravel when owners talked of light boondocking. We were told our unit had barely been used ("Look, the tires are almost brand new," and they were,) we found Alaska stickers in it after buying it. It had not been abused, but from the rust on the frame, it had spent a lot of time on the coast. No apparent leaks anywhere and none found when we owned it. I'd look for newer, but on your side of the mountain, things don't age as quickly as further west.
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Greg n Deb 2020 195 HRE
'07 Tundra 5.7L., '17 Tacoma 3.5L. Both with tow packages
1 Puggle, 1 Chihuahua support staff
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Posted By: Belgirb
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2020 at 3:43pm
Once again...many thanks for counsel and wisdom. My searching will be a bit more focused. Greatly appreciate the help.
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In His Palm
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