R-Pod Ultra Lite travel trailer by Forest River review - Roaming Times
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R-Pod Ultra Lite travel trailer
by Forest River
See reader's comments and experiences at bottom of page

"Affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in it’s class. All models are fully self-contained with holding tank capacities beyond comparison and a tank monitoring system at your fingertips."

Important dimensions:
7 floorplans are available
Exterior length between 16'2" and 18'3",  Exterior width 8'0"
Exterior height 8'8", with a/c 9'2", Interior height 6'6"
Ultra lightweight with unloaded weight between 1937 lbs and 2336 lbs
Load capacity 1050-`428 lbs,  Hitch weight 179-241 lbs
Tanks - fresh 36,  grey 35, black 35 - gallons 
MSRP (see forum below for prices people are paying)

Compare? - see other Roaming Times small travel trailer reviews

R-Pod ultra lite travel trailer exterior

Forest River says that "the r•pod is the first of it’s kind to offer you affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in it’s class. All models are fully self-contained with holding tank capacities beyond comparison and a tank monitoring system at your fingertips."

The r-pod comes in 7 floorplans with lengths between 16'2" and 18'2". Two of the models feature a slide. We show all of the floorplans below.

We show 2 pictures of the interior below.  Forest River says the r-pod comes with "residential cabinetry, hardwood drawers and expandable cargo netting for additional storage wherever possible".

r-pod Ultra Lite interior
   
These 2 pictures show the RP-151 (see floorplans below) with Stone Creek interior
  

R-Pod small travel trailer interior - dinette

Forest River says: "Affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in it’s class. All models are fully self-contained with holding tank capacities beyond comparison and a tank monitoring system at your fingertips. The r•pod is a perfect example of “form follows function”, with it’s unique shape and construction giving way to 78” interior height! The design team has provided you with residential cabinetry, hardwood drawers and expandable cargo netting for additional storage wherever possible. The r•pod comes equipped with a 4.2 Cubic Foot 3-way refrigerator that provides you with enough space for all those extended camping vacations. Enjoy your favorite movie on the optional 9” widescreen LCD drop-down TV that also features a AM/FM/CD stereo and DVD player with remote control. Other popular options include the convection microwave oven, r•dome awning with built-in screen room and the 11K BTU low profile A/C. R•pod ...where YOUR journey begins!"

Just some of the exterior features: Custom Tinted Safety Glass Windows, 20 lb. LP Tank with Cover, Aluminum Wheel Fenders, Patio Light with Amber Lens, Exterior 120 Volt Recept, Welded Aluminum Sidewalls and Floor, Laminated Sidewalls, Floor and Roof, Seamless Roof, Lamilux 1000 Gel Coated Fiberglass, Radius Entry and Baggage Doors, Folding Assist Grab Handle, Entry Door Step

Just some of the interior features: Wet Bath with Integrated Toilet, No-Wax Seamless Vinyl Flooring, Solid Lumber Core Cabinet Fronts Assembled with Screws, Raised Panel Cabinet Doors with Glazed Finish, Hardwood Drawer Fronts with Metal Guides, Decorative Window Treatments, Decorative Shower Curtain with Tieback, Mini Blinds Where Applicable, Bedroom Pocket Organizer, Bathroom Pocket Organizers

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Floorplans:
 

People have commented on RoTi forums that there is a similarity with the T@B small travel trailer (see RoTi review of T@B).  The TAB is 15'6" overall length compared to the r-pod's basic length of 16'2", but all r-pod models are fully self-contained with "holding tank capacities beyond comparison and a tank monitoring system at your fingertips."

We show the basic RP-151 floorplan below.  This has a length of 16'2" and an unloaded weight of 1937 lbs. Load capacity 1304 lbs:

r-pod floorplan 151 

The RP-152 increases the length just 4" to 16'6" (unloaded weight of 1972 lbs, load capacity 1185 lbs), downsizes the dinette arrangement an adds permanent bunks. The r-pod models all show a clever use of the space:

r-pod floorplan RP-152

The next we show is the RP-171 with a length of 18'2" and an unloaded weight of 2121 lbs.  Load capacity 1060 lbs  This has the advantage of a permanent queen bed.  (The RP 175 shown below also has a queen bed, but the 175 comes with a slide-out):

r-pod floorplan 171

Next we show the RP-172 with the same length as the 171 (18'2"), an unloaded weight of 2113 lbs and load capacity 1066 lbs, but with the big dinette and a bigger bunks arrangement:

r-pod floorplan RP-172

Next, the RP-173 - 18'2 and 2039 lbs.  Load capacity 1145 lbs  There is an option to replace the sofa with 2 chairs:

r-pod floorplan RP-173 

Next, the RP-174 - 18'2 and 2306 lbs.  Load capacity 1428lbs.  A heavier unloaded vehicle weight and a bigger load capacity.  The first of 2 models with a slide-out.  The slide makes a big difference to the space available of course:

r-pod floorplan RP-174

Finally we show the RP-175 with (18'2" and 2335 lbs, load capacity 1399 lbs) with a queen bed and slide out:

r-pod floorplan 175


Just a few of the features of the r-pod:
  • "The first of it’s kind to offer you affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in it’s class"
  • Powder Coated Steel Frame
  • Gas / Elec. DSI Water Heater
  • Wet Bath with Integrated Toilet
  • Custom Tinted Safety Glass Windows
  • Wide range of standard and optional features   

   

"The r•pod is the first of it’s kind to offer you affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in it’s class. All models are fully self-contained with holding tank capacities beyond comparison and a tank monitoring system at your fingertips."

Compare with
Other small travel trailers  or
See other Forest River RV reviews


Today's video from Terry Frazer's RV, Eldridge, Iowa
What do you think - add your comments below...

  
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READERS' COMMENTS
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authorcomments
MaWe have had our rpod174 for 2 months now and love it. We pull it with Chevey Equinox crossover which is a 2.4cy.& it pulls with ease. Got it from Tristate trailers in Middlesboro Tn for $13,000.00 a savings from Knocksville of $4,000.00 with the dome room included.
hilltopto evergreen - if you don't live far from ontario, there is a dealer in london. From the manufacturer website i see the owner of the place has taken an alto to florida. We are camping this year in canada but if you see us, I will be happy enough to show you the trailer
gingerLooking for a pre-owned R-Pod or 171 to buy in Arizona . Please contact me at gingermarich@msn.com if you have one for sale. OR DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE WE CAN RENT ONE?
LilypadI second the question about the Alto. Love what I've seen on-line, but they are not available to US citizens. I talked diretly with sales and offered to come up to Canada to buy it, but they "can't" sell it to US residents. I really like the R-Pod T models with the expandable sleeping area. It makes it feel more like a pop-up camper. Does anyone have one of these?
evergreenI saw an entry on this forum comparing the R Pod to the Alto. I loved the look of the Alto and called the company, only to be told that it is only for sale to Canadians and I live in the U.S. Does anyone have any idea how to see/buy an Alto in the U.S. Thank you.
Jan PSaw a price listed for an 18' 173 at close to $12,000. Lebanon, Tn; may go take a look next week. New 2010 model.
joelPrices are not mentioned by "supposed" owners because most of these comments are written by dealer employees not real owners. It's a marketing gimmick. I wouldn't believe 10% of what's posted.
Joe BudgetWhy is it so hard to put a price on these things out here?? Is it so they can look at your credit, race, sex, age, height, weight, or your socioeconomic status to see what they WANT to charge you...somebody just put an estimated cost up here please!! and leave the political blog for CNN or FOXNEWS...thx
Ann in SacramentoLooking for a pre-owned R-Pod 151 or 171 to buy in Northern California. Please contact me at adoersch@yahoo.com if you have one for sale. (12/26/09)
hilltopI have seen the T@b's and head room is an issue. i then looked at the r-pods and the Alto. Hands down the Alto won. Has the headroom and the feeling of tons of space. Bought one and had a great summer in it. By the way, we are a family of four with a large dog!
ChuckI have a Chevy Colorado 4 cyl., which should pull the R-Pod 15' w/o problems. Any issues with the R-Pod? BTW to settle some of the import/domestic debate, I work in this industry. The Toyotas may be assembled here, but their parts content is deceiving. They bring their own parts makers over here from Japan, so the profits go back overseas. Also, a large portion of a part can be ASSEMBLED here, yet still be called an American made part. Chevy Malibu has an 80% parts content, the Impala 90%, so Toyota Camry does not have a greater parts content than any domestic model. GM and Chrysler took out loans from the govt, which they plan to pay back. It is not the place of the American taxpayer to "bail out" a foreign corporation. Their own govt straight-out subsidizes their industries to corner their markets, much like the Chinese are doing now. So, I hope these facts help to explain the foreign/domestic debate.
janetI just discovered these r-pods. I would like to know if anyone has an idea what a realistic price for the 151 version should be?
Bob HubbardOur new 17 ft r.pod has had the water inlet repaired 4 times because of blowback through the city water connection. This is becoming VERY frustrating and annoying. The problem lies with a poor one-way valve at the inlet. Has anyone else had this problem with this trailer, and how was it corrected?
Retired RoxyCheck out r-pod forum. There are many discussions about what cars can pull, the differences between the models, attitudes, comfort for tall people and podmods-things 'podders' are doing to their new trailers. By the way, I'm one. I bought a 2010 model 172 in California.
SFIIt may be made here...but the profits go back to the owner!!
BryanJoAnn, you are VERY misinformed. Did you know that the Toyota Camry is THE MOST AMERICAN CAR??? It is built in America, by Americans. It uses the most American made parts and components out of any vehicle sold in the US and that includes ALL vehicles from Ford, GM, and Chrysler. Honda has been building vehicles in America since the 1970s and hasn't required the government to bail them out costing the taxpayers thousands of dollars in taxes. Toyota builds vehicles in America, so does Hyundai/Kia and Subaru. Chrysler and GM are a joke. Please do some research before you go on a "buy only "American" cars" tirade. ------------------------------ Anyway, I am going to purchase an r-pod next year and I'll be towing it with my CR-V which is only rated to tow 1500 pounds WITHOUT trailer brakes. With trailer brakes it can tow a little under 3000 pounds but the tongue weight is 175 pounds.
JohnDo you know the Subaru Legacy, Outback and Tribeca are made in Indiana, US??? And do you know GM or Dodge trucks are made in Mexico?
Little RockerCan I safely tow an rpod with a 4 cylinder subaru outback?
RichardJust read consumer reports. Toyota, Honda and Subaru consistanly (by far) beat the big 3 in quality, reliability and resale. I'm sure Trey isnt saying that the big 3 are poor quality just that these imports are superior.
DJ2003 GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with 163,000+ miles. Just NOW having to replace wheel bearings. Motor still in top shape as with trans. This is my 2nd GMC & very satisfied. Pulls my 175 with ease without SWAY BARS! Plus getting around 15-17 mpg with the 5.3 liter V-8.
DaveGee, Trey, my inlaws keep buying Subarus, both of the ones they've had have needed major repairs by 60k miles. I'm looking on this forum because my Explorer only pulls 3500 lbs. but It's hit 45k and hasn't gone back to the dealer yet. The last Ford I had ran me 120k miles before we traded it for the Explorer and if we didn't have kids now I would have kept the pickup. My daily driver is a '93 GMC 1/2 ton that even though it's pushing 17 years old, I wouldn't hesitate to drive it cross country tomorrow. Indeed, the two Japanese cars I've had (87 4Runner and '96 Nissan King Cab 4x4) needed repairs before 100k, especially the Nissan... it spent as much time in the service garage as it did in my garage.
MaryjoI have been looking at the R-Pod for a few weeks now. I finally decided on the 173. I really like the floor plan. There are only 2 Dealerships in my area that sell these. The dealer I went to matched what Chouch's in Ohio was asking, also included all the options. They wanted my business. I ordered it yesterday and will get it aound the last of August. I am really excited. I looked at the Cassita, but did not like it as well as the R-Pod.
TreyJoAnn, I would love to buy American and do evry chance I get. But when it comes to Quality and Value I'm spending my hard earned money on Subarus and Toyotas. When the big 3 can make a Quality vehicle I Will buy it.
Melissato Ann in Seattle: yes, a 6'3" person can stand comfortably. My boyfriend just bought one and that's how tall he is. He had no complaints. We had 2 adults and 2 teens for 3 nights and all came home still speaking ;-)
BradDove, I have a Mercury Mariner which is similar to your Tribute with the V6 and am interested in getting into a model 174 or 175. I believe our vehicles will be able to tow these trailers without much trouble. However, I will probably use a distribution hitch with a sway bar.
DonnieAnyone know what changed with the 2010 model r-pod? I saw on the rpodnation.com site that some dealers are now shipping 2010 models.
JoAnnAnyone pulling a trailer with a subaru - just a few thoughts. Do you know that buying an american car gives 4-5 americans a job w/all profits staying in the us. A foreign car -which is made in the usa (kia employs 0) employs 1 american. The big 3 gave 100's of thousands of dollars to the relief of Katrina and 911 - foreign automakers combined gave .00. Support American workers/w American familys to support. Thank you for your consideration.
Rose HAirstreamer converted to Rpod. 172 coming our way. Owned an 05 Bambi and by comparison the Rpod has been designed for easier access to panels, etc. IMHO, Rpod is done right. No, you can't live in it but you sure can tolerate a long vacation for two adults. I'd like to know who designed it .
Dove am very interested in purchasing a 171 Rpod but am concerned about towing it. I will be using a 2006 Mazda Tribute 3.0 L V6 and the dealer says 3500 lbs. I would still like to hear from anyone who might have the same capacity engine and know if they had issues especially traveling over mountains.
IraseWould my 2003 Pontiac Vibe be able to pull the r-pod
12

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