R-Pod Ultra Lite travel trailer by Forest River review - Roaming Times
Roaming Times home page Subscribe to Roaming Times newsletter Links to other Roaming Times sections Links to RV-related services and products Roaming Times - now combined with RVing Times - RV resources and links to other sections on Roaming Times

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 (contact dealer)

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
 Shown above is the RP-151 with Stone Creek interior

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

Forest River RV dealers with internet specials
Pedata RV - Arizona
Little Dealer, Little Prices RV - Arizona
World Wide RV - Arizona
Coates RV - Minnesota
Bill Thomas Camper Sales
Crossroads Trailers - New Jersey
Driftwood RV Center New Jersey
Boat N RV
Specialty Auto and RV - Ohio
Jeff Couch's RV Nation, Ohio
PTRV - sales and rental - WI
RV dealers - Advertise with Roaming Times

  
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...

  
FORUM
READERS' COMMENTS
 (LATEST COMMENTS FIRST)

What do you think? - add your comment here
 
authorcomments
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
NanVery basic trailers? Like the floor plan with queen bed and slide out couch, but where are the closets for hanging and other clothing???
Ann in SeattleWe and our dog are looking to rent a small travel trailer in September for a couple of weeks. Does anyone rent their R-Pod in Washington State? Can a 6'3" person really stand up in it?
LucWhen I first saw the T@B, I said: Wow! This is what I want. But since I am 6'2" tall, I can't fit into the T@B. Then last week I saw the r-pod with an inside height of 78". Great! But now even if I can fit "vertically", I cannot fit "horizontally"...!!! The "Queen bed" is only 60"x74" instead of 60"x80" like any standard Queen bed... Hope that they are going to correct that for their 2010 version...
Craig Got the R-Pod 174 looked at the 175 but with a bed there is little seating ie. small couch for 2. Looked at tab@ but at 6-2 it was too small and over priced. The 174 came with all options. Best price I could find was from Jeff Couch RV. in Ohio. I live 2000 mi. away so I bought local but it cost more to do so.
ClaireReally like the r-pod and after months of looking at other stuff we took the jump. We pick up the pod on Thursday and we're really excited. Went for the 171 thanks for all the comments.
jimPicked up my 171 last week. We just love it. Nearly bought a Tab last fall, decided to wait for spring to buy glad we did. So much more for less money!
VersaMy advice is do not buy the 151 until you've seen the slide-out model. OMG the difference it makes!
mk-kidsThe 171 is the trailer I want Airstream to make! If this had the panorama windows & Airstream look inside and out, I'd be sold. In love with their 16' Bambi but the tanks are super small as is the bed...
SuzetteWe've looked at the T@B and the T@DA and decided to go with an R-Pod for the same reasons as sighted below. We like the interior height, water tanks, fridge and bathroom. We've sold the 24' 5th wheel and we're headed out tomorrow to buy our new little guy. We'll see you on the road! Happy Trails!
12

Compare? - see other Roaming Times small travel trailer reviews
   

Search RoTi reviews by manufacturer or type

RVing-related services, products & places

 
OTHER STUFF ON RoTi ...
latest RoTi RV reviews    see full list here
Newmar Essex diesel pusher luxury motorhome 2010"The Essex Diesel Pusher is simply one of the most luxurious coaches you will ever find. Breathtaking.. bold.. beautiful.. the Essex is truly a luxury coach to behold."
Heartland North Trail ultralite travel trailer 2010"The ultimate in ultra lightweight luxury and value! All-aluminum, laminated construction provides unmatched strength and support - providing your family with years of carefree use. The interiors are open and spacious with numerous multiple slideout floorplan arrangements."
Holiday Rambler Admiral class A motorhome 2010"An impressive new exterior, with full-body paint and painted graphics - a wide range of beautiful details inside - Select models with our exclusive PanaSuite full-wall slide-out on the driver’s side."
Four Winds Hurricane class A motorhome 2010"See how you can enjoy the first-class comfort and elegant style of the 2010 Hurricane Class A motorhomes. A variety basement and semi-basement models makes it easy to choose the floorplan that's right for you."
Keystone Fuzion toy hauler travel trailer 2010"With automotive exterior lines and innovative interior patio door the New Fuzion is 'More Than A Garage'. Boasting a stylish modern interior with custom furniture and cabinetry the Fuzion has a look that is unparalleled."
Keystone Energy toy hauler travel trailer 2010"The all new Energy toy hauler line is lighter weight, less expensive and packed with more standard features than any of the competitors."
Fleetwood Quest class C motorhome 2010Limited edition: "Combines the fuel-efficiency of our Icon and Pulse motor homes with the value pricing of our traditional Class C motor homes"
Keystone Bullet ultra lite travel trailer 2010"Easy to tow with the new more fuel efficient crossovers, cars and trucks, the Bullet Premier Ultra Lite travel trailer heralds in a new generation of RVs. Sleek and smooth on the outside and loaded with features and conveniences inside."
12345678910...

latest RVing news and articles
Latest RV and RVing videosLatest RV and RVing Videos with links to RV reviews and RVing articles
RV ArizonaThinking of snowbirding? RVing in Arizona this winter - news, views and reviews
Winnebago wins RVDA award for 14th straight yearWinnebago RV received the coveted Quality Circle Award from the RV Dealers Association for a record 14th straight year
Keystone RV reviewsKeystone says: "Because we are the largest manufacturer of towable RVs, our incredible volume allows us to offer you more high quality features for your money than any other brand on the market today...." Roaming Times reviews many Jayco RVs
Jayco RV reviewsJayco says: "America's Most Livable RVs - 'Liveable' may mean what you see, what you feel or even what you trust about a recreational vehicle..." Roaming Times reviews many Jayco RVs
Wannabee RVers? - Boomfluentials (and many more)Have health, will travel - Time to put aside the doom and gloom? - The RV industry has a bright future...
Hensley Cub - towing system for small travel trailers“Safe Towing, Easy Hooking and Unhooking, Smaller Tow Vehicle, Do It Yourself Installation.” One of Roaming Times' most popular sections is small travel trailers and we think this product is wonderful for our many thousands of small trailer enthusiasts.
Navistar - Monaco's new owner - unveils all-electric truck“Navistar intends to build 400 all-electric delivery trucks in 2010 at its facility in Elkhart County, Indiana"
12345678910...

 
Advertising on Roaming Times

Copyright 1999-2008 Roaming Times.  All rights reserved. Contact us. Terms of service.  Site Map.  About Us.  Corporate address: Roaming Times, 4575 E Bajada Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331