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Offline Flyin6

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R-Pod by Forest River
« on: February 13, 2015, 06:41:31 PM »
So I started looking at smaller campers a while ago. I was looking for something that I could travel with, while pulling it behind my TDI VW Toureg. It is rated to tow 7700 lbs, which I believe eclipses some 1/2 ton pickups. Touregs are really sort of pickup trucks/SUV things when you consider the HD underpinnings. AWD, 405 ft lbs of torque and almost 30MPG on the highway makes it an ideal candidate to take along on some of my overnighters and even suitable for a longer trip.

Aside from that in my layered bug out plan, I prepo the larger camper and still have this thing to move out smartly in as an option.

So we are looking at Forest River R-Pods. They are essentially 20 ft long trailers bumper hitch to spare tire and have some pretty nice interior layouts.

I like the model 179 G (I think) because of the slide-out, dual sleeping area, 30 gallons of water and all the necessary comforts including a shower. One could sustain in this unit if needed.

Here's the exterior:
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #1 on: February 13, 2015, 06:42:47 PM »
This model has a big kitchen with lots of counter top space and wall area where I could mount and hang stuff
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #2 on: February 13, 2015, 06:43:31 PM »
Looking aft at the almost queen sized bed
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #3 on: February 13, 2015, 06:44:10 PM »
And the U-shaped dinnet
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2015, 06:45:07 PM »
There is a pantry/storage area as you enter from the outside
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #5 on: February 13, 2015, 06:46:27 PM »
A three way refrigerator and a convection oven/microwave combo
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #6 on: February 13, 2015, 06:47:24 PM »
Obviously some lounging room!
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2015, 06:48:12 PM »
A TV and a stereo
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2015, 06:49:35 PM »
There is storage under the bed and in this closet and drawers as well as in the overhead in the slideout
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #9 on: February 13, 2015, 06:50:20 PM »
This one has an AC unit along with a gas furnace
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #10 on: February 13, 2015, 06:51:37 PM »
A standard and a screen door, and a nice entry rail that also locks down on the door for travelling
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #11 on: February 13, 2015, 06:52:57 PM »
It is made of an aluminum frame with fiberglass panels for the sides and the one piece roof system. On that roof is a directional TV antenna and the thing is prewired for solar panels
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #12 on: February 13, 2015, 06:54:05 PM »
The small single gas bottle would have to give way to a 20 lb single or dual 10-15 pounders
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #13 on: February 13, 2015, 06:55:26 PM »
It has pass through storage where one could keep some lawn chairs

It is missing an awning, something I'd like to have though...hmmm!
« Last Edit: February 13, 2015, 06:55:58 PM by Flyin6 »
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #14 on: February 13, 2015, 06:57:29 PM »
The pre-Rangers are processing the information, seen here in the second choice which we have hence-forth bypassed
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Offline Dawg25385

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #15 on: February 13, 2015, 07:44:55 PM »
I absolutely love those r-pods with the slides. Such a great design. I don't think you can go wrong. They seem to hold their value much better than your average small RV trailer too. Diesel toureg should have enough grunt to handle it without issue too.
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #16 on: February 13, 2015, 07:54:36 PM »
Good to hear some actual observations.

I don't know anyone who has one

The weight of that thing is 2600, so an easy pull for the Toureg
« Last Edit: February 13, 2015, 07:55:44 PM by Flyin6 »
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Offline Dawg25385

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #17 on: February 13, 2015, 08:14:55 PM »
We don't have one, but as an RV enthusiast I've read a bunch about them and scoped them out at the RV shows when we go. They make them with different exterior styling, the one you saw has more of a retro style than the ones I've seen.
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #18 on: February 13, 2015, 08:22:33 PM »
If I got one, it would get some "Don stylin" that would make it pretty unique me thinks

OD green
Water can mounts
Gun rack
2kw generator
Double the propane
Dual 6VDC batteries
100W solar panel
One way glass treatment
Antenna for CB/GMRS
Flat black Awning
Water purification unit
Maybe, just maybe, a DR-650 mount
Lifted
Mo-biggerer tires
Other koul stuff!
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Offline Dawg25385

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #19 on: February 13, 2015, 08:55:29 PM »
DOOO ITTTT!! Totally in on this.

Honda EU2000 no question. We have one, zero regrets.
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Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #20 on: February 13, 2015, 09:05:05 PM »
DOOO ITTTT!! Totally in on this.

Honda EU2000 no question. We have one, zero regrets.
I'm taking momma over tomorrow to look at it
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Offline Sammconn

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #21 on: February 13, 2015, 09:11:34 PM »
X2 on the Honda EU 2000. Hate to think how many thousand hours on mine. It's one of the power sources for our cabin. It runs a heck of a lot through the winter 20-30 hours a week I suspect. Quiet, cheap on gas, and enough power to run one of microwave, coffee machine, the larger kitchen type appliances.
I just don't want to wind up missing a digit or limb.  I can sometimes get in a hurry to get results.
Sam

Offline Flyin6

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #22 on: February 13, 2015, 09:52:28 PM »
X2 on the Honda EU 2000. Hate to think how many thousand hours on mine. It's one of the power sources for our cabin. It runs a heck of a lot through the winter 20-30 hours a week I suspect. Quiet, cheap on gas, and enough power to run one of microwave, coffee machine, the larger kitchen type appliances.
How's the winter so far up there?
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Offline Sammconn

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2015, 10:51:28 PM »
Hasn't been too bad so far. Only a few days approaching the 40 below. Into a bit of a storm tonight, 35 or so below and a wicked wind. Pushing -50 wind chills. Cabin finally warming up, stove has been on since 08:00 and just comfy now.
Have a relative lack of snow but enough to get around everywhere.

A side note for the Honda EU generators. They don't like to start when they're cold. Now I need to quantify cold as sub freezing. Pull your guts out to start them, but warm them up and in typical Honda fashion one pull.
I just don't want to wind up missing a digit or limb.  I can sometimes get in a hurry to get results.
Sam

Offline Dawg25385

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2015, 11:09:40 PM »
These are pretty cool if you're lookin to expand livable space esp if you're where there's lots of bugs...

I'm clueless when it comes to building old dodges, but this is actually a place where I can chime in beyond the obligatory "looks great!" post LOL
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Offline Dustoff35

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #25 on: February 14, 2015, 06:55:11 AM »
The R-Pod still has the traditional panel-and-seam outer skin.  The sealant has a tendency to dry out and crack unless its stored inside or under a UV protected cover.  You could also re-seal it annually.  Once moisture gets into those panels its a mess.  I think JR went through this ordeal with his camper, so did I...

Remember my Rockwood (Rotwood) camper?  Also made by Forest River. 

If you recall, I had to make a road trip to Millersburg, IN to get the roof replaced at the Forest River / Rockwood factory.  When I did, I took a plant tour and spoke with the guy who ran the warranty/repair shop.  He said to re-seal the roof seams annually or it will leak.

It was a happy day when I sold that thing.


   
« Last Edit: February 14, 2015, 07:03:47 AM by Dustoff35 »

Offline Bob Smith

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2015, 01:28:41 PM »
If I got one, it would get some "Don stylin" that would make it pretty unique me thinks

OD green
Water can mounts
Gun rack
2kw generator
Double the propane
Dual 6VDC batteries
100W solar panel
One way glass treatment
Antenna for CB/GMRS
Flat black Awning
Water purification unit
Maybe, just maybe, a DR-650 mount
Lifted
Mo-biggerer tires
Other koul stuff!

Remember added weight on an RV can be an enemy if not balanced properly. The thing has a light weight frame and walls, makes for extra work when mounting stuff. If you want an awning attached, either find one with an awning or order one with at least the attachment bracing in place. Maybe want to talk with factory with your plans and they could add bracing as needed for your extras when they are building it. They are not built for rough, off road travel, but you don't get off the asphalt anyway.

Offline JR

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2015, 01:29:35 PM »
Yep, weather is just clearing up here so I need to finish the roof on mine.

I really like that Don and that tent siding is a good way to really stretch out. I think we all focus to much on the size and all we really to is sleep, clean and cook in them!!!!

I like all your ideas on it but put a nice big utility box in the front, you always seem to need stuff up there.

For the solar panels, you can get a flexible one that you just stick on top following the contour. I think they I saw a 150 watter for about $200.
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Offline Dawg25385

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Re: R-Pod by Forest River
« Reply #28 on: February 19, 2015, 10:29:35 PM »
Hey have you seen the Quad-Pods??? You mentioned wanting to throw the bike on... Might not be what you're goin for but saw this so thought I'd share
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