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02-28-2018, 11:04 AM
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#21
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Senior Member
Name: Mark
Trailer: currently shopping
Missouri
Posts: 258
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OK I've heard enuff!!!! Not going to go with R Pod!!!
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02-28-2018, 11:15 AM
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#22
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Senior Member
Trailer: No Trailer Yet
Posts: 1,704
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Mark... this may not be of any comfort, but I made the EXACT same decision(s); not only with the R-Pod but with the HILO AND "TAB" which was FULL of outside plastic trim that was highly known for cracking in the sunlight!
What EVER you get, let it make you happy and proud to pull in a campground knowing you made the best decision possible. And ENJOY- Life is SO short.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Missouri Mark
OK I've heard enuff!!!! Not going to go with R Pod!!!
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02-28-2018, 11:35 AM
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#23
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Member
Name: dave
Trailer: no longer looking at Parkliner,04 Honda Odyssey
Pennsylvania
Posts: 55
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Hi Mark, I am 6' tall so my options are limited as well. I was looking seriously at Parkliner until they stopped making the original model. I am sure the new model is quite nice but it is much pricier and the wait time is about a year. Also took them a long time to answer my questions on their website which was and remains seriously outdated. Model shown on website is the one they stopped making last year and no pictures of the new one at all unless you scroll clear to the bottom and fish around. So I bought an RPod 171 which was immediately available locally for $15K. It is loaded with many things which are optional on FG RVs, especially Parkliners. I did not really need or want AC, heater, video monitor, entertainment center or electric tongue jack (which interferes with van rear hatch opening) but it came that way and everything works.No slideouts! R Dome canopy ($750!) was nice until the wind blew and it becomes a parachute then rags. Styling looks like every other stickie inside and doesn't have that clean modern look like the Parkliner. I tow with an 04 Odyssey so tongue weight is an issue but the RPod is under the 350 lb max for the Odyssey. I weighed it at 320 fully loaded with water and gear. I also got the WDH and sway control. I graduated from a Coleman Santa Fe pop up. Its flat canopy withstood heavy winds many times. It was nice (anybody want it?) but is really cheaply made inside but main structure is solid and you have to crank it up and back down every time you want to use it even in the rain. And those cables can break. Yeah it is about where you go not what you camp in as long as it all works and fits your needs. Happy camping and see you on the road!
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02-28-2018, 11:45 AM
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#24
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Member
Name: J
Trailer: Shopping puck or scamp
Massachusetts
Posts: 69
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Missouri Mark
At the risk of alienation, and after 3 years of researching, I have about come to the conclusion that I will never be able to afford or justify the cost of a nice used fiberglass RV. No need to waste your breathe, I've heard all the arguments, but $15K-25K is too much for a recreational toy on my very modest income and savings. I would love a Lil Snoozy or Egg Camper, not to mention a Oliver or Bigfoot that cost half a house, but it's never going to happen without winning the lottery. An 11 yr. old Lil Snoozy just sold on here for $15K.
My main criteria are accommodating my 6"5" frame (which rules out 90% of models, but I will insist on being able to stand up straight and sleep comfortably), AC/Heat, and around 2,000 lbs. and 19' or less. Everything else is whistles and bells to me.
Right now there are two 2010 Forest River R Pod 171 online for $8K. They are very similar to Lil Snoozy in shape and layout, and fits my criteria. No wood in frame to rot, with aluminum sides and one fiberglass piece that forms front, top, and back. I'm not concern about resale value on a $8K investment, if I can use it 10-15 years than I feel like I got my money's worth.
I have read a few negative reviews about minor issues with the R Pods but nothing too major. I understand you get what you pay for - I don't expect a Cadillac - just something that is functional and will last for many years.
I would appreciate anyone with some firsthand knowledge of the Forest River R Pod 171 - no foldouts. I've research all types to death, and it's time to make a move on buying something. I'm single, tired of tent camping, and hotels get expensive travelling alone, and I plan to travel 1-2 months at a time when I retire is a few short years. I want to make the purchase and do any modifications before taking long trips. This will be my first and last RV purchase.
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Mark, Read you totally. We will have an aluminum Bonair 1986 13’ for sale in May. Original when we purchased, I remove a cabinet, so I could build a platform for longer and more comfortable bed.
Then realized my skills did not match my imagination.
Has new struts,tires, switch out toilet and replaced with porta pot, no a/c,gas heat,2 burner store, electric fridge. 3 way but only have used electric.
13 foot, electric brakes, new propane tank.
Have all pieces that I removed from original if a different owner wants to reinstall. Also remove paint on two sides, new roof waterproofing, with all vents resealed. Needs aluminum corners and windows resealed. Lite pull!
Selling for what we paid. $4250.00
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02-28-2018, 11:58 AM
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#25
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Senior Member
Name: Bob
Trailer: Parkliner 2014
Georgia
Posts: 158
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Missouri Mark
Aliner and Chalet are no bargains on price either.I would choose the Snoozy before either of them, sans the moving parts that would eventually break.
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FWIW, a member of my fly fishing club was selling a 2011 Chalet Arrowhead last summer, asking just under $8k. I'm sure it was well taken care of (I think he was simply "aging out" of that kind of travel). Those options always seem to be out there. Unfortunately, ceiling and bed size as a "must" does seem to bring compromises on the "want" list pretty quickly.
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02-28-2018, 11:59 AM
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#26
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Junior Member
Name: Dan
Trailer: 84 13' burro
Washington
Posts: 9
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rpod 182g
I have been researching and looking for a fiberglass trailer for about a year. I would have bought a used escape trailer but they are very hard to find and when you do find one, it means traveling 300 miles to even look at it. I finally decided to check out the rpod trailers. I found brand new 2018 rpod 182 G which has a pop up outdoor kitchen, 2 bunk beds, 3 way fridge, led lights, pass through, 2 burner stove and a convection microwave oven, entertainment center and awning The trailer weighs about 3000 lbs and is easy to tow with my f150. I was able to purchase a 2018 trailer for 17,000 versus 34,000 for an escape with the same features. I just got back from a trip to Arizona and I really enjoyed the rpod experience!
The only downside is, the seams should be checked frequently and resealed if necessary , it needs more storage, and the beds are a little short for someone over 6'.
I will be bringing it to the Bullards State Park get together this Summer!
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02-28-2018, 02:22 PM
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#27
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Senior Member
Name: Greg
Trailer: 2008 Casita 17' SD
Bremerton, WA
Posts: 2,295
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Dan, I see that you are also from WA State. Probably great down in AZ, but I hope that living up here in the Pacific Northwet (sic) doesn't make your cooking outside too inconvenient.
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02-28-2018, 03:01 PM
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#28
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Senior Member
Name: Tom
Trailer: Sprinter 'til I buy
Denver, CO
Posts: 944
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No need to apologize you make parfect sense Mark. I don't want to sleep in a tent either.
I'm not sure what brand, but to make the most memories per $ spent, it is probably hard to beat a one year old stick-built, because someone else took the initial depreciation. I wish I knew what brand to direct you toward. But the height requirement is important. Wish you well.
PS, Sprinter, Ford, and Dodge all offer taller vans around 6'1" inside. Sprinter did offer a Super high, or extra tall roof option that is about 7' tall inside. It isn't clear whether they are still offered. Might be worth a look.
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02-28-2018, 03:56 PM
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#29
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Senior Member
Name: Bob
Trailer: Parkliner 2014
Georgia
Posts: 158
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BTW Mark, have you been in a Snoozy? I've only been in one, I think it's listed at 6'4", and I'd say I probably did have 2 inches over my 6'2", but not 3. And I've found I really need real-world experience on that; about half of published heights seem a little generous (judging all, not just FG), and I'd almost rather the ceiling be half a foot low than half and inch, so you're certain that you need to scrunch all the time.
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02-28-2018, 05:11 PM
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#30
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Senior Member
Trailer: Trillium 2010
Posts: 5,197
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Missouri Mark
Aliner and Chalet are no bargains on price either.I would choose the Snoozy before either of them, sans the moving parts that would eventually break.
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We sold our Chalet in 2010 when we bought the Trillium. While the moving parts was a concern, they never gave us problems. The main reason was having to set up to take a bathroom or lunch break and the crowd it draws. It also had slider windows which we hated. If you want the feeling of spaciousness (and can live with the windows) it's hard to beat an A frame. As to price I have no idea. I bought mine for $10k new in 2004 and sold it for $6k
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02-28-2018, 05:56 PM
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#31
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Member
Name: Randy
Trailer: 2013 Escape 19
California
Posts: 31
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Forest River
I Have a lot of enclosed trailers. Years ago I was visiting my brother in Portland, Or. We went to a lot that had Cargomate enclosed trailers made by Forest River. We open the doors to about 10 of them, the floors were soaked from the rain. I decided right then I would never have a Forest River product.
Also I would never have a trailer with a rubber roof.
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02-28-2018, 06:10 PM
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#32
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Senior Member
Name: Robert
Trailer: 2015 Escape 19 "Past Tents" 2021 F150 Lariat 2.7L EB SuperCrew
Texas
Posts: 1,299
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My evidence is strictly anecdotal, but I know too many people who've owned a Forest River product, and regretted it badly. I consider them one of the poorer built and poorer backed RV lines on the market - and not because they are stickies. There are some fine stick-built trailers out there, but I wouldn't put anything they make in that category, nor any other stickies in the lower price range.
Spend a little time perusing the forums at iRV2. You'll find thread after thread, horror story after horror story about poor quality, warranty hassles, leaks, low resale, etc. The general consensus among many posters there is that all RVs are poor quality and all require a bunch of maintenance. Poor souls. They've either never heard of a fiberglass trailer or they haven't considered one.
__________________
"You can't buy happiness, but you can buy an RV. And that is pretty close."
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02-28-2018, 06:43 PM
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#33
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Senior Member
Name: John
Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug
Mid Left Coast
Posts: 3,031
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I would avoid ANYthing with slideouts.
I looked at some Forest River cab-over pickup truck campers, and was not at all impressed with their build quality, the Lance slide-ins we looked at seemed better made. The Lance 1475 looks like a nice 'sticky' for 2, and claims to have 78" headroom inside, but its a new model so won't have many used ones to find. The 1881 from circa 2010 has a 60x80" walkaround queen, and is still fairly light (3200 lbs curb, 5800 max), also has a 78" ceiling, looks like 6-8 year old ones sell for around $10k.
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02-28-2018, 07:05 PM
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#34
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Senior Member
Name: Mike
Trailer: 2011 Escape 19
Oklahoma
Posts: 6,055
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Everyone will have a different experience, and any brand can have some good units and some lemons. I had a 2005 FR Rockwood and it was fine. I had an Aliner for a year and it had a number of irritating little problems.
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02-28-2018, 09:01 PM
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#35
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Senior Member
Name: Peter
Trailer: G30 Elite Class C
British Columbia
Posts: 1,510
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Missouri Mark
At the risk of alienation, and after 3 years of researching, I have about come to the conclusion that I will never be able to afford or justify the cost of a nice used fiberglass RV. No need to waste your breathe, I've heard all the arguments, but $15K-25K is too much for a recreational toy on my very modest income and savings. I would love a Lil Snoozy or Egg Camper, not to mention a Oliver or Bigfoot that cost half a house, but it's never going to happen without winning the lottery. An 11 yr. old Lil Snoozy just sold on here for $15K.
My main criteria are accommodating my 6"5" frame (which rules out 90% of models, but I will insist on being able to stand up straight and sleep comfortably), AC/Heat, and around 2,000 lbs. and 19' or less. Everything else is whistles and bells to me.
Right now there are two 2010 Forest River R Pod 171 online for $8K. They are very similar to Lil Snoozy in shape and layout, and fits my criteria. No wood in frame to rot, with aluminum sides and one fiberglass piece that forms front, top, and back. I'm not concern about resale value on a $8K investment, if I can use it 10-15 years than I feel like I got my money's worth.
I have read a few negative reviews about minor issues with the R Pods but nothing too major. I understand you get what you pay for - I don't expect a Cadillac - just something that is functional and will last for many years.
I would appreciate anyone with some firsthand knowledge of the Forest River R Pod 171 - no foldouts. I've research all types to death, and it's time to make a move on buying something. I'm single, tired of tent camping, and hotels get expensive travelling alone, and I plan to travel 1-2 months at a time when I retire is a few short years. I want to make the purchase and do any modifications before taking long trips. This will be my first and last RV purchase.
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:does not matter what you buy, making sure you seal (caulk it) it every year is the most important item I can suggest, water is always looking for a way in to cause nothing but grief and does not matter if it is a Class B, CLass C, Class A, or any trailer out there, if keep it sealed then you should be able to enjoy it for many years.
Stude
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03-01-2018, 08:43 AM
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#36
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Senior Member
Name: Mark
Trailer: currently shopping
Missouri
Posts: 258
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Thanks for opinions!! Exactly what I as hoping for - people with first hand experience. I have 3 years before I retire and not going to rush into anything at this point. But sure would like to have it before I retire to personal it with any modifications I would like to have installed.
Seems the negative experiences outweigh the positive with the R Pod. Still not totally turned off. It seems as one poster suggested that some good high quality adhesive tape made for sealing seams would work better than constant caulking. If that is the only issue, it may be worth a shot. As I said, there are two R Pod within 150 miles for sale for $8K.
Another big issue as someone stated is everything I have been interested in is 1,000 miles away. Not many manufacturers or dealers of fiberglass n Midwest. All seem to be more available on the coasts - left and right coasts.
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03-01-2018, 09:03 AM
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#37
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Senior Member
Name: Bob
Trailer: Parkliner 2014
Georgia
Posts: 158
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Nearby RV shows and rallies (esp those shown here) need to become your friend. Best way to get inside a bunch of options and start figuring out what's best for you.
Might even be worth going to visit one of the R-Pods to check it out.
Good luck.
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03-01-2018, 09:15 AM
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#38
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Member
Name: James Y.
Trailer: Companion
Ohio
Posts: 83
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Following this thread and doing some online research on the R-Pod, I can also see the quality just isn't there. Saving for 3 more years (and not playing the lottery) you just might make up the difference to get the fiberglass camper you really want. Cheap campers are tempting but as they say "you get what you pay for".
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03-01-2018, 09:25 AM
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#39
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Senior Member
Name: Mark
Trailer: currently shopping
Missouri
Posts: 258
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Exactly what I am afraid of, Jim. Another big concern that no one has mentioned is durability. I do plan some long trips when I retire and spend as much as 2-3 months on the road. Something with poor craftsmanship will not hold up, I'm afraid.
Of course, even though I love the Lil Snoozy, it is an electric only RV and I plan to do some boondocking, so that means spending money on adapting to propane and generators, and I'm looking at another $3K for a good Honda 3000, which I have read is what I will need to have to be assured of AC in extreme heat and heat in extreme cold, as well as run lights and few other electrical items.
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03-01-2018, 05:33 PM
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#40
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Senior Member
Name: John
Trailer: Escape 21, behind an '02 F250 7.3 diesel tug
Mid Left Coast
Posts: 3,031
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re: sealing tape, its pretty difficult to get tape to adhere around corners and curved surfaces without wrinkles, and any wrinkle creates a channel where water could get in. I've experienced this enough with masking tape on paint jobs to be cautious.
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