Print Page | Close Window

is an rpod right for me?

Printed From: r-pod Nation
Category: Forest River r-pod
Forum Name: Suggestions
Forum Description: Suggestions for Improving R-Pod Nation
URL: http://www.rpodNation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4453
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 4:55pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.0 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: is an rpod right for me?
Posted By: pmwoodward
Subject: is an rpod right for me?
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 2:43pm
Hello,
 
Allow me please to give you some background. Within the past year, my wife and I decided to buy a 5th wheel to eventually live in full time. I am hopefully going to retire in about 5 years. I am aching to get back to Alaska and the thought of dragging a 36' 5th weighing 14K lbs through remote dirt roads in Alaska and Yukon Territory does not sound like much fun. I was thinking that the R pod would be a great way to go. I was thinking of 4X4 and a lightweight trailer would be best for this trip and for small vacation/weekend trips until the big 5th departure occurs. In speaking with a dealer who sells the R pod, he was making it sound like the R pod would slice through the air and would hardly be noticed when towing due to its rounded shape. In reading the posts on this forum, it seems most are getting around 10-11 MPG when towing the R pod. I am shocked to hear of such poor MPG. Most vehicles getting around half the MPG of non towing. This seems particularly alarming as most monster sized 5th wheels are claiming 11-12 MPG while towing. The R pod is about 8.5' tall and a 5th wheel is usually a tick over 12' and most weigh in around 14-16K lbs. My only previous towing experience was a 2004 Chrysler Concord with a 3.5L with a tow rating of 2000 lbs while towing an 1850 lbs tent trailer. Non towing, I got 29 on a trip and 18 while towing. I thought this was quite bad and attributed it to being close to max towing weight.
 
Also, if I do go the R pod route, is the R pod durable for an Alaska trip?
 
Thanks for listening.


-------------
Ody



Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2016 at 2:57pm
A) The guys towing fivers are giving DIESEL mileage, not gas. Big difference.

B) The R-pod is rounded on the top, but not the sides. It's still a flat wall to the wind. It also has a very "unclean" under body, which causes drag.

C) We have owners who have pulled Pods to Alaska. Most have survived just fine. 1 I know of did have a frame to body issue, but he also stated he towed at 70mph. In Alaska. On unpaved roads. I do not blame the pod.


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Lark
Date Posted: 30 Jan 2016 at 10:13am
Hi Ody  yes, most everyone gets between 10 1/2 and 12 MPG towing pods.  Alaska Trip;  I Would up grade to the best tires and carry 2 spares.  I would travel as lightly as you can, no more than 1/2 tank of water.  I bought my second R-Pod last year.  I've owned a pod for all most 6 years and had no problems.  I travel on rough secondary roads and some gravel.  I tow with a F-150 2 wheel drive.  Going full time RVing is a big decision.  RV's lose about 1/4 of their value as soon as you drive off the lot.  However, I really enjoy having one!   Going from living in a 2000+ square foot house to living in a couple 100 square feet is a big adjustment!  As is said, you only live once,  Take care and enjoy life.
Lark F-150 2015 R-179  

-------------
Lark


Posted By: pmwoodward
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2016 at 3:32pm
Thanks for the replies. Yes, there is a big difference in MPG between gas and diesel. The extra cost of diesel fuel (in New England) unfortunately takes away much of the efficiency benefits. It is my understanding that the cost of diesel is LESS in many parts of the country. In my research, it seems that frontal area seems to be much more of a factor than towing weight. It seems that the Airstreams are much more efficient to tow. Airstream owners are reporting a far smaller penalty while towing compared to non towing. I am thinking the Airstream would endure a rough adventure better than an R Pod also. This quality in durability and towing efficiency comes at a premium of course. My intention here is to express my findings as to what would be best for my Alaska/Yukon trip, not to diss the R Pod in any way. The R Pod very much appeals to me. The retro styling in particular. I am also a fan of teardrop trailers, but one would be a bit tight to say the least for 3 adults. What really impresses me the most about the R Pod is the floor plans very cleverly work around the rounded portions of the design. Thank you again and happy trails to all!
 
Cheers, Ody


-------------
Ody


Posted By: 1Nomad
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 6:13pm
Hi Ody!
My niece recently moved to Homer Alaska. She has been there almost a year. We now have the opportunity to visit her and spend the summer there. We plan on travelling up from Southern California along the coastal route through the Pacific Northwest, BC, Yukon to Alaska and finally down to Homer as base camp.
I asked her in September to keep an eye out for the types of travel trailers she saw that seemed to do well up there in the harsh environment. They have had a really mild winter this year. When she asked around with some of her local friends, the feedback was overwhelmingly RPods or the offroad 2-man tear drops that do the best up there. 
That along with other factors, a lot of research and more time than I care to admit watching RPod YouTube videos led me to my decision to purchase my 2016 179. Took delivery just 2 weeks ago and plan on heading North in Mid June. We will stay until Mid September and then head East through Canada, dropping down through Minnesota to our final relocation destination of Lincoln Nebraska.

I will post how it goes on All Who Wander Are Not Lost group Facebook page of you're curious. 


Posted By: pmwoodward
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 1:06pm
1Nomad,

Thanks for your input. What an awesome adventure you have planned! What is your planned route to the Alcan? Is it to take route 16 West from Prince George and then route 37 North to Upper Liard to join the Alcan? I have not yet done this route. My next trip up to AK I will take this route. I am not surprised to hear that the R Pod is the overwhelming favorite up there. It's light weight makes it a great choice for a long haul. The 179 seems to be my favorite. I look forward to hearing about your great adventure. Happy trails!

Ody


-------------
Ody


Posted By: 1Nomad
Date Posted: 30 Mar 2016 at 12:03am
Hi Ody!
 
Yes, that is our route! We will take a brief detour to Prince Rupert and hop a ferry over Haida Gwaii. I read a great book called the Last Spruce some years ago, took place around the Haida Haanas national park. So it's on my bucket list to see. We also want to stop in Skagway and take the ferry to Gustavas and do a tour of Glacier Bay. There is just so much to see.
I can't wait. Ever since we picked up the 179, I can barely contain myself. I hope you are on the road soon too. Take care and keep us all posted on your travels.
 
Gretchen


Posted By: darbygtp
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2016 at 12:16am
1Nomad,
If you are heading east through Canada, stay north as you make your way through the last 1/2 of Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Much more scenic with many beautiful national and provincial parks and forest compared to the south 250 miles of that part of Canada, unless you are attracted to flat farmland. I live in that flat farmland 100 miles north of the border



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 11.0 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2014 Web Wiz Ltd. - http://www.webwiz.co.uk