2021 Forest River R-Pod RP-179 by Forest River
Light and simple enough to camp out in the boondocks while at the same time being sophisticated enough to camp with the bigger dogs in any park. If you want the best of both worlds then the 2021 Forest River R-Pod RP-179 by Forest River is definitely worth considering.
Like with other reviews, I’m just giving you a quick overview of the specs…
Length: 20 feet, 0 inches.
Width: 8 feet.
Height: 9 feet, 11 inches
Dry Weight: 3,046 pounds
Interior Height: 6 feet, 6 inches
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 769 pounds
Propane: 2 tanks
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
Water Heater: 6 gallon capacity
Sleeps 4
Now for a quick review of the features. But I have to add here is that some features and options by the manufacturer varies by regions. Please note that features and options will vary especially with the three editions the R-Pod has. But will do my diligence to get all the features as accurate as possible for the Pacific Northwest region.
Like with other reviews, I’m just giving you a quick overview of the specs…
Length: 20 feet, 0 inches.
Width: 8 feet.
Height: 9 feet, 11 inches
Dry Weight: 3,046 pounds
Interior Height: 6 feet, 6 inches
Cargo Carrying Capacity: 769 pounds
Propane: 2 tanks
Fresh Water Tank Capacity: 30 gallons
Water Heater: 6 gallon capacity
Sleeps 4
Now for a quick review of the features. But I have to add here is that some features and options by the manufacturer varies by regions. Please note that features and options will vary especially with the three editions the R-Pod has. But will do my diligence to get all the features as accurate as possible for the Pacific Northwest region.
WORTHY CONSIDERATIONS: PROS…
It is light and narrow making it easy to tow with most trucks and SUVs out there on the market.
The Exterior…
Because it’s narrow, it is easy to see around using the factory mirrors equipped on most trucks and SUVs. So, you may not need mirror extensions.
The small tear drop shape will cut the wind resistance down and make for a nice tow.
A simple and easy to use power awning. The awning can either be staked down into the ground or be attached with poles to the side mounts on the trailer.
Power tongue jack (on most models).
Space for a second battery.
Propane port for a barbeque or heater.
Stabilizing jacks on all four corners.
Exterior shower on driver side.
Spray port on passenger side. With a spray port, you just hook up the hose fitting and are able to quickly spray off whatever you need (muddy boots, kids’ shoes, dogs). Being on the side of the entry door, it makes for a quick walk inside without getting any dirtier.
Seamless fiberglass roof…no seams equates to low maintenance and less chances of leaks in the future.
Spoiler doubles as gutter and has marker lights integrated with it.
Exterior speakers.
Double aluminum entry door step (2 steps).
LED tail lights.
The Interior…
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Like with most small travel trailers, the galley is small and simple.
The location of the galley in comparison to the main entry door, in my opinion, is a win. The galley and pantry is located right off from the main entry. The win here is that it makes it for a short haul for you to bring food and kitchen supplies in AND it makes it an easy trip for you to take your cooked meals out to a picnic table in your campsite.
Stainless steel convection microwave oven…. A quick note though… the location of the microwave oven in the galley may vary.
U-shaped dinette that drops down into a bed.
All in one wet bathroom (toilet, shower, sink).
The location of the galley in comparison to the main entry door, in my opinion, is a win. The galley and pantry is located right off from the main entry. The win here is that it makes it for a short haul for you to bring food and kitchen supplies in AND it makes it an easy trip for you to take your cooked meals out to a picnic table in your campsite.
Stainless steel convection microwave oven…. A quick note though… the location of the microwave oven in the galley may vary.
U-shaped dinette that drops down into a bed.
All in one wet bathroom (toilet, shower, sink).
Small closet next to bed.
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Television with a swivel mount. Thought the television is mounted in the bedroom, the swivel mount allows it to be swung out so it can be viewed throughout the rest of the trailer.
Central vacuum.
AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth.
Air conditioning.
Central vacuum.
AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth.
Air conditioning.
WORTHY CONSIDERATIONS: POSSIBLE CONS…
The Exterior…
For someone new to RV’s or new to wheels and fenders sticking out, the con is that the wheels and fenders stick out. So what’s the con here? When towing or backing the trailer, drivers tend to be fixated on the walls and not the fenders or wheels. So when you are navigating corners with curbs, you’re more apt to accidentally curb the wheels of the trailer. Or if you’re navigating a curvy dirt road with deep ditches on the sides, you’re likewise more apt to accidentally put the wheel in the ditch because you’re more focused on the walls.
R-Pod entry doors are prone to stick or become hard to close after usage. Whether or not Forest River has addressed this issue in their 2021 models is yet to be seen. But it is something to take note on.
The Interior…
Bathroom, being an all in one/wet bathroom, it is small. Added there is no skylight in the bathroom; skylights can add a few extra inches in the height of the bathroom. In this R-Pod’s case, it has a power fan instead. Which brings me to the next possible con…
…The power fan in bathroom may strain if another window is not opened or cracked. If windows and the door is closed, the seals in these trailers are so tight that the motor in the power fan may strain. A strain will equate to a power draw which may use up more juice from the battery if you’re boondocking it. The solution is to crack open window to allow the power fan to draw in air from the outside. Which will stop the strain on the fan, but in turn can create a draft in cold conditions.
R-Pod window shade tension cords are prone to breaking over time. Whether or not Forest River has addressed this issue for the 2021 model is yet to be seen. But it is one worth considering as a possible con.
The Exterior…
For someone new to RV’s or new to wheels and fenders sticking out, the con is that the wheels and fenders stick out. So what’s the con here? When towing or backing the trailer, drivers tend to be fixated on the walls and not the fenders or wheels. So when you are navigating corners with curbs, you’re more apt to accidentally curb the wheels of the trailer. Or if you’re navigating a curvy dirt road with deep ditches on the sides, you’re likewise more apt to accidentally put the wheel in the ditch because you’re more focused on the walls.
R-Pod entry doors are prone to stick or become hard to close after usage. Whether or not Forest River has addressed this issue in their 2021 models is yet to be seen. But it is something to take note on.
The Interior…
Bathroom, being an all in one/wet bathroom, it is small. Added there is no skylight in the bathroom; skylights can add a few extra inches in the height of the bathroom. In this R-Pod’s case, it has a power fan instead. Which brings me to the next possible con…
…The power fan in bathroom may strain if another window is not opened or cracked. If windows and the door is closed, the seals in these trailers are so tight that the motor in the power fan may strain. A strain will equate to a power draw which may use up more juice from the battery if you’re boondocking it. The solution is to crack open window to allow the power fan to draw in air from the outside. Which will stop the strain on the fan, but in turn can create a draft in cold conditions.
R-Pod window shade tension cords are prone to breaking over time. Whether or not Forest River has addressed this issue for the 2021 model is yet to be seen. But it is one worth considering as a possible con.
IN CLOSING
Narrow and easy to pull. Added the sleek modern design does give it a look of sophistication while the obvious simplicity of the trailer itself makes for easy camping in either a park or out in the boondocks.
Need some more info? Not a problem.
Here is the link to Forest River’s website.
Here is the link to Forest River’s website.
And if you need to find a dealer, here is a quick list of authorized R-pod dealers…
OREGON
Highway Trailer Sales
3250 Ward Dr NE
Salem, OR 97305
503-393-2400
George M Sutton RV
2400 West 7th Ave
Eugene, OR 97402
541-686-6296
800-256-9832
Washington
Poulsbo RV
23051 Military Rd. S.
Kent, WA 98032
206-824-7170
888-960-2389
Poulsbo RV
3905 Auburn Way N
Auburn, WA 98002
253-852-4383
OREGON
Highway Trailer Sales
3250 Ward Dr NE
Salem, OR 97305
503-393-2400
George M Sutton RV
2400 West 7th Ave
Eugene, OR 97402
541-686-6296
800-256-9832
Washington
Poulsbo RV
23051 Military Rd. S.
Kent, WA 98032
206-824-7170
888-960-2389
Poulsbo RV
3905 Auburn Way N
Auburn, WA 98002
253-852-4383
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