Hello Group!
After extensive research, my husband and I have narrowed our TT choices to the Camplite 13Qbb and the Rpod 171. We will be towing with a Murano with 3500lb tow package so any comments and/suggestions are very welcome. I have already tried to read every post I could about both TT's /pros and cons/ etc. but one can never have enough info.
Now the fun part... actually getting to see these TT's in person. (That will be my next post in the appropriate forum)
Happy Travels,
Pamela and Keith
Quote"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes" -Marcel Proust
[quote source="/post/13112/thread" timestamp="1436718346" author="@travylcouple"]Hello Group!
After extensive research, my husband and I have narrowed our TT choices to the Camplite 13Qbb and the Rpod 171. We will be towing with a Murano with 3500lb tow package so any comments and/suggestions are very welcome. I have already tried to read every post I could about both TT's /pros and cons/ etc. but one can never have enough info.
Now the fun part... actually getting to see these TT's in person. (That will be my next post in the appropriate forum)
[/quote][font size="3"]Having owned an RPOD 172 and now the CL 21RBS I know you'll be happy with either. A few points for you to consider:
[/font][ol type="decimal"][li][font size="3"]The RPOD is better insulated. It's really cozy and easy to heat.
[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]The Camplite is all aluminum. When it leaks, and all campers will leak eventually, nothing is damaged. Not so for the RPOD.
[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]The RPOD probably has a bigger dinette that can sleep two small kids if necessary.[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]The CL probably has a bigger fridge. Fridge size is not listed in my documentation. The RPOD fridge is tiny.
[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]The RPOD has slightly larger fresh and waste tanks.[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]The POD has slider windows; the CL has awning windows. The awning windows are less likely to leak in driving rain and can be left open during light rain when camped.
[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]Weights, GVWR, and cargo capacity are very similar with a slight advantage to the RPOD. Either will tow well with a 3500# rated TV.[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]There will be workmanship and quality control issues with either. Both are designed well.[/font][/li][li][font size="3"]Either one will be a good choice.
[/font][/li][/ol]
Love my 21RBS no experience with RPOD. Visit Southland in Buford, GA if possible.
If those are the choices, get the RPOD and use the money saved to buy a bigger tow vehicle.
The biggest thing that drove us away from the RPOD was the airplane bathroom. Alas, the smaller CL's have that, too.
For longevity and eventual resale value, I think the CampLite is most likely the best choice. I looked at a few RPods that were 2-3 years old when comparison shopping for my 13QBB, and they all had loose cabinets, water stains and trim that was already coming unglued. Despite that, I really did like the RPod layout and more home-like interior. However, even though the used 13QBB that I eventually bought is more industrial-looking (especially inside), one year and 3,000+ travel miles later, I have yet to find anything that is showing signs of wear or use. I pull my 13QBB with a 1997 Toyota 4Runner V6, and it does just fine...although bigger IS of course better when it comes to tow vehicles.
-Graham
Love our 13RDB. I have no worries over water - like when the window was left open (oops!) or when the kids jump out of the shower dripping everywhere. I'm also a fan of the industrial look. Good luck!