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We will be considering the new R-Pod 202 in detail and look at some of the considerable upgrades as well as a few shortcomings. Because this model is larger at 4,600 lbs. unloaded, it competes in a higher weight class and fights against some established competitors. As always, this is about helping you make the best decisions for your RV travel experience and so we’ll attempt to uncover this new model in an objective way.
Here are a few of the main stats on the R-Pod 202:
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- UVW – 4,574 lbs.
- CCC – 1,911 lbs.
- GVWR – 6,485 lbs.
- Hitch weight – 485 lbs.
- Length – 25’
- Width – 96”
- Awning – 12’
- Fresh – 30 gal.
- Gray – 60 gal. (2 tanks)
- Black – 30 gal.
The R-Pod 202 shares several common characteristics with other current generation R-Pods, they include:
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- Large front window
- Azdel wall construction vs traditional luan
- Convection/microwave oven
- Built in Vacuum
Let’s talk about some nice upgrades and features that this model has that are not common to all R-Pods…
Exterior:
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- 60-gallon gray tank capacity (two tanks)
- Dual Axle = more carrying capacity
- Outside kitchen (fridge, sink basin, griddle)
- MORRyde Step (heavy duty)
- Hanger straps!
- Enclosed underbelly
- Black tank flush on the utility side
- Easy access to water pump (through storage belly)
- 15-year walkable roof
- Backup camera prep
Interior:
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- Ducted heat and A/C
- 6 cu. Ft. fridge (also common to larger R-Pods)
- Fireplace
- Large slide out with dinette or sofa
- Large walk-through bathroom
- Connections for 2nd TV in the bedroom
Here are some things we think are missing or shortcomings to be aware of for a trailer of this size and weight.
Exterior:
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- No outside shower
- Dual tank outlets
- One propane tank
- Enclosed but not heated underbelly
- Battery disconnect in plain sight
- Small awning (12’) on a 25’ trailer
- No outside kitchen storage (no room for griddle storage)
- Glass door? (Not sure about this one!)
Interior:
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- Luan floor
- Limited counter space
- No gas oven
- Short queen bed (60” x 74”)
It is important to be aware of other options available, especially as there are many brands, even within Forest River, that have been building trailers of this size and weight for some time.
Let’s look at few models that compete in this weight class. These will all have walk-around queen beds, have dual axles, a double-door fridge, a walk-on roof, and full dry baths.
Forest River: Surveyor Legend 202RBLE (2021)
Specs:
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- UVW – 4628 lbs.
- CCC – 2837 lbs.
- GVWR – 7465 lbs.
- Hitch weight – 465 lbs.
- Length – 24’ 4”
- Width – 96”
- Awning – 16’
- Fresh – 40 gal. (30)
- Gray – 40 gal. (60)
- Black – 30 gal. (30)
Features:
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- Azdel walls
- Dual 20 lbs propane tanks
- Slightly wider interior space
- Bathroom fully accessible with the slide in
- Larger 8 cu. ft. refrigerator
- Three burner range with gas oven
- Larger kitchen workspace
- Breakfast bar
- Bedroom not cut off by bathroom
- Standard queen bed (60” x 80”)
- Vaulted ceiling
Minuses:
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- No outside kitchen (but more overall refrigerator space)
- Bedroom is not divided from living space
Grand Design: Imagine XLS 22RBE (2021)
Specs:
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- UVW – 5125 lbs.
- CCC – 1870 lbs.
- GVWR – 6995 lbs.
- Hitch weight – 497 lbs.
- Length – 25’ 11”
- Width – 96”
- Awning – 18’
- Fresh – 43 gal. (30)
- Gray – 82 gal. (60)
- Black – 37 gal. (30)
Features:
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- Dual 20 lbs propane tanks
- Slightly wider interior space
- Bathroom fully accessible with the slide in
- Bathroom window
- Three burner range with gas oven
- Large kitchen workspace
- Bedroom not cut off by bathroom
- Standard queen bed (60” x 80”)
- Heated & enclosed underbelly
- Heated & enclosed dump valves
Minuses:
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- Slide out is on campground side
- Does not use Azdel in walls
Keystone: Premier 23RBPR (2021)
Specs:
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- UVW – 5265 lbs.
- CCC – 1735 lbs.
- GVWR – 7000 lbs.
- Hitch weight – 655 lbs.
- Length – 27’ 6”
- Width – 96”
- Awning – 15’
- Fresh – 43 gal. (30)
- Gray – 60 gal. (60)
- Black – 30 gal. (30)
Features:
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- HyperDeck Flooring
- Dual 20 lbs propane tanks
- Power stabilizer jacks
- Larger 8 cu. ft. refrigerator
- Three burner range with gas oven
- Bedroom not cut off by bathroom
- Standard queen bed (60” x 80”)
- Vaulted ceiling
- Ducted furnace and AC
- Exterior kitchen space with sink, range, fridge and storage space
- Enclosed & heated underbelly
Minuses:
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- Does not use Azdel in walls
One of our main values is to give you the information that you need to weigh the options in order to make better decisions. In this weight class, there is a lot to ponder.
All the best on your camping endeavors!
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