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Forest River R-Pod 171 (In-Depth Review & Walkthrough)

If you’re in the market for a small, lightweight travel trailer that’s easy to tow and has all the amenities you need for comfortable camping, the Forest River R-Pod RP-171 is a great option.

As this compact lightweight camper has a length of only 19 feet and a dry weight of just 2,714 pounds.

Allowing this camper to be towed by most mid-size and full-size SUVs and even some small SUVs .

While still offering all the must-have RV features and amenities for traveling and camping.

There’s so much more to this camper than this though, so if you’re thinking about purchasing the R-Pod 171, you definitely want to keep reading.

As we provide a complete review and breakdown of the RP-171 and answer some of the most common questions about the camper.

Forest River R-Pod Overview

Before we do a deep dive into the R-Pod 171 though, it’s important to first understand where the RP-171 fits into the R-Pod lineup as well as Forest River’s broader RV lineup.

As Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the industry, producing everything from travel trailers and 5th wheels to motorhomes and destination trailers .

With multiple lineups and brands, including Rockwood , Flagstaff, Cherokee, and Wolf Pup to name just a few.

But one of Forest River’s most popular lineups is the R-Pod, which was designed from the ground up to offer affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight possible.

Currently available in nine different trim levels, the R-Pod offers a variety of trim levels and floorplans to choose from.

But one of the most compact lightweight options is the R-Pod 171, which until recently was the smallest and lightest R-Pod you could buy before Forest River introduced the R-Pod 153 .

Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Video Walkthrough & Quick Specs

Perfect for short trips and adventures, the compact lightweight RP171 has everything you need for a quick weekend getaway.

As the R-Pod RP171 is a completely self-contained camper that can be used for both campground camping as well as boondocking and dry camping in the backcountry.

• Length : 19 Feet
• Dry Weight : 2,714 Pounds
• Sleeping Capacity : Up to 4
• Bathroom : 3-Piece Wet Bath
• Slide-Outs : None
• Hitch Weight : 340 Pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating : 3,840 Pounds
• Cargo Carrying Capacity : 1,126 Pounds
• Exterior Width : 8 Feet
• Exterior Height : 9 Feet 7 Inches
• Air Conditioning : Yes, 13,500 BTU Roof-Mounted AC
• Heating : Yes, 20,000 BTU Furnace
• Water Heater : 6 Gallon Electric/Propane
• Fresh Water Tank : 30 Gallon
• Gray Water Tank : 30 Gallon
• Black Water Tank : 30 Gallon

R-Pod 171 Interior Amenities

Now that we have a general overview of the R-Pod 171, let’s take a closer look at all its interior amenities, to get a better feel for its capabilities and functionality.

Starting with its sleeping accommodations and capacity.

Sleeping Accommodations

The R-Pod 171 has up to a four-person sleeping capacity, thanks to its rear east-to-west short RV queen bed and its front convertible dinette booth.

Making this lightweight camper great for families that need a four-person sleeping capacity but still want to keep the weight and size of the camper to a minimum.

To see other small lightweight campers with a four-person sleeping capacity, check out our blog post “ 12 Best Small Travel Trailers for a Family of 4 “.

Despite its smaller size, the R-Pod 171 still has a surprisingly well-equipped kitchen.

As the RP171’s galley features a single bowl stainless steel sink with a cover that doubles as a drying rack, a two-burner propane cooktop with a glass cover, a convection microwave oven, and a gas/electric fridge.

Allowing you to cook just about any meal you could want while camping and traveling.

Plus, the galley in this small R-Pod also features a decent amount of storage space with both an overhead and lower cabinet to store all your food and cookware.

While the bathroom in this camper might be a deal breaker for some, due to its three-piece wet bath.

The small compact wet bath in the RP-171 gives you everything you need for getting ready and washing up while camping and traveling.

Including a combined shower and bathroom sink that’s connected to a 30-gallon fresh water tank and a 30-gallon gray water tank.

As well as an RV toilet that’s connected to a 30-gallon black water tank.

Which allows you to use the bathroom both while you’re connected to RV hookups as well as while you’re boondocking or dry camping.

Heating & Cooling

The R-Pod 171 also offers automatic climate control, with standard heating and cooling.

Thanks to a standard 13,500 BTU roof-mounted air conditioner and 20,000 BTU propane furnace.

Allowing you to stay comfortable inside the camper, even when the temperature starts to rise or drop outside.

If you plan to run the AC though, you’ll either need to be connected to shore power or add an aftermarket 30 Amp generator , in order to supply the needed electricity to run the air conditioner off-grid.

R-Pod 171 Exterior Features & Amenities

Now that we’ve looked at some of the main interior amenities of the R-Pod 171, let’s check out its main exterior components as well.

Starting with the camper’s construction.

Construction

While the R-Pod 171 is more of a budget-friendly camper, that doesn’t mean that Forest River skimped on its exterior.

As the RP 171 features many class-leading exterior features and components.

Including a powder-coated steel frame, lightweight durable welded aluminum sidewalls/floor, and Laminlux Azdel fiberglass that will never delaminate.

As well as custom tinted safety glass windows, double aluminum entry door step, black powder coated fender skirts with LED lights, and a rounded friction hinge entrance door with a window.

Propane & Battery Capacity

The Forest River R-Pod RP-171 comes standard with a 20-pound propane tank protected by a hardcover as well as a dual battery rack.

Which provides plenty of off-grid power to run the majority of the systems inside the camper as well as keep all your electronic devices charged up while boondocking or dry camping.

Solar Capability

While unfortunately, a solar package does not come standard on the R-Pod, all R-Pods are pre-wired for solar.

Allowing you to add an optional solar package to the camper that includes a 110-watt roof-mounted solar panel, interior digital controller, and a 1,000-watt inverter to convert DC to AC power.

Allowing you to greatly increase your off-grid power and boondocking capability.

Exterior Storage

While the R-Pod 171 doesn’t have a lot of exterior storage, due to its smaller size, what exterior storage it does have is well-designed.

As the R-Pod 171 features radius baggage doors with Bauer keyed alike key system and magnetic door catches.

Which makes it much easier to access the contents of the exterior baggage compartments.

Plus, the camper also has a dedicated spot to store the sewer hose when not in use, to prevent cross-contamination.

Because of the small size and rounded teardrop shape of the R-Pod 171, it can’t accommodate a standard awning found on larger more traditional travel trailers.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you’re looking for covered outdoor space.

As the R-Pod 171 offers an optional R-Dome awning with a screen room that takes a little extra effort to set up but is more than worth the effort.

As the R-dome awning adds a lot of usable exterior living space to the camper, which adds a lot of functionality to the camper.

How Much Does the R-Pod 171 Cost?

A new Forest River R-Pod 171 will cost between $22,000 and $24,000, depending on its options, while a used R-Pod 171 will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on its production year and condition.

If you’re looking for a more detailed answer on the cost of the R-Pod 171 or want to see what other R-Pods cost, check out our blog post “ How Much are Forest River R-Pods? Answered “.

Are R-Pod Trailers Any Good?

R-Pod trailers are very popular with both first-time RVers and experienced RVers alike, as they offer a great blend of value, quality, and features.

And because of their small lightweight size, they’re also very easy to tow and maneuver.

So if you’re looking for a quality easy-to-tow camper, the Forest River R-Pod is definitely worth considering.

What is the Smallest Forest River R-Pod?

Up until recently, the R-Pod 171 was the smallest and lightest Forest River R-Pod.

However, in 2022 Forest River released the smaller and lighter R-Pod 153, making it the new lightest Forest River R-Pod.

As the R-Pod 153 has a length of 17 feet 6 inches, making it 1 foot 6 inches shorter than the R-Pod 171, and a dry weight that is yet to be announced by Forest River but is expected to be substantially lower than the R-Pod 171’s dry weight of 2,714 pounds.

How Heavy are R-Pod Trailers?

R-Pod travel trailers have a dry weight that ranges from 2,714 pounds on the low end to as much as 4,574 pounds on the high end, depending on the size and trim level of the R-Pod.

R-Pod Trailer Dry Weights (Lowest to Highest)

• R-Pod 171 : 2,714 lbs
• R-Pod 180 : 2,950 lbs
• R-Pod 190 : 2,979 lbs
• R-Pod 192 : 3,379 lbs
• R-Pod 193 : 3,654 lbs
• R-Pod 196 : 3,600 lbs
• R-Pod 201 : 4,379 lbs
• R-Pod 202 : 4,574 lbs

However, it’s important to keep in mind that no one pulls an empty travel trailer behind them when they’re going camping.

As most RVers will usually load anywhere from 500 to as much as 1,500 pounds of cargo into the trailer and that doesn’t even include the added weight of batteries, propane, and potentially full or partially full holding tanks.

Because of this, the more accurate fully loaded weight of the R-Pod will usually range from 3,500 pounds on the low end to as much as 6,000 pounds on the high end, depending on the size and trim level of the R-Pod.

How Long is an R-Pod Trailer?

An R-Pod travel trailer ranges in length from 17 feet 6 inches on the low end to as much as 25 feet on the high end, depending on the size and trim level of the R-Pod.

• R-Pod 153 : 17′ 6″
• R-Pod 171 : 19′
• R-Pod 180 : 20′
• R-Pod 190 : 20′ 4″
• R-Pod 192 : 22′ 2″
• R-Pod 193 : 22′ 11″
• R-Pod 196 : 22′ 2″
• R-Pod 201 : 25′
• R-Pod 202 : 25′

The Forest River R-Pod 171 is a great option for those looking for a small, lightweight, and easy-to-tow travel trailer that won’t break the bank.

As the R-Pod 171 packs a lot of functionality and usability into a small affordable package.

Allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of camping and traveling without needing to spend a small fortune on a large travel trailer or rig.

Which will usually also require you to upgrade to a much larger and more expensive tow vehicle.

So if you’re looking for a small lightweight travel trailer, the Forest River R-Pod 171 should definitely be on your shortlist.

Jason is an avid lover of RVs and the RV lifestyle. He is both a writer and editor for RV Owner HQ and has been RVing and camping for over 20 years.

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Forest River RV R Pod Travel Trailers

Affordable Luxury

The r-pod is the first of its kind to offer you affordable luxury at the lowest tow weight in its class. The r-pod is a perfect example of “form follows function,” with its unique shape and construction!

WHY CHOOSE R Pod

• Largest Refrigerator In Class
• Tufflex PVC Roofing
• Central Vac System
• Enclosed Tanks

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• MSRP: $43,014
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• MSRP: $47,270

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R Pod RP-107C

Outdoor Kitchen , Two Entry/Exit Doors , 15 ft 0 in in length , weighs 1789 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 2 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-153

Murphy Bed , 17 ft 6 in in length , weighs 3421 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-153C

Murphy Bed , sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-171

19 ft 0 in in length , weighs 2937 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-171C

19 ft 0 in in length , weighs 2449 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-180C

Rear Bath , 20 ft 0 in in length , weighs 3447 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-190C

U Shaped Dinette , 20 ft 4 in in length , weighs 2964 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 4 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-192

Murphy Bed , Rear Bath , 22 ft 2 in in length , weighs 4059 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-193

Bunkhouse , Murphy Bed , 22 ft 11 in in length , weighs 4169 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 5 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-194C

sleeps up to 3 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-196

Rear Kitchen , Front Bedroom , 22 ft 2 in in length , weighs 4040 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 4 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-201

Walk-Thru Bath , Front Bedroom , 25 ft 0 in in length , weighs 5003 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 4 , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-202

Outdoor Kitchen , Walk-Thru Bath , 25 ft 0 in in length , weighs 4868 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 3 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod RP-203

Bunkhouse , Murphy Bed , 25 ft 0 in in length , weighs 5169 lbs lbs , sleeps up to 8 , 1 slides , many colors ...more

R Pod Features:

Standard Features (2024)

***PLEASE NOTE: Features and Options separated by region below:

----------------------------------------------------

Chassis/Running Gear

• Powder coated steel frame
• Self-Adjusting Electric brakes
• LED taillights
• Aluminum wheels
• 205/75/R15 radial tires
• Nitrogen filled tires
• EZ-lube hubs
• Dual battery rack
• Rotocast fresh water tank
• Rotocast grey/black tank
• Power tongue jack
• Battery Disconnect

Appliances/Equipment

• 8 cu. ft. 12V Refrigerator (N/A RP-107, RP-153)
• 13.5K BTU air conditioner
• Convection Microwave Oven
• 28" 12V LED TV
• Range Vent (select models)
• Refrigerator (RP-107, RP-153)
• Power Awning w/LED Light Strip (Select Models)
• Wall Mounted Residential Style Thermostat
• 6 Gallon Gas/Electric DSI hot water heater
• Water heater by-pass system
• Two burner recessed cook top w/flush mount glass cover
• 20,000 BTU furnace
• 12V demand water pump
• Monitor panel
• 55 amp converter w/ charger
• 4 speed MaxxAir® Fan
• Thetford™ toilet
• USB Charging Ports
• Breakaway switch
• Fire extinguisher
• LP detector
• Smoke detector
• CO detector
• Safety chains
• Dead-bolt door lock
• Ground fault protected electrical circuit
• 6' 6" Interior Height
• Designer Carefree® flooring
• Residential Style Shaker Cabinetry
• Hardwood drawer fronts w/ full extension ball bearing drawer guides
• Decorative window treatments
• Shower Surround with Curtain
• Mini blinds (where applicable)
• Collapsible clothes hanger (where applicable)
• Bathroom pocket organizers
• Wood slideout fascia with corner blocks
• Cosmic Graphite Interior Décor
• Aluminum Bed Bases
• Large Barrelled Black Stainless Steel Sink w/Sink Cover
• Fireplace (Select Models)
• Seamless Kitchen Countertops
• Large Pantry (Select Models)
• Accent Lighting (Select Models)
• Outside Kitchen w/Flat Top Grill & Utility Tray (N/A RP-171)
• Laminlux Exterior Azdel Fiberglass
• Welded aluminum sidewalls and floor
• Laminated sidewalls, floor and roof (select models)
• One Piece Seamless fiberglass roof (select models)
• Custom tinted safety glass windows
• 20 lb. LP tank with hard cover
• Exterior 120V recept
• License plate holder w/ light
• Radius entrance and baggage doors
• Double aluminum entry door step
• Rear spoiler w/ LED clearance lights (select models)
• TV & Stereo antenna
• Black powder coated fender skirts with LED lights
• Magnetic baggage door catches
• Outside speakers
• Schwintek™ slide out system
• Window in entrance door
• Tufflex PVC Roofing w/20 year warranty (select models)
• Roof Ladder (select models)
• All LED Exterior Lights
• Bauer 7 Way Cord Keeper
• Bauer Keyed Alike Key System
• High Pressure Exterior Spray Port
• MorRyde Step Above Adjustable Step (select models)
• Backup Camera Prep (select models)
• Black Tank Flush
• LP Quick Disconnect
• Friction Hinge Entrance Door
• Sewer Hose Carrier
• Solar Package (200W Panel, Digital Controller, 2,000 Watt Inverter) (RP-153, RP-192, RP-193, RP-196, RP-201, RP-202, RP-203)
• Solar Package (110W Panel, Digital Controller, 1,000 Watt Inverter) (RP-171, RP-180, RP-190)
• 15K BTU AC In place of 13.5K BTU AC
• Sofa w/Footrests & TV Trays in place of Dinette (RP202 only)
• R-Dome awning with screen room (select models)

R-Pod Value Package (Mandatory) (N/A Classics)

• Diamond ice exterior fiberglass w/ white diamond accents
• All LED lighting
• Bauer 7-way cord keeper
• Upgraded kitchen faucet w/ large barreled sink
• 4-speed MAXXAIR fan
• 2-burner recessed cooktop w/flush mount glass cover
• Seamless Surf-X kitchen countertops
• Large folding assist handle
• Black tank flush
• LED television
• Friction entrance door
• Detachable power cord
• LP quick disconnect
• Convection microwave oven
• High-efficiency roof-mounted air conditioner
• Universal smart vacuum system
• Power awning (where applicable)
• Bush kitchen - exterior flat top grill, high pressure spray port, prep station, and Showermiser (where applicable)

Beast Mode Value Package (Mandatory) (N/A Classics)

Interior Upgrades

• New cosmic graphite interior w/butcher block countertops and multi-purpose vinyl furniture
• 2,000W inverter and 30A charge controller + large solar panel
• Largest-in-class refrigerator

Exterior Upgrades

• All-New premium exterior graphics
• Tire pressure monitor system w/color display
• Exclusive aluminum wheel upgrade
• Curved dual-pane acrylic front window w/integrated screen/shade system

Unplugged Package (Optional)

• Premium lithium ion batteries
• 3000W inverter
• Easyview control panel
• 500W+ solar panels
• High efficiency A/C

Classic Package (Required on Classics Only)

• 30 Amp Service w/Detachable Power Cord
• Large Sink w/Residential Faucet
• 2 Burner Recessed Cooktop w/Flush Mount Glass Cover
• New Cosmic Graphite Interior 
• 20 Lb. Propane Tank w/Tank Cover
• Large Assist Grab Handle
• 30 Gal. Fresh/Gray/Black Tanks
• High Efficiency Roof-Mounted Air Conditioner
• Power Awning (Where Applicable)
• Moonshade Awning (Where Applicable)
• Exclusive Aluminum Upgrade
• Black Tank Flush (Where Applicable)
• Magnetic Baggage Door Catches
• *Where Applicable* (Not all Options Listed Will Be Included On All Models)
• Beast Mode independent suspension
• 235/75/R15 Off Road Tires
• Super-lube hubs
• Stabilizer jacks (4)
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• G/E Refrigerator
• Central vacuum
• Two burner cook top
• Air conditioner ready
• 3 speed MaxxAir® Fan
• USB charging port
• Sidewalls R-7
• Shaker style cabinetry
• AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth
• Large Barreled Black Stainless Steel Sink w/Sink Cover
• Azdel composite walls
• Opening front windshield w/ day and night shades
• Gelcoated fiberglass
• Laminated sidewalls, floor and slideouts
• Tufflex PVC Roofing w/lifetime warranty (select models)
• Folding assist handle
• Double aluminum entry door step (select models)

R-Pod Popular Features

• One piece seamless fiberglass roof
• 6' 6" interior height
• Large 30-35 gallon holding tanks
• 6 gallon Gas/Electric DSI hot water heater
• Independent torsion axle
• Grey shaker style cabinetry
• LED interior lighting
• Tinted safety glass windows
• 3-speed MaxxAir® Fan
• Folding assist grab handle
• Four (4) scissor stabilizer jacks
• Aluminum Rims
• Universal Smart Vacuum System w/VacPort-No Hoses Needed

Hood River Edition (Mandatory)

• Advanced Ground Clearance
• X-treme 15" Off Road Tires
• MaxxAir Vent Cover
• 15K A/C In place of 13.5K A/C
• Sofa w/TV Tray and leg kickouts in place of Dinette (RP202 only)
• Curt Beast Mode independent suspension system
• R-Dome awning with screen room (RP-171 Only)

Please see us for a complete list of features and available options!

All standard features and specifications are subject to change.

All warranty info is typically reserved for new units and is subject to specific terms and conditions. See us for more details.

Due to the current environment, our features and options are subject to change due to material availability.

Manu-Facts:

Customer Satisfaction is Our #1 Priority.

At Forest River, Inc., your needs, interests, budget, and lifestyle are at the forefront of everything we do. This affects every step from design, to the manufacturing floor, and on to you, our Customer. Whatever your need—recreation, transportation, or cargo hauling—we strive to bring quality products within reach of everyone. It’s not just a slogan: “Customer Satisfaction is Our #1 Priority.”

In 1996, Forest River founder Peter Liegl had a vision. He foresaw an RV company dedicated to helping people experience the joy of the outdoors by building better recreational vehicles. After purchasing certain assets of Cobra Industries, the Company started manufacturing pop-up tent campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and park models. Continually growing, Forest River now operates multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the United States producing Class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, pop-up tent campers, truck campers, park model trailers, destination trailers, cargo trailers, commercial vehicles, buses, pontoons, and mobile restroom trailers.

Our large production capacity enables us to fill our customers' orders promptly without cutting corners or rushing through production procedures. This ensures that each Forest River product is conscientiously built and undergoes thorough, detailed inspection before it's shipped to the customer. This guarantees that every family who desires quality recreation will find a Forest River product that serves their needs, interests, budget, and lifestyle.

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