The Forest River R-Pod has been one of the most sought-after and popular lightweight campers ever since its release in 2008.
Thanks to its lightweight construction, numerous well laid out floorplans, and feature-rich design.
However, if you’re thinking about buying a Forest River R-Pod, you’re probably wondering what one costs?
The Forest River R-Pod costs anywhere from $23,000 to $31,000 depending on the model. As Forest River makes 10 different models of the R-Pod, which offer varying floorplans, sizes, lengths, and weights.
If you’re curious what a particular Forest River R-Pod costs though, make sure to keep reading.
As we provide pricing for the entire R-Pod lineup as well as provide a full breakdown of the most popular R-Pod models below.
Forest River R-Pod Models (Least to Most Expensive)
| Model | Length | Dry Weight | Price |
| R-Pod RP-171 | 19′ | 2,714 lbs | $23,000 |
| R-Pod RP-180 | 20′ | 2,950 lbs | $25,000 |
| R-Pod RP-192 | 22′ 2″ | 3,379 lbs | $25,500 |
| R-Pod RP-193 | 22′ 11″ | 3,654 lbs | $26,000 |
| R-Pod RP-189 | 20′ 4″ | 3,075 lbs | $27,000 |
| R-Pod RP-190 | 20′ 4″ | 2,979 lbs | $27,500 |
| R-Pod RP-196 | 22′ 2″ | 3,600 lbs | $28,000 |
| R-Pod RP-195 | 22′ 2″ | 3,587 lbs | $28,500 |
| R-Pod RP-201 | 25′ | 4,379 lbs | $31,000 |
| R-Pod RP-202 | 25′ | 4,574 lbs | $31,000 |
Most Popular Forest River R-Pod Models
Forest River currently makes 10 different models of the R-Pod, in order to accommodate the various needs of different RVers.
As some RVers are looking for smaller lightweight options, while others are looking for larger options with more comfort and convenience features.
Because of this, each Forest River R-Pod model offers not only a different floorplan but also varying lengths as well as weights.
There are certain R-Pod models, however, that tend to be more popular than others, which are the ones we’ve highlighted below.
Forest River R-Pod RP-171
Quick Specs
- Price: $23,000
- Length: 19 Feet
- Dry Weight: 2,714 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
The Forest River R-Pod RP-171 is not only the cheapest R-Pod you buy but also the shortest as well as the lightest, which is why the R-Pod RP-171 is one of the most popular R-Pods available.
As the R-Pod RP-171 is not only great for RVers with a more limited tow vehicle, due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
But it’s also great for those shopping on a budget, as the RP-171 has an average price of just $23,000.
Making it one of the cheapest fully self-contained lightweight travel trailers you can buy.
Forest River R-Pod RP-171 Floorplan
Despite its more budget-friendly price and smaller lightweight design though, the R-Pod RP-171 still has many of the same features that the larger and more expensive R-Pods have.
Including a four-person sleeping capacity, as well as a full-featured kitchenette with sink, two-burner propane stove, convection/microwave oven, and good size mini-fridge.
As well as a 20,000 BTU furnace, a 13,500 BTU roof-mounted AC, a complete entertainment system with TV, and a fully self-contained two-piece wet bath with 30-gallon fresh, gray, and blackwater tanks.
So if you’re looking for a feature-rich and well-equipped lightweight camper that can be pulled by a variety of tow vehicle’s including full-size as well as some mid-size SUVs, you definitely should check out the R-Pod RP-171.
For more information on the Forest River R-Pod RP-171 and to see a full 3D walkthrough of the camper, be sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
Forest River R-Pod RP-180
Quick Specs
- Price: $25,000
- Length: 20 Feet
- Dry Weight: 2,950 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
Another really popular Forest River R-Pod model is the RP-180, which is the second cheapest R-Pod and the second lightest R-Pod, with an average price of $25,000 and a dry weight of only 2,950 pounds.
Making the R-Pod RP-180 another great option for those shopping on a budget or looking for a lighter-weight camper that they can tow with their more limited tow vehicle.
But it’s not just its cheaper price and lighter weight that makes the RP-180 so popular.
As the RP-180 is also a very well-equipped camper despite its smaller size, offering many features and amenities not usually found on smaller lightweight campers.
Including a small slide-out as well as a three-piece dry bath that offers a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
Forest River R-Pod RP-180 Floorplan
Making this camper a great choice for those looking for a smaller lightweight camper, like the RP-171 from above, but also wanting a bit more interior space as well as comfort.
As the slightly smaller and lighter RP-171 model from above does not offer a slide-out or a three-piece dry bath like this model does.
One disadvantage of the RP-180 when compared to the RP-171 though, is that it only has a three-person sleeping capacity, as opposed to the four-person sleeping capacity offered on the RP-171.
As the RP-180 has a much smaller convertible dinette booth compared to the RP-171, which only allows for one camper to sleep there as opposed to two.
So if you have a family of four, your better option will be the smaller and lighter RP-171 from above.
For more information on the Forest River R-Pod PR-180 and to see a full 3D walkthrough, make sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
Forest River R-Pod RP-190
Quick Specs
- Price: $27,500
- Length: 20 Feet 4 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,979 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
The Forest River R-Pod RP-190 falls in the middle when it comes to R-Pods sizes as well as cost.
With an overall length of just over 20 feet and a dry weight of just under 3,000 pounds.
Allowing this R-Pod to be towed by many vehicles with more limited and reduced towing capacities.
Forest River R-Pod RP-190 Floorplan
In addition, the R-Pod RP-190 also has an average price of around $27,500, which puts it in the middle, when it comes to R-Pod pricing.
Which keeps this slightly larger and more spacious R-Pod on the more affordable side, when compared to other R-Pod models as well as other lightweight campers that are similar in size, such as the Forest River Wolf Pup and the Winnebago Hike.
Perhaps one of the best features of the Forest River R-Pod RP-190 though is its large rear convertible u-shaped dinette booth that can easily seat six at a time.
Making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, play a board game, or just hang out during the evenings or on those rainy camp days.
The R-Pod RP-190 also offers a four-person sleeping capacity, as well as a full-featured kitchenette, and a nice size mid-bath with a separate toilet, bathroom sink, and 32-inch standup shower.
For more info on the Forest River R-Pod RP-190, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
Forest River R-Pod RP-193
Quick Specs
- Price: $26,000
- Length: 22 Feet 11 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,654 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
One of the more popular R-Pod models for families is the Forest River R-Pod RP-193, as it’s the only R-Pod that offers bunk beds.
Making it ideal for families, as it gives kids their own separate space inside the camper and gives everyone a little more privacy and separation.
It’s not just the bunk beds that make this camper great for families though, as it also features a murphy bed that can be converted into a couch during the daytime as well as a two-person dinette booth.
Which provides multiple seating areas inside the camper, allowing the whole family a little more room to spread out.
Forest River R-Pod RP-193 Floorplan
In addition, the R-Pod RP-193 also features a well-equipped kitchenette with a kitchen sink, two-burner propane stove, convection/microwave oven, and a good size mini-fridge.
As well as slide-out, which provides more interior space as well as floor space, giving the camper a much more open and spacious feel inside.
One minor drawback of the RP-193 floorplan though is its two-piece dry bath.
As its one of only two R-Pod models that only has a shower and toilet instead of a full three-piece bath with a shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
Which is not necessarily the end of the world, but does require you to use the kitchen sink as both the kitchen and bathroom sink, which could be an issue for some.
For more information on the Forest River R-Pod RP-193 and to see a full 3D tour of the camper, check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
Forest River R-Pod RP-202
Quick Specs
- Price: $31,000
- Length: 25 Feet
- Dry Weight: 4,574 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
The Forest River R-Pod RP-202 is the most expensive as well as the largest R-Pod available.
As the R-Pod RP-202 has an average price of $31,000 as well as an overall length of 25 feet and dry weight of 4,574 pounds.
Which means you’ll need a pretty substantial tow vehicle to pull the RP-202, such as a full-size truck or SUV, especially when you factor in the 80 rule for towing.
But with that extra length and weight, the RP-202 is able to offer features and amenities just not possible on smaller and lighter R-Pod models.
Forest River R-Pod RP-202 Floorplan
Such as a large rear kitchen with an extra-large pantry and refrigerator and a large front bedroom with a fixed walkaround queen size bed with dual nightstands and wardrobes.
In addition, this camper’s floorplan also provides more separation between the sleeping area and the living area of the camper, as the walkthrough mid-bath acts as a divider between the two spaces.
Allowing someone to go to sleep without being disturbed by someone still awake.
And thanks to the more well-defined spaces of this camper and its larger size, the R-Pod RP-202 is also one of the best R-Pod models available for extended camping trips or even full-time living.
For more info on the Forest River R-Pod RP-202, make sure to check out Forest River’s website by clicking here.
What Affects the Price of the Forest River R-Pod?
There can be as much as an $8,000 price difference between the least and most expensive Forest River R-Pods.
Which can have a big impact on those shopping on a budget.
As an $8,000 price difference can add as much as $100 to the monthly payment of an R-Pod, for those planning to finance their purchase.
So we thought we would break down the biggest factors that can impact the cost of a Forest River R-Pod below.
Floorplan or Layout
One of the biggest factors that can affect the cost of the Forest River R-Pod is its floorplan or layout, as there are 10 different floorplan options for the R-Pod, all of which have varying prices.
For example, the R-Pod RP-171, which offers a small two-piece wet bath, a small kitchenette, and a non-walk around east-to-west queen bed, cost considerably less compared to the R-Pod RP-202, which offers a larger three-piece dry bath, a larger rear kitchen, and a walk around north-to-south queen bed.
Size
The size of the R-Pod can also have a big impact on its cost, as larger R-Pod tends to cost more compared to smaller ones.
Due to the fact, that larger R-Pods cost more to construct and are generally more well-equipped compared to smaller ones.
Options
The final factor that can have a big impact on the overall cost of the Forest River R-Pod is how well the R-Pod is optioned out.
Because while all R-Pods come pretty well-equipped with many standard features and amenities, there are some optional upgrades that can add considerable cost to the R-Pod.
Available Forest River R-Pod Options
- Power Thule Box Awning with LED Light Strip
- R-Dome Awning with Screen Room
- Solar Package with 110 Watt Panel, 1000 Watt Inverter, and Digital Control Panel
- Outdoor Kitchen with Flat Top Grill and Utility Drawer
- 15,000 BTU AC (Instead of the Standard 13,500 BTU AC)
- Sofa with Foot Rests and TV Trays Instead of a Dinette Both (Only Available on the RP-202 Model)
Are Forest River R-Pods Any Good?
The Forest River R-Pod is one of the most popular compact lightweight campers on the road today.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for everyone or that they don’t have their drawbacks or issues.
The Good
To start with, there are a lot of things to love about the Forest River R-Pod with probably the biggest one being how compact and lightweight they are.
As their compact lightweight size makes them much more manageable and less intimidating compared to larger and heavier travel trailers.
Making them a perfect fit for RVers just starting out.
In addition, their lighter weight also allows them to be pulled by a wide variety of tow vehicles, including compact trucks and even some mid-size SUVs.
The R-Pod is also a really cool-looking camper, thanks to its compact size, rounded corners, and unique graphics package.
Which allows them to stand out from every other travel trailer at the campground that all tend to look pretty much the same.
Finally, Forest River R-Pods are also very well-equipped campers despite their more compact size and lighter weight.
As all R-Pod campers are completely self-contained, have either a two-piece or three-piece bath, have a well-equipped kitchen, have both air conditioning and heat, and offer tons of comfort and convenience features.
The Bad
As mentioned above though, it’s not all good news for the Forest River R-Pod, as the R-Pod does have some drawbacks as well as issues to be aware of, if you plan on buying one.
With the first one being, its small compact size, because while there are many benefits and advantages to going small, there are also drawbacks as well.
As smaller campers tend to be more cramped on the inside with less floor space, which can make them less comfortable especially when going on longer camping trips.
Also, because lightweight and ultra-lightweight campers like the R-Pod use lighter-weight materials to keep the weight down, they tend to be a little more flimsy and less sturdy compared to larger and heavier campers, which can cause problems and more frequent repairs over the longterm.
In addition, as is the case with most more budget-friendly and lightweight campers, build quality can be lacking on the R-Pod, as it’s not uncommon for R-Pods to have manufacturer defects that need to be corrected.
And while these defects will usually be covered under Forest Rivers manufacturer warranty when bought new, it can still be an annoyance to deal with and can prevent you from using your camper while the defects and issues are being corrected and repaired.
How Long Do R-Pod Trailers Last?
On average the Forest River R-Pod will last approximately 10 years.
However, as is the case with all RVs and travel trailers, the life expectancy of an R-Pod is greatly impacted by how well the camper is cared for.
As there are plenty of examples of original 2008 Forest River R-Pods that are still going strong even after 13 years.
How to Extend the Life of a Forest River R-Pod
- Inspect the roof and seams regularly to ensure they are both in good condition in order to avoid water leaks.
- Thoroughly clean and wash the trailer regularly, as a clean trailer is a happy trailer.
- Treat your slide-out seals and lube your slide-out mechanisms when needed.
- Consider indoor RV storage or at least use an RV cover for long-term storage.
- Frequently check the tires for wear and tear and make sure the tires are properly inflated and that the lug nuts are tight.
- Maintain the awning by cleaning it regularly and inspecting it often, so that minor issues can be repaired before they become big issues.
- Keep your wastewater system and plumbing in good working order.
- Check and maintain the batteries on the trailer and replace them when they’re at end of physical life.
How Much Does an R-Pod Weigh?
The Forest River R-Pod has a dry weight that ranges from 2,714 pounds to 4,574 pounds depending on the model of the camper.
However, it’s important to remember that the dry weight of a camper is not the best indicator of its true weight.
As no one pulls a completely empty trailer behind them when they’re going camping, as most RVers will usually add anywhere from 500 to 1,000 pounds of weight to the camper once it’s loaded with supplies and gear.
Which means that a fully-loaded R-Pod will typically weigh between 3,500 pounds and 5,000 pounds.
What is the Lightest R-Pod?
The lightest Forest River R-Pod is the R-Pod RP-171, which has a dry weight of just 2,714 pounds and an overall length of 19 feet.
Making the R-Pod RP-171 a great choice for anyone that’s looking for a small lightweight camper to pull behind their tow vehicle.
Is There an R-Pod RP-153 Model?
While there are currently only 10 models available for the R-Pod, there are about to be 11.
As Forest River is about to release their newest and lightest model of the R-Pod, more than likely in 2022, called the R-Pod RP-153.
And while no specifics have been released yet in regards to pricing, length, or weight, the R-Pod RP-153 should be considerably cheaper as well as lighter compared to the currently cheapest and lightest R-Pod model, which is the RP-171.
Which means that the R-Pod RP-153 should cost less than $23,000 and be lighter than 2,714 pounds, which is the average price and dry weight of the RP-171.
To see how much the popular lightweight Winnebago Micro Minnie costs, check out our article “How Much Does a Winnebago Micro Minnie Cost?“.
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