Our home on wheels
Why we love our Forest River R-Pod RP153
The Forest River R-Pod RP153 is a compact, ultra-lite travel trailer designed for couples who want full comfort without towing a heavy rig. At just 2,090 lbs UVW (our off-the-factory-floor weight; some are as much as 3,020 lbs) and 17' 3" long, it's easy to maneuver, simple to tow with our Subaru Ascent, and still packed with features that make traveling feel effortless.
What makes the RP153 perfect for the two of us is how complete it feels right out of the factory. Forest River built this model to be small but fully capable, and it shows in every detail.
Lightweight & easy to tow
The RP153's low weight and compact size make towing stress-free, especially on mountain grades or tight campground roads. It's stable, predictable, and doesn't require a large truck to enjoy RV life.
Camp-ready features we love
The RP153 comes equipped with a suite of modern systems that make camping comfortable in any season:
- Large roof-mounted solar panel with a 30-amp charge controller keeps our lithium battery topped off.
- Tankless on-demand hot water heater for endless hot showers (well, until you fill that grey tank).
- 12V refrigerator/freezer with black glass front — efficient, quiet, and surprisingly spacious.
- Hot & cold exterior shower with hose and shower head for rinsing gear or quick outdoor cleanups.
- Tank heater pads in a sealed underbelly, making cold-weather camping possible.
Comfortable living for two
Inside, the RP153 is designed to feel open and functional:
- Large windows bring in natural light and views — especially the big front bubble window.
- Queen-sized Murphy bed gives us a super comfortable sleeping space that folds away to open the living area and make room for a dining table.
- Full bath with a separate shower and a powerful 4-speed fan. Open a couple of front windows, turn the fan on low, and air flows through the trailer. The shower has plenty of room and excellent pressure — something we were pleasantly surprised by on our first trip. The fan even has a well thought-out cover so rain doesn't get into the bathroom.
- 4-seat dinette, perfect for meals, planning trips, or working on the road.
- Built-in vacuum system with kick-plate and hose.
Entertainment & connectivity
We love how the RP153 integrates modern tech:
- Built-in smart TV.
- Winegard digital TV antenna for local channels.
- Bluetooth speakers inside and out for music at camp.
- Exterior motion lighting by the sewer hookups and in the storage areas for nighttime convenience.
Indoor & outdoor cooking
Cooking is one of our favorite parts of camping, and the RP153 makes it easy:
- Inside kitchen with seamless countertops, a two-burner propane stove, a large deep sink, and a combination convection, microwave and air fryer in one.
- Exterior rack system for outdoor grill cooking and a prep shelf outside.
Built for real travel
The RP153 includes features that make setup and travel smoother:
- Electric power tongue jack for easy hitching.
- Retractable power awning for shade and rain protection.
- 15,000 BTU air conditioner — powerful enough to cool the entire trailer quickly.
Generous tank capacities
For a small trailer, the RP153's tank sizes are exceptional:
- 30-gallon fresh water
- 30-gallon gray water
- 30-gallon black water
These capacities let us stay out for multiple days without worrying about water management — something we appreciated on our first four-night trip.
Why it's perfect for us
For just the two of us, the RP153 strikes the ideal balance:
- Small enough to tow anywhere
- Big enough to feel comfortable inside
- Fully equipped without needing upgrades
- Efficient systems that let us camp off-grid or in full hookups
- A layout that feels open, bright, and functional
It's the right trailer for couples who want adventure without sacrificing comfort — and it's already becoming a big part of our story on the road.
Watch our walk-through
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Come along for the next stretch
New trips, campsite setups and honest notes from small-trailer life, shared as we go.