RV review: 2025 r-pod RP-197—What a view!

Today’s RV review is of the new r-pod RP-197 travel trailer. This is a brand-new floor plan that I got to see a preproduction example of at the FROG rally in Goshen, Indiana. While this model does not have a slide room, I was surprised how open and airy it felt—it’s rather remarkable. 

2025 marks 15 years of r-pod trailers. The brand started with a sort of teardrop feel to the designs. Once it was obvious that that was popular, everybody and their brother seemed to have a copy of it. There were some dates in court over this, but the RV industry is known for seeing something someone else is doing and then ripping it off. Then, when the market gets saturated, they wonder why nobody’s buying them any longer. 

From the road up on the r-pod RP-197

These trailers are now riding on Goodyear Endurance tires with tire pressure monitoring systems. This does ride on a simple leaf spring suspension. 

The underbelly on these is enclosed with heat ducted into it. 

These latest models feature a Girard tankless water heater, which some campers really like.

r-pod RP-197 - 2025

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What’s inside the r-pod RP-197

I had mentioned that this model doesn’t have a slide room and I should let you know that there is a Murphy bed in the front. In fact, this is a typical r-pod way of doing the bed in that it’s a folding mattress. 

There are rather deep closets on either side of the bed. The curvy front of this trailer offers a decent amount of space behind these closets on either side of the bed for a power outlet and storage for things like CPAP machines or other devices. 

While I’m not usually a fan of having a windshield and a Murphy bed, it works here because the windshield is a polycarbonate dual-pane windshield that opens for air flow. There is a screen for insects and one for blocking light that can be pulled over the space. 

When the bed is up you see a two-person couch here. There are decent windows on either side of this space. 

Large window over table

But where there’s a fantastic window is over a bar-height table on the road side of this rig. That’s where you’ll find the main dining space under the light of a very large window. This window flips up for air flow and also has a screen and light shade that can be drawn over the window. 

The funny thing is, this window is so large that that, combined with the placement, almost gives the impression of a food trailer. You absolutely could pass food back and forth through this window like a food truck. 

But sitting at the bar with this huge window is also a pretty nice place to be. When I was looking at this trailer there were plenty of other choices on the lot. But the r-pod rep was sitting here because it was so pleasant, especially with the window fully opened and the gentle breeze we had going.  

Kitchen in the r-pod RP-197

Opposite the dining area is your kitchen, which features a two-burner, in-line propane cooktop and a convection air fryer microwave. 

For a smaller trailer this has good counter space and that two-burner stove makes sense. 

There’s a round sink, which is pretty common in r-pod offerings. The company provides a hook to keep the sink cover out of the way when you’re not using it. It also adds to the counter space when needed. Nice. 

Of course, this has the 12-volt fridge, and there’s a pretty sizable pantry opposite that. Being an r-pod, this also has a central vacuum, which is one of the things that has been an r-pod hallmark since it started. 

Big bathroom in the r-pod RP-197

As nice as the interior is, the bathroom is pretty good, too. It spans the width of the trailer with the road-side wall having the large, rectangular shower.

There’s a sink, naturally, but the toilet here is a plastic toilet. Boo. There is a window in the bathroom that actually opens, and r-pod puts in a high-performance vent fan.

Lastly, the bathroom has another very large storage cabinet. Storage is not an issue in this trailer considering the size.

Boondocking and travel access in the r-pod RP-197

Since this has no slide room, it’s always fully functional. I love trailers that don’t have slides.

There is a single 200-watt solar panel above with a 30-amp charge controller—so you could add an additional panel.

There’s also the SHOWERMI$ER, which redirects water into the system from the shower when you’re waiting for that water to get hot. Speaking of hot water, this features a tankless water heater.

Conclusions

I really like this floor plan—but this is best for a solo or couple traveling. The size of this trailer plus that huge camp-side window and dining bar make it a pleasure to be in. 

Unfortunately, the bed in this is shorter than some short queens. It’s not as easy to find a mattress that works here as it is in some other rigs, but there’s always some compromise no matter what you buy. 

More about these RV reviews

These RV reviews are written based on information provided by the manufacturers along with our writer’s own research. They are based on information from a single unit and may not reflect your actual experience. Shop your RV and dealership carefully before making a buying decision. We receive no money or other financial benefits from these reviews. They are intended only as a brief overview of the vehicle, not a comprehensive critique, which would require a thorough inspection and/or test drive.

Tony comes to RVtravel.com having worked at an RV dealership and been a life long RV enthusiast. He also has written the syndicated Curbside column about cars. He also works closely with a number of RV manufacturers to get an inside look at how things are done and is a brand ambassador for Rockwood Mini Lite with his wife, Peggy.

You can also check out his RV podcast with his wife, Peggy. 

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