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john in idaho 
Senior Member 
Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 613 |
 Topic: Newbie needs your help!! (Tow vehicle tips)Posted: 20 May 2015 at 10:27am |
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Yes it is a V8 but it is a 2002 model with close to 100k miles. The newer ones probably tow better. But this one is still OK, just like the truck better.
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ToolmanJohn
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 8:01pm |
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The engine specs can be found at most car websites. If you know the year make and model and engine sizes, the specs for horsepower and torque will be easy to find. Both Jeeps have more than enough torque, and are probably V8 engines.
Very few non-turbo gas V6 engines have more than 300 ft-lb of torque. Make certain to test drive, and get the towing specs for any vehicle you have an interest in.
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2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
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Fuel4Humans
Newbie 
Joined: 08 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 7:20pm |
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Ok Looks like the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has 334 ft-lb and the overland has 375 ft-lb
the wheelbase is not that great but im planning on adding a sway and weight distribution system... so i think i'll be OK anyone out there towing with Jeep GC Overland?
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Peanut
Newbie
Joined: 03 Apr 2013 Location: Hale Center,Tx Online Status: Offline Posts: 14 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 6:35pm |
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I have a 172 and tow with a 2009 Xterra 4.0 L. I have been satisfied with its performance. Up hill and hot weather never is an issue. The worst is headwinds. I usuall travel 55-60 and have got 10-14 mpg. I would say my average is 11. Amazing how much drag headwinds put on it.
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09 RP172
09 Nissan Xterra Ron,Kathy, Coco 11yr Choc Lab |
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Fuel4Humans
Newbie
Joined: 08 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 6:28pm |
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Hi john!
is your Grand Cherokee a V8? that's what i'm contemplating right now.. and i need to make a decision soon here as I am scheduled to leave on a little hang-gliding tour in late june and i will have to instal a hang-gliding rack on the car as well! |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 6:23pm |
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Check the manufacturer's website for the hp and torque ratings. When shopping for a tow vehicle remember torque is more important that horsepower. And wheelbase is important too, the longer the better for stability.
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Fuel4Humans
Newbie
Joined: 08 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 17 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 6:15pm |
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Thanks ToolmanJohn!
How do I calculate the ft-lb capacity? I am currently looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 5.7L v8 Hemi engine and towing capacity of 7200lbs but I have no idea how to calculate the Lb-ft thing! thanks for all the help here!! i REALLY appreciate it - its a steep learning curve for me right now! smiles Renata |
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ToolmanJohn
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 6:11pm |
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I would recommend getting a Tow Vehicle that can pull the Pod at 60-65mph on the flats without needing to drop the highest transmission gear. This means a vehicle engine/transmission combination with nearly double the tow capacity of the loaded R-Pod.
So if the Pod weighs 3000 pounds, look for TV that has 6000+ rated tow capacity. Horsepower is NOT the complete picture when towing, also look at high torque outputs for a better towing experience. I recommend 260ft-lb as a MINIMUM starting point for towing. Any engine with greater than 300 ft-lb will do well towing the R-Pod. Longer wheelbase is better, heavier tow vehicle is better. Of course, all that has to be weighed against cost to purchase AND cost to operate. Look at small diesels seriously if you plan on a lot of yearly tow miles, and they get better fuel economy.
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2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
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john in idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 04 Nov 2014 Location: Eagle Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 613 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 4:45pm |
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Wheelbase enters into the equation also. The difference between our Grand cherokee and our 1500 Ram truck is that one does not feel the trailer with the Ram. Some folks pull a trailer at 75 mph - not me. If it weren't for the blocked rear window, I wouldn't (hardly) know it was back there.
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1088 |
Posted: 19 May 2015 at 4:35pm |
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I would have to agree with Mountainrev about the tow vehicle capacity. We have a 173 R Pod and originally towed it with a chevy astro van. The astro was almost adequate, but the transmission was prone to overheating even though we added a transmission cooler. the engine was also stressed if we did longer tows.
I did a lot of research and ended up with a Ford Expedition with a factory towing package. The gas mileage when towing is around 12-13mpg, but we hardly notice the r Pod behind us. we love the combination. do your research and make sure you get enough tow vehicle to be safe and not hurt the vehicle long term. Transmission, brakes, cooling and engine are all stressed to some extent when towing. happy podding and travel safe Vann |
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 
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Newbie needs your help!! (Tow vehicle tips)
