Welcome from the Pacific Northwest

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For the past 5 years we have towed our 2011 model 177 to Glacier NP, Rocky Mountain NP twice, Pennsylvania, up North, and down to the Smokies using only a sway bar control w/o any issues even with strong cross-winds in excess of 20 mph.  This year we upgraded to a '13 Explorer with factory tow package so don't expect and problems with that set up either.  We have always carried  two 12v. deep cycle marine batteries since we camp a lot where electricity is not available such as national forest campgrounds and national parks.  Also carry two 20lb. propane tanks since i don't like running out when the weather is cold.  Easier for me to carry than to drive somewhere looking for a refill when I am out.    In regard to your question 4, I guess that depends on the style of camping you are used to.  We came from tent camping to pop-ups so the 177 is the cats meow for us.  

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jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3331	Topic: Welcome from the Pacific Northwest Posted: 12 May 2016 at 9:08pm
	For the past 5 years we have towed our 2011 model 177 to Glacier NP, Rocky Mountain NP twice, Pennsylvania, up North, and down to the Smokies using only a sway bar control w/o any issues even with strong cross-winds in excess of 20 mph. This year we upgraded to a '13 Explorer with factory tow package so don't expect and problems with that set up either. We have always carried two 12v. deep cycle marine batteries since we camp a lot where electricity is not available such as national forest campgrounds and national parks. Also carry two 20lb. propane tanks since i don't like running out when the weather is cold. Easier for me to carry than to drive somewhere looking for a refill when I am out. In regard to your question 4, I guess that depends on the style of camping you are used to. We came from tent camping to pop-ups so the 177 is the cats meow for us.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Ozeric Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 10 May 2016 Location: kamloops, B.C. Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 5:36pm
	Thank you all for the positive advice, it is great to see comments from owners who have the same or similar vehicles and trailer. I hope no one minds me asking a few follow on questions. 1. Is there a recommended weight distribution hitch I should look at purchasing? 2. Would I need to purchase a r-pod solar panel for the 179 or will an off the shelf unit work? 3. What type of battery configuration would you recommend (i.e. 2x6v)? 4. Is there any item I cannot live without that does not come with the r-pod? Thanks again.

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 2:04pm
	Welcome to the group! That should work fine! Enjoy!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

TheBum Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 26 Feb 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 1407	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 11:39am
	The Explorer has the same towing capacity as our Toyota Highlander and a similar power plant. The Highlander tows our 179 quite nicely.

DaveC3 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 17 Feb 2016 Location: Georgetown, TX Online Status: Offline Posts: 48	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 10:27am
	We have a 180 with the same Explorer Limited with tow package. We are in the middle of a 5,000 mile trip. The Explorer handles well. We have averaged 12 MPG so far with 40+ MPH head winds through New Mexico. We had the dealer install a weight distribution hitch (Equalizer)and the trailer keep straight even with strong side winds. We started in Texas and are in Seattle about to start our return home. I think you should be fine with the Explorer. Good luck Dave
	2016 R-Pod 180 2015 Ford Explorer Limited

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 6:33am
	Welcome to the group!

GLBCamper Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 30 Jun 2015 Location: Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 274	Posted: 12 May 2016 at 12:16am
	Others will chime in here with greater detail, but I think you should be fine with that configuration. So stop worrying and go camping! (I also tow in the mountains of the pacific NW.)
	Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport

Ozeric Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 10 May 2016 Location: kamloops, B.C. Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 11 May 2016 at 11:50pm
	Hi Folks, New to the group and about to own our very first Trailer. After looking at several light weight trailers we fell in love with the r-pod and hope to purchase a 2015 RP179. Our only concern is whether our vehicle a 2015 Ford Explorer Limited (with factory fitted tow package) is suitable to tow this r-pod around the British Columbia interior. I have read several posts that would indicate we could, but other site reviews would indicate we should not especially in mountains. Help!