Towing rpod 192 - Event Date: 28 May 2020 - 30 Jun 2020

Just purchased an R Pod 192 and plan to pull it with a 2004 V8 4 Runner that has a towing capacity of 7000 lbs. I have an equalizer hitch, but wonder if this vehicle can handle this unit? Considering a newer Tacoma, Tundra or F150. I live in Western Colorado, so we will definitely have some serious pulls up mountain passes. 

If the 4Runner is in good mechanical shape it should be OK. The V8 is definitely a plus. The newer V6s develop their horsepower ratings at screaming high RPMs. I presently tow a 24 ft. Livinlite (3600# empty, plus, plus) with a 2013 Tacoma V6. HOWEVER, I bought the belt driven supercharger option specifically for mountain driving. That option is no longer available. The unaided V6s are going to fail the test at altitude. That said, a newer Tacoma without the SC may only yield improved reliability. The Tundra with the 5.7 V8 or the F150 with the TurboBoost would be a better choice. 

I tow my 196 with a Dodge Durango V-6 and it tows like a dream both up hill and down.  At 60 mph with no headwinds in 7th gear I get 13 1/2 to 14 mpg.

I tow a 195 with a Nissan Frontier. Although it would not upset me if I had a few more horse power for climbing, I have no plans of changing tow vehicles anytime soon. 

I would think you would have no problem at all pulling a 177 with a frontier. I pulled my 172 all over the place and never had an issue. the 172 and 177 are only a few hundred pounds apart.  I now pull a 195 with it, and I notice a difference, but still have little trouble with towing. I pulled my 195 thru the White Mountains last year and it was fine. The biggest issue I have is, I don't like going over 3000 rpm, but sometimes need to to pick up speed up small inclines. At rare times, I will kick it up to as much as 4300 r.p.m. for steep climbs. 4300 probably isn't bad for the engine, but it "sounds" a bit much.