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Topic ClosedR Pod 195 Tow Vehicle Suggestions
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: R Pod 195 Tow Vehicle Suggestions
    Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 10:57am
I think the 179 would be plenty big enough for you and your dog. My wife and I are fine with ours. You would have to find a used one because they have been discontinued, which is really the most cost effective way to get one anyway. If you go that way then a 5000 lb tow vehicle with a 500 lb hitch rating will work as long as you don’t go crazy with extra stuff. I wouldn’t go any less than 500 though, if you load up with water and batteries you will right about 500 lbs. Be sure to get a vehicle which allows use of a weight distribution hitch, that will make quite a bit of difference in ride and handling. My Highlander does allow use of a wdh, some makes don’t.
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
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Posts: 1215 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 3:50pm
I would recommend a midsize truck, and even more specifically, a Frontier. I have a 195 and I tow with a Frontier. It works out perfectly for me. I do a little camping in the white mountains, and I have no problems there. The new Frontier actually has improved it's tow capacity to 6700 pounds now, with a new 3.8 L motor, putting out 310 H.P. (vs. 261 H.P. mine has)  and a 9 speed transmission (vs my 5 speed). I think you would pull the 195 with ease. It's also one of the most affordable midsize trucks. 
2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 4:17pm
The 179s are one of if not the most popular 170 series Pods.  There are some on dealer's lots but are discontinued.  I have a 178 that I towed with a Z71 Colorado (7000  lbs), it was adequate.  There are a multitude of 7000 rated vehicles, especially in the mid size PU market.  IMHO folks buy a RV to fit a vehicle, thus the tow option becomes a secondary function, when in fact that is the most arduous use of your vehicle.  Towing should be the primary function and other uses secondary.  BTW we have an 80lb English Bulldog that travels with the wife and I in the 178.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 5:40pm
To be clear there is no need for a 6-7000 lb rated tow vehicle for a 179. The folks running into problems towing 179’s are trying to do it with 3500 lb rated vehicles. That is marginal at best and not possible if you boon dock.

A 5000 lb rated SUV and a 179 are a great all around combination IMO. The mid sized SUV is comfortable and not oversized as a daily driver and adequate for the towing mission, even boon docking which is all my wife and I do. The 179 has a very nice large kitchen and all the features of a larger trailer, you only give up the larger dry bathroom and walk around bed. The latter isn’t an issue for a single person and the bath is a personal preference. For myself and my wife, we spend at most a few minutes a day in the bathroom so it’s any easy decision to give up space there.

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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 6:21pm
+1, no need for a 7000 lb and a 179, still on 195 topic here.  BTW don't upgrade your TT. because your 5 G TV will then be inadequate.  My point is buy an adequate TV that allows flexibility to upgrade the TT, like so many of us do. IMO.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 7:09pm
Ha ha. I’ve owned much larger RV’s and don’t consider them an “upgrade”. I like getting in and out of smaller more remote campsites and use my Highlander as my daily driver the other 90% of the time. Don’t want a pickup truck or a full size SUV. Like Goldilocks, not too big or too small. IMO. Everyone has different needs and objectives for sure.
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Posts: 1081 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 10:19pm
We have had our 179 fr about 3 years.  We bought a 2015 model in 2017.  We love it for lots of reasons.  there is plenty of room for 2 of us and plenty of storage. We think it has the best kitchen layout of any of the pods because it has a large countertop space, a 2 door pantry and plenty of drawers and lower cabinets. There is an adequate wardrobe with drawers below.. There are 3 overhead cabinets above the slide out couch/table area. There is also storage inside both of the hassocks and under the bed.
the negative that turns most people off is the wet bath and the side to side bed.  If you are solo, that is not an issue.
We have traveled extensively, going from coast to coast and Florida to Michigan.  We have been out as long a 3 continuous months and loved it.
I think the 179 is a great trailer.  I'm happy to answer specific questions if you need answers.
Good luck with your choice.
Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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Posts: 261 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 8:51am
Originally posted by Pod People

...the negative that turns most people off is the wet bath and the side to side bed.  If you are solo, that is not an issue...

What if the giant dog likes to sleep on the outside part of the bed and doesn't take kindly to being disturbed at 2 AM?
2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River
2018 RAM 2500 6.4L
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 9:10am
Luckily my dog sleeps through everything except a bag of chips opening!

I think I am going to look at smaller models instead of the 195. I would feel safer with a lighter trailer since this is my first.  I really like the 189 and 190 models as well, just can't seem to find them right now! 
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Posts: 261 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 10:56am
Originally posted by WVCamper

Luckily my dog sleeps through everything except a bag of chips opening!

I think I am going to look at smaller models instead of the 195. I would feel safer with a lighter trailer since this is my first.  I really like the 189 and 190 models as well, just can't seem to find them right now! 

Here's a 190 in Greencastle, PA:

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2021-Forest-River-R-Pod-190-5014447392
2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River
2018 RAM 2500 6.4L
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