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Topic ClosedHow critical is "tow ball height"?
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Thinker View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Location: S. Mississippi
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Posts: 171 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: How critical is "tow ball height"?
    Posted: 24 May 2013 at 2:16pm
I think am slightly nose up, but the high lift kit on the pod makes this a very pleasant tow.

I do not have WDH or sway control (yet??).

YES you need to empty all tanks. I do carry about 5 gal of fresh water in case I need a flush or two, but any more than that I can feel the slosh effect.
Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
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Joined: 26 Aug 2012
Location: Cedar Key, FL
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Posts: 457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 May 2013 at 10:48am
Well, since I started this thread, I guess I should report back.

After adjusting the WDH to its lowest possible setting, the leveling
vial indicates a nose-up of a tad less than 2 degrees. The 'Pod towed
perfectly behind the new truck, but we were on back roads and never got
above 55 mph. None of out outings to date have required interstate or
other high speed situations, but I intend to hitch up and do a test run
down I-75 just so I will know what to expect.

Anti sway is still an available option since my present hitch is
strictly weight distribution.

Bob and Joyce
Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels
RP 177 "Key Pod"
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 May 2013 at 6:59pm
What really matters is putting 10-15% of the trailer's total weight on the tongue.  I believe that rule is a little lower for boat trailers.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 454 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 May 2013 at 9:52am
Originally posted by Seanl

Keeping weight on the tongue is key. I you are carrying weight behind the axle you have to balance it with weight in front of the axle. That's why I put a cargo carrier on the tongue not on the back.
I had read somewhere recently that the "recommended" guideline for weight distribution in a trailer is 60% in front and 40% in back ... does this sound right to those of you more experienced?
P & M ... and Comet too!
2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod
2018 Ram 2500
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Posts: 633 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2013 at 11:05pm
Keeping weight on the tongue is key. If you are carrying weight behind the axle you have to balance it with weight in front of the axle. That's why I put a cargo carrier on the tongue not on the back.
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posts: 267 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2013 at 10:50pm
 
 
  [/QUOTE]
I filled the  water tank today and took the pod for a test run, and I'm getting a little sway. I have the nose down and it drops the truck just at 2" . Guess for traveling I'll just put 5 or 10 gal in it?
        Moe
 
Way to be proactive rather than having to be reactive like me! If you're getting even a twitch with your rear tank full, then you need  to address some setup issues. Even a twitch means that you're near real problems if you have to deal with bad gusts or semi-suck. Having risers installed will also help save your leveling jacks if you try to camp in any of the uneven sites in the Forest Service or National Park campgrounds here on the Oly Peninsula. That's another ask me how I know that I don't wanna discuss!
'10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL
'12 Toyota Tundra
'05 Sportster (half a Harley)
Retired-We're on Beach Time!
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2013 at 9:52am
Sorry, that was at the top of Reviews and General Information.  Here is a link:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2747&title=misc-forest-river-contacts-and-other-info
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 May 2013 at 9:50am
Craneman, look for the contact numbers in a thread at the top of the podmod sub-forum.  You can call FR directly to order them but have your VIN number handy since they'll need that to verify which axle you have.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 672 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 May 2013 at 11:29pm
Different models have there water tanks in different positions on the trailer, the 171 has it's water tank in front of the axle lending some stability to the trailer when you carry any amount of water. The black and gray tanks are behind the axle which I keep empty, dumping the gray every day that we travel as it is the tank at the very back. Those models with the water tanks behind the axle can have more stability issues with the more water carried like what Kickstart described. Goose
Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Craneman View Drop Down
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Posts: 387 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 May 2013 at 11:17pm
Techntrek,
 I Think I have most of those covered, where can the riser blocks be purchased?????
        Moe
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