towing

Originally posted by Cavendish I tow with a 2010 Honda Ridgeline, which came equipped from the factory with a tow package, including a transmission cooler, built-in 2" receiver, and prewired for electric brakes. We've had our 2013 176T for only a month, and have pulled it about 1,000 miles.  All of the driving has been in my home province of Nova Scotia, which is far from flat.  I travel with only 10 gallons of water, and avoid "freighting-up" the pod. The combination works beautifully, and we're about to venture further next week. In the past I have towed a 2000 pound camper with a 6 cylinder Ford Escape (rated for 3500 lb), and it laboured.  Ultimately the transmission paid the price, and that was a very very expensive repair. Some things I have learned:  do not exceed 60 mph, and 55 is preferable for controlability, fuel economy, and stopping distance.   Don't be afraid to shut off the overdrive and let the engine rev up.  Offshore-manufactured engines develop their power further up the power band than North American engines do, so they will wind up to 4,000 rpm (and further) with no ill-effect.  Drive gently using defensive techniques. Inflate the pod tires to 55 psi - it makes a big difference in rolling resistance.  Never ever run on underinflated tires.  Big-rig truckers will tell you that a full set of tires at only 5 psi under optimum pressure will cost as much as 30% in fuel economy. Use the cruise control only when it's a flat and easy drive, or when your leg absolutely needs a rest. Of course, if it's that critical, pull over, climb in the pod and make a cup of coffee. A question... I am not running with an equalizer kit.  The dealer said I didn't need one, and Honda does not recommend one because it will "confuse" the automatic stabilization system.  To date, I have towed the 176T on four-lane highways, two-lane highways, dirt roads, in cross-winds, and on  rain-soaked roads with no ill effect, and always with full control.   The Ridgeline will handle the tongue weight without any sag at the rear end.  Yet, in this forum, there is quite a bit of talk about using equalizers. So I still have some doubt:  what will an equalizer set-up do for me?  Where is it really needed?

I tow with a 2010 Honda Ridgeline, which came equipped from the factory with a tow package, including a transmission cooler, built-in 2" receiver, and prewired for electric brakes.

Welcome.  The 178 is listed as 2535 pounds dry weight, but that doesn't include the A/C, propane tank or propane, battery, Dome or any other accessories that came with it.  Just this will put you close to 3000 pounds.  Then you have to add in your clothes, towels, food, and any water in the fresh water tank, plus anything else you've loaded like chairs or an outside stove.  At this point you will be closer to the 3500 pound limit.  Another issue is the tounge weight.  The 178 starts at 257 pounds before any accessories, and most TVs have a 300 pound limit without a WDH hitch (TV = tow vehicle, WDH = weight distribution hitch).  After loading in an extra 1000 pounds of accessories and stuff you'll be closer to 350 pounds on the hitch.