Tacoma 4 Cylinder - Event Date: 05 May 2014 - 05 Oct 2014

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   Hello,
I just purchased a new R-POD 171 and own a 2009 Tacoma 4x4 4 cylinder 5 speed. While rated at 3500 lbs I knew I would be well below the towing capacity, but what I didn't know was that the 4 cylinder was going to have trouble on any grade except downhill. I did put in a brake controller.

Does anyone have any experience with this size engine or truck. I don't plan on any long haul trips, mostly within 30 miles (Catskill Mountains) and 1 long trip to Saratoga for the 4th. 

Getting a new truck is out (unless of course I buy my wife her new car first :-) )

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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vnapoli Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 May 2014 Location: hurley, ny Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Calendar Event: Tacoma 4 Cylinder Posted: 05 May 2014 at 7:22pm
	Hello, I just purchased a new R-POD 171 and own a 2009 Tacoma 4x4 4 cylinder 5 speed. While rated at 3500 lbs I knew I would be well below the towing capacity, but what I didn't know was that the 4 cylinder was going to have trouble on any grade except downhill. I did put in a brake controller. Does anyone have any experience with this size engine or truck. I don't plan on any long haul trips, mostly within 30 miles (Catskill Mountains) and 1 long trip to Saratoga for the 4th. Getting a new truck is out (unless of course I buy my wife her new car first :-) ) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 05 May 2014 at 9:43pm
	Welcome. "Local" trips like you describe, you'll be fine, just don't plan on heading to Orlando. With our prior tow vehicle (TV), a Sienna, I actually felt better on the back roads getting to those local destinations. The problem many here find is once you get above 55 mph you hit a aerodynamic wall.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

vnapoli Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 May 2014 Location: hurley, ny Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Posted: 06 May 2014 at 6:02am
	That's great news. I'll keep everyone posted.
	Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder

David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1223	Posted: 06 May 2014 at 6:45am
	Be careful not to overload your trailer do not fill your fresh water tank. Like as been said take back roads when possible and drive a safe slow speed. And it would help to inflate your tires to the maximum allowed tire pressure. I tried to pull our r-pod 171 with our 2004 Jeep Liberty, it to had a 4 cylinder and it had a 5 speed manual transmission if I remember it had about 150 HP. But like Doug said when reaching 55 mph it just seemed to stop and not be able to go any faster. Hopefully your 4 cylinder has more HP than the Jeeps 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine.
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

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: 06 May 2014 at 6:51am
	Welcome to the group!!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

vnapoli Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 May 2014 Location: hurley, ny Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Posted: 06 May 2014 at 8:18am
	That was my exact experience after I picked it up. I was fine until I hit the NYS Thruway and could not get over 60 and had to use 4th gear (unless of course I was going downhill and then I could hit 65). I've been towing a Rockwood popup for years and could do 60 up a steep grade without a problem. I was expecting that with this unit too. :-) I'll drop my expectations for speed (this will keep me calm and not curse the entire ride to the campground) Thanks everyone for their input.
	Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder

vnapoli Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 May 2014 Location: hurley, ny Online Status: Offline Posts: 10	Posted: 25 May 2014 at 9:14pm
	Here's an update. Just went 66 miles up into the Catskills and as everyone predicted the truck did fine. I even brought some firewood. Was able to do 55 on most of the roads with the exception of up a big climb (had to use 3rd) and the road up to Little Pond (2nd gear).
	Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder