New Owner, Almost

Hi--I do own an R Pod, but I'm waiting on it to be delivered on 10/04/14.  On 10/06 I am taking off for a short trip, and to get out of the heat.  (I live in Mesa, outside of Phoenix.)

Not sure what you are towing with but I would say #1 is get your tow vehicle set up correctly - will you be using weight distribution and sway control? Probably didn't need that on the A-liner but you most likely will on the POD. #2, make sure your brakes are set up correctly and make sure you know how they work and how to adjust them. Depending on the model A-liner, you may have not had trailer brakes. #3 Enjoy! 

My 2¢...Of course the Tundra will pull it, no problem and I'm sure the truck has plenty of hitch weight (HW) head-room. So technically you probably don't need the WDH to increase capacities like I do. However, at some point you may still want it. A proper WDH and Sway set up takes most of the "White Knuckle" out of towing. It creates a more manageable and more agreeable relationship between the TV and camper. It reduces the "see saw" affect on ruff roads and dampens bow waves from semi trucks, not to mention a sudden crosswind blast. And there is sometimes the task of fighting a constant heavy across wind all day. I would say if you are going to use the set up for occasional trip to your local State Park then it no big deal. If your planning to trek coast to coast you may want it so you can rest a little more easy behind the wheel. What model POD are you getting? 

Originally posted by kmesaaz Podster--you are correct about what I did/needed with the Aliner.  My tow vehicle is a 2005 v8 Toyota Tundra.  My mechanic doesn't think I will need weight distribution and sway control for the pod.   Likewise, he said to just drive a bit and see how the pod pulls and brakes. He has told me that twice, but I am still a little nervous. Tomorrow I am getting a new hitch and will ask at that shop. (of course they will probably want to sell me something...) Thanks for responding.

  I guess you're hitting the road tomorrow.  I strongly suggest you find out about the trailer brakes in you Tundra.  Get them set up and working, and understand how they work.  If possible, do it before your trip.  It sounds like you may have everything you need, except maybe the actual controller.  Anyway, find out.  You have plenty of pulling power and more stopping power than a lot of TVs out there, but without the trailer brakes hooked up the pod will still push you, and perhaps jackknife, in a hard stop.

  I never had trailer brakes before the pod.  I bought mine used about 200 miles from home and didn't have brakes when I pulled it back.  Almost bought the car in front of me less than 10 minutes down the road.  I really took it easy and white knuckled it the rest of the way.

  I tow with an FJ Cruiser -- I don't have the tow capacity you do -- but I've never felt the need for a WDH hitch or sway control.  I get a sense of sway sometimes when I have too much fresh water in the tank, which reminds me to drain the tank unless I have a real good reason to be carrying the water.  (There was  post yesterday from someone who lost his pod and nearly his life due to a full tank of water (which is behind the axle and thus lowers your tongue weight at the same time in increases your overall weight.)  The low tongue weight increases the likelihood of sway and fishtailing.)

  You'll just about forget the pod is behind you with your Tundra, until you fill up with gas, or until you have to make a quick stop without trailer brake.  It might cost a couple hundred dollars, with labor, at a U-Haul store or Camping World, and take an hour, but you really want your brakes working.  Besides, it's the law in many states for trailers over X pounds.

  TT