Whats pulling your RPod

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan/ R-pod 171 review

I thought I’d give a little input on towing the RP-171 with our VW Tiguan now that we’ve travelled with it a few weeks. You’ll have to forgive me with the metric and standard conversions. (Being old school I tend to talk in both languages.)

When we purchased our Pod in Dieppe New Brunswick, I had to have the vehicle outfitted with a towing package as it didn’t have one at time of purchase. The installation of the class 3 hitch was very straight forward and installed in under and hour. The hitch shop did however have some difficulties installing the brake controller. It had something to with the Electronic Stabilization Program/ anti-lock ABS brake system that VW has on its newer vehicles. However, after making some phone calls the shop finally ended up using a Valley Industries Journey HD 52740 electronic brake controller which solved the problem.

Our 2009 Tiguan has the 200 horsepower 2.0 L, 4-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged engine with a 6 speed 4-motion automatic transmission. The vehicle is rated for 998 kilograms or roughly 2200 lbs. so we’re pretty much pushing the limit for what the vehicle is rated when we’re towing the 171.

Towing on the four lane at 110 km/hr (70 mph), the vehicle handles the trailer very well, however, fuel consumption goes way up, and you definitely have to switch to manual shifting mode on the transmission. For those of you who have ever been to the Maritimes, you’ll know about our rolling hills (that we call mountains) here in Nova Scotia. The car/trailer handles these very well, and I would recommend staying under 100 km./hr (60 mph), just because the fuel consumption is so much better.

Linda and I like to stay on the secondary highways so the speed thing isn’t a problem, and best mileage is obtained at 80 to 90 km. / hr. (50 to 55 mph).  The last trip we made was about two hundred miles and the cars computer showed us averaging 17.8 miles per gallon. This was pulling some pretty heavy hills on the Glooscap Trail.

The car is very responsive and passing isn’t an issue with the trailer behind it. I like the narrower design of the trailer, with the fenders outboard of the body, and find that my regular vehicle side mirrors are more than adequate for seeing behind.

I like how you can park the trailer in those tight little spots that you would normally have to pass by with a larger trailer.

Our last RV was a 32 foot class ‘A’ motor home. While it was very comfortable, we always felt a little conspicuous pulling into a camping spot with smaller tents and tent trailers around. We used to get that “God, I hope he’s not going to park that thing there” gaze as we drove by.

The R-pod is a very classy looking little RV that really stands out when you pull it into a campground, yet has the appearance that isn’t intimidating to the campers next door. It’s welcoming size and unique paint scheme compliments just about any vehicle it’s towed behind.

You’re all correct about attracting attention. Everyone wants to have a look inside when I tell them there’s a shower, dinette, and a queen size bed in it!