New RP-178 Owner - R-pod Owners Forum

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CFWARREN

Senior Member

Joined: 12 Apr 2015
Location: Spokane, Wa
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Posts: 148

Topic: New RP-178 Owner
Posted: 03 Aug 2015 at 11:09pm

"Most likely you backed up with the sway control bar still engaged."

Never heard this before, what's wrong with doing this?

2016 179 - Hood River Edition
2008 Nissan Xterra

Don Halas

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Joined: 01 Jul 2015
Location: Connecticut
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Posts: 190

Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:08am

The mod I forgot to mention was the additon of a Serta 3" memory foam cooling bed top. Comfortable, but what a pain in the ass to try and make the bed.

techntrek

Admin Group - pHp

Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9062

Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:30pm

Originally posted by CFWARREN

"Most likely you backed up with the sway control bar still engaged."

Never heard this before, what's wrong with doing this?

See item 4 on page 1 (unrelated to backing up, but good to know), and item 2 C on page 2 (link below). Plus it can just bind up even without direct contact and bend.

http://hitchpro.com/application/support/instructions/N26660.pdf

Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

CFWARREN

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Joined: 12 Apr 2015
Location: Spokane, Wa
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Posts: 148

Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 8:39pm

With that brand and model of sway control, avoiding backing with it attached might be a good idea. Personally, I wouldn't have mine attached if I had to back uphill, I can see where that might cause a problem. But on smooth level ground over a short distance, I see no problem with leaving it attached, just go slow and don't jack-knife....!

2016 179 - Hood River Edition
2008 Nissan Xterra

Don Halas

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Joined: 01 Jul 2015
Location: Connecticut
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 190

Posted: 30 Aug 2015 at 9:45am

If you've read or been following this topic you might remember that we bought the R-Pod because we wanted something that would be towable with our 2014 Mazda-CX9 which is rated at 3,500 lbs. max tow weight.

We towed the trailer home from Pennsylvania to Connecticut when we bought it. We also did a short weekend two weeks ago about 60 miles from home. The CX-9 did an admirable job and seemed to handle the load without issue. In both situations the drive was in an optimal conditions, no traffic, moderate changes of elevation, mostly highway and a conservative load.

I realized that the tow weight limitations would mean I would not be able to carry anything but a small amount of water/waste and also would be limited in any additional weight I added to the load. Most of all I worried about the cars capability in less than ideal travel situations; bad weather, heavy traffic, long trips or extended travel.

So, I moved up to an F-150 and more than doubled my tow capability (7,200 lbs.) We still love the CX-9 and would probably still tow with it for short hauls and limited loads. We have no interest in a larger trailer, but the F-150 gives me peace of mind and greater confidence of an enjoyable trip. Also now we might be able to have another couple join us on our trip.