New member

Hi - my husband and I recently bought a 2010 R-Pod 172. We've used it a couple of times so far hunting. Works great, love the large bunks and big dinette. We have 4 dogs so need the room! We're looking forward to trips out west. We live in Minnesota. Hoping we can get info on this site for trips, camping, etc.

One question we have is regarding a tow vehicle. We currently have a 2007 Tundra 4X4, double cab. We'd like to get something that has better gas mileage when not towing. We've looked at a Honda Pilot and like it but don't know if it would handle towing the 172. We do plan a trip through the Rockies, but a one time thing. Usually would be traveling just around the Midwest. The other option is a 2016 Tundra double cab.

Any suggestions, recommendations, comments? Thanks for any help.

I used to tow a 172 with a 2010 Pilot. Worked fine. Even climbing Colorado passes it worked fine, but you won't be first to the top. Be sure you get the 4WD Pilot as they are considerabley different than the 2WD versions. I used an E2 WDH which I consider essential. I also used a ScanGauge to monitor transmission temperature, but never had a problem.

We still have and love our Pilot, but it's been retired from towing.

Welcome. I tow our 179 with a 2013 Tundra double cab and love the way it tows. I do use an E2 WDH also and have read many opinions on the forum about whether it is needed. I think it all depends on what you feel safe with. To me the key word is safe, I'm paranoid about safety.

I didn't buy our Tundra specifically for towing, I had the vehicle prior to buying the trailer. Once we decided to buy a trailer, I didn't want to go buy a new truck so we matched the trailer to the already owned tow vehicle. Couldn't be happier with the current setup.

Retirement is on the horizon for April so have to be careful with buying new toys. I think you'll be fine with your decision.

Sue,

I presently tow a Camplite 21RBS with a 2013 Tacoma and I really like the Taco. The Camplite is 1000# heavier than the 172. I added a supercharger because I tow a lot in the Colorado mountains. I notice the supercharger is no longer available for the Taco and Toyota has scaled back to a 3.5L engine, the same as the Pilot. Either the Pilot or the Tacoma will do well with your 172, but they will be slow climbing mountain passes.

Check out the Dodge 1500 diesel.  The guys I know that have them are getting 30 plus mpg running empty, and above 18mpg   towing.  They have the 4x4 versions.