Shake down cruise

Finally picked up our 178 on Tuesday.  Being inexperienced at towing a trailer I quickly found my fears were unfounded.  The trailer tows like a dream and my Grand Cherokee eco-diesel handled the mountains like they weren't even there.  My big test is still taking it over Teton Pass but coming home over Pine Creek Pass I had some grades equal to, but not as long, as Teton Pass and we went up and down the them easily.  I got the weight distribution hitch and sway bars and feel much more comfortable with them installed around here.  Most of the campgrounds around the Tetons are not open until Memorial Day but we did find a good campsite within about 15 miles from home for an overnight test.  Having fun getting used to all the features of the RPOD.  I am 6'3" and my wife is 5'10".  We were very comfortable in the RPOD with our Boxer and Beagle even tho the dogs insisted in spending the first night in the bed and I got the extra bed in the dining area.  Yesterday I parked the RPOD at the storage location and all the way home I was looking back missing my RPOD.  Did I mention it tows like a dream??  Looking forward to a summer of fun and travel in it.  I have already christened it as my mobile fishing camp.  My wife says all fish will be cooked and consumed outside.  Wonder why??  

Way to go!  I've towed popups over Teton Pass, but I have yet to tow our R-pod over it.  10% grade.  Gotta love the Tetons!  And gotta love diesel Grand Cherokees (even though mine is the previous generation)!

Sounds like a great trip!

I have been a Jeep Grand Cherokee fan for many years.  When I moved out to the Tetons two years ago I had a 6 cylinder Grand Cherokee and quickly realized it didn't have the muscle to tow anything around the mountains out here.  Went looking for a 8 cylinder Jeep and when the dealer initially mentioned the eco-diesel I immediately dismissed the idea.  Was still thinking of noisy, smelly diesels.  After several weeks of looking at Jeeps I was looking at on-line reviews and noticed all the positive things about the eco-diesel.  Went back to the dealer to test drive an eco-diesel and immediately fell in love with it.  When I purchased my new jeep I did up-grade to the Overland Edition and am glad I did.  It is a much more comfortable ride than the standard Grand Cherokee.  Drove it back east to visit family during the Thanksgiving/Christmas holidays and it was a dream.  Going thru eastern Wyoming with a tail wind averaged about 40 mpg.  Normally get about 30 which I think is pretty good.  To make things even better the RPOD easily tows behind it.  Since the RPOD is just about as wide as the vehicle I can use the Jeep mirrors with no modifications.  Glad this was my choice.  Hope this helps in your search and decision.

Yes, a larger and heavier TV  will help. A longer wheelbase will help. No, you don't have to go all the way to an F-250.