Whats pulling your RPod

2014 6 cylinder Chrysler Town and Country with factory tow package. Prefer this setup over my 2005 Ram 4.6 v-8, without factory package. Seems to handle better, more room for kids and dogs, and this setup gets better MPG towing than my Ram not towing. Thanks to Leo & Melissa for their posts, helped us decide on the T&C and the 179, no regrets on either one. (tried to post the pic but can't figure out how to rotate it)

We are towng with a 2010 Tundra 5.7L.  I set the cruze control on 65 and never changed it.  Drove from Couch's RV Nation to home in Westfield Ma.  We averaged 11.5 mpg.  In the mountains I had to pass 18 wheelers a few times and didn't want to hold up traffic in the passing lane hit 75 going up several long steep grades.  I was disappointed with the mileage until reading through this post and seeing that many others were getting Mpgs the same or worse with many only traveling between 50-60 mph.  The Tundra is known for its awful fuel economy but I guess when towing it holds its own.

Here's what is pulling ours:


2016 Ford Escape XL
     2L Ecoboost engine
     Factory Class II Trailer Tow package
Hopkins InSight Flex-Mount Brake Controller
PurpleLine USA AeroPlus Wind Deflector
Equal-i-zer 6,000 lb 4-way sway control hitch Note: We also purchased the Sway Bracket Jacket and Socket Pins with Thumb Clips for our hitch. Both of these are good additions. The pins could probably have been purchased in the hardware department of either Lowe's or Home Depot. The Jackets really quiet the hitch, reducing significantly the popping and groaning.
StowAway Hitch Tightener which also helps reduce noise and improve stability.

On our first trip, we tried to make time and were driving 65-70 mph except when headwinds made it impossible, not because the car wouldn't maintain it, but because it felt wobbly. Our mileage ranged from about 8 to about 14 mpg (rounded numbers)on that trip.

Since adding the hitch tightener and the AeroPlus, I have made another long trip. On that, which also included some headwinds and mountains, mileage varied between about 12 and 15 mpg (rounded numbers). Loading was about the same. I limited the top speed to 60 mph since that is what is suggested for the AeroPlus.

The AeroPlus does help with the wind resistance. I did not notice as much buffeting from headwinds with it, especially when the winds were coming at an angle.

We purchased the Escape when we thought we were also going to be purchasing a Casita. That turned out to be a scam that cost us. Since we already had purchased the Escape, we looked for something that was within the 3500 lb towing limit of the Escape. Our R-Pod 179 meets that requirement. It also has more room than a Casita would have had. The 2L Ecoboost engine in the Escape has specifications (using premium gasoline) of 240 hp @ 5500 rpm and 270 lb.-ft @ 3000 rpm.

While this might be considered to be too small a vehicle to tow the R-Pod, I have felt comfortable towing with it. I also have not felt a lack of power, even going up 5-6% grades. I did find that I need to use the "Sport" (I guess the "S" could also stand for "Schlepp") mode of the transmission instead of the "Drive" mode. It seemed to help when I do so.

We pull our 171 with a 2015 Toyota Tacoma v6 crew cab. Plenty of power but have only used it in Florida so far

We pull with a 2012 Highlander V6. We've had more than one person come up to us and comment that they didn't know a Highlander could pull a trailer. It's at that point we usually mention the weight and then they get really interested.