Decisions - decisions - decisions

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   Currently I am in the decision mode. I'm torn between the r-pod 179 and the T@B. This will be my first RV, and I really don't want to have to replace it because I made a bad choice. I'm an old, big, guy( 6'1" 235 lbs) My tow vehicle will be a 2016 Honda Pilot
 AWD (tow capacity 5000 lbs) The transmission is a six speed, which drops to a four speed if you take it out of over-drive. Which about doubles the rpm at 55 mph. I will be traveling mostly by myself, but occasionally by sweetie will join me. We live in Texas, which is relatively flat-ish.

So, here's my question. With the miniature T@B (1670 lbs) I will be able to drive in overdrive, but will be living in cramped quarters. From the articles seen on this forum I assume that with the r-pod I will not be able to use overdrive. I believe this will over-tax the drive train and ruin my gas mileage.

What are your thoughts?

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BogieMeister Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16 Feb 2017 Location: Montgomery, TX Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Topic: Decisions - decisions - decisions Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 9:57am
	Currently I am in the decision mode. I'm torn between the r-pod 179 and the T@B. This will be my first RV, and I really don't want to have to replace it because I made a bad choice. I'm an old, big, guy( 6'1" 235 lbs) My tow vehicle will be a 2016 Honda Pilot AWD (tow capacity 5000 lbs) The transmission is a six speed, which drops to a four speed if you take it out of over-drive. Which about doubles the rpm at 55 mph. I will be traveling mostly by myself, but occasionally by sweetie will join me. We live in Texas, which is relatively flat-ish. So, here's my question. With the miniature T@B (1670 lbs) I will be able to drive in overdrive, but will be living in cramped quarters. From the articles seen on this forum I assume that with the r-pod I will not be able to use overdrive. I believe this will over-tax the drive train and ruin my gas mileage. What are your thoughts?

ArenaBlanca Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 07 Sep 2016 Location: Alamogordo, NM Online Status: Offline Posts: 158	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 10:12am
	My experience with other campers is that the drag effects the gas mileage more than the weight. That said, you are going to experience reduced mileage with either RV. I'd go with the 179. I did!

BogieMeister Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 16 Feb 2017 Location: Montgomery, TX Online Status: Offline Posts: 6	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 10:27am
	My real concern is the wear and tear on the TV if I have to drive in fourth gear all the time. Do you use your OD? The reason I am leaning toward the 179 as opposed to the 178 is because on the 178 I see no obvious place to store clothing and toiletries.

CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 10:50am
	First, any Pod will lower you gas mileage more than the T@B. It's a simple function of frontal cross sectional area. Wind resistance has more effect than weight unless you climbing steep hills. Second, dropping into a non OD gear is good for the engine and transmission. The engine is able to operate in its design range and the transmission is locked in a gear. I monitor transmission temperature and have experimented with OD and non OD running on flat stretches. Engaging the OD causes an immediate and marked rise in transmission temperature without a noticeable increase in MPG. Heat is bad news for the transmission.
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3331	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 11:15am
	Great point Charlie. We have towed our 177 with both an '08 and '13 Explorer and rarely put it in OD for the reasons stated above. Most anyone towing a pod get from 11-14 mpg overall when you factor in mountains, city, country driving. That being said, even though I am a small guy compared to you (5'11") I get a bit claustrophobic in the T&B, kinda tight and not very tall inside. You will experience a significant difference in room between the two.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

ParPod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 28 Oct 2016 Location: Manitoba Online Status: Offline Posts: 105	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 11:21am
	BogieMeister - great points made by both CharlieM and jato - between the two units - I'd go 179 but then again like most on this forum I'm biased! Good Luck with your choice
	Bob&Margaret 2017 179 2016 Toyota 4Runner 2 sets of Golf Clubs

hogone Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 09 Apr 2013 Location: St. Louis Online Status: Offline Posts: 1060	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 12:23pm
	I never drive in OD when towing. hogone
	Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD

furpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 12:39pm
	I get crappy mileage all the time.. But I don't fear overdrive or mountains.. LOL. I love the construction, materials, and vibe of the T@B's.. BUT.. I am a full sized human, almost always have my sweetie with me, and a couple larger dogs.. But even without them, I think a T@B would get pretty small if you have a couple rainy days..

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 2:10pm
	We have a 179 and love it. Lots of storage and room to move. We tow with a Dodge Grand Caravan up and down the east coast. We average 13.5 per gallon in Vermont and 15-17 once we get below Massachusetts ( depending on wind).
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

mjlrpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1221	Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 3:25pm
	Plus the T@B cost a few thousand more, that'll even out your gas expense for a few years.
	2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding