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Topic ClosedGreetings from Big Sky Country

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BigSkyPod View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Apr 2017
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Greetings from Big Sky Country
    Posted: 09 Apr 2017 at 6:31pm
Greetings all,
After much research we finally decided on the new (2017.5) 180, our first TT ever. We picked it up last weekend in Coeur dAlene, ID and hauled it back to Bozeman, MT with two overnights for fun. Gotta say its everything we hoped and we know we have a lot of learning to do. 
We hope to hit the road for two weeks soon, covering much of the NW. For now we're looking into load levelers and stabilizers although it towed well behind our new Tacoma. Already looking at the myriad amount of "stuff" we'll need! Ermm
Happy trails!

2017 RPOD 180 Hood River Edition
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2017 at 7:19pm
Consider a weight distribution (WD) hitch instead of load levelers and stabilizers. We are currently towing with a 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab, which is probably the equivalent of your Tacoma. We started with a 2016 Ford Escape, and just moved the WD hitch over to the Frontier when we bought it after our encounter with ice and wind in Wyoming this past December.

The WD hitch we use is the Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch. Others use the Fastway E2. Still others use the Andersen No-Sway hitch. Some may say that you don't need one, but that depends on your tow vehicle. I think it benefits the mid-sized pickups to use one. Half-ton and larger pickups, maybe not so much. Still, a WD hitch will make for a better ride. I only towed ours once without the sway bars since the hitch was not configured properly for the Frontier. I did notice a difference after I got it properly configured.

I guess you could beef up the suspension in the Tacoma and skip the WD hitch. It depends on whether you want the stiffer ride during those times you would not be towing.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 2017 at 7:40pm
Instead of getting everything except the kitchen sink take a few mini 2 or 3 day trips and note what things you may need or have to have.  It vastly varies from individual to individual.  Some need a lot of extras, others don't.  We tend to do with less, don't need a lot of extras and it saves on weight.  Going from a pop-up to our 177 back in March 2011 we actually carry less since we don't have all the kids, and now have a real refrigerator (instead of a cooler), a hot water heater, shower, toilet, and running water inside, all things we didn't have in our Jayco. 

You live in a spectacular area of the country.  Last time we were there, about 5 years ago, we visited a friend of ours attending college in Bozeman, and then spent 2 weeks in Glacier, a wonderful, grand, blessed time.
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."
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