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rpodbend
Newbie
Joined: 29 Oct 2014
Location: Bend, Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 25
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Calendar Event: Explorer? Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 10:24am |
I have a question for friends here..... I
am considering purchasing an Explorer with the bigger engine in it next spring. I am just wondering if there are other owners out there with this vehicle as their tow?
I like buying US made vehicles and Ford is my favorite for a lot of years. My guess is that it will tow this 178 Rpod just fine. Any comments? Thanks a lot......can't wait till spring to get this trailer out and camp! thanks Loren and Sally and Bear Bend Oregon
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Loren and Sally and Bear
Rpod 178 2015
Bend Oregon
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MoPod
Senior Member
Joined: 10 Oct 2013
Location: Pittsville, MO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 106
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 10:46am |
We currently are pulling our 176 with a 2014 Explorer Sport (4x4 & Ecoboost) that we purchased with summer with the factory Class III tow package. It pulls with much less effort than our F150 and much more smoothly. Hubby says he swears the Explorer could pull Rpod at 90 miles an hour, however even with gas at $2.50 I don't think we can afford to try. Overall gas mileage on the Explorer is not that impressive 10 - 11 mpg when towing Pod. We use a sway bar, but not WDH as we were recommended not to use with factory package which includes something similar (not I'm not a techie)
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Bill & Nancy
2015 RPod 179
Previously 2010 RPod 176
2014 Explorer Sport
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john in idaho
Senior Member
Joined: 04 Nov 2014
Location: Eagle Idaho
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 613
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 3:41pm |
I just came in from running errands and I was stopped behind one at a light. You might want to look at the ground clearance for the rear axle. There are shock brackets that look like they are only 4 or 6 " off the ground which might be a problem if you go off road.
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rpodbend
Newbie
Joined: 29 Oct 2014
Location: Bend, Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 25
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 6:36pm |
Thank you !
Loren
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Loren and Sally and Bear
Rpod 178 2015
Bend Oregon
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hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: St. Louis
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 6:50pm |
hogone always recommends the top puller and most versatile camping addition.......F150!!!!! hogone
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 7:04pm |
I will say this...having a pickup with or without a camper top does have it's advantages when it comes to additional storage and/or cargo options.
I guess if I were concerned about additional space and comfort for people, I would be more inclined to get a big ole SUV.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: St. Louis
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 7:15pm |
definately a camper shell; no matter how trashed it gets (depending on conditions) you can just hose it out. i am considering a box van as my next tv for asher(my retriever) so he can stay warm and cool with us while traveling. i think it would make a great tv (e350!!!!), but still researching pros/cons. go ford!!!!!! hogone
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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Luv2Q
Senior Member
Joined: 30 Aug 2014
Location: Central TX
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 309
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 7:34pm |
SUV? Pickup? Van?
Best of all possible worlds (IMHO): 4-door pickup with a tonneau cover. Space for people and/or critters inside. Cargo outside. And it's a truck so no worries about getting it dirty when you go camping. Plus, being a truck, it's just so much cooler than an SUV or (gulp) van.
I'm just kiddin' around. Don't everybody get excited! 
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John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9062
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Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 7:46pm |
Hey, SUVs are trucks!  My 'burban is the same drivetrain as the Silverado. I can just carry 8 people at one time... or a stack of 4 X 8 plywood. And hook a utility trailer to it and carry 2 tons of mulch. 
Just keep the hose away from the interior.
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hogone
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Apr 2013
Location: St. Louis
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1060
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Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 6:21am |
hey luv2q, don't be gulping at my van idea!!!  always dreaming!! just thinking it would be very versatile. a couple weeks ago i inquired if there was anyone pulling with a box van; very little response. actually i see little if anyone towing with a box van so either just not popular or not a good choice. only thing i can suggest for you is trade that tundra in for a f150, then you would be really cool like me!  hogone (yes, i'm just joking and having fun)
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Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
CHEESEHEAD
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