Hello, maybe Podder

I just towed my 2010 RP-171 home with a 2017 Subaru Outback after purchase, and the Venza appears to be a fairly similar vehicle. The RP-171 was well within specified tow limits, but I can tell you that the drive home was pretty miserable. One thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned is that, even if you have enough power (which seems dubious), the width of the R-Pod is such that your view behind you of the lane you're in is completely blocked, so if you're going to use the Venza, trailering mirrors will be a must. A brake controller is also a fairly pricey installation, so it would be a real shame to spring for the hitch and controller only to find out that the car isn't up to the task.

I pulled the brake controller off of the Outback and had it installed along with a new hitch on my '94 F-150 6-cylinder shortbed. It isn't the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned, but at least it's up to the task.

Originally posted by NAP1947 Thanks for all comments. I am a bit mistified by the negative comments on a vehicle with a 3500 lb towing limit. In the list of photos on this site I see a number of vehicles with the same limit towing r-pods with unloaded weights similar to what we are considering. For example I saw 3 Jeep Wranglers, a Hyundai and a Dodge caravan. I wonder if those folks could offer comments on their towing experience.

Those people may, or may not comment. But I will.. I refrained from addressing that part of your question before. (I generally won't talk tvs, tires, or fridge on propane any more, to much drama, to much conjecture)

Yes, there are owners who tow with vehicles that are at the limit. Lots of people do lots of things at the limit, and the worst place to have stuff go wrong is when you are at the limit. So most, with experience, advise against it. Because stuff does go wrong, idiot drivers cut you off, exits get missed, snow and ice, etc etc.

Also, this:

When towing a pod, it's not JUST about weight, it's ALSO, in fact very much so, about the frontal area. and NONE of the "3500lb" rated tow vehicles ALSO allow the large frontal area of the Pod. Again, do people do it? Yes? Does it work? Yes. Right up until it doesn't.

We have had lots and lots of owners who started out with 3500lb rated tow vehicles. We have had many many, then move to a larger tow vehicle. NONE of them have reported the smaller/lesser tow vehicle was better. Some even, make a new post, and point out how much better and safer they find the new more capable tow vehicle. At rallies, I have literally had owners walk up to me, and discuss how much better their new "insert truck/suv here" tows then their Jeep, crossover, or minivan that had a 3500lb tow rating. Even some with 5K pound ratings.

We were caught between the 178 and the 179. We chose the 178 mainly because of the underneath storage being much more in the 178.

" I am more conscious of brake and handling issues than power."

Power is rarely the problem.  You are at the max or even exceeding the limit of your vehicle, and have a towed vehicle at nearly the weight or even over the weight of the towing vehicle.  The towing vehicle also has a short wheelbase.  Any make of travel trailer that you would want to spend the tie in that you discuss will be dangerous with that small a tow vehicle.  Be careful!

Nap,
I've had my 179 off road numerous times and have not dragged the rear stabilizers yet. None of the roads had deep gullies to traverse, but they did have hills and valleys. My 179 is a Hood River addition though.