Gas Mileage

Well, it looks like we have a fair amount of informal but real data to show that wind resistance is what is causing the very poor, 10-12 mpg, that most of us are getting towing the R.Pod.  Following is a summary of what we have seen:

1. Most six and small 8 cylinder suvs or trucks that get 22 – 17 mpg respectively not towing but average just 10-12 mpg towing the rpod.
2. Most feel the affect of wind about 50-55 mph, and after that reserve power is pretty much gone.
3. Most are using their transmission without overdrive engaged as instructed in owners manuals but the six cylinder vehicles even though rated for 3500-5000 report their transmissions seem to struggle.
4. Though most vehicles with 8 cylinder engines share the poor gas mileage with the sixes, it sounds like the extra power makes it easier on their transmissions.
5. Positives:
1. Two reports from 173t owners (with the air foil) seem to get 2-3mpg better with their six cylinder suvs.
2. Twin Kayaks loaded on roof racks forming a V from front to back seem to deflect wind and increase mileage 1-3 mpg.

Techntrek, I doubt we are going to get much more information that is different from what we have seen thus far.  Do you suppose you could talk to your contact at Forest River and see if they are interested in

1.      Doing some controlled studies to either prove or disprove what we are seeing.

2.      More importantly develop or improve the air foil on the 173t and

3.      Develop an aftermarket airfoil for those of us who already own a pod.

4.      Either do testing to find an air deflector that can be mounted on our SUVs

As I stated earlier, from reading all the other posts on Rpod Owners and Rpod Nation forums, most people are happy with the style and functionality of this unit except for the gas mileage issues.  These, in the long term will become transmission issues on the vehicles that this travel trailer is designed for.  Forest River, please help us out.