towing advice -- are we crazy?

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   All --
We're aiming to buy a R-Pod 192 which grosses 4900 lbs. We are also planning on getting a '18 Highlander with a 5000 lb towing capacity.

Although we're (nearly) flatlanders here in Minnesota, we've heard stories about engines being overworked due to the wind resistance of an RV trailer, and we do plan to eventually do some camping in more mountainous areas.

Are we crazy? Looking for your wisdom; thanks much!

David & Barb
Twin Cities

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dsj123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2021 Location: Eden Prairie, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Topic: towing advice -- are we crazy? Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 1:06pm
	All -- We're aiming to buy a R-Pod 192 which grosses 4900 lbs. We are also planning on getting a '18 Highlander with a 5000 lb towing capacity. Although we're (nearly) flatlanders here in Minnesota, we've heard stories about engines being overworked due to the wind resistance of an RV trailer, and we do plan to eventually do some camping in more mountainous areas. Are we crazy? Looking for your wisdom; thanks much! David & Barb Twin Cities

Pod_Geek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 04 Dec 2019 Location: Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 260	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 1:21pm
	You mean a 202?
	2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L

podwerkz Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Mar 2019 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 966	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:19pm
	Again, use the 80% rule: 5000 pound towing capacity means look for a trailer UNDER 4000 pounds GVW (80% of 5000) This will help keep you safe and secure as you tow.
	r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

dsj123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2021 Location: Eden Prairie, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:44pm
	Nope -- the weird singular one with the murphy bed!

dsj123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2021 Location: Eden Prairie, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:46pm
	Thanks much. However, in order not to have to buy a moose of a vehicle to tow more (our biggest current vehicle is an Outback:), we were thinking of going without water in the tanks to get it closer to net weight, 3,449 lbs. Is that doable? David

Colt Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Nov 2019 Online Status: Offline Posts: 383	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:13pm
	You need to weigh, or have the particular trailer weighed. There is no reason at all you can't tow well under the max gross weight. The UVW for my 180 is pretty close, yours likely is, too. But then, I added another ~175 lbs of "stuff" even trying to be careful of adding weight. Aero drag is controlled with speed. Prolly no reason to tow over 60 MPH. My OEM tires had a 65 MPH speed rating.
	John '16 R-Pod 180

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: 1214	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:31pm
	I have a 195, I think the 192 is slightly heavier than the 195. I tow with a frontier rated at 6100 - 6300 pounds. I would tow a 192 with my truck, but I know it would be just enough truck to do the job. I don't really think your 5,000 pound capacity is up to the job.
	2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding

mcarter Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:34pm
	You're not crazy, but personally you're taking some chances that could be life changing. A 5000 lb vehicle is not adequate for a 4900 lb tow.
	Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

dsj123 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 09 Feb 2021 Location: Eden Prairie, M Online Status: Offline Posts: 4	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:36pm
	Thanks very much, all -- sounds like we should start shopping for a bigger vehicle! David

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: 3227	Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:38pm
	The amount of drag you are pulling is greatly increased as your speed increases. Think of it as a huge sail or parachute that is dragging you down and making your engine work that much harder as you travel down the road. Have to agree with mjlrpod above. Now if you just plan to stay around home in Minnesota and Wisconsin and not travel too far, you can probably do it but for longer hauls and highway speeds, personally I would look for a 'stouter' TV with more towing capacity.
	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."