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Frame replacement?

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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote GlueGuy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Frame replacement?
    Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 10:47am
The MTTP is a bit of a unicorn. It can be built, but mandates restrictions on several things. That said, you can get pretty close with an "ordinary" F150. Here is what Ford posts on their web site about the max tow package:

bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
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mjlrpod View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote mjlrpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 11:30am
I don't see any mention of solar panels, or even solar prepped. With a DC fridge, that has to be a concern I would think. My surveyor came with 80 watts of solar, But i'm adding another 100 watts, and a second battery  as soon as it's nice enough outside. Going from the pod to this model is going to be game changing. So much more storage, the fridge is huge, the north and south bed, the moride stairs, and I see you have the rear cargo rack. My rear rack is rated at 200 pounds of cargo, pretty useful, but I wish it could do 300. Good luck with your new camper. 


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Post Options Post Options   Quote jato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 7:15pm
Originally posted by gpokluda

We have the 3.5 Ecoboost with the Max Tow package so our TC is 14,000lbs. Like GlueGuy said, it is very comfortable. The MTP includes a 36gallon fuel tank. It's nice to be able to get gas when you want to and not when you have to.


I do miss the 36 gallon fuel tank.  On my '94 F-150 with 322,000 miles and a 2011 F-150 - both had 36 gallon fuel tanks.  On the 2017 F-150 with the 3.5 EB, it has a skimpy 23 gallon tank.  Kind of a bummer, it was nice to be able to travel a much longer distance with the larger fuel tank.  Does anyone have an idea if it is possible to change the 23 gal. to the larger 36 gallon tank?
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Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 8:42pm
Originally posted by hogone

i prob could look it all up, but since you actually have it gpokluda; exactly what does the "max tow package" include/mean?  im going to be in the market over the next year or so.  jon

GlueGuy pretty much covered it. It does have something called a Trailer Backup Assist which I have yet to use, but the built in brake controller is really nice. 
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Feb 2023 at 10:58pm
Our 200AH LiFePO4 battery is going to get transferred over to the Grey Wolf along with the DC to DC charger. As far as solar prep or solar, I don't remember. We looked at so many. It would not be a deal breaker. I have the Renogy Solar Suitcase and a generator.


This seems to indicate that solar prep at least is present. I think the I-beam frame with outriggers will perform well. If the cargo capacity listed is any indication, it is a much sturdier build than the RPod's box frame.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Quote GlueGuy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2023 at 6:45pm
We don't have the max tow, but we did get the 36 gallon tank and the heavy duty frame. It was nice when we went up to my sister-in-law's place a couple months ago. 279 miles each way, and we never stopped for gas.
bp
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Post Options Post Options   Quote gpokluda Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Feb 2023 at 7:18pm
Oddly enough, the max tow package for the F150 does not come with tow mirrors! I ended up getting some aftermarket ones that look just like the Ford OEM ones. Love 'em.
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Post Options Post Options   Quote lostagain Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 5:35am
Our towing package came with the back up assist and integrated brake controller.  The break controller is nice because it's built into the dash and doesn't get in the way of things like the add-on's can do.  The back up assist is not as useful as I had thought it'd be.  As long as the camera has a good view with adequate light of the little checker board pattern that you mount on the tongue rail, it works nicely once you get the hang of it.  But it stops working the second the checker board pattern is obscured or is in low light.  I find it easier to just not use it. 
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Post Options Post Options   Quote hogone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 6:15am
one more question?  what axle is better/heavier duty I guess.  jon
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Post Options Post Options   Quote StephenH Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Feb 2023 at 6:57am
The higher the ratio, the more power can be transferred. Lower ratios are better for mileage. See the chart above. The Heavy Duty Payload package gets a 3.73:1  axle. Otherwise, it is a 3.55:1 axle.
StephenH
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ouR escaPOD mods
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