171, 172 or 177? - Event Date: 05 Feb 2013

We have a 3500# tow capacity like you do, and weight was a factor for us since we did not want to push it or come close to our limit.  We were down to either the 177 or the 171 with the queen bed (I'm 6'2") and though we loved the extra room that comes with the 177, we decided to go with the 171 which weighs less and actually has more storage room.

We purchased a 177 a few years ago and love it.  We also have a 2007 Honda Pilot with the 3.5 liter.
We are up in Northern MN, hilly but not mountain's by any stretch.  We are weekend warriors for the most part and feel safe and comfortable pulling the 177 with our Pilot.  We typically go to areas within 3 hours of our house and are rarely on a interstate, so we are usually driving 55 - 60 max.  If we were to win the lottery and leave for months at a time, including traveling thru the mountains I would definitely want a higher capacity TV.  The slide out adds a ton of space and we love the 177.

Originally posted by David and Danette Originally posted by CharlieM "no problem with power in towing the 171, even in the mountains of Tn" What mountains in Tn? I'm talking Colorado, Mon.   To me the mountains in Tn are the biggest I have been through in my life. Can only imagine those in Colorado. Have fun! Some day maybe I will have the time to see those bigger mountains out west.

  I would like to add I have climbed the highest mountain in Florida " Iron Mountain " all 295 feet.

Level62, we have a 172, I think looking back I would have gotten the 177 due to more room to move around for 2 people. I dont have a problem with the extra weight. but Donna and I like the 172. We use the upper bunk for storage (until grandchildren come along) we use the short queen dinette conversion for sleeping. sometimes during the day nap time is on the lower bunk. I am 5'11 and don't have a problem with the short queen or bunks. If you spend much time inside (with 2 people) the slides give more room for moving around and past one another.Its a toss up. the 172 is lighter. We wont trade ours off, we like it and the quality shows. We bought ours new in the fall of 2011, never took it back to a dealer for anything but the rear light upgrade. not one loose screw or any warranty problems so far. I think we got a good one. Happy Poddin

The slide as you said would be extra weight and with the slide you will lose a little storage space. I am 5 ft. 9 in. and am comfortable in our 171. We towed our 171 for a while with a Saturn VUE, I think it may of had the same engine as your Pilot. The Saturn had no problem with power in towing the 171, even in the mountains of Tn. What ever model you chose I'm sure you will enjoy the Rpod as a lite weight travel trailer.