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Topic Closedsuv tow vehicle
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2Peas-n-Rpod View Drop Down
Groupie
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Joined: 05 Jun 2011
Location: Nampa, ID
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Posts: 96 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: suv tow vehicle
    Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 9:41am
We used to tow our 182G with a Montero V6, and it was always pushed to the limit and underpowered. We traded it in for an F-150 with a V8 5.4L and now towing is no longer a worry and a hassle. It was definitely worth the extra peace of mind to have more power on those long grades going over passes. Just my experience.
2011 R-Pod 182G Hood River Edition
"Ribbitt" Pod (now sold)
2000 Ford F150 5.4L V8 TV
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Joined: 24 Jan 2010
Location: NJ
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 6:29am
I towed mine with a 6-cyl Toyota Tacoma as well and many times I wished I had more power.  If you must have an SUV, I'd make sure you go with one of the more powerful ones, such as a big Tahoo, Suburban, etc.
 
My Taco is rated for 6500-lbs tow capacity and like I said, I still felt under-powered at times.
 
"Ray & Connie"

- 2017 R-Pod RP-180
- 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road
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Joined: 10 Jul 2012
Location: Salt Lake City
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Posts: 112 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 11:47pm
Hi Roger & welcome to the forum. I too live in SLC and take the Pod throughout the state.  I'm not technical as many on this forum so I'll tell you what I have and my experiences.  I pull with a Mitshubishi Montero 3.5L. It's a V6. Basically it does ok though on several long sustained climbs I wish I had a stronger vehicle though truth be known I enjoy driving fast so if I could pull it at 65 mph uphill I probably would, though we get there never less. This year I installed a transmission cooler on the Mits so that should help keep the tranny cooler. 

Happy Podding, I'll be looking for you in the outback.
RPodWeGo
RPod 177
04 v8 Toyota 4Runner
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Joined: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Southern Ind
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 8:54pm
Welcome to the Forum, I tow with an 08 Chevy Trailblazer. it has the 4.2 in line DOHC six cylinder 290 Horse. It is rated for 7000 lbs towing, and pulls the pod easly. As Doug (Techntrek) stated correctly when you hit 55 mph its like pulling a parachute. I get 11.5 to 13 mph if I keep it below 60 mph. I can pull it 80 or better but I cant afford the gas. The longer the wheel base the better period, regardless of make. where are you towing ? short term and long term. If your planning on local under 100 miles and not real hilly terrain you will be ok with the smaller trucks/suv/cross over, heck a Dodge Caravan can pull a pod. If you are thinking of cross country, mountains, elevations above 5000 feet you need some cubic inches and cubic money.
Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 5:41pm
Welcome.  Most here have found that vehicles with 3500 pound tow ratings are underpowered with the conditions you describe.  Back roads at slower speeds is ok, its just that the pod has a lot of drag once you get above 55 mph.  I had a 2003 Toyota Sienna with about 215 horsepower.  Now I have a 2010 Chevy Suburban with 320.  
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 17 Jul 2012
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Posts: 82 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 5:31pm
We tow the 177 pod with a 2012 toyota tacoma 4 door V6 (236 hp) factory hitch. we went from Vancouver Island to Saskatoon about 1700 miles. Mountain elevation 7000 ft, we had no problem going up or down the mountains. I was a little the one that was a little wary,LOL
TV 2012 Toyota Tacoma 6 cyl
Misha the Lab
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Joined: 24 Mar 2013
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Posts: 2 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 2:59pm
I recently purchased a R-Pod and am shopping for a SUV to tow it. We live in SLC and will be towing in the mountains and doing freeway driving that includes long sustained climbs.  I would be interested to hear from owners about their experience with the mid size SUV (e.g. Toyota 4 runner, Explorer, Acadia, etc.) with wind (headwinds, and cross winds) and the adequacy of their power. Please specify your vehicle and engine.

Thanks,
Roger
rambling retirees
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