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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: suv tow vehicle
    Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 12:12pm
I have an E2 600/6000 on my 2010 171.  Here is my post on the installation:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1374
 
A note that when I changed my TV I experimented and found the ride quality was still much better with the WDH in place, so I continue to use it.
 
 
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 12 Mar 2014
Location: Omaha Nebraska
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 11:31pm
What type WDH is on your unit. I don't know if the frame has changed from my 2010 171.
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:50pm
RCU, I believe the majority of us use WDHs, but the ones that don't seem to be more vocal. Smile
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Posts: 21 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:18pm
Burt, I was surprised to hear in addition to the sway bar you have a weight distribution unit on the pod. I was thinking of using one too. After looking at the stock that makes up the frame Ifelt uncomfortable with the idea. Would you describe your set up. It might assist me in reconsideration. We have been caught in some tough wind situations on our trips to the boundary waters. The Pod & TV came through. I have at times considered a second sway bar. Would like to hear from you
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Mar 2014 at 9:33pm
Sammyc, I agree with your assessment. I tow a 172 with a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer 4.2 I 6, it pulls it like there is nothing behind you. I stay at 60mph or less, even on the interstate. I have noticed when I exceed 60 mph the gas mileage goes down. If I pull at 65 or 70 my mileage goes down to 10 to 11.5, but if I keep it down to 60 on the flats or 50 on hills I can get 13 to 14 mpg. I have a friction anti sway bar, no WDH and have never had a problem with sway. I have towed the Pod 50 miles on the Interstate without the anti sway bar hooked up, no problem, not even when semis pass. The long wheel base of the Trailblazer helps I am sure.
Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
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Posts: 111 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 10:33pm
It always amazes me to read posts about SUVs that struggle to tow the rPod. I don't know what it is about our 173, but our 6-cyl Trailblazer pulls it beautifully. We do not have the axel risers, which may help aerodynamics; and our model does not have extensions or sliders, which keeps the weight down. I do not use a weight distribution hitch or stabilizer bars or mirror extensions. Being free of that stuff is one of the big advantages that the rPod offers over our previous travel trailer. At this point, I've towed our Pod in plenty of wind conditions - fore and aft and port and starboard and every variation in between - in wind speeds of at least 30 mph. I do not get the same fuel mileage towing that I get with nothing attached, and nobody should expect to. Gas mileage when towing is more effected by wind conditions and highway speeds than it is without a tow load. Also, I don't go more than 65 mph when I'm towing anything sizeable like a camper. I don't think the 173 has the best amenities among the rPods; but, after reading all the towing complaints on this forum, I'm begining to think it's the optimal towing model. It's just flat fun to tow, and it does not behave at all like a parachute.
 
Sam
2012 rPod 173
2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 7:17pm
How was the rest of your summer pulling with the Pathfinder.  I have been looking at the Honda Odyssey and the Pilot, but my sister just mentioned to me that she is leaning towards the Pathfinder over the Pilot.  I have had both Honda and Nissan in the past and love them both.  So curious if you could let me know how you are still liking it for towing and also any problems.  I bought the Rpod 178.  Which one are you towing?
Ottawa Ontario Canada
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Posts: 62 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 11 Apr 2013 at 3:00pm
Roger:

As a follow up to your question about non-ethanol gas (real gas), I just found out from a friend about this website:

www.pure-gas.org

Smart phone will put out address and coordinates

You can search by city/state or location for it.

Burt
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Posts: 62 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2013 at 10:27am
Roger:

We find non-ethanol gas in The Dalles, Oregon.  It's also available in most rural cardlock pay pumps as well.  It is always ethyl which also helps.  It seems that the bureaucrats are imposing city rules on rural living as fast as they can, so look in rural areas for non-ethanol gas.

As an aside, if you have any small engines, i.e. mowers, etc.... use only non-ethanol gas.  If the engine sits for more than a few weeks, water will develop in the gas and cause failure, especially in carbureted engines.  This is fact, not fantasy or conspiracy theory.

Now, yes, we do have an anti-sway bar installed on the pod for safety.  We do get some unexpected gusts of wind in the Columbia river gorge.  The cascade mountains and foothills can cause downdrafts that one wouldn't expect.  Large semi's passing can also give you a fair "bump."  It only made sense out here in country where a large storm blows over semi's occasionally and the gorge can be closed to truck traffic, to have both a weight transfer hitch and a sway bar.

The anti-sway bar does make a difference in stability, especially when you are on a 2 lane highway and a semi goes the other way next to you.

Just look harder for real gas, you will find it.  The cardlock places usually have it.  A gas station that has it will also usually put out an additional sign indicating that they have it.

If you can't find it, just carry a bottle or two of some ethanol reducer and gas booster if you know you are travelling over some mountain passes.  Sea Foam is good as well as the good old sta-bil.

Burt
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Posts: 2 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Apr 2013 at 3:22pm
Thanks to everyone for their input on tow vehicles.

Burt, you mentioned the winds from the gorge and using gas without ethanol.
It sounds like you had anti sway tow connection. Please indicate and comment on stability in cross winds. Also, comment on who/where you find gasoline without ethanol. Around here I haven't seen any "real" gas for years.

Thanks,
Roger
rambling retirees
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