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Topic ClosedStoltzfus in Adamstown PA

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MES Pod View Drop Down
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Location: Ridgely MD
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Stoltzfus in Adamstown PA
    Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 9:18pm
On vacation in July we meet Lee, we had a 09 ranger 4cyl we thought we could use to tow a model 171, but Lee said that after adding propane, battery, etc. that the 171 could be around 3,000 lbs , the 09 would tow only about 2,000. (we later found out from Ford that Lee was correct) We went on to explain what we wanted to do and he directed us towards a model 178 and we would need a new TV. Lee spent about 2 hours with us talking about RV's & towing. I traded for a 2011 Ranger 6cyl and it is rated for 5,800 lbs, we priced around and then talked to Lee and he beat all other offers. we bought in September. Lee is a rare and caring salesperson I would recommend to anyone. they took the time to show us everything in the Pod, removing the cover and showing us the water tank and heater, under the sink how to winterize the unit, installed hitch and brake controller, took us on a test drive and set controller. showed us all the features on the outside and how to operate the appliances inside. We could not be any happier with this dealership and its people. It is a 3 hour trip home and thanks to Lee advice, the Ranger did a great job of towing this 2015 178 and we had a great ride home. This is our first camper of any kind. we would highly recommend this dealership.
Ricky & Barbara
2021 Ford F-150, 2018 Pod 180
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:06pm
Congratulations!!! We basically have the same set up and it's working good here as well.
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:44pm
So what kind of mileage numbers are y'all seeing towing the 178s?
John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:58pm
Originally posted by Luv2Q


So what kind of mileage numbers are y'all seeing towing the 178s?

I'm getting an average of 12 MPG. What's the Tundra MPH? About the same?
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:00pm
I was really surprised, I knew I would take a hit, maybe loosing 5 mpg but went from 25mpg to 12 towing the 178.
Ricky & Barbara
2021 Ford F-150, 2018 Pod 180
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:04pm
I wonder if there is an after market bolt on turbo charger available? Good thing the price of gas is going down.
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:45pm
On the Tundra, I'm still trying different combinations of speeds & gears to see what works best.  So far, it's been in the 11-13 mpg range.  Truck has the small v8 (4.6 L), 6 spd tranny and towing pkg (which includes 4.10 rear end) and a "tow/haul" switch.  It's rated to tow up to 8,000 and tows the 171 just fine.  But .. Very unpleasant to drive if I leave it in full automatic; downshifts/upshifts/downshifts if there's even a hint of a change in grade.  Kinda wish I'd opted for the 5.7 L motor.  Mileage likely wouldn't be a bit better but it might not hunt constantly for a different gear.

But, maybe I just haven't found the driving combo it's happiest with.  Only have about 1,200 miles of towing with it so probably will learn some driving practices that work better.
John & Teri
Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180
E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 4:17am
  Ricky and Barbara, it sounds like Lee at Stoltzfus RV was very helpful and honest to tell you you needed a different TV. It sounds like all has worked out well for you and you have found a good dealer to work with that will help you just in case you have problems down the road. Enjoy your new camper!
2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-              
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 7:49am
i have the 4.6 in my f150 as well (i think mine is a 4 speed).  mpg ranges from 10-13 depending on conditions.  i always tow with od off and rarely get gear shifting.  honestly, i wish i would of opted for the bigger engine as well.  overall though, quite happy with the tow.  hogone
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
2009 HD Lowrider
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 8:37am
Originally posted by MES Pod

I was really surprised, I knew I would take a hit, maybe loosing 5 mpg but went from 25mpg to 12 towing the 178.


My  last truck prior to myF150 was a Ranger similar to yours, and I would not recommend towing a Pod with one.  To each their own, but the gas mileage hit is the least of your potential concerns with using that light and short a TV.

FWIW I get 15 MPG with my F150 towing and have no sway problems at all.
Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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