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Topic ClosedSubaru Outback 3.6
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Subaru Outback 3.6
    Posted: 03 Jun 2016 at 7:22am
Agreed, plus some states like Vermont also have a clause in their inspection manual that also says that if the trailer has electric brakes, then the tow vehicles must have them not matter what the weight is.
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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Joined: 23 Apr 2014
Location: Connecticut
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Jun 2016 at 6:37am
 Without functional trailer brakes, you tow vehicle is doing all the work of stopping both vehicles. It is also much more susceptible to a jack knife situation. Also, every state has laws concerning the max un-braked trailer weight, and most of those limits are near 1600 ponds. The R-Pod exceeds that my a wide margin. Get the trailer brake controller quick.
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 10:37pm
Originally posted by FreeRangePod

I am using a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with tow package. Doing well so far. I don't have a brake controller installed on the Jeep. Do you think I should?
Actually, by law, you must. Every state requires brakes on a 3500lb trailer, and every state requires the brakes to work.
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Joined: 22 Jul 2014
Location: Eagle, Colorado
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Posts: 193 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 6:17pm
Originally posted by FreeRangePod

I am using a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with tow package. Doing well so far. I don't have a brake controller installed on the Jeep. Do you think I should?


You may wish to start a new thread with your question, since you've tacked it on to the end of a rather old thread dealing with a different question.  But here's my answer:  Yes!  You need a brake controller!  Without a brake controller, your R-pod brakes are not functioning currently.  That's not safe.

Be prepared, however, for a little bit of wiring and frustration.  Even though your Grand Cherokee has the tow package, Chrysler didn't see fit to include a pre-wired receptacle for the brake controller.  The tow package has the receiver hitch and the Bargmann 7-pin plug-in, and it's wired from the hitch to the dashboard, but that's it.  You'll need to mount the brake controller, tap into the line from the hitch, tap into the brake lights, and then run a wire through the firewall and to your battery for power.  I just did that a couple of months ago.  It's not that hard, but a pain working under the dashboard.

Here's some good info on doing it:  http://www.wkjeeps.com/trailer/electric_brake_inst_wk.jpg
2014 177
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel

"I lift my eyes to the hills."
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 6:02pm
Ditto!
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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Joined: 02 Jun 2016
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Jun 2016 at 5:31pm
I am using a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with tow package. Doing well so far. I don't have a brake controller installed on the Jeep. Do you think I should?
FreeRangePod
2016 RPod 178
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:29pm
Originally posted by jefflee

We just purchased a RPOD 179 which weighs 2600 pounds. The Outback pulls 3,000 pounds. Is this vehicle acceptable or can someone please tell me a similar type SUV that would be better??

Thanks!


Not for a moment would I pull that setup. It's not just about weight.. Look in your owners manual about "frontal area" you pod has about 48 sqft of it..
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ilmor View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Dec 2014
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Posts: 5 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Dec 2014 at 7:15pm
Originally posted by jefflee

We just purchased a RPOD 179 which weighs 2600 pounds. The Outback pulls 3,000 pounds. Is this vehicle acceptable or can someone please tell me a similar type SUV that would be better??

Thanks!

I would not do that.  My plan, to pull and R 171 (a smaller trailer), is to obtain Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 or Diesel.
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Keith-N-Dar View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Apr 2011
Location: Mayville, WI
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 4:53pm





















































FR lists ship weight at 2630 pounds.  when you add propane tank, battery, air conditioner, microwave and such you are over 3000.  Add your gear and supplies and you are way over.



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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150
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Podster View Drop Down
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Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Dec 2014 at 12:34pm
Agreed, there is not enough "junk in the trunk" of the boo-boo-boo to tow the POD, comfortably.Smile Some excess capacity is your friend when towing and makes things easier and a little safer. 

Look for something with at least 125" length in wheel base minimum, longer is better. At least 5,000 lb tow capacity and get something that already has a tow package on it. That is, with a trans cooler, tow receiver, and a 7 pin connection would be awesome. Finally stick with something that has at least 225 hp minimum (give or take a few), 250+ hp is nice to have when pulling uphill on steep grades!

Good luck! Please come back and let up know how things work out!
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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