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Topic ClosedTow vehicles - Event Date: 03 Feb 2015
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dsmiths View Drop Down
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Joined: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Southern Ind
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Posts: 866 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Tow vehicles
    Posted: 07 Mar 2015 at 7:58pm
two things all men Lie about is Gas Mileage, and their Sex Life.
Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172
2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4
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Joined: 01 Oct 2014
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Posts: 45 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 10:59am
All,
To all who responded to my query my hearfelt thanks. I believe I will stick with my present TV until something better comes along based on your responses. Tongue jn cheek I was ready to research the availability of a lifted Toyota 4 runner in my area until I scrolled down to the bottom of the message.

Thanks again
Larry158
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2015 at 4:49pm
Originally posted by techntrek

Originally posted by J&Jcf

...The one thing l would look to down grade is the rear end (differential). I would get a 2.73 or 3.55 . lighter weight truck,smaller more efficient engine & higher rear end would increase mpg at least during nontowing times.

One advantage of the newer 6-speed, and definitely with the 8-speed trannys, is less of a need for the low rear gear ratios, so I think you have the right idea.  You really only need it low off the line, and 1st and 2nd on the 8-speeds are very low.

True about the 8 speed transmissions. First two ratios are VERY low. I get 15mpg towing the Pod at 65mph with cruise set. If I can tolerate driving at 55mph, then it climbs to 17mpg towing. I have the TDI (diesel) version of the Touareg.
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 8:22pm
Originally posted by J&Jcf

...The one thing l would look to down grade is the rear end (differential). I would get a 2.73 or 3.55 . lighter weight truck,smaller more efficient engine & higher rear end would increase mpg at least during nontowing times.

One advantage of the newer 6-speed, and definitely with the 8-speed trannys, is less of a need for the low rear gear ratios, so I think you have the right idea.  You really only need it low off the line, and 1st and 2nd on the 8-speeds are very low.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 10 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 8:06pm
My lifted 2015 4Runner with oversized tires and 4.0 V-6 will average 35 MPG pulling our 171. 




































Just kidding. I'm averaging about the same 10 to 15 range depending on terrain and speed. :)
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Posts: 90 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 6:15pm
Tow with 2004 f150 supercab with 6.5 bed & 5.4 liter v8 & 3.73 rear end tow package. Pulled 27ft. Travel trailer (Award aerodynamic & low profile at 5000 lbs.) And got 10 to 13 mpg driving listed speed limit. Now towing the 171 pod with same TV and get same mpg. Rpod has higher profile than previous trailer. Plus- TV only gets 18 mpg by its self. The big difference between TV is when you get to the destination and unhook. The time spent sightseeing with TV. I personally like towing with a larger TV ,but my current TV is overkill. If and when l purchase the next TV it will be a p-up with a smaller v8 or v6. It would have tow package because you get heavy duty radiator, alternator & transmission cooler as well as other features. The one thing l would look to down grade is the rear end (differential). I would get a 2.73 or 3.55 . lighter weight truck,smaller more efficient engine & higher rear end would increase mpg at least during nontowing times.
J. - 2011 rpod 171
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 10:27am
Welcome.  My experience was similar to yours with the Sienna we used before our Suburban.  Downshifting with the slightest incline (worse with a 4-speed) and gas stops every 3 hours.  Fine for local trips, but after 2 long trips (MD to ME and MD to FL) I knew we needed more before we hit the Rockies.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 1 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 10:12pm
We towed our R-171 with a 2012 Chrysler T&C, V6, 6 speed. Horrible. Went to 2 Chrysler service managers and they said no problem. Went to 2 r-pod dealers....no worries. Hooked it up and headed for the maritimes. Way underpowered. Constant downshifting with the slightest grade. MPG was 11.5 and with a small gas tank, we had to stop every 2 hours if we could find a fuel stop. Canada doesn't have one every couple of miles. So, we traded it for a Dodge Durango V8 HEMI MDS VVT. Huge difference. 
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Posts: 1447 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 8:36pm
My pre Eco-Boost F150 super crew will get 15 MPG on the flat pulling our 177 IF I stay under 60.  At 70 it drops to under 10.  I remind myself that I am on vacation and keep it slow.  The Rockies also help keep mileage down.
Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9059 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 2015 at 4:46pm
Pulling our pod with our Suburban I would get 10-11 on local trips, but on two 4 week trips I averaged 9.5-9.7.  That was with A/C in 100+ temps and many hard hauls up mountainsides.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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