Shopping for a new TV

Pulling most any travel trailer is a big job for the vehicle. Let's say, for example, you are considering another/different big job:

You want to install a swimming pool in your back yard and need to dig a big hole to do so. You can dig the hole with:
1. A spoon from your kitchen drawer
2. A hand shovel from your garden shed
3. A backhoe

The job CAN be done with any of the three. Myself...I'm using the backhoe. I'll be sipping beverage, while floating on my rubber duck - while those using methods #1 & #2 are still digging.

Full size, V8, tow capacity of at least twice the actual anticipated load..........you'll do fine.

We have a 179 and have towed it behind my sisters Honda Pilot and it worked OK except the mileage went from 24 mpg not towing to less than 11 towing.

Well said David!!

We have a Honda Pilot which tows a 182G, we get around fine on relatively flat ground, but haven't taken it to the mountains because it doesn't feel like it would have enough pulling power.  It's rated for 4500# but don't want to max it out.  Our Pod weighs around 3100 carefully loaded!

I can give you personal experiences with 3 different tow vehicles.

We started off towing our R Pod 173 with a Chevy Astro Van.  It would definitely tow it-but it was marginal.  It was a strain on the engine, the transmission, the cooling system and the brakes. I felt that if we kept it, we would surely kill our van. So, we sold it and bought a Ford Expedition EL (extended).  It has the factory installed tow package and  has all of the qualities to tow safely and comfortably.  Plus, it carries a lot of gear in an enclosed, conditioned space.  We love it and would recommend it. If you look for one, pay attention to the factory installed  tow package and rear axle ratio.

Also, due to an unexpected medical problem, I had to drive my friend's Honda Pilot and tow his MPG(which is very similar to the Pod) from New York to Atlanta.  I don't know the specs of the Pilot except that it was a 2015 Touring model.  It was better than the van, but still struggled a little on the hills and seemed under powered and did not have adequate brakes.  I can't comment on the transmission wear or cooling system performance.

all 3 vehicles got between 10-12 mpg.  No tow vehicle will give you any gas mileage even close to normal driving ranges.

The tow vehicle makes a huge difference in the overall towing experience. There is a lot of frontal resistance to the Pods.  they are not as aerodynamic as they look.  You need power, strong transmission, adequate cooling system and adequate brakes. Most people need to acceapt a compromise on the new vehicle for a lot of reasons-cost, size, daily driver needs, payload, etc.  Choose what works for you after careful research.  There is everything available from turbo charged 4 cylinders to v-10s.  Expensive mistakes can last several years. 

Vann