Reasonable hitch costs?

And, after all that expense, don't forget a transmission cooler.  A must for every vehicle towing a TT.  It is even more critical for a mini van, since you will be pushing it to the limits.  I agree with Bugout, buy a new or different used tv that already has a tow package included.

Grounds for a new TV.  Can't beat a factory tow setup.  And a vehicle that can pull a bill board sideways down the high way.  Sounds like KIA was intending you to pull a boat or a utility trailer.  Just my thoughts.

Thanks all for the information and advice.
 
The Pod choice for us is between the 171 and 177, both in the neighborhood of 2500 lbs dry.  I intend to travel with just a few gallons in the fresh water (for bathroom stops if necessary), empty grey and black tanks, and DW and I pack and travel light.  At least we did when we had a Class A, so I expect we would with a pod.  Maybe a couple hundred pounds of cargo - week worth of clothes, couple of folding camp chairs, 3 or 4 days of groceries, tool kit, drain and fresh water hoses, electrical system protector.  No kids or pets.  So I'm anticipating loaded weight around 2700-2800 lbs.

I agree that a TV with higher tow capacity would be preferred, but is not in the cards just yet.  Our second vehicle will be due for replacement in about 3 years, so that could be when I get a more capable vehicle.

The Ford Explorer seems like a good upgrade, and according to Edmunds it has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs, a nice increase over the KIA minivan's 3500.  Please help me understand why the capacity is so much higher.  According to Edmunds, its engine is only slightly bigger than the KIA (3.5L vs. 3.3L), with slightly more HP (290 vs. 276), is essentially the same weight (4443 lbs vs. 4414 lbs), and it is also front wheel drive like the KIA, so I'm not sure why it has a much higher tow rating.  Beefier frame and suspension, maybe?  Some of you must use the Explorer as the TV, so maybe you could help out here.

Not looking for an argument here, just looking to get a better understanding.

Last year we upgraded our 2008 Explorer to a 2013 Explorer.  Both have pulled our 2011  r-pod 177.  One big plus on the newer Explorer is how much better it pulls the pod.  With the older one if we went above 35-40 mph the pod would sway quite severely.  With the newer one I have gone 55 mph with no sway.  I wouldn't recommend doing that, I did it on a country road w/no traffic as a test.  Use the anti-sway bar whenever towing the pod with any smaller vehicle.  I think full size trucks probably wouldn't need it with their much longer wheel base for better stability.  Also the increase in HP on the newer Explorer is a welcome factor as well.