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Topic Closedtow vehiicle Choice - Event Date: 06 Mar 2017
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Capt Kidd View Drop Down
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Joined: 18 Aug 2015
Location: Chico, CA
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Posts: 212 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: tow vehiicle Choice
    Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 10:46am
So when I am towing the RPod with my 3500 Dodge 1 ton turbo diesel I get 13 to 14 mpg at 60.  Same mileage I get when not towing.  Granted I am towing with way overkill and 4:10 gears.  I don't even know the Pod is back there.
The Pirate's Pod
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Apr 2014
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 10:54am
Originally posted by Capt Kidd

So when I am towing the RPod with my 3500 Dodge 1 ton turbo diesel I get 13 to 14 mpg at 60.  Same mileage I get when not towing.  Granted I am towing with way overkill and 4:10 gears.  I don't even know the Pod is back there.

You are on the end of the scale where you have superb towing overkill. If you hook up a Pod to a diesel tractor the fuel economy will also be the same. it really is all about torque. I'm guessing your truck has north of 450 pound-ft, at least? You truck is underwhelmed by a 2500-3000 pound R-Pod.
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 11:50am
In California, the state-wide speed limit for vehicles pulling trailers is 55. Because of the delta between the generic speed limit and the otherwise speed limit of 65, 70, or 75, I will usually bump it up to 57 or 58, but I'm not going to push my luck.

It's interesting to the MPG ranges people get. I suspect that most of it is due to the speeds that people drive. Our F-150 will get as good as 21-22 MPG on the freeway and not towing. When we're pulling the pod, we get between 12 and 15 MPG. 15 is we're on the freeway and it's relatively flat. 12 if there are hills and/or stop and go.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Location: Quaker Hill, CT
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Posts: 2587 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 12:49pm
Our Dakota usually gets between 10 and 14 mpg while towing, depending on how mountainous it is and the force of the tail/headwind.  From the from home to Sacramento, via Echo summit, we get about 12 mpg, we have about a 3000 foot climb over the summit, then it's mostly down hill from there to near sea level.  I just got D range tires (65 instead of 50 lbs inflation) and in the one short trip I took, it felt like there was noticeable reduction in rolling resistance.  But it could be wishful thinking or the placebo effect.
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Fred & Maria Kearney
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2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 4:19pm
I go from 22 no trailer to around 11, depending upon terrain, our speed limit is 70 for vehicles with trailers, I set the cruise on 60 or just above. My D rated tires have a positive effect but not with gas mileage.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Posts: 2587 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Mar 2018 at 10:01pm
Mike, you mean I'm engaging in wishful thinking again?  
Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 10:07am
I think gas mileage is illusive to nail down to a significant constant number. I know it is worse with trailer on back, and I know an average. Then the variables weigh in, traffic, speed, terrain, climate, AC on, octane rating, cargo and the beat goes on. I know the tow ability of my Pod seems better with D rated tires. One example is - with C rates I would go over speed bumps in campgrounds and as I watched the Pod tires, I would swear they were low on pressure, they seemed to flatten. Not so at least not as noticeable with D rates. IMHO
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Apr 2018 at 10:33am
 Stiffer sidewalls on tires are superior on trailers. Less sway better handling. I also add 5 psi to my rear SUV tires for towing. BUT never exceed the max cold air pressure of any tire.
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD)
2013 VW Touareg TDI
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Ninjamini View Drop Down
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Posts: 30 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Apr 2018 at 9:44am
I have a 2017 Highlander V6. Does anyone use a Highlander? Does it have enough for a 189 in the mountains?
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Ghosthawk View Drop Down
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Posts: 128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Apr 2018 at 7:04am
Well we bought our tow vehicle last night.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Larado with some 80,000 miles on it.
Like new, lots of room in the back, comfortable up front.

What really tipped the deal for me was when I was looking at the hitch. Saw 2 factory wiring connection covers. Open one and find 7 pin connector, other is 4. I go "Someone was planning ahead".

Spent a couple thousand more than I really wanted but really happy with our choice.
And I think we are going to invest in a 4 year/48,000 extended service protection plan. Just so if stuff goes wrong on the road we can just say fix it and send them the bill.

Peace of mind is worth a few dollars sometimes.
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