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Topic ClosedGoing on on First R-Pod Vacation Oct. 9
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Neserk View Drop Down
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Joined: 20 Aug 2016
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Going on on First R-Pod Vacation Oct. 9
    Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 12:13am
We bought our Pilot in June.   We are renting an R-Pod 180, 2017 (green model).   We are picking it up about 20 miles from where we are camping.   This will be our first time towing anything.  Advice? Thoughts? 

We had the dealer install the trailer hitch and bought a Trailer Brake Controller which we will install this weekend.   We will get the grand tour when we pick it up, but hoping for some tips and advice so that all the information we get from the owner isn't brand new. 

Thanks :)
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2706 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 9:19am
Is your Pilot 2WD or AWD? The 2WD max towing capacity is only 3500 lbs, which would be on the edge for an R-180. If it's the AWD, then that ups the max tow to 5000 lbs, which would be in the ballpark for an R-180. 

I have no idea what the tongue weight capacity on the Pilot would be. Hopefully, it can handle ~~ 400 lbs, because that is around what an R-180 would be when it's loaded up. Depending on how much "squat" you get when hitched up, you may want/need a WDH.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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PilotPodder View Drop Down
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Joined: 04 May 2016
Location: Portage, MI
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Posts: 305 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 6:59pm
I towed my 2016 171 all of last year with my 2014 Pilot 4WD with an Equalizer Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH). The experience was fair at times and good at other times. The Pilot is built on the Accord chassis, so not much wheelbase. I regularly felt like the Pilot was getting taxed as it regularly downshifted and revved to make hills. You should be fine with a WDH, but like GlueGuy said, it really needs to be an AWD to have the towing capacity you will need. As you will see by my Photo, I decided to upgrade this year, partially because of the towing experience. 
Portage, MI — 2017 RPod 179 - sold / 2017 Toyota Tundra — My RPod YouTube Videos
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
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Posts: 6419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2017 at 7:46pm
I towed for a while with a Ford Escape which had a tow rating of 3500 lbs. It did okay but I agree that 2wd is much less than ideal. A WDH is essential if it is 2wd. Even then, you would notice that you have to accelerate gently from a stop or you will spin your front wheels, especially if there is a stop line and even more so if it is wet. Dirt/gravel roads should be avoided if there are significant hills since the FWD means that the traction must come from the front tires. On an uphill, especially on dirt, you might find that you can't get enough traction to get going. AWD/4WD would not have the problems that FWD has.

After our accident (ice and wind) in December, we now tow with a 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4WD. I miss the Ecoboost's power at altitudes compared with the Nissan's engine which loses power at any significant altitude.
StephenH
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ouR escaPOD mods
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ParPod View Drop Down
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Posts: 105 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 7:12am
Are you actually planning on buying something like the 180?  If that is the plan then even though you are only towing the unit for 20 miles (if I understood correctly) you will know your vehicle's capabilities by the end of the trip.  The 180 is one of the bigger Pods which also makes it one of the heavier models.  If your vehicle is a two wheel drive and you do not have a WD componet to your hitch you will feel the front wheels having trouble grabbing the pavement.  AWD not so much.  You don't mention engine size......3.5 V6 - yes?
But before we get too carried away...see how it goes.  Hope if all goes well and you have a great time!
Bob&Margaret
2017 179
2016 Toyota 4Runner
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Neserk View Drop Down
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Sep 2017 at 7:18pm
AWD - Yes
3.5 V6 -- Yes
Buying a 180 - No, planning on the 178.

Actually more so looking for advice on the actual camping experience.  :)
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ParPod View Drop Down
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Posts: 105 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Oct 2017 at 2:27pm
Hmmm...advice on the camping experience.....hard to do I think....everybody has different things that they do.  If you have an r-dome with your rental unit you'll find that it just about doubles the size of living space.  Some love it others sell it.  
Table top BBQ - for us a must have.
Got bikes?  Great things to have in just about any campground.
Like Campfires?  depending where you are firewood can be an issue.  Some places you can bring your own- other places its a no no.
you have a full bathroom so doesn't really matter what the campground utilities are like.  Hopefully you can get a full service site.
We find the Pod high dry and warm - we're pretty comfortable in it.
Have fun.....you'll figure out what works best for you!  
Bob&Margaret
2017 179
2016 Toyota 4Runner
2 sets of Golf Clubs
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Live2Camp View Drop Down
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Posts: 240 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 11:34am
Originally posted by Neserk

AWD - Yes3.5 V6 -- YesBuying a 180 - No, planning on the 178.Actually more so looking for advice on the actual camping experience.  :)



I'm a lifelong camper/backpacker who very quickly fell for our Rpod in spite of no intention of getting a trailer anytime soon and in spite of knowing other's trailers that were/are obviously great for them. I'm really happy to be doing both kinds of camping now and will likely at some point/age ease out of rugged camping. That said, a few items I will never leave behind when we're RPodding is my good ice chest and extra bedding (warm sleeping bags in our case). Ice chest useful for backup if your fridge fails. Also just convenient way to carry and buy food when you're out & about in your TV while TT is parked at camp. A sturdy tarp for laying on to check underneath, etc. I use waxed canvas and always put same side down, but lighter options are available too. Extra sleeping bags also great for insulating ice chest as needed, and other "2 uses and a backup" roles. Carry a shovel too, because they come in handy for all kinds of reasons. Well I could write a book about camping so I'll end with the most important thing, have lots of fun!!!
2017 R-Pod 179 HRE (the green one)
His:Ford F150 double cab 4WD; Hers/mine:Tacoma V6 double cab 4WD
Still love rugged, diggin' comfy too
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