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Topic ClosedIntroduce Yourself - Event Date: 29 Jan 2019

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BCProspector View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Introduce Yourself
    Posted: 31 Jan 2019 at 6:42pm
Thanks Offgrid. 
Great explanation. I was crawling around under different models of R-Pod's at the dealers today, and noted the position of the fresh water, grey and black water tanks. We are waiting to see the 191 twin and 195 queen, before we pull the wallet out. 
Like the Hood River Editions extra height, giving more clearance to the dump lines.
Will continue to review other tip's in the user group, as there are so many "Happy Trials" to enjoy.

Regards
BCProspector
 
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jan 2019 at 9:36pm
Originally posted by lostagain

When you measure tank positions relative to the axle that is to the center [fore/aft] of the tank?
You can pick any reference point you want to figure out your weight and balance. The two most logical points would be either the tongue or the axle. It's all a matter of perspective.

In aircraft, the reference point is usually the nose of the airplane, but it could be any convenient place.
bp
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2019 at 6:01pm
You're right Glueguy, you can use any convenient location as the reference point, called the "datum".  But for a single axis trailer the"natural" datum is the axle, because that is the fulcrum of the teeter-totter so using that gives you the tongue weight directly. Otherwise you have to do additional calculations to give you the tongue weight.  In aviation the pilot's operating handbook provides a weight and balance envelope graph that is plotted using the datum the manufacturer has selected so that everything is formatted for that datum to begin with. 

BCProspector, one thing to consider with the new 195 is that is will be quite a nit wider than the current rPod line, probably around 88 inches vs 77. That is going to increase not only weight but frontal area which is in turn going to increase air drag and hp requirements when towing.  Towing with a relatively light  tow vehicle will place significantly more demand on the drivetrain. 


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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2019 at 7:39pm
Offgrid.
Great Observation, as my toy hauler is only 6 feet wide, and I have noticed a significant impact on headwinds when travelling across the Midwest plains. The toy hauler is a 6x13 vnose, and the wide stance obviously helps with stability. I really would like the twin config 191 with a dry bath, which would fit in the current width. Like your posts about circulating the hot water in frigid environments. ;) Thanks all.
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2019 at 8:45pm
BCProspector, a few months ago I did the calcs on how much power is required to overcome rolling resistance vs aero drag on my rig at 60 mph and IIFR it was about 2/3 aero drag. So a wider trailer would have a big impact on fuel economy and drivetrain loading. Some tow vehicle manufacturers even place limits on allowable trailer frontal surface area. 

I'm with you, a dual twin is a better solution to the climbing over each other problem, unless they could use a slide to create the walk around queen space within the current width.  
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 3:08pm
offgrid
I see you list a 2012 Highlander as your tow vehicle, and after reviewing the Pod lineup, and leaning towards the RP-191, we are looking to upgrade our old Sienna to another garage able tow vehicle.
We have had Highlanders in the past, and a 2012 Limited V6 4WD has caught our eye.
Any comments related to your towing experiences with the Highlander would be appreciated.
Thanks
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 4:24pm
That is exactly the Highlander I have, but do be sure it actually has the factory tow package. Its not realistically possible to install it aftermarket, there is an oil cooler that is part of the oil filter assembly that would cost a small fortune to retrofit.  You can have any Toyota parts dept check the VIN to be sure. You will also need a receiver which can handle a weight distribution hitch, and of course a brake controller. 

The limiting factor on my rig is the tongue weight. I have dual golf cart batteries, a pretty heavy mattress topper, and travel with a full freshwater tank, so I'm around 550 on the tongue.  The 191 looks to be a little lighter overall and on the tongue than the 179 is and if you're not boondocking a lot your tongue weight will be much less of an issue. But you will still want a wdh with sway control I think. It will end up with a pretty fair level of tension on it. I have a 1200 lb one which is overkill, I'd get a 600 lb one if I didn't boondock, and I'm thinking of changing to an 800 lb one for my requirements. 

I've weighed the rig and each axle and I'm well within all the axle limits and gross combined vehicle weight rating. I've driven my rig all over the Appalachian mountains on the WV two lane roads in sun and rain and never felt stressed about it (except when I first got my used trailer and my trailer brake shoes were disintegrating and causing wheel lockup-nothing to do with the tow vehicle). Ditto with driving it out here on the OBX with pretty extreme winds from all directions. I use sport mode for engine braking whenever I'm on more than about a 7-8% grade, which puts me at about 50 mph, and I keep my speed down to 60 on the freeway anyway to save fuel and run at about 50 in high crosswinds winds, say 35 mph or more. I get about 14 mpg towing on flat ground with no wind at 60 mph. That won't change much regardless of what tow vehicle you get as long as its got a modern drivetrain. The fuel tank is just under 20 gal so I can go around 180 miles with a reasonable reserve. Three hours and I need to take a bladder break anyway. 

Overall I've very satisfied with the Highlander as a tow vehicle. Many on the forum would feel its undersized and I do agree that I wouldn't want to go any lighter for the big rPods. It works for me because the 90% of the time I'm not towing the vehicle is an ideal size for my needs and very comfortable. 

Hope that helps.

Edit: the trailer axle is NOT well within limits, its marginal, but that's the way they're made, not a tow vehicle issue. There are multiple threads on rPod axles on the forum you can search through on that if you're interested. 




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jimmadison View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Feb 2019 at 6:17pm
2018 RPOD model 178 for sale.  Only used 4 weekends and is like new.  Email me and I will send pics.
$12,500

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