Intro

Hi All; I've been eager to post for a while now.

We picked up our new RPOD178 in mid-June of this summer and have been out almost every weekend since. We have the Hood River Edition 178 with the special rims/tires, AC, etc. We absolutely love it, and get lots of attention where we camp out south or west of Calgary, Alberta Canada. People know us by trailer now, and lots stop to chat.

Most of our questions related to the purchase of our pod were related to towing, so I thought I'd summarize our first summer experience in hopes someone else can use it to start podding.

I've towed a heavy trailer before, but not with our Pontiac Torrent V6 AWD, GT1 package (3500lb towing cap). Our dealer didn't have weight balance or sway bars capable of fitting the tongue of the 178 at our time of purchase, but we've managed without. Tongue weight or ride height hasn't really been a problem, but cross winds seem to be - and the 3.5L V6 refuses to drag the rpod through any headwind faster than about 55mph/90kph.

The GM Stabilitrac system handles trailer sway, too - at the expense of the TV's front disc brakes. It really works: Stormy and windy section of rain soaked road, lots of puddles, worn tires - not a good combo. They've since paved the road to get rid of the channels of water, and we've since bought decent new tires for the Torrent. Having said that - Stabilitrac is there to assist, and it isn't going to kick in until absolutely necessary. Don't drive until you see the traction light, and use that as a "how fast can I tow this thing" metric.

Oh, and most importantly, in terms of brakes - you'll need a good controller with this TV/POD combo. We've loved our Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and how controllable it is.

The Torrent has great starting torque, and I think I leave the lights at intersections with people wondering if I had some engine mods done. However, when they catch me later going up a long, steep hill, they find out that I haven't. I won't be using this TV to go across the Rockies at the exact posted speed limits, that's for sure.

I'm not too sure if we have a towing package from factory; our Torrent didn't come with a hitch - but I do see cooling lines from the transmission going into our radiator on the driver's side, and the engine cooling lines are separate and are on the passenger's side. The manual indicates all sorts of transmission over-temperature notices are built into the driver information center - none of which I've encountered, even driving in the foothills on road grades I really want to try to avoid in the future.

I prefer to tow our POD with all tanks empty on the highway.   Luckily we have several well serviced campsites nearby and fill the pod upon arrival. Our 5 year old Torrent probably could use some new rear shocks too - when the Pod gets rocking forward and back, it punishes her rear suspension, full or empty. Weight distribution bars would most likely also help with this. Another solution to that problem: don't drive over rough terrain too fast - a Torrent has a fairly short wheelbase!

In terms of the question, "can a 3500lb-rated tow vehicle tow a 178 Hood river edition?", the answer is 'yes'. Should you drive that combo at the speed limit in a heavy wind? No. Take your time and treat towing her with the care and respect she deserves and she will be a very fun, predictable friend.

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Now, I just have to figure out how to become an expert at levelling her at site on un-level terrain... ...back to the forums to solve that.

Originally posted by kdr Now, I just have to figure out how to become an expert at levelling her at site on un-level terrain... ...back to the forums to solve that.

Welcome to the world of podding !! Happy trails to you

I recommended the bal leveler above and I did want to say that reviews say that it hard to get under a tire over 13 inches. The work around for that is to put a small block of wood on the ground and pull the tire up on it so the wheel clears the ground a little and the leveler will go under the tire. 

i've never had my bal leveler sink any.  even on gravel or dirt sites, and even during rain.  i do of course realize and know 100% that it would be an extremely likely outcome.  i've just been lucky so far.