newbe

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   Hello to all - picked up my new 178 last week and promptly went camping, what an experience! All went well but with no AC available so it was like tent camping with a very comfortable bed. Came home and promptly went to Lowes and bought a Generic 1500 watt generator. Tried it out yesterday and walla, microwave, TV, coffee, who could ask for anything more. 

Pulling with a 2015 Ford Escort. If I had it to do over again I would probably buy a bigger SUV but it does okay. I'm averaging 9 to 12 mpg and it strains going up very steep mountains (6% grade). Shifts into 4th which is about 3500 on the tach to maintain 60 mph. Guess that's about average for pulling a trailer, guess I'll just have to get used to it. Only real problem is 16 gallon gas tank means stopping every 200/250 miles to fill up. Probably a good idea to stop and smell the roses anyway.

Looking forward to comments.... 

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azpodman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Location: Arizona Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	Topic: newbe Posted: 24 Feb 2015 at 10:13am
	Hello to all - picked up my new 178 last week and promptly went camping, what an experience! All went well but with no AC available so it was like tent camping with a very comfortable bed. Came home and promptly went to Lowes and bought a Generic 1500 watt generator. Tried it out yesterday and walla, microwave, TV, coffee, who could ask for anything more. Pulling with a 2015 Ford Escort. If I had it to do over again I would probably buy a bigger SUV but it does okay. I'm averaging 9 to 12 mpg and it strains going up very steep mountains (6% grade). Shifts into 4th which is about 3500 on the tach to maintain 60 mph. Guess that's about average for pulling a trailer, guess I'll just have to get used to it. Only real problem is 16 gallon gas tank means stopping every 200/250 miles to fill up. Probably a good idea to stop and smell the roses anyway. Looking forward to comments....
	Willy said it all..... "On The Road Again"

Leo B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518	Posted: 24 Feb 2015 at 12:06pm
	Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 178!!
	Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	Posted: 24 Feb 2015 at 12:12pm
	Howdy from San Antonio! You say "Ford Escort" do you mean Ford Escape? If so, what is the tow rating and HP on the Escape? 6% is a pretty steep grade for anything.
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

azpodman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 19 Feb 2015 Location: Arizona Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	Posted: 24 Feb 2015 at 12:55pm
	Hey Podster - yes your right, I did mean Escape. Not to over use an old phrase but... getting old sucks. Actually I'm a youngster (at heart) and since this was a new vehicle I just typed away and got it wrong. The tow rating for the Escape 2.0 is 3500 lbs. and with a full load it's on the edge but all in all it seemed to perform as well as could be expected. This model has the Econo booster, basically a turbo, so it can hold it's own on most hills. Where it bogs down is on very steep hills in the mountains. I suppose that's true with most vehicles so I'll just have to accept the fact that mileage will suffer. On the flat I don't have a problem staying in 6th gear at 2,000 rpm and the mileage meter fluctuates between 8 and 13 mpg.
	Willy said it all..... "On The Road Again"