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ralphb9684 
Newbie 
Joined: 29 Jun 2016 Location: Upstate NY Online Status: Offline Posts: 1 |
 Calendar Event: New member, new ownerPosted: 29 Jun 2016 at 5:40pm |
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Hi, my wife and I just purchased a model 171. We don't even have it yet. It's being built as we speak and we should be able to take possession of it in the next two weeks or so. We are really looking forward to it. We tent camped for over 30 years, then switched to a pop-up for about 5 years and now took the jump to an R-Pod. I hope we can tow it with the vehicle we also just bought, a 2016 Ford Escape with eco-boost. Everyone at the dealerships and RV dealers say (sure, no prob). We'll find out soon enough. First trip is close to home in the Adirondacks. Can't wait.
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Ralph
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp 
Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518 |
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 6:36pm |
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Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 171!!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 9:08pm |
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Welcome.
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birderdiane526
Senior Member
Joined: 08 May 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 320 |
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 9:32pm |
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Congratulations and welcome!
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Diane and Michael
2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
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Patriot
Newbie
Joined: 27 Jun 2016 Location: PA Online Status: Offline Posts: 18 |
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 10:11pm |
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Congrats. I'm towing a 180 which is a little heavier with a similarly sized vehicle (volvo xc60). It's tows fine. You should have no problem.
We are new to both towing and camping this year. Our first trip was 20 minutes, next was 50 minutes, then 2 hours, and last week was 5.5 hours away. This weekend is Virginia. At this rate we will be camping in China by the end of the summer. Maybe we'll see you there. Lol. 
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2016 r-pod 180
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StephenH
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6418 |
Posted: 30 Jun 2016 at 10:19pm |
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We are towing with a 2016 Escape with 2L Ecoboost engine. You didn't mention whether your escape also has the factory Tow package. I hope so. It includes he transmission cooler. We are towing a 179, which is about 550 lbs heavier than the 171.
Some things to consider: You will need to install a brake controller. The Escape does not come pre-wired for one. I chose the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller. I also had to get the kit to install it, which includes the round 7-wire connector as the Escape's tow package only comes with the flat four-pin connector. Check http://www.etrailer.com/ to get more details. If you look through the reviews for the InSIGHT controller, you will see a picture of it installed in our Escape. Aerodynamics play an important part also. We noticed a significant increase in mileage when we purchased an air deflector. The one we chose is the PurpleLine USA AeroPlus. We ordered directly from www.purplelineusa.com. Icon makes one also, but we chose the AeroPlus. I had to use some extra shims to mount it. I don't know if you have the roof rack or not. You will need one with cross-bars for the AeroPlus. Your dealer should recommend (and you should get) a weight transfer hitch with sway control. We have the Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch, 600 lbs tongue weight/6000 lbs capacity. This will be more than adequate. There are alternatives such as the E2 hitch. Another alternative is the Andersen, but I have no experience with it. I can tell you that the shank and hitch head for the Equal-i-zer is very heavy. There is a great tool to help move it. Another problem is where to store it when you are not using it. detailed a solution in my mods, the link to which is below in my signature. There may be other information contained there that would be of use to you as well. Welcome to the forum, and I hope you enjoy your 171. You should really enjoy the change from tent and pop-up camping. |
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
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New member, new owner - Event Date: 29 Jun 2016