Introduce Yourself: Hello, maybe Podder

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Hello, maybe Podder

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10523
Printed Date: 21 May 2024 at 9:08pm
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Topic: Hello, maybe Podder

Posted By: NAP1947
Subject: Hello, maybe Podder
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2017 at 7:08pm

Looking and down to 3 different makes with an RP 179 as leading candidate.

We will use our 2016 Venza, V6, tow package.

We had a couple motor homes back in the late eighties, have more recently had hard top tent trailers.

We are both retired and planning to see and travel Canada and the US until they take away our licenses.

Being old and lazy, with a few issues including sleep apnea and arthritis in the hands.

These units come with 3 matching tires but only 2 matching rims, asking for 3 matching rims at dealers seems to draw very blank looks, do people not rotate trailer tires anymore? Do any of you folks do that?

The AC seems very noisey, are there quieter units or does the trailer stay cool overnight with the AC off?

How does one change a tire as there does not seem to be a jack, or is CAA/AAA the best tool?

Enough questions for now but answers to these should help us close the decision process which I imagine will generate more questions.

Cheers

Norm

Replies:

Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2017 at 7:29pm

A 179 with a tank of propane and with cooking utensils, bedding and other things most folks take camping in the unit you are pushing the 3500 pound limit the internet shows for your Venza. Weight distribution hitch and sway control should be top on the list.

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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2017 at 7:36pm

I have a Hyundai Sante Fe with a 3500 capacity but it is Class II, which in my mind is not capable to tow an RPod on the 179 frame, maybe the Toyota is different.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2017 at 7:41pm

Welcome to the group!!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2017 at 8:41pm

We are the original owners of a 2011 model 177. We never rotated the pods tires although we do on our TV every 10,000 miles. After 22,000 miles on the rpod we replaced tires last year, not because of wear, there was plenty of tread left, but because they were expired, just over 6 years old.
We special ordered our 177 to come w/o A/C, so I can't help on that one, but I have been in quite a few with the A/C running, and yes, you are correct, they are noisy. I still use they cheapo handle for raising/lowering the stabilizers, takes almost 2 minutes to raise or lower. My time is not that regimented to where I need to add the weight of a power tool (battery and charger) to save a minute or so every time I raise/lower the stabilizers. I do carry a floor jack with me in the event of a flat and have used it when I take the tire off to inspect the brakes, I place it as close as possible to the wheel, works well.

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2017 at 8:18am

Originally posted by NAP1947

The unit we are looking at has the rolled awning and manual tongue jack, I have a good Dewalt portable drill to use on the stabilizers and wonder it that will also run the tongue jack and awning, anyone done that?

People have used a drill for the tongue jack and stabes. While it's generally no big deal, doing the stabes with the handle means using both hands, so I would have to put my drink down.. and turning the tongue jack could cause sloshing.. I know of no one who has used the drill on the awning.

The AC seems very noisey, are there quieter units or does the trailer stay cool overnight with the AC off?

The a/c is no louder in a Pod then in any other camper. The difference is, in a Pod, it's VERY close to you while running. As far as staying cool with it off.. If not using climate control, ANY space will atain ambient.

How does one change a tire as there does not seem to be a jack, or is CAA/AAA the best tool?

Jack the pod up with a bottle or scissor or floor jack, change the tire.

Enough questions for now but answers to these should help us close the decision process which I imagine will generate more questions.

Cheers

Norm

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Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2017 at 8:21am

Welcome............we have the 179 which was our first TT other than a tent trailer. We started off with a Toyota Rav Sport with the tow package. It was rated for 3500. We were very particular weight wise what went into the TV and the TT as we were right at the limit - no doubt about it. So if you decide on the 179 and all its wonderful space realize that you got one of the bigger Pods and you will be right at your limit. WD and anti sway that has been already mentioned should be at the top of the list.

Haven't rotated the tires yet but with only two matching rims looks like it will be from one side to the other.

Yep - the AC sounds like a train is coming through the unit - you have to spend more money to get a unit with variable speeds - but you do get used to it and it does cool the Pod down nicely. We've never had to use it at night.

Haven't had to change a tire yet but I,m willing to bet that those nice looking alumium rims weld to the hub like they do in vehicles - CAA is probably your best bet.

If you go Pod keep in mind the next Canadian FROG event to be held in Kingston again next year. This year we had about 10 Pods there and had a great time - evening cocktail hour, FR supplied meals, nightly campfires, and on the finale day a "Pod Tour" You get to see inside everybody's Pod and admire the handiwork that people put into these things.

Oh yeah - FROG = Forrest River Owners Group. They have a forum similiar to this one but bigger. Thats were you will see the ralley date for next year.

Good luck with your decision.

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Bob&Margaret
2017 179
2016 Toyota 4Runner
2 sets of Golf Clubs

Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2017 at 8:49am

Thank you all, I am impressed with this board and the folks on it.

We are now down to 2, the 179 and a small Sonic.

The towing issue is one that I have spent a lot of time on with my Toyota service manager and Toyota Canada to get the following information. It is specified in the Venza owners manual that the towing capacity 3500 lbs is based on the Venza having a full tank of gas, the factory tow package, the driver and a passenger in the passenger front seat, their associated luggage?, and a complete hitch (I plan on using the Anderson WDH which is 60 lbs). The dry weight of the 179 we looked at with everything but the power tongue jack was 2880 lbs. We added 400 lbs for water and stuff leaving us about a 10% safety margin.

I understand the usable tire life is less than the usable tread but it seems to me to be a waste not to use all 3 tires when they will all have to be replaced at the same time, I always did it on our campers, maybe I am OCD. I have a small floor jack will have to figure that out when we finalize.

Another question or 2, I have read a number of posts where people have dragged the rear end and ruined the rear stabilizers, is this an issue, how does one deal with it, we do not plan to do any off-roading.

We both need CPAP machines and I think I will get an inverter so we can use them off the battery, I have done some research but have not found a built-in I like but have seen a combined converter/inverter with advanced monitoring and intelligent charger, we will have more than one battery so it seems that might be a good choice, does anyone have experience and advice?

Thanks and Cheers

Norm

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2017 at 10:36am

I think the concept of rotating tires on an R-pod is a waste of time and energy. Unless you put 15,000 miles per year on your 'pod, the tires will age-out long before they wear out. There is no "driven" wheel on a TT, so the need for rotation is almost non-existent.

Unless/until you have a flat, the spare will never be put on the 'pod. If the looks of the steel wheel on the spare drives you nuts, keep a cover on the spare. Problem solved. If you'd rather have an "appearance" wheel on the spare, understand that it will make it more of a theft target.

It sounds like your proposed TV will be right at the edge of its capability. You would do well to at least have a WDH, and an anti-sway would probably be a good idea as well. Look at the weight of the TV, and compare it to the weight of the TT. If the weight of the TT is at 100% or more of the weight of the TV, then you are going to want all the help you can get.

That's my 2 cents.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: bigbearcraig
Date Posted: 18 Aug 2017 at 5:51pm

I think you're under estimating what the total weight of the trailer will be. I think you would be better off figuring on 3500 lbs as actual weight or even a little more. I would want a more capable tow vehicle. When we bought our 179 I towed it home with a vehicle rated to tow 5000 lbs. It had a tow package, but I wasn't happy with the way it drove, and lack of reserve power. It would've struggled up long grades, and I think the weight would have been detrimental to the longevity to the engine and transmission plus my mileage was only 12 mpg for the trip home. I never towed the trailer with it again and bought a new truck with a 10,000 lbs tow capacity. The braking is much better, the mileage is the same or better, there is always extra power on hand, and I have plenty of room and extra carrying capacity I need it.

Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2017 at 11:33am

I appreciate the inputs, I realize I am near the Venza limits but there is only 2 of us and we always travel pretty light and cannot afford to change vehicles. We will start off with short easy trips and feel our way along, I am more conscious of brake and handling issues than power.

I finally got through my thick skull what everyone says about tires, I will go with the standard.

I do have another question, it conserns the rear stabilizers, are they prone to dragging and how does one protect them from that? I do not want to lift the unit as others have done but have seen a variety of wheels, which ones work and are they necessary?

Posted By: bigbearcraig
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2017 at 1:29pm

Nap,
I've had my 179 off road numerous times and have not dragged the rear stabilizers yet. None of the roads had deep gullies to traverse, but they did have hills and valleys. My 179 is a Hood River addition though.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2017 at 6:39pm

I put Sav-A-Jacks on my Rpod. When I get to campsite I install jacks, no worry in transport.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 7:46am

" I am more conscious of brake and handling issues than power."

Power is rarely the problem. You are at the max or even exceeding the limit of your vehicle, and have a towed vehicle at nearly the weight or even over the weight of the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle also has a short wheelbase. Any make of travel trailer that you would want to spend the tie in that you discuss will be dangerous with that small a tow vehicle. Be careful!

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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2017 at 4:59pm

I took the handle off the tongue jack and put a 3/4" nut on top. (I think it's 3/4"; same size as the stabilizer cranks anyway.) I use a Dewalt 18v drill for both; it does great. I dunno about cranking the awning.

As for the stabilizers, if you're buying new, get a pod with the risers on the axle. I've never had any trouble but you still can have issues with steep driveway entrances though. Some people take the stabilizers off and use SaveAJacks, which you stow inside and attach only when needed.

Sorry to add my voice to those saying a vehicle with a 3500 lb towing capacity is not a great idea. It's probably doable, but you won't be happy. You might want to look at a lighter trailer if you can't go with a heavier duty tow vehicle.

TT

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: eye95
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2017 at 10:36am

We were caught between the 178 and the 179. We chose the 178 mainly because of the underneath storage being much more in the 178.

Posted By: NAP1947
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 8:19am

Thanks for all comments.

I am a bit mistified by the negative comments on a vehicle with a 3500 lb towing limit.

In the list of photos on this site I see a number of vehicles with the same limit towing r-pods with unloaded weights similar to what we are considering.

For example I saw 3 Jeep Wranglers, a Hyundai and a Dodge caravan.

I wonder if those folks could offer comments on their towing experience.

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 8:59am

Originally posted by NAP1947

Thanks for all comments.

I am a bit mistified by the negative comments on a vehicle with a 3500 lb towing limit.

In the list of photos on this site I see a number of vehicles with the same limit towing r-pods with unloaded weights similar to what we are considering.

For example I saw 3 Jeep Wranglers, a Hyundai and a Dodge caravan.

I wonder if those folks could offer comments on their towing experience.

Those people may, or may not comment. But I will.. I refrained from addressing that part of your question before. (I generally won't talk tvs, tires, or fridge on propane any more, to much drama, to much conjecture)

Yes, there are owners who tow with vehicles that are at the limit. Lots of people do lots of things at the limit, and the worst place to have stuff go wrong is when you are at the limit. So most, with experience, advise against it. Because stuff does go wrong, idiot drivers cut you off, exits get missed, snow and ice, etc etc.

Also, this:

When towing a pod, it's not JUST about weight, it's ALSO, in fact very much so, about the frontal area. and NONE of the "3500lb" rated tow vehicles ALSO allow the large frontal area of the Pod. Again, do people do it? Yes? Does it work? Yes. Right up until it doesn't.

We have had lots and lots of owners who started out with 3500lb rated tow vehicles. We have had many many, then move to a larger tow vehicle. NONE of them have reported the smaller/lesser tow vehicle was better. Some even, make a new post, and point out how much better and safer they find the new more capable tow vehicle. At rallies, I have literally had owners walk up to me, and discuss how much better their new "insert truck/suv here" tows then their Jeep, crossover, or minivan that had a 3500lb tow rating. Even some with 5K pound ratings.

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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2017 at 10:21am

I don't consider them negative posts. I posted to make you aware that you could save yourself lots of potential trouble and even danger by not pushing the limits with your TV. It was intended to be for your benefit: I gain nothing by it.

You asked for advice. You are free to do what you want with it.

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Keith-N-Dar
Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers)
2011 R-Pod 177
2010 Ford F-150

Posted By: Shackwacky
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2017 at 10:31am

I just towed my 2010 RP-171 home with a 2017 Subaru Outback after purchase, and the Venza appears to be a fairly similar vehicle. The RP-171 was well within specified tow limits, but I can tell you that the drive home was pretty miserable. One thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned is that, even if you have enough power (which seems dubious), the width of the R-Pod is such that your view behind you of the lane you're in is completely blocked, so if you're going to use the Venza, trailering mirrors will be a must. A brake controller is also a fairly pricey installation, so it would be a real shame to spring for the hitch and controller only to find out that the car isn't up to the task.

I pulled the brake controller off of the Outback and had it installed along with a new hitch on my '94 F-150 6-cylinder shortbed. It isn't the most comfortable vehicle I've ever owned, but at least it's up to the task.