I need HELP!!!: TRAVEL ROUTES

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TRAVEL ROUTES

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12717
Printed Date: 15 May 2025 at 11:01am
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Topic: TRAVEL ROUTES

Posted By: zen2b1
Subject: TRAVEL ROUTES
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2019 at 10:40pm

Hello fellow R-Poders.

I have a question on a travel route. I will be driving a 4 runner w/RPod 170 from Spokane to Port Townsend area in late May. Not too experienced towing yet ... what route is best...some say Interstate 2, others say Interstate 90. Would prefer plenty of lanes, fewer steep grades and fewer extreme turns/maneuvering. Not sure there is a best route catagory but any input with what to expect on available routes would be appreciated. Thanks.

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 9:31am

Just looking at the alternatives in Google Maps indicates that the I2 route is 22 miles shorter, and almost an hour and a half longer (time-wise). I'd say that going I2 might be more scenic, but could have more white knuckle zones.

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

Posted By: tcj
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 9:39am

I towed our 180 Rpod from Ellensburg over I-90 and down I-5 through Olympia last fall. I'v been towing trailers for over 50 years but after that trip I decided to never tow on I-5 again and it will have to be a really good reason if I ever tow over Snoqualmie on I-90 again.

The traffic is insanely heavy on those highways and everyone is going over the speed limit and changing lanes constantly. I tried to stay in the right lane but at times you have to change lanes...getting out of the Exit Only lane etc...and they wont let you move over.

With you being new to towing I would suggest you avoid the heavy traffic and go I-2. Also, going I-2 you can avoid I-405 and all but a few miles on I-5.

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2018 R-pod 180 Hood River Edition

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 10:04am

Assuming you are going to drive between 55 and 65, often you can get to your destination just as fast on secondary roads rather than risk the congestion and high speeds often encountered on freeways. I don't know how semi drivers manage on those highly congested freeways with out their blood pressure spiking and having a stroke or a heart attack. Since most of us are not in a hurry, take the slow routes and enjoy the scenery.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2019 at 12:11pm

A 4Runner should be capable of towing over pretty decent grades. Our Highlander, essentially the car version of the 4Runner, could do 8% grades without breaking a sweat towing our 179, which is heavier than your 170; it started struggling a tiny bit at steeper grades, but still not bad.

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Alan
2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod"
2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4
Three cats