Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: How Much Does your Rpod Weigh?

How Much Does your Rpod Weigh?

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Topic: How Much Does your Rpod Weigh?

Posted By: KJR
Subject: How Much Does your Rpod Weigh?
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2010 at 4:31pm

When looking at the manufacturers brochures there is usually a list the dry weight and hitch weight of each floorplan. I wonder how close the actual trailer weight is to the published weight before dealer addons? The hitch weight is crucial yet propane and deep cycle battery weight needs to be added to the hitch weight. I guess that adds an easy 75lbs to the hitch weight. Is the actual weight of each trailer as it leaves the factory posted somewhere in the trailer or the delivery documentation? Should the weights in the brochures be considered just guide lines?

Has anyone weighed their Rpod after taking delivery?

Thanks

Kelvin

Replies:

Posted By: Tusten Traveler
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2010 at 7:15pm

New York state required a certified weight certificate prior to registration- because the R-Pod was not yet in their database and they would not accept the brochure or on-line weight statement. So I had to take it to a weigh station. My 174 weighed in at 2806 lbs- that was with no water, but I had already put some of our gear in it.

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John and Linda
One 14 lb Cockapoo
2010 RPod 174

Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 21 Sep 2010 at 7:37pm

Most all trailers, from all manufacturers, are spec'd dry weight. It helps to make things comparable among models. The Forest River http://forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?page=brochure&choice=rpod&nav=rec&source=summary - r-pod brochure also spec's the weight of available add-ons, so you can calculate the total dry weight. You can then add in the weight of your camping gear, water, and everything else you expect to carry in the trailer for a rough estimate.

The r-pods' weights include an empty propane tank. The spec's do not include the weight of propane (20 pounds) or a battery and box (~55 pounds). Of course, the propane tank and battery do not sit directly on the hitch, so this weight is not 100% borne by the tongue. Leverage is linear, and I'd estimate that the tank/battery site 70% of the way between the axle and the tongue on my RP171, which calculates to around 50 pounds added to my tongue weight.

Should the weights in the brochures be considered just guide lines?

Yes. Very loose guidelines. I suspect a variance up to 150 pounds.

One caution: if you're bean counting to make sure that you're within the tow capacity of your vehicle, I suspect that you may be in trouble. Driving at (or near) tow capacity is usually not a pleasant experience. As purely anecdotal advice, I suggest that your total estimated weight be at least 1000 pounds below your tow capacity, preferably 2000 pounds.

As a reminder: for most vehicles, the weight of passengers (not the driver) and gear in the tow vehicle must be included with your tow weight. See your owner's manual.

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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

Posted By: KJR
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2010 at 11:05am

Hi Craig,

I saw in signature your TV is a Mazda Tribute (Ford Escape variant). Isn't the max tow rating 3500lbs? You must be very close to your maximum capacity. Do you have a WDH and sway control installed? Do you experience poor mileage once you get over 50-55mph due to excessive drag as reported in the mileage thread.

What is your experience towing with this vehicle? How far can you tow your Rpod on a single tank of gas. I'm still looking for a tow vehicle. I plan to rent an RPod next summer from a local dealer to get some experience towing. I'm looking at most 6 cylinder SUVs, pre-owned. Some of my planned trips will include trips to Colorado.

Thanks

Kelvin

Originally posted by Outbound

.

Should the weights in the brochures be considered just guide lines?

Yes. Very loose guidelines. I suspect a variance up to 150 pounds.

As a reminder: for most vehicles, the weight of passengers (not the driver) and gear in the tow vehicle must be included with your tow weight. See your owner's manual.

Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 22 Sep 2010 at 1:07pm

Kelvin,

Yes, I do tow with a 2008 Tribute (200 hp), and I've towed over 10,000 km with it this season. I get just under 18 L/100km (13 miles per US gallon) while towing - approximately 300 km per tank.

The tongue weight on my 171 is well within spec for my vehicle (owner's manual says 300 pounds, my trailer is 181 dry), there is only about 1.5" of sag when I hook up the trailer, and I've never experienced any porpoising, so I've never considered adding a WDH. I did recently add friction sway control after a miserable experience driving in high, gusty winds and have found it to be a worthwhile addition for $90 ($70 for the sway bar, $20 for someone to weld a bar onto my tow bar) plus a couple hours of my time to install it.

The Tribute does hit a wall just above 90 km/h (55 mph). Although I can get the trailer moving to 110 km/h for passing, I keep the speed to 90. I've had no problem climbing 7 degree hills and keeping speed while towing (although one 9 degree hill in Northern Ontario did require slowing down).

I would not recommend this vehicle to a friend for towing an r-pod. However, it is the vehicle that I have, and I am content enough driving at 90 km/h while towing. At this point, I have no intention of trading in my Tribute for a beefier vehicle.

For the 2009 model year, the Tribute/Escape introduced a new engine with 240 hp. This may make a significant difference in towing an r-pod, but then again, it may not.

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Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150