R Pod 195 Tow Vehicle Suggestions
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Topic: R Pod 195 Tow Vehicle Suggestions
Posted By: WVCamper
Subject: R Pod 195 Tow Vehicle Suggestions
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 3:01pm
| Hi everyone! I am new here and new to the R-Pod world. I have just put my deposit on the 195. I am looking to trade in my small SUV for something larger that can tow my travel trailer but also not be excessive when I am not traveling. I have been looking at something like the VW Atlas with a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. The r pod dry weight is about 3,500 lbs. Do you think this would be sufficient? I am in WV so of course leaving I will be going through some hills. This is my first experience with a pull behind so feeling a little lost. I was tempted to go for the semi lighter 179 but I enjoy the dry bathroom and need to make sure there is room for my 145 lb mastiff :) Thank you for any input! |
Replies:
Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 3:33pm
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Too bad this site is down for maintenance: https://www.vwatlasforum.com/threads/towing-a-trailer.2050/ I have a 195. No way I would tow it with much less than my RAM. I want that safety margin. Others will surely chime in soon... ------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 4:01pm
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It would probably work but apparently you can't use a weight distributing hitch with an Atlas, so that's a minus. The dry weight of 3500 lbs doesn't include propane, battery, it may not include the air conditioner and probably a few other things that might surprise you. Certainly it doesn't include fresh or waste water, your food, clothes, gear, etc. If you haven't bought the Atlas yet, it would be really good to look around for something with a higher towing capacity. To an extent, the more room you have between the weight of your trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle, the greater the margin of safety and peace of mind while driving. Both are worth a lot. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 4:15pm
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Always a forum discussion topic. I was just commenting to another member on a different forum - same subject. For a 195 - I would look for a tow vehicle in the 7000 lb range. The camper will get heavier fast with camping stuff, batteries and propane, etc. The camper is going to weigh around 5K with a tongue weight of 400 plus. That's a mild guess. I buy tow vehicles for worst case scenario, the tow. I could buy a smart car to drive around. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 5:23pm
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+1 With Tars and Mike a lot to be said for piece of mind. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 5:32pm
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+1 to mcarter. Look for something bigger than what you’re thinking. 5000 lb tow rating is insufficient for a 195. I have a 5000 lb tow rated Highlander and a 179 and that’s the most I’d tow with it.
I live right down the road in SWVA and our “hills” can be pretty steep and big. Our Western forum members will probably disagree but having experienced both I’ll put crossing the 10 plus Appalachian ridges up against the Sierras any day, Plus, there are so many great places to boon dock/dry camp in our area. You will I think really want to be able to carry water, dual batteries, maybe a generator, and not have to worry about every pound. You will want a solid tow vehicle for all that weight. Sounds like you like SUVs so you might want to look at Durangos/Tahoes/Sequoias/Armadas, all of which properly equipped and should be able to handle the 195 and your gear. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: WVCamper
Date Posted: 16 Feb 2021 at 5:36pm
| Thank you! This is really helpful. I am using a friends truck to bring it home so I can have some time to car shop. I have looked into the Armadas a bit and that might be the way to go. Any other tips are welcome! |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 6:23am
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+2 to the above advice. For 8 of the 10 years of owning and towing our 177 all over this country with an emphasis of travel in the Rocky Mountains we have used either an '08 or '13 Explorer with a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. Our 177 fully loaded with 2 batteries, 2 propane tanks and full FW tank and supplies weighs in at 2900 lbs. We do not have A/C, microwave/convection oven or entertainment system so that helps in the weight dept. That being said, you have a total different animal hauling a 195. Gone are the days of SAFELY hauling an r-pod with a small SUV like an Explorer unless you purchase a 171 or any of the other discontinued models that are no longer built like the 151, 152, 172, 173, 175, 177, 178 models. As mcarter wisely states, look for something in the 7000 + range. Unless you are minimalist when you camp you will be amazed at how much weight you are carrying with you once you load up and go. Good idea will be to get your 195 weighed in once you load it up with water, batteries, propane, bakeware, food, ect to get an actual number of what you are working with. ------------- 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: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 8:56am
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Site back up: https://www.vwatlasforum.com/threads/towing-a-trailer.2050/ ------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: WVCamper
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 9:05am
| Thanks! I guess the more I am reading I am wondering if the 195 is more than I need. It is going to be just me and my dog traveling. I originally wanted more space because we will be on the road for a number of weeks, I will be working from there, and my dog is 130 lbs and needs room haha I have looked at the 179 and it is lighter and still has what I like. Any suggestions or experience between these models? |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 10:57am
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I think the 179 would be plenty big enough for you and your dog. My wife and I are fine with ours. You would have to find a used one because they have been discontinued, which is really the most cost effective way to get one anyway. If you go that way then a 5000 lb tow vehicle with a 500 lb hitch rating will work as long as you don’t go crazy with extra stuff. I wouldn’t go any less than 500 though, if you load up with water and batteries you will right about 500 lbs. Be sure to get a vehicle which allows use of a weight distribution hitch, that will make quite a bit of difference in ride and handling. My Highlander does allow use of a wdh, some makes don’t. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 3:50pm
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I would recommend a midsize truck, and even more specifically, a Frontier. I have a 195 and I tow with a Frontier. It works out perfectly for me. I do a little camping in the white mountains, and I have no problems there. The new Frontier actually has improved it's tow capacity to 6700 pounds now, with a new 3.8 L motor, putting out 310 H.P. (vs. 261 H.P. mine has) and a 9 speed transmission (vs my 5 speed). I think you would pull the 195 with ease. It's also one of the most affordable midsize trucks. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 4:17pm
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The 179s are one of if not the most popular 170 series Pods. There are some on dealer's lots but are discontinued. I have a 178 that I towed with a Z71 Colorado (7000 lbs), it was adequate. There are a multitude of 7000 rated vehicles, especially in the mid size PU market. IMHO folks buy a RV to fit a vehicle, thus the tow option becomes a secondary function, when in fact that is the most arduous use of your vehicle. Towing should be the primary function and other uses secondary. BTW we have an 80lb English Bulldog that travels with the wife and I in the 178. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 5:40pm
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To be clear there is no need for a 6-7000 lb rated tow vehicle for a 179. The folks running into problems towing 179’s are trying to do it with 3500 lb rated vehicles. That is marginal at best and not possible if you boon dock.
A 5000 lb rated SUV and a 179 are a great all around combination IMO. The mid sized SUV is comfortable and not oversized as a daily driver and adequate for the towing mission, even boon docking which is all my wife and I do. The 179 has a very nice large kitchen and all the features of a larger trailer, you only give up the larger dry bathroom and walk around bed. The latter isn’t an issue for a single person and the bath is a personal preference. For myself and my wife, we spend at most a few minutes a day in the bathroom so it’s any easy decision to give up space there. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 6:21pm
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+1, no need for a 7000 lb and a 179, still on 195 topic here. BTW don't upgrade your TT. because your 5 G TV will then be inadequate. My point is buy an adequate TV that allows flexibility to upgrade the TT, like so many of us do. IMO. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 7:09pm
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Ha ha. I’ve owned much larger RV’s and don’t consider them an “upgrade”. I like getting in and out of smaller more remote campsites and use my Highlander as my daily driver the other 90% of the time. Don’t want a pickup truck or a full size SUV. Like Goldilocks, not too big or too small. IMO. Everyone has different needs and objectives for sure. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2021 at 10:19pm
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We have had our 179 fr about 3 years. We bought a 2015 model in 2017. We love it for lots of reasons. there is plenty of room for 2 of us and plenty of storage. We think it has the best kitchen layout of any of the pods because it has a large countertop space, a 2 door pantry and plenty of drawers and lower cabinets. There is an adequate wardrobe with drawers below.. There are 3 overhead cabinets above the slide out couch/table area. There is also storage inside both of the hassocks and under the bed. the negative that turns most people off is the wet bath and the side to side bed. If you are solo, that is not an issue. We have traveled extensively, going from coast to coast and Florida to Michigan. We have been out as long a 3 continuous months and loved it. I think the 179 is a great trailer. I'm happy to answer specific questions if you need answers. Good luck with your choice. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 8:51am
What if the giant dog likes to sleep on the outside part of the bed and doesn't take kindly to being disturbed at 2 AM?
------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: WVCamper
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 9:10am
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Luckily my dog sleeps through everything except a bag of chips opening! I think I am going to look at smaller models instead of the 195. I would feel safer with a lighter trailer since this is my first. I really like the 189 and 190 models as well, just can't seem to find them right now!
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Posted By: Pod_Geek
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 10:56am
Here's a 190 in Greencastle, PA: https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2021-Forest-River-R-Pod-190-5014447392 ------------- 2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River 2018 RAM 2500 6.4L |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 12:41pm
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The problem with the 189/190 models is the tiny kitchen counter space. Can’t cook without stuff on the table, no good pantry area, and can’t leave dishes out to dry. IMHO. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: WVCamper
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 12:43pm
| I totally agree. I had to weigh a larger kitchen with the dry bath and the dry bath won in my case. |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 1:17pm
| My wife uses the micro wave for just about everything so in our 189 we put a towel over the burner glass and use that area for food prep and dish drying. We also have a 2 burner Coleman for cooking outside which helps when cooking the more odiferous food. We have been using campgrounds so we use their showers and our shower stall has become our food pantry. I got an expansion bar that fits across the shower we use to hang clothes. If we ever needed to use the shower we'd have to move everything. We haven't boondocked yet so it works for us. |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 3:19pm
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The 190 has an optional outdoor kitchen, which is an improvement over the 178. Cooking for us in a 178 has never been an issue, we have both propane and electric cooking appliances, plus the grill. I built a cover for my propane stove to add counter space. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 7:52pm
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Guess it depends on the kind of camping you do, if you have water and electric hookups and mostly cook outside or use the microwave a dry bath might be more important to you than the kitchen. If you boondock and take 2 minute showers to save water then you’re not spending time in the bathroom anyway. We almost always use the stove because I have to fire up the generator to run the microwave, so a cover for the stove wouldn’t help in our case. The weather, daylight, and bugs all have to cooperate before we’ll cook outside so that’s left for the occasional afternoon bbq, most of the time we’re cooking inside. I wouldn’t want to trade storage space and weight to have a second outside kitchen. The 179 counter space lets us set out ingredients, a dish drainer, and a 2.5 gal water dispenser, and leave things out until we relocate. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2021 at 10:10pm
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+1 I find the 179's kitchen to be the best feature. That is what sold us on it. We use the kitchen quite a bit, although I will set up and grill outside. While I have used the microwave when we are at a site with power, we have done a lot of boondocking with no shore power and no desire to fire up a generator. I also would hate to give up storage for the outside kitchen that would take away quite a bit of the already sparse underneath storage. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2021 at 11:51am
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The r-Pod 192 and our Sonoma have essentially the same layout, except that we didn't want an uncomfortable folding couch bed. It's easy to fasten a cutting board to the side of the galley cabinet that folds up and down for additional counter space. With the cutting board in the up position, there is counter space equal to the 179 and the larger fridge comes in handy. But all that being said, the 192 and Sonoma weighing in about the same, need a TV with a towing capacity above 5000 lbs. So, if you want to stick to a TV with a 5000 lbs. tow limit, best to stay with a 179 or equivalent in weight. We turned our dinette into a couch by making some extra cushions and have found that we rarely ever set up the table any more. A "tv tray" and the folding counter extension are fine for breakfast and we usually end up eating outside for dinner and supper.
------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |