Newbie has a Question
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2329
Printed Date: 15 May 2025 at 2:58am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Newbie has a Question
Posted By: Dice
Subject: Newbie has a Question
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2012 at 9:35pm
Greetings everyone. I have been researching small lightweight travel trailers with a shower (is a must for the wife) over the past week or so and have read about the r-pod, MPG, and the chinese made icamp. I have made my mind up that I am definitely getting an r-pod 171 HRE. Now I have run into another problem/issue. I was hoping to find something that my wife's 2008 Toyota Highlander (3.5 V-6) could pull, but seeing that it does not have a tow package on it I am thinking that I am out of luck  I am wondering is there anyway to get a transmission cooler installed or other things so that it can pull the r-pod or do I basically have to face the fact that I need to buy another vehicle? I have read about minivans and such pulling r-pods so I was thinking the Highlander could do it but now I am doubtful. |
Replies:
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2012 at 9:46pm
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I am thinking of putting a hitch on my venza v6, asked my toyota dealer about a towing package, they told me all you need is a hitch and your good to go. I would use the car going east, ( flat ) going west in to the mountians I use the truck. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Dice
Date Posted: 17 Jan 2012 at 9:57pm
| Forgot to mention I am in Southern California. I am mainly planning to go on weekend excursions with it with my wife and 5 year old son. 2 hour or so trips each way. |
Posted By: pmjensen
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 2:58pm
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I looked at the specs for your Highlander (5000 lb towing capacity) and in my opinion you should be able to pull a 171. I would have a transmission cooler installed. For awhile I pulled our 176 with an 2009 Equinox (we did have a transmission cooler install) only a 3500 lb towing capacity. It was marginal but we did make many trips of 150-200 miles with it on relatively flat ground. Biggest problem was headwinds. We now have a 2011 Frontier which pulls very nicely. Happy Podding ------------- 2011 R-176 Nuestro Pod 2014 Silverado |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 19 Jan 2012 at 7:56pm
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Check with a Toyota dealer, it may be that the your Highlander has a built in transmission cooler. We had a Saturn Vue That had the cooler built in. When I checked out the Highlander last year the dealer said the Highlander came with the trasmission cooler and that no other cooler was needed. It may depend upon the year Highlander you have. You may be safe to tow. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: wagnert
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2012 at 7:07pm
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My regular mechanic installed an additional transmission cooler on my Toyota 2003 Sienna for under $200. My understanding is that the vehicle comes with a small cooler, and that for towing the additional cooler is a good investment. Cheaper by far than a new tranny. My guy ordered four different coolers from his parts (non-dealer) supplier, installed the largest one that fit well, returned the others.
------------- Tom Wagner 2012 R-Pod 177 2003 Toyota Sienna |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2012 at 8:35pm
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A stock Highlander will be fine.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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