suv tow vehicle
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins
Forum Discription: Have a warranty or service experience to share?
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348
Printed Date: 07 May 2024 at 9:40pm
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Topic: suv tow vehicle
Posted By: roger
Subject: suv tow vehicle
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 2:59pm
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I recently purchased a R-Pod and am shopping for a SUV to tow it. We live in SLC and will be towing in the mountains and doing freeway driving that includes long sustained climbs. I would be interested to hear from owners about their experience with the mid size SUV (e.g. Toyota 4 runner, Explorer, Acadia, etc.) with wind (headwinds, and cross winds) and the adequacy of their power. Please specify your vehicle and engine. Thanks, Roger ------------- rambling retirees |
Replies:
Posted By: bc matell
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 5:31pm
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We tow the 177 pod with a 2012 toyota tacoma 4 door V6 (236 hp) factory hitch. we went from Vancouver Island to Saskatoon about 1700 miles. Mountain elevation 7000 ft, we had no problem going up or down the mountains. I was a little the one that was a little wary,LOL ------------- TV 2012 Toyota Tacoma 6 cyl Misha the Lab Loving life and living it! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 5:41pm
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Welcome. Most here have found that vehicles with 3500 pound tow ratings are underpowered with the conditions you describe. Back roads at slower speeds is ok, its just that the pod has a lot of drag once you get above 55 mph. I had a 2003 Toyota Sienna with about 215 horsepower. Now I have a 2010 Chevy Suburban with 320.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 8:54pm
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Welcome to the Forum, I tow with an 08 Chevy Trailblazer. it has the 4.2 in line DOHC six cylinder 290 Horse. It is rated for 7000 lbs towing, and pulls the pod easly. As Doug (Techntrek) stated correctly when you hit 55 mph its like pulling a parachute. I get 11.5 to 13 mph if I keep it below 60 mph. I can pull it 80 or better but I cant afford the gas. The longer the wheel base the better period, regardless of make. where are you towing ? short term and long term. If your planning on local under 100 miles and not real hilly terrain you will be ok with the smaller trucks/suv/cross over, heck a Dodge Caravan can pull a pod. If you are thinking of cross country, mountains, elevations above 5000 feet you need some cubic inches and cubic money. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2013 at 11:47pm
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Hi Roger & welcome to the forum. I too live in SLC and take the Pod throughout the state. I'm not technical as many on this forum so I'll tell you what I have and my experiences. I pull with a Mitshubishi Montero 3.5L. It's a V6. Basically it does ok though on several long sustained climbs I wish I had a stronger vehicle though truth be known I enjoy driving fast so if I could pull it at 65 mph uphill I probably would, though we get there never less. This year I installed a transmission cooler on the Mits so that should help keep the tranny cooler. Happy Podding, I'll be looking for you in the outback. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 6:29am
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I towed mine with a 6-cyl Toyota Tacoma as well and many times I wished I had more power. If you must have an SUV, I'd make sure you go with one of the more powerful ones, such as a big Tahoo, Suburban, etc.
My Taco is rated for 6500-lbs tow capacity and like I said, I still felt under-powered at times.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: 2Peas-n-Rpod
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 9:41am
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We used to tow our 182G with a Montero V6, and it was always pushed to the limit and underpowered. We traded it in for an F-150 with a V8 5.4L and now towing is no longer a worry and a hassle. It was definitely worth the extra peace of mind to have more power on those long grades going over passes. Just my experience. ------------- 2011 R-Pod 182G Hood River Edition "Ribbitt" Pod (now sold) 2000 Ford F150 5.4L V8 TV |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 10:33am
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We seem to pull just fine.. we have the 2 valve 5.4 in the Expedition, and the 6.2 in the Excursion. The newer 5.4 has 3 valve heads, and it makes more HP AND gets better mpg.. (when not towing) Towing mileage works like this.. It takes "x" horsepower to move the pod through the air at "x" speed. Internal combustion engines are air pumps. It takes "x" amount of air pumped through the engine to reach the needed (x) horsepower to move the pod along at "x" speed. No matter if you have a 3.5 v6 or a 6.2 v10, you still have to make that power level. There is some difference for overall weight, and some tow vehicles are a little more aerodynamic than others.. but it works out that no matter what you tow with engine wise, as long as somewhere in it's power band it can make that needed "x" horsepower, it can pull the pod. Now, most are not comfortable with an engine that needs to turn 3500-4500 rpm to do it. But that is why almost everybody towing with a v6/v8/v10 gets *about* the same mileage. They are all pumping the same amount of "air". A larger tow vehicle does have more weight and wheelbase to help keep things stable, and help keep the tail from wagging the dog, so to speak. ------------- |
Posted By: Burt
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 4:04pm
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Roger: We use a Ford Ranger V6 4.0 liter, 4WD. Stock it was 207 HP. We put a chip in it to boost it up to 267. It towed fine before but then we wanted some more boost on the hills/mountains. Whatever you get, be sure to use a brake controller and a weight transfer hitch. We also use a stabilizer as we live near the Columbia River gorge and can get some unexpected and fierce winds here. Be prepared. BTW, there are many great formulas for selecting tow vehicles. One, add 1000 lbs. to your trailer as that is about what you will put in it. Subtract the payload in your actual tow vehicle from the tow vehicle GVWR. Then, if your selection is too close to capacity, get something with more towing capability. Our Ranger rates at 5600 towing capability and 880 lbs payload. Subtract 880, now we're at 4720 towing. The 171 is 2000 lbs. Subtract that. 2720. Now subtract the 1000 lbs. 1720. We're within the range and OK but then we do take more stuff sometimes. We figure that we end up with about 800 to 1000 near limit sometimes. Best to overdo it with the tow vehicle. Another thought: Use non-ethanol gas when you expect to tow up hills. It's has more power per gallon than the crummy corn fuel they sell us now. My thoughts are that when we search for a towing trailer, we just look at the weight and think that is it. Easy to make that decision. Then, knowledge and experience kick in and you have to go backwards and re-think stuff. You're wise to ask this question first. Good luck with your choice and smooth roads to you! Burt |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 6:33pm
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My thoughts are you need at least 250 hp, and you can not always go by the manufactures tow capacity. We had a 2010 Jeep Liberty with the 3.7, 210 hp. its tow capacity was 5,000 lbs. That may of been fine with a boat with little wind drag but with the Rpod it was under powered. As it has been mentioned the length of the wheel base makes a difference and the tow vehicles weight. Our new Ram 1500 is working great for us, it has the 4.7 engine and 3.92 differential. Its tow capacity is about 7,500 lbs. We don't need to think about how much we have loaded in the Rpod, other than our mpg which has been so far about 12.5. Planning a trip to Tennessee now that it has more mileage on it about 5,000 I will get a better idea of how the mpg will be. Will be about a 2,000 mile trip, so far we have only traveled about 150 miles. David ------------- 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: Our-pod
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 12:24pm
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I tow my 182G with an Acura MDX - 300hp and a 5000lb tow capacity. I haven't towed a bunch yet, only a few hundred miles. I'm happy with the power and torque. While I can easily tow at 65mph+, I typically don't; the mileage is terrible and I don't think the time saved is worth the risk to me and my family. Also, as others have stated, you can really feel the Rpod pulling at higher speeds. The tech who hooked up the trailer when I bought it took it for a drive to help me get the brake controller set. He was surprised and impressed at the towing ability of the MDX.
Another nice feature - the MDX has a setting to keep from shifting into 6th, which prevents a bunch of extra shifting. |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 12:39pm
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The MDX sounds pretty good. I used to tow with a 2005 Jeep Liberty 4X4. It had the tow capacity and I never had a problem. One thing that helped though was that I set it up for off roading: lower gears, bigger tires (stock were 28", changed to 32") and beefed up suspension. That thing weighed 1/2 ton more than stock. It also had steel skid plates covering everything underneath and a heavy duty steel front bumper with a winch. It pretty much would go anywhere I wanted to go! Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 4:12pm
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I am towing with Nissan Pathfinder 2013. Tow rated at 5000#. Tows like a dream. Getting 12 -13 at 60 MPH. The new to Pathfinder CVT transmission is super. No hunting for gears then upshifting and downshifting. Just one big long smooth continuously variable gear. Your mileage may vary. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 5:55pm
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Didn't know CVT had made it to heavy-duty vehicles yet, nice. Our Prius has CVT and I would love it in a TV!
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: compubmw
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 8:33pm
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I tow with my 09 Toyota FJ Cruiser. While I've never towed any travel trailers besides this one, I've towed a Buick, and a utility trailer. I towed that Buick through the mountains in So.Cal. on I10 and it was great. I tow my r-pod with it and it seems like a breeze. My first major outing was at 75mph with major headwinds and I had no troubles while the other TTs on the road were swerving and having issues. The 4runner is basically the same vehicle, same drive train, almost identical frame. The only difference is the creature comforts. ------------- 2009 FJ CRUISER (ARB BUMPER, Rear Airlift 1000, and some other stuff) 2013 Forest River R-Pod 177HRE ( http://goo.gl/NH3Kb - Mods ) |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 9:46pm
We had a Prius. Put about 180,000 miles on it. Loved it, but got worried about the high cost of big battery replacement. It was a 2005 model. We sold it in 2010. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
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Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 10:28pm
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We have the 5.7 Hemi in the Jeep, way better than the 3.3 we had in the Caravan. No longer struggle up the long grades out west. The 4 wheel drive does pull down the fuel mileage some what. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: roger
Date Posted: 04 Apr 2013 at 3:22pm
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Thanks to everyone for their input on tow vehicles. Burt, you mentioned the winds from the gorge and using gas without ethanol. It sounds like you had anti sway tow connection. Please indicate and comment on stability in cross winds. Also, comment on who/where you find gasoline without ethanol. Around here I haven't seen any "real" gas for years. Thanks, Roger ------------- rambling retirees |
Posted By: Burt
Date Posted: 05 Apr 2013 at 10:27am
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Roger: We find non-ethanol gas in The Dalles, Oregon. It's also available in most rural cardlock pay pumps as well. It is always ethyl which also helps. It seems that the bureaucrats are imposing city rules on rural living as fast as they can, so look in rural areas for non-ethanol gas. As an aside, if you have any small engines, i.e. mowers, etc.... use only non-ethanol gas. If the engine sits for more than a few weeks, water will develop in the gas and cause failure, especially in carbureted engines. This is fact, not fantasy or conspiracy theory. Now, yes, we do have an anti-sway bar installed on the pod for safety. We do get some unexpected gusts of wind in the Columbia river gorge. The cascade mountains and foothills can cause downdrafts that one wouldn't expect. Large semi's passing can also give you a fair "bump." It only made sense out here in country where a large storm blows over semi's occasionally and the gorge can be closed to truck traffic, to have both a weight transfer hitch and a sway bar. The anti-sway bar does make a difference in stability, especially when you are on a 2 lane highway and a semi goes the other way next to you. Just look harder for real gas, you will find it. The cardlock places usually have it. A gas station that has it will also usually put out an additional sign indicating that they have it. If you can't find it, just carry a bottle or two of some ethanol reducer and gas booster if you know you are travelling over some mountain passes. Sea Foam is good as well as the good old sta-bil. Burt |
Posted By: Burt
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2013 at 3:00pm
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Roger: As a follow up to your question about non-ethanol gas (real gas), I just found out from a friend about this website: www.pure-gas.org Smart phone will put out address and coordinates You can search by city/state or location for it. Burt |
Posted By: HPY CMPR
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 7:17pm
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How was the rest of your summer pulling with the Pathfinder. I have been looking at the Honda Odyssey and the Pilot, but my sister just mentioned to me that she is leaning towards the Pathfinder over the Pilot. I have had both Honda and Nissan in the past and love them both. So curious if you could let me know how you are still liking it for towing and also any problems. I bought the Rpod 178. Which one are you towing? ------------- Ottawa Ontario Canada |
Posted By: sammycamper
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 10:33pm
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It always amazes me to read posts about SUVs that struggle to tow the rPod. I don't know what it is about our 173, but our 6-cyl Trailblazer pulls it beautifully. We do not have the axel risers, which may help aerodynamics; and our model does not have extensions or sliders, which keeps the weight down. I do not use a weight distribution hitch or stabilizer bars or mirror extensions. Being free of that stuff is one of the big advantages that the rPod offers over our previous travel trailer. At this point, I've towed our Pod in plenty of wind conditions - fore and aft and port and starboard and every variation in between - in wind speeds of at least 30 mph. I do not get the same fuel mileage towing that I get with nothing attached, and nobody should expect to. Gas mileage when towing is more effected by wind conditions and highway speeds than it is without a tow load. Also, I don't go more than 65 mph when I'm towing anything sizeable like a camper. I don't think the 173 has the best amenities among the rPods; but, after reading all the towing complaints on this forum, I'm begining to think it's the optimal towing model. It's just flat fun to tow, and it does not behave at all like a parachute.
Sam ------------- 2012 rPod 173 2008 Trailblazer 4WD V6 |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2014 at 9:33pm
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Sammyc, I agree with your assessment. I tow a 172 with a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer 4.2 I 6, it pulls it like there is nothing behind you. I stay at 60mph or less, even on the interstate. I have noticed when I exceed 60 mph the gas mileage goes down. If I pull at 65 or 70 my mileage goes down to 10 to 11.5, but if I keep it down to 60 on the flats or 50 on hills I can get 13 to 14 mpg. I have a friction anti sway bar, no WDH and have never had a problem with sway. I have towed the Pod 50 miles on the Interstate without the anti sway bar hooked up, no problem, not even when semis pass. The long wheel base of the Trailblazer helps I am sure. ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: RCU
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:18pm
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Burt, I was surprised to hear in addition to the sway bar you have a weight distribution unit on the pod. I was thinking of using one too. After looking at the stock that makes up the frame Ifelt uncomfortable with the idea. Would you describe your set up. It might assist me in reconsideration. We have been caught in some tough wind situations on our trips to the boundary waters. The Pod & TV came through. I have at times considered a second sway bar. Would like to hear from you
RCU ------------- Recreational Care Unit (RCU) |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:50pm
RCU, I believe the majority of us use WDHs, but the ones that don't seem to be more vocal.  ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: RCU
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 11:31pm
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What type WDH is on your unit. I don't know if the frame has changed from my 2010 171. ------------- Recreational Care Unit (RCU) |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 12:12pm
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I have an E2 600/6000 on my 2010 171. Here is my post on the installation: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1374 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1374
A note that when I changed my TV I experimented and found the ride quality was still much better with the WDH in place, so I continue to use it.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 12:20pm
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I don't think that's a Natty Boh next to the hitch. I guessing National Premium. ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 1:00pm
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LOL, since it was at my friend's house it was probably a Coors Light. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: headcold
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 7:14pm
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Anyone use a spoiler to deflect the wind above the roof of the Pod? |
Posted By: podrunner
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2014 at 1:11am
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Welcome from a fellow SLC area resident. I tow with a 2006 V6 4Runner and have not had any problems..Can you tell you are towing a trailer? Of course..Is it slower going up hills? Of course. We have towed here locally in the canyons, made a trip through Duchesne to the Uinta Mountains and last fall took a great trip to Yellowstone. Never dropped below about 45MPH even on the steepest hills. Gas mileage is 10 to 11 MPG. I do not use nor have ever felt like I needed a sway control system. Happy Trails...
------------- 2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan |
Posted By: RCU
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 7:54am
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I also tow with the 4 Runner a V8. I did tow without the sway bar. Several tripsagowe got caught in a a pretty significant storm. I have since installed weight distribution system w/sway. No probs in the last couple of storms, straight and level.
RCU ------------- Recreational Care Unit (RCU) |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 8:54am
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I couldn't be happier with my 2008 4Runner Limited V6. Our last 300 mile trip a couple of weeks ago we got 15MPG. I attribute that to empty tanks, recent tune up and a brand new set of Michelin LTX MS2s. We were getting 13.5 prior to new tires. Also, I think I finally found the sweet spot at about 62-64 mph highway. I do have WDH and friction sway. I should gather some good data in upcoming 8K mile trip. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: RCU
Date Posted: 30 May 2014 at 9:22am
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Wow our upcoming trip is only is about 1600 mi. Making our way to Copper Falls, and the Apostle Islands. Then a couple of stops on the way to Galina, I'll. Now that the weather is getting better. Have fun on your 8k Journey.
RCU ------------- Recreational Care Unit (RCU) |
Posted By: CO_PILOT
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 7:58pm
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We tow our R-Pod 178 with a 2012 Honda Pilot. It has a 4500 GVWR, 250 hp V-6 , 5-speed 4WD. In hilly country the tranny spends a lot of time in 3rd gear. Gas mileage goes from 9-15 mpg (mostly around 10) depending on speed and wind. 60 mph or less will get about 12 mpg. Do not need load-leveling hitch or anti-sway bars as the rig seems very stable without. ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 -- 2012 Honda Pilot 
Roadwise Wisdom for both Bikers and Froggers alike: http://www.dansher.com/bikequotes.html |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 10:41pm
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Up until early 2013 I was towing with a 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6, 4 Speed Auto transmission. About 236 hp and 282 ft/lbs torque. The 4runner weighed about 4500 pounds. It was pretty good, but on the 65mph highways, it struggled. I had to drive in 3rd all the time, 4th (overdrive gear) was out the door. This meant lower fuel economy (11-13mpg typical) for my 400 mile round trip weekends.
I bought a 2013 VW Touareg Sport TDI 3.0 diesel ... Totally different animal. It weighs almost 5000 pounds. 240 hp and 406ft/lbs torque. 8 speed transmission, and have no issues towing 70mph on any highway or hill. If I stay at 65mph cruise, I get 15-16 mpg ... I even got as high as 17mpg on a trip to New Hampshire. There were far fewer climbs on the trip. My only beef with the VW was having to connect the brake controller myself, and the prewired harness was a miserable PITA to fish out from behind the dash. Several hours of baloney, but finally got it together. The dealership would have charge a small fortune to do the job. |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2014 at 5:49pm
Just returned from a 30 day 10,000 mile trip- probably 8,500 of that was towing - with a 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser- averaged around 11 mpg towing at 60-65. Saw as low as 8 or 9 on heavy headwinds towing across the plains- oddly we had headwinds going west and 30 days later had headwinds going east- just my luck. Saw as much as 12mpg towing in higher altitudes and slower speeds. 5th gear (OD) was basically worthless unless there was no headwind or uphill. Majority of driving at 60-65 was in 4th at around 2500 RPM. 5th would be just below 2000 but the 4.0 V6 just doesn't have the torque to maintain that at least 50% of the time. For those not aware the FJC has the aerodynamics of a brick, a very upright windshield and sits high off the ground being off road oriented. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |