towing vehicles?
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=4003
Printed Date: 18 Aug 2025 at 5:18pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: towing vehicles?
Posted By: cgarb
Subject: towing vehicles?
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2013 at 12:11pm
|
We have a 1998 Toyota Sienna with over 200,000 miles on it that we have been using to tow our pod and are thinking it is time to replace it. We would like something with the best possible gas mileage while still having enough power to pull the pod. We'd love to hear what other people have found that you like. Thanks! ------------- Carol 177 HRE rpod 2014 Honda Pilot |
Replies:
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2013 at 4:41pm
|
We have the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder. Redesigned totally for this model year. It has the awesome CVT transmission. Like having 9 speeds forward but never feeling a shift point. Tows like a dream.
Running free we get 22-24 MPG. Towing at 60 mph, we get 12 - 14 MPG. It has a 5000# tow rating and with the tow package came with hitch and seven pin socket imbedded in bumper. Is prewired for brake controller with harness furnished. No wires to run. We have the Prodigy brake controller, but have not needed sway control or WDH. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
|
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 6:50am
|
------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 6:57am
|
oops, hit the wrong button on my prior post!! what else is hog one going to say.....F150!!!! as I mentioned in a prior post, I think pick-ups (full size) make great tow vehicles and are very versatile for camping and as others mentioned (and I completely agree), an all purpose vehicle for everyday use. brand choice is completely preference. everyone chooses a tv to fit there needs. just get something with a big enough tow rating and you will feel much safer and comfy. Just hogone's opinion. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 24 Sep 2013 at 3:39pm
You can't beat a F150... if you want a truck for a vehicle. Cool thing about towing with a PU is the generators can be in the truck bed with the fuel cans and it keeps the smell out of the cabin of the TV. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
|
Posted By: PanamaMitch
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2013 at 10:33am
|
We currently use a Wrangler XL 4-door. It gets about 12-13mpg while towing here in Florida, but does struggle a bit. We are hoping to replace it with a new Jeep Grand Cherokee with the new diesel motor. It has the same torque and pulling power as the v8 hemi and gets 50% better mileage. ------------- R-Pod 176T + Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 29 Sep 2013 at 11:34am
Thinker, that's about where we are on gas mileage with our 2008 Chevy Trailblazer, it has the 4.2 liter in line 6 that pumps out 295 horses. I found out if I keep it down to 60mph or less I can get 11 to 13 mpg. When you hit 65 or 70 it is like pulling a parachute, I bet there is a super vacuum between the t.v. and the pod that does not help. Maybe Forest River could come up with a R Pod that would squat down during towing and keep the pod out of the slip stream of the t.v.  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: sarahjamie
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2013 at 10:23pm
| I chose to purchase the TDI VW Touareg. 400 lbs of torque pulls my rpod no problem. 14-15 mpg towing with a lot of elevation gains in and out of Central Oregon. Getting electric brake controller installed was an adventure but got it done. |
Posted By: Folornhope
Date Posted: 30 Sep 2013 at 11:05pm
|
I had a Dodge Dakota 3.7 L engine, but got tired of it struggling on some hills. Switched to a F150, I like Fords, but I've heard that the Chevy Silverado commercials claim around 25 mpg. Mine gets around 21-23 mpg, highway. Depends on traffic and my mood.
That's none towing. ------------- Eddy the Escape Pod...177 Ford F150 |
Posted By: retiredtraveler
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2013 at 9:59am
|
Pure opinion, for what it's worth. We don't want to spend the money on a full-size pickup (as an F150) as it is simply not needed to tow a pod. We have a hybrid for our normal, day-to-day driving. F150 is a good truck, just far more than we need. We have a Nissan Xterra at this time, used for towing and hauling, but want to get the truck version of this which is the Nissan Frontier. You would need the 6-cylinder version for towing. We have the 6-banger Xterra right now. They are really the same vehicle, but the shorter wheelbase on the Xterra, and the suspension, makes the rear squat a bit when more than 250 pounds is put on the hitch. Something to consider. Large difference in price between a Frontier and an F150 (or other larger pickups), but only you can determine what you want to spend, or your needs. We're towing a 3000 pound pup right now and get 18mpg while towing with the 6-banger. Plenty of torque and hp for 3000 pounds from this big six. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2013 at 10:54am
|
sarahjamie - welcome.
Wheelbase is an important factor for a tow vehicle, and a WDH will take care of suspension issues. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2013 at 6:55pm
|
I looked at a lot of smaller trucks when I got my F150 and the price difference is not that large. Some of the smaller trucks are more expensive than the F150 I wound up buying. Interestingly the fuel economy ratings aren't that different either.
We all need to get what we want, and don't have to rationalize it to anyone. P.S. My other vehicle is a Smart Car. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 01 Oct 2013 at 7:48pm
|
Our other primary car is a Prius.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 1:02pm
We do Prius too... This is our second one. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 1:46pm
|
Just to add more fodder to this post. I am needing to replace our Tahoe next year. I looked at the Honda SUV, not sure of the model. Very interesting. Now has increased their towing capacity to 4500 lbs. Honda has had the least number of recalls of the Japanese manufacturers. Toyota seems to be leading with the number of recalls they have had. I still can't forgive or forget Ford and their fiasco with the Pinto fuel tanks. Penny pinching killed a great number for want of a 50 cent fix. For me either another Tahoe in the $50K range or the Honda for about $35k. Do some serious comparisons, before purchasing. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 7:03pm
Our Prius will even power most of our house... http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?12962-Using-a-Prius-as-a-generator - http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/showthread.php?12962-Using-a-Prius-as-a-generator ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 7:04pm
|
What is driving the replacement? Miles on the odometer? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 7:54pm
|
We're approaching 90,000. When the odometer hits 100,000 it falls off the Blue Book price guide. Want to have some residual value to use as a down payment on new vehicle. I'm sure many have vehicles that have twice the mileage, but would rather not be in Possum Trot Falls, Idaho when the tranny gives up. New car, new warranty. Plus, don't want to have to make payments on new $50K auto with no down payment. Capice? Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: HappyCampers
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 8:21pm
| for what it's worth, we have an older Honda pilot (2007), and it has been great. it works well for us as a tow vehicle, but we only have time for short-distance trips. various friends have various other model years, and we all love them. As mentioned above, you just need to figure out what works best for your needs. |
Posted By: wallawallaron
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 8:53pm
Gee Bob, sounds like you would never buy a Ford F 150 over something happened over 30 years ago.  Better not buy Japanese made car because of WWII. To each there own. You could say even more money and just replace the transmission with a new one now . I hope you find the TV you want but please no more lame reasons not to buy a very good product. WWR
------------- WallaWallaron,2012 RP177 H.R.E.,2010 F-150.NRA Life Member 9/11 Never Forget |
Posted By: JACKPOD
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 9:10pm
|
We purchased a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder just prior to taking a long trip this summer. We drove 4194 miles and averaged 12.4 mpg for the trip. We were towing for most of the miles and when on freeways, going 60-70 mph - probably averaging 65 and pushing it up to 75 sometimes on the day we drove home from northern Texas. We also were pretty heavy - found out we don't need about a third of the stuff we packed. We are in love with the Pathfinder. Tows like a dream and when not towing, it's very quiet and handles beautifully. Happy Shopping!! ------------- Pam and Jack Abby the Bichon RP 176 towed with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 10:22pm
There are companies that I won't support for things they did to me in the past, or policies they hold today. We work hard to keep this forum pleasant and open to everyone, let's keep the insults out of it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: wallawallaron
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 10:40pm
There are companies that I won't support for things they did to me in the past, or policies they hold today. We work hard to keep this forum pleasant and open to everyone, let's keep the insults out of it. I think you are way over sensitive. Its O.K. to complain about something that happened over 30 yrs ago but to state my view and state another example which was just as lame doesn't sit well with your sensitive soul. Sorry about that I guess you won't have to listen to my view anymore . This form has become way to sensitive for me. Read his post over he is the one complaining about something that happened 30years ago. So long happy poding. P. S. Your view of a insult is you opinion,none was felt on this end. ------------- WallaWallaron,2012 RP177 H.R.E.,2010 F-150.NRA Life Member 9/11 Never Forget |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2013 at 11:20pm
|
Ron, I'm delighted that your delighted with your choice. Personally, I don't think you can change a corporate culture. I don't want to be a guniea pig for beancounters. Safety is very much a concern for me, my family, and to all others. Making a large investment in a vehicle is something that I take a great deal of time to explore. The company and the quality of the product that they produce help me decide where to spend my money. For my dollar, and in my personal opinion, GM and now Honda are where I would spend my money on. We are all entitled to our opinions. Sometimes they don't coincide with others. That's life. I hope you continue to post here. It would be a loss to us all if you decided not to. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2013 at 9:03am
Sigh ... wish I had known this earlier this year as I have recently learned it the hard way. Looking at replacing our TV and had decent trade-in value on it until it rolled over 100K in July. Now it is half of what it was ... crap. Gonna just be more out of pocket for me to pay, and solidified for us the need to buy used rather than new. M is pushing me to get it replaced since she is worried that it is going to die on us in the middle of the trip, and she has fore-warned me that she will not be a happy camper if that happens ... literally and figuratively. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2013 at 4:13pm
We love our Pathfinder as well ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2013 at 9:06pm
Saying his opinion is lame just because it doesn't agree with yours is childish. Opinions differ - look at Washington right now, I'm currently unemployed because of their differing opinions - that doesn't mean you can call names and claim yours is better. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2013 at 11:41pm
|
My Chevy 1500 with v/6 auto is better, drove 296 miles today to get the lighting recall taken care of and I got a WHOOPING 8.7 mpg. Mostly keeping up with freeway speeds Moe ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2013 at 9:02pm
Techntrek, thanks for your level head. keep up the good advice. as the drama wears on there are a host of things one can do. If you like your t.v. and its getting some miles on the clock, think about doing some repair/replacements a little at a time. Research your t.v.'s weak points. change the fuel filter every 30k miles. service the cooling system every 50k miles. I service my transmission every 50k miles. I am approaching 100k miles and am going to do the following. at 100k the recommended maint by g.m. spark plug replacement, service both front and rear differentials, service the transmission and transfer case and change the coolant. at 125k I am going to replace the alternator and serpentine belt tensioner. at 150 k the fuel pump and starter. I should make a good run into 200k miles and by that time I will be looking for a change. I own an A.C. Delco Tech shop so I have a slight edge on costs. but I figure the things I have planned will be about 4 car payments. g.m. has a good record on transmissions holding up. Cross your fingers and go for it.  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2013 at 9:43pm
|
Your are correct on maintenance that will futher the life of the vehicle. However, my concern is having enough residual value to make a decent dent on a new purchase. Not sure that either avenue is correct. Each has to examine our resources and decide what makes the most sense. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: arkieguy
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2013 at 8:33am
| We tow our pod with a Toyota Tacoma dbl cab with tow package. On our most recent trip we got 14 mpg with pod (182g) , all our stuff and two kayaks on top. We towed through the ouachita mountains with no struggles. Great option if you don't want a full size truck. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 8:15am
|
My F150 has 35,000 miles. Was considering changing the tranny fluid. Would it be unwise to just drain the fluid, add drain amount (new fluid) back in and not replace the filter? hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 8:44am
|
The mechanic I use has a machine that hooks in line with the cooler lines and he tells me that it allows him to remove the fluid from the converter as well as the transmission, flush the system then replace fluid along with some additives. He has taken care of my vehicles for some years successfully, so that is the route I will use. YMMV ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 9:14am
|
thanks for the info, and just to confirm, no new filter correct? how many miles on your first change? hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2023 F150 2017 HD Streetglide CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 9:23am
|
For what it's worth, I just went through that drill on my Honda Pilot at 35k. Honda recommmens changing transmission oil at 30k. The dealer just does a simple drain and refill the first time at 30k and a complete flush the next time. And, comntrary to what I had been reading, the Honda has no filter. If your Toyota has one my guess is you'd replace it every other fluid change. Only my guess.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2013 at 1:36pm
|
Good question. I will have to ask him next time I am at his shop,
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |