Newbie wantabe
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4300
Printed Date: 16 May 2025 at 5:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Newbie wantabe
Posted By: Lee Burnup
Subject: Newbie wantabe
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 5:07pm
 Anybody out there towed R-Pod with 2010 Volvo XC70 3.2 AWD? Considering purchasing a 179 R-pod and was just informed by Couch RV the dry weight is 2796 and my limit is 3300 lbs. Is that cutting it too close? Also concerned about the tongue weight. Would we need to look at going with a class 3 and weight distribution....or perhaps do we need to consider less R-pod?? Open to comments...advise....suggestions. Thanks, Lee ------------- Lee Burnup |
Replies:
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 5:36pm
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It's just my opinion and I'm kinda new around here, but I think you need a new tow vehicle. Using the 80% rule your tow should be no more than 2640 lbs. and I think the 80% rule is too generous. I have a 4.0 liter rated @ 5,000 lbs. and wish I had a bit more cushion. The more experienced here will offer more. Good luck! 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: CharlieM
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 7:36pm
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Unfortunately you are over the limit. Using your numbers you have 500# left. This must cover the 6 gallons of water in the water heater (50#), any additional water in any of the three tanks, your weight distribution hitch (approx.30#), your "stuff", and the weight of any additional people in the car. General practice says allow 1000# above the dry weight weight of the trailer. I tow an RP172 with a 3.5L Honda Pilot 4WD rated at 4500# and it's approaching the limit, especially in the mountains. Charlie ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 7:40pm
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Agree with everyone above. You'd be well over by the time you were packed and riding down the road. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Lee Burnup
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 7:57pm
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I appreciate the input. I was real nervous about the 3300lb limit. After all the posts and a little more research on several forums I am convinced we need to look for a TV with at least 6000-7000lb tow capacity. I guess I never should have got rid of my 2003 5.4 super crew Lariat F150. However, it was 4WD.....overkill. I actually miss my truck. Can't beat a F150.I think I'll look at F150 ECO boost. Still open to TV suggestions. ------------- Lee Burnup |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2014 at 8:04pm
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Don't overlook the newer Toyota Tacomas. 4.0L engine, rated at 6500# towing. A bit smaller than a full sized PU, but the F-150 Eco should be a great truck. Charlie ------------- 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: arkieguy
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2014 at 10:59am
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Agree with Charlie, we tow Podzilla (181g), all our stuff plus 2 kayaks on top with our 2009 Toyota Tacoma with tow package, no problems. ------------- Gary & Cindy |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2014 at 12:39pm
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If you are going to look at the Fords, you may want to wait a bit. I just read yesterday that they are going to introduce the next generation of F-150 at the auto show which will include all-aluminum body panels and other weight savings. Initial claim is it will get 30 mpg but I think that is optimistic. High-20's is probably going to be the real-world rating.
Overall I like my Suburban. I have some complaints about the menus/controls/interior layout, and interior storage. The Chevy truck line is getting a makeover this year, too so maybe they'll fix some of that stuff. But the big reasons I bought it - people capacity, towing capacity, and 4 WD (a must where I live, had to rescue my wife just last night because of snow), it does well. I have a utility trailer for wood, dirt, mulch, etc, which overcomes the lack of a pickup bed.
I like the Toyota line, too. We had a Sienna and currently own a Prius. The interior is well-thought-out, although I didn't like a few things about the layout in the generation before the current generation. I haven't been inside any current-generation Toyotas to comment. The towing specs on the Tundra line look good. ------------- 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: Lee Burnup
Date Posted: 05 Jan 2014 at 9:16pm
 Wantabe Newbie has made the first step. I traded my 2010 XC70 Volvo for a F150 Supercrew 3.5 V6 ECOBOOST with a 8400 lb tow capacity. Next step is to start shopping the 179 R-pod. I have already priced one at Couch RV. Open to any suggestions.------------- Lee Burnup |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2014 at 10:33am
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Although we purchased here in Florida, Couch's gave us the best price on a fully loaded 2014, but were not interested in a trade-in. My only suggestion is to obtain a few more quotes. Lead time from the factory was 2 months when we ordered ours, but with the anticipated demand for the 179 (and other models), it might become even longer. So, be sure to order well in advance of when you expect to pick up your new pod. I guess I really had 2 suggestions. Perhaps our paths will cross somewhere here in Florida. Wishing you well on obtaining a good price and having a smooth transaction. Bob ------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |