Tacoma 4 Cylinder
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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=4689
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 12:10am
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Topic: Tacoma 4 Cylinder
Posted By: vnapoli
Subject: Tacoma 4 Cylinder
Date Posted: 05 May 2014 at 7:22pm
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Hello, I just purchased a new R-POD 171 and own a 2009 Tacoma 4x4 4 cylinder 5 speed. While rated at 3500 lbs I knew I would be well below the towing capacity, but what I didn't know was that the 4 cylinder was going to have trouble on any grade except downhill. I did put in a brake controller. Does anyone have any experience with this size engine or truck. I don't plan on any long haul trips, mostly within 30 miles (Catskill Mountains) and 1 long trip to Saratoga for the 4th. Getting a new truck is out (unless of course I buy my wife her new car first :-) ) Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 May 2014 at 9:43pm
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Welcome. "Local" trips like you describe, you'll be fine, just don't plan on heading to Orlando. With our prior tow vehicle (TV), a Sienna, I actually felt better on the back roads getting to those local destinations. The problem many here find is once you get above 55 mph you hit a aerodynamic wall. ------------- 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: vnapoli
Date Posted: 06 May 2014 at 6:02am
That's great news. I'll keep everyone posted. 
------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 06 May 2014 at 6:45am
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Be careful not to overload your trailer do not fill your fresh water tank. Like as been said take back roads when possible and drive a safe slow speed. And it would help to inflate your tires to the maximum allowed tire pressure. I tried to pull our r-pod 171 with our 2004 Jeep Liberty, it to had a 4 cylinder and it had a 5 speed manual transmission if I remember it had about 150 HP. But like Doug said when reaching 55 mph it just seemed to stop and not be able to go any faster. Hopefully your 4 cylinder has more HP than the Jeeps 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine. ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 06 May 2014 at 6:51am
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Welcome to the group!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 06 May 2014 at 8:18am
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That was my exact experience after I picked it up. I was fine until I hit the NYS Thruway and could not get over 60 and had to use 4th gear (unless of course I was going downhill and then I could hit 65). I've been towing a Rockwood popup for years and could do 60 up a steep grade without a problem. I was expecting that with this unit too. :-) I'll drop my expectations for speed (this will keep me calm and not curse the entire ride to the campground) Thanks everyone for their input. ------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |
Posted By: vnapoli
Date Posted: 25 May 2014 at 9:14pm
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Here's an update. Just went 66 miles up into the Catskills and as everyone predicted the truck did fine. I even brought some firewood. Was able to do 55 on most of the roads with the exception of up a big climb (had to use 3rd) and the road up to Little Pond (2nd gear).
------------- Vince and Debbie R Pod 171 Tacoma 4x4, regular cab, 4 cylinder |