TV - RPMs
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=5601
Printed Date: 15 Jun 2025 at 12:27pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: TV - RPMs
Posted By: Bonjour
Subject: TV - RPMs
Date Posted: 02 Dec 2014 at 10:14pm
| I'm basically new to towing and definitely not mechanically inclined. I noticed when we brought our 179 home the RPMs were generally running about 3000 vs. the normal 2000 on our Honda Odyssey. My concern was that this would put too much stress on the engine if run all day. (so far it has been towed less than 100 miles) I talked to the local mechanic today and he indicated that running at higher RPMs is to be expected and that the engine should handle it without a problem. He recommended not letting it go into overdrive and to constantly run it at D3 so that the transmission didn't slip too much. His view was that is much better to stress the engine rather than the transmission. Do others agree? |
Replies:
Posted By: JStrube
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 1:24am
|
Totally. 3000 rpm is not that stressful. It is better to rev than to lug. Less damage there. Also, the trans not locking is more likely to overheat. That is bad. ------------- 2012 181G |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 5:03am
|
Welcome to the 12mpg club. Yes I second that. My Odyssey did fine with that, except I didn't use it as much as I should have. The transmission gave up Thanksgiving day, probably because 130k. Towing will shorten the time between rebuilding the transmission on any vehicle, but the Odyssey should be suprisingly capable. However, you will receive mixed opinions on this. One of the two mechanics at my shop laughed that I was trying to tow 3000 pounds and the other one argued with him that I should be fine. In europe, the same van is rated at 4500 pounds and all they do is move the wheel to the other side.
Higher RPM's are fine for the engine and will actually COOL the transmission. Being in the highest gear, D5, is great for fuel economy when not towing; but it will generate way more heat when towing. Heat is what kills a transmission. If only the Odyssey were capable of staying in 4th gear, that would get the best of both worlds. 3500 rpm may leave you with an uneasy or anxious feeling in your gut while driving, but the engine handles it fine. Food for thought - Generators usually run at 3650 rpm all the time. Traded the broken Odyssey for a Durango V8. I only spent $1500 more than a tranny rebuild to get another vehicle. But I would have rebuilt the Odyssey if I still needed three car seats in a second. Only one child in car seat now. I miss my sliding doors already. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 9:45am
Yes, my owners manual suggests turning OFF the OD when towing a heavy load to prevent excessive transmission shifting caused by terrain and load. This will also keep your RPMs up to provide the torque needed to pull the load. I like to run at 2,800, but will sometimes hit 3,000. This will vary somewhat between different autos so after towing for a while you will find the comfort zone "sweet spot" on what works best for your setup. Your mechanics share a typical disagreement where one will argue that towing is ALL about power and, of course, that's not true. It's really all about balance, power is only one element. Good luck and Have Fun in that Brand New RP-179!
 ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 9:57am
|
I agree that you are fine running at the higher RPMs. My prior TV was a Sienna and I saw the same thing. Kept it out of overdrive, and I actually found it ran smoother at 65 mph than it did at 60. Just enough extra forward motion to keep it from downshifting to 2nd on the smaller hills. When it went from 3rd to 2nd it was screaming!
What do you mean by moving the wheel? I missed our Sienna at first, loved having minivans for many years. Now I wouldn't go back from the big truck! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 1:08pm
I to agree with all above and that I was told by a experienced mechanic that in towing it is not the engine that is your weakest link but the transmission. Techntrek I think wheel on other side was referring to England driving on the other side  of the road.
------------- 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: wildfire305
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 1:52pm
|
"move the wheel to the other side" = right-hand drive ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 1:56pm
|
Wildfire: Looks like you and I have similar towing experiences. I used to have a Viking popup, and currently tow with an '04 Durango 4.7. Mine has 3.92 gears. What do you have? In my limited time towing the Pod with the Durango (just picked up the Pod this fall, and towed it about 800 miles total), I've not been real impressed with the Durango transmission. It was great towing the popup, but I don't like the fact that you can't lock it in 4th gear. Tow/Haul only locks it out of 5th. In overdrive, it tends to hunt for gears, but in T/H, the RPMs shoot up a bit higher than I'd like on flat roads (above information not withstanding). It also runs hotter than I'd like in the mountains. What's your experience? Sorry about butting in on this thread, but hopefully it's related enough to the OP! ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills." 
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 6:50pm
|
Ah, got it!
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 6:58pm
|
I just got it (the durango) a few days ago. Not sure on the rear differential. Is that on the door jamb tag? It doesn't even have the hitch on it yet. Early spring project for the hitch and all my wiring. I get to start over and get a different brake controller this time. The Odyssey transmission went the day after Thanksgiving and I bought the durango Saturday. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 03 Dec 2014 at 8:54pm
And you'll be installing a transmission cooler, yes? If it doesn't have a hitch installed, I'm guessing no tow package. Ergo, probably no tranny cooler. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 12:55am
|
All V8 Durangos of my vintage come standard with heavy duty trans cooler, power steering cooler, tow haul transmission shift override. Really the hitch and wiring is all it's missing. And brake controller. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Fly Pod
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 7:13am
|
Wildfire - I sent you a PM. ------------- 2015 R178 R-Pod 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 2005 Ford Escape |
Posted By: Bonjour
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 7:33am
| Thanks for all of the input. Good news/bad news. Good - my Odyssey can handle it and more RPMs is fine. Bad - I have 137,000 miles on it and keep hearing that Honda transmissions may fail. Good - I may get a new TV out of the deal. Its only money. Its amazing how these hobbies seem to have a cascading effect. |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 9:50am
Very true statement...I have been shelling out the greenbacks nonstop since the initial purchase. I guess it's like any other hobby, it's take some time and money to get set up, but once you have everything just the way you want it, hopefully, the debit account will resume normal operations. As far as your TV, if I understand this correctly, you are at or very close to the maximum limits of the rig so getting something with a little more headroom, increasing your load, power, and safety margins is not a bad thing. Additionally, more TV capability garners less stress all the way around which makes making things more enjoyable all the way around. Good Luck! Have Fun! ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 10:29am
|
All transmissions fail eventually :). If I had a vehicle that towed the camper very well, but I had to replace the transmission every 100k, I would still do it if the vehicle suited my needs more than any other. The Ody didn't tow it what I would consider "very well".
I totally agree with Podster - a lot of money will flow towards the camper for a while, but when you get it set up the way you want, it stops. True also about the tow vehicle. The Odyssey can tow the camper, but I never felt very comfortable driving it. Just seemed like the Odyssey wouldn't be a confident vehicle if something scary happened. I don't know if things will be better with my Durango, but it weighs a 1000 pounds more than the Ody, so that will feel a bit more stable. I have driven several truck and trailer setups at work, and towing with the F450 dump truck is my favorite. But not very practical for a family :). Seems the heavier tow vehicles will feel better towing. Someone else posted above said that power isn't everything, balance is more important. For example, a Mustang has a lot of power, but would make a horrible tow vehicle. Towing a 3000 pound camper with a 5500 pound vehicle will lend more control than a 4300 pound vehicle. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 11:00am
Wildfire: The tag is located on the glove compartment door (at least on mine). I've owned my Durango for ten years now. It's got over 150k on it, virtually all trouble-free miles. The transmission on these 2nd Gen Durangos is Mercedes Benz-derived (since Daimler owned Chrysler at that time). It's actually a very good transmission, but the lack of ability to lock into 4th is aggravating to me. The 4.7 isn't bad, but it could use a few more horses and foot-pounds when pulling the Pod in cross winds and up steep grades. ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."
|
Posted By: wildfire305
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 11:08am
|
That tag is missing on mine. I see evidence of where it was in the glove box. I might have give the VIN to Chrysler to find out or crawl under there and look at the pumpkin. While reading my manual, I noticed that it said tow/hual mode cuts off 5th gear and stops at 4th. It also changes the shift points. Is that a difference between 04 and 05? I'll have to go out for a drive and count the gears today between modes. ------------- 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8 OLD Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Odyssey 2015 RP179 "73b" OLD 2005 Viking Saga 2480ST popup |
Posted By: Mountainrev
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 11:33am
You're correct: T/H locks it out of fifth, stopping up-shifts at 4th. As far as T/H changing shift points, the consensus on a Durango forum I used to frequent when I first bought the Durango was that T/H did nothing with the shift points. My ten years of towing with the Durango would seem to bear that out, but it's a bit difficult to prove one way or the other. My Durango did not have a tow package, but as has already been mentioned, all 2nd Gen Durangos have auxiliary trans coolers. I added the receiver hitch and wired for brake/lights, so no real difference between factory tow package and mine at this point (other than larger mirrors on factory tow package). ------------- 2014 177 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Turbodiesel "I lift my eyes to the hills."
|
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 2:52pm
|
On Chevys the tow-haul does change the shift points, it holds it in a given gear longer before upshifting, downshifts more easily, and increases the line pressure to reduce wear on the clutch packs. It also modifies the "single tap on the turn signal" from 3 flashes to 6, and supposedly upps the alternator's voltage but I've never seen that on the dash gauge. Finally it activates a more aggresive engine braking mode. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 04 Dec 2014 at 5:22pm
|
It's very normal to not be able to be in the transmissions highest gear. And also normal to run at higher rpms when doing so. Think about it, your vehicle has just been asked to pull a combined weight of the vehicle AND the R-Pod. Definitely get an auxiliary transmission cooler, it will keep your transmission fluid cooler (burned-up, overheated fluid is what kills transmissions). Don't bother with highest gear, leave your auto transmission in the next to highest gear, unless climbing hills, then I recommend slowing down to keep the engine from getting near redline. If Jeep works through their issues with the new diesel (mostly electrical problems from what I read), then a used Grand Cherokee diesel would work good as well. It was on my very short list of SUV's when I was deciding what to buy. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: gkooris
Date Posted: 08 Dec 2014 at 9:00pm
|
We're towing with a 2014 Cherokee with a 6 cyl and the 9 speed auto. Plenty of time around 3k revs, depending on the terrain. Got 13.3 towing. Just the way it is. Geoff in CT ------------- When in doubt, go strong and wrong |