Shopping for a tow vehicle
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Topic: Shopping for a tow vehicle
Posted By: Ninjamini
Subject: Shopping for a tow vehicle
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 10:47am
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Since my Acura RDX wont tow the R-Pod 179 I am going to get for summer I need to find a new TV. Which is ok as my wife's Accord is 8 years old with 175,000 miles. I want something that can handle the R-Pod without issue in the mountains and up and down grades. There is a 12% grade in my favorite spot in the smoky mountains. This is where i plan to go for the summer trip. So the question is what to get. I like my RDX and like the car like ride. I do not like trucks but have resolved to the fact that I may need to go big. Wife does not want a pickup. Well its her car. So here is what I am thinking: Honda Odyssey Ford Explorer Ford Flex Ford F150 Subaru??? Dont know the miles. I liked the Honda Ridgeline but they dont make it. Any suggestions. |
Replies:
Posted By: RescapePod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 11:03am
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I own a 179. TV is a Check k1500 PU. I would IMO not pull with anything less. On your list the best is the Ford F150. There are Odyssey and Explorer owners on her so they can input. Buy the biggest TV that meets your overall needs and exceeds the pods towing need. Be safe first.
------------- 2015 R-Pod 179 2013 Chevy K1500 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 12:22pm
Based on my experience towing a 172 with a Honda 4WD Pilot and a Camplite 21RBS with a Toyota Tacoma: Odyssey and Subarus probably too small. Explorer or Flex OK - stick with the AWD, not FWD. F-150 adequate, but overkill. My 4WD Pilot did fine on low elevation flat ground, but was straining climbing Rocky Mountains and your 179 starts out 500# heavier. Look for something rated at least 5000# tow rating with at least a 4.0 L engine. Stick with 4WD or AWD as opposed to FWD. Consider the Toyota Sequoia, Tacoma, or Nissan Frontier. The mid-sized pickups are a nice compromise between SUV and full sized PU. ------------- 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: JStrube
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 12:28pm
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F150 is a great tow vehicle. Totally over rated, which makes it great. Especially mountains. Won't stress it, super comfortable if you get upgraded model. I love the new explorers, not sure if it would be good to tow with. ------------- 2012 181G |
Posted By: MoPod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 12:57pm
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We have towed our 176 with both our 2000 F150 4x4 (5.7 V8) super cab and our 2014 Explorer Sport AWD (3.5 V6 Ecoboost) depending on where we are going and what we plan to do. Both do a great job, no big issues with either. I'll try to compare and contrast since we use both. Explorer provides greater creature comforts, rides better, gets slightly better gas mileage, more gears so less engine shifting, and runs like a wild animal. We haven't found the top end yet with or without rpod. My husband swears it would pull the rpod 100 mph (we haven't tried!) I like the F150 because you can haul more stuff, dirty stuff (firewood, bikes, paddleboat and such) and I use the tailgate as an outdoor kitchen. Its a little more cumbersome because of it's length, so parking lots can be a pain to navigate with the rpod. Although the 179 is somewhat heavier, I think either vehicle would do fine for you. It's all what suits you better in your towing and non-towing life. ------------- Bill & Nancy 2015 RPod 179 Previously 2010 RPod 176 2014 Explorer Sport |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 12:59pm
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A 12% grade? I didn't think that was even legal. Check out the specs on this sweet machine! http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html - TV
Oh my, the 2016 model will offer a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. Yes, thank you!
 ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 1:45pm
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For pulling steep grades at altitude, a turbocharger is nice.. and the F150 EcoBoost has a wicked good reputation among podders, and owners of other brands of TT, as a tow vehicle that needs to make no apologies about anything in the gas engine world.
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Posted By: J&Jcf
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 2:15pm
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I already had my TV (f150 5.4 v8) to tow my previous 5000 lb TT. The difference to me is you can haul extra camp stuff in p up bed and towing capacity. If you get a smaller TV then you absolutely need weight distribution and sway bar setup. I uses these with my big TT,but find them unnecessary when towing the 171 pod. My f150 has towing package and is rated to tow 10,000 lbs. If l would replace my current TV ,it would be a p-up with a standard v6 & tow package to tow at least 5000 lbs.I don't think I would need the 3.73 differential that current TV has. I tow the pod and previous TT at posted speed limits with no problems. ------------- J. - 2011 rpod 171 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 3:42pm
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My choice would be the F150 or the Explorer. The Ridgeline is nice but as has been said the engine needs a little more power, for one of the smaller 18 foot r-pods it would have enough power not the 20 foot. I have friends with a Explorer and they love it with three young children there is plenty of room. If you drive in the city a lot the truck may be a little more difficult when in a lot of traffic. When I lived in Miami with the traffic I preferred a smaller vehicle but a truck to has advantages you can see further ahead. ------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 5:53pm
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I like my F150
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Fly Pod
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 6:43pm
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I currently tow with a later model C1500 which would be in the F150 camp. When it is time to replace I, like Podster, will seriously look at the newer Colorado crew cab but with the V6 and tow package. My Escape wouldn't have towed my 178 very well long term. If diesel fuel was closer to cost with gas, I might consider the turbo diesel version.
------------- 2015 R178 R-Pod 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 2005 Ford Escape |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 9:46pm
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We have a 2011 f-150 with 3.5 v/6 eco boost that has 365 hp and pulls our 174 way better than our 2006 Chevy v/6 at about 190 hp. We have been very happy with it. Moe and jo ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 9:56pm
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Hmm, I have heard it suggested that even though diesel cost more at the pump, the overall cost is less to operate because diesel is 33% more efficient. How about it diesel operators? Is this true? Is it cheaper in the long run to own and operate a diesel rig? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 9:58pm
Holy Smokes! 365HP out of a V6, thats freakin awesome!  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 28 Jan 2015 at 10:58pm
When we first looked at the truck I ask the dealer if I brought our trailer to the dealership could we test drive with the trailer hooked up. He said just take it home over night and give it a good road test. We did and gave it a pretty good test. We bought it!!!!! Moe and Jo ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: retireclose
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 8:10am
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We have a 2014 Silverado 1500 5.3 and a 2015 179. This is an awsome combo. Two trips last year, Smokey moutains averaged 13.5 mpg, Yellowstone 12.9 mpg. No need for WDH, we do have friction sway bar. ------------- Gary and Jill Winters Bella Golden Retriever 2014 Silverado 1500 2015 R-Pod 179 -(SOLD) 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 8:26am
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Here is my two cents. We just recently went through the same hand ringing experience on which TV to purchase. We had a 2005 Chev. Tahoe with a 6,800 towing capacity. Mileage while towing was between 10-12 MPG at 55. After much consideration, test driving, reading reviews, etc. we purchased our first Japanese vehicle. The Nissan Pathfinder with a V-6 engine and a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. Fits our needs perfectly. I did add a weight dist. hitch, since the wheelbase is shorter than the Tahoe and certainly lighter. We have only towed it to the dealer and back, about 10 miles total to have the WD hitch installed. I ordered the Pathfinder with the factory installed towing package. Our brake controller plugged right into the harness that Nissan provided. The trailer when towed with the new hitch on city streets and on the highway towed perfectly, without straining the Pathfinder. Our in city mileage has increased to about 18 MPG. Up from about 12 with the Tahoe. The new technology in the Nissan is most impressive. My vote goes to the Nissan Pathfinder. Not overcapacity which will drive down mileage, but a decent compromise. Not to mention the backup camera which makes hitching up a breeze. Curious what you finally end up with and why. 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: 29 Jan 2015 at 9:07am
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Ignoring the pickup vs. SUV decision, the important factors are towing capacity, wheelbase, torque, hp. In that order IMO. I would go with 5000 lbs, 120 inches, 250 ft/lb, 250 hp, minimum numbers. ------------- 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: freezingalaskan
Date Posted: 29 Jan 2015 at 12:10pm
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techntrek,
I second your advice. I tow my 172 with a Volvo XC90 with 240hp 5000 lbs towing limit. I have been surprised at how well it tows. I always use the manual shift mode and never bother putting it in sixth gear. If you need to compromise like I do on what you use your vehicle for, then techntrek's advice is spot on. freezingalaskan ------------- Volvo XC90 '13 rPod 179 '16 |
Posted By: MikeGranberry
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2015 at 3:22pm
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I'm towing the 179 with a Buick Enclave. Nice luxury along with good trailer package. Sway bar system works well with trailer brakes. If we went to a larger TT, I would most likely go to a truck as TV. ------------- Buick Enclave 2014 Rpod 179 Interested in cycling & kayaks |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 01 Mar 2015 at 4:12pm
------------- 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: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2015 at 6:58pm
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I have done the calculations a few times to determine if it pays to have diesel. So far it has not come out with the additional cost of equipment and fuel. If I buy another TV I will do the math again. Some day it may work out for me.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2015 at 7:23pm
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You haven't said specifically what your budget is, and if the new TV must be new or can be used. If it was me , I would buy something that would allow for decent fuel economy when not towing, as well as leaving some tow capacity for towing a bigger trailer in the future. If you can afford a diesel, get one. Good economy when not towing, very strong pullers. Very high torque outputs, HP really doesn't matter much. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: ChinookPod
Date Posted: 02 Mar 2015 at 10:15pm
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Our 2010 F150 is like driving a chesterfield (aka sofa). Got 16 L per 100 km, sorry don't know mpg, but not much more than without trailer. Also like the tow/haul transmission that assists on the downgrades. ------------- 2014 RP171 HRE 2010 F150 |