Tow Vehicle Question
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 10:29am
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Topic: Tow Vehicle Question
Posted By: Patriot Dave
Subject: Tow Vehicle Question
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 8:32pm
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I am a Newbie to the forum and plan on purchasing and Rpod by spring time. Not yet sure which model.
I am hoping to tow it with an 4.0 V-6, 2006 Ford Ranger, 4 x 4 Super Cab STX Truck. The truck has a factory tow package. I am pretty sure the truck is capable of handling the load however, I do not want to be out on the e-e-way crawling along at 50 mph. I am assuming I can run 65 plus mph without any issues other than gas mileage??? Is there anybody here on the forum with a similar tow vehicle that can give me a bit of feed back? Thanks Dave ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 9:45pm
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We tow with a 2011 Ford Ranger Super Cab powered with a V6 4.0. It's a 1/2 ton version rated at 5,800 lbs tow capacity, and equipped with a factory tow package. We are starting our 3rd season with a 178, so far no problem, however, admittedly we camp at the coast a lot so its like 800'ASL down to 0'ASL and back. We are scheduled to try a little something more challenging this year with a trip to Palo Duro Canyon SP and expecting that will be no problem. So anyway, I think success with a Ford Ranger as a TV depends on two things. 1) The model and specs of the Ranger, and 2) where you want to go with it. Some of them certainly have the payload capacity, but all of them are just a little under powered for the job. It will get you there, but your going to work it. All that said, we maintain 60-65 mph (max rated tire speed) with no problem. We keep the OD off and the rpms between 2500-2800. When we approach hills we try to get a jump and make sure the engine is cracked up enough to ensure good torque on the climb. It's not hard to do, just takes a little getting used to. We have no problem maintaining speed up some of the long mild grades up in the Texas Hill Country. MPG runs between 12-14. Good luck Sir. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Patriot Dave
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:00pm
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Thanks for the reply.
It sounds like we both have pretty much the same set up. Have you been out on the freeway yet and if so what seemed to be a good cruising speed or top speed? Thanks ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:09pm
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Well, ours is not a 4x4 and 4wd models have a little lower tow capacity. Usually because of the added weight that the 4wd train brings. Yes, have done a lot of free way time. Towed it all the way back from the dealer in Iowa to San Antonio. We like cruising at 60, but don't have any problem cruising at 65 at times. It's pretty unusual that we enter the 70mph mark. Not because of power, but overall handling feels better at 60-65. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:14pm
Here is a pic of our setup... ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Patriot Dave
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:18pm
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Podster
I missed the 4 x 4 difference. Thanks for the pic. I am thinking I will be okay for this our first year. And I understand your comments about it feeling better at 60 - 65. Thank You for the reply and if you think of anything else that might be helpful to me please post to me again. ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:19pm
Patriot Dave, Most campers like to cruise about 60 MPH. Higher speeds really eat into gas mileage. Since the HP required to pull your parachute like camper through the air is proportional to the SQUARE of the speed, it takes 36% more power to tow at 70 vs 60. That roughly takes 13 mpg down to 9.5 mpg.  ------------- 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: Patriot Dave
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:20pm
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Understood Sir
Thank You ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Posted By: Nozenji
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:32pm
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CharlieM - Interesting, good response, can you give that calculation in formula form ? Thanks ! ------------- Not all who wander are lost |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:40pm
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We aren't a whole lot different than you with our '08 Explorer with a 4.0 V-6. We have hauled our pod out west twice, south once, east once and a lot in the UP of Michigan. Mileage is 12 overall. And we don't take it above 65 either, might take a bit longer to get to the destination but at least we get there and not stressed trying to keep up to the Formula Ones, flying by as if we are sitting still.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |