Towing Vehicle for R-pod 178?
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Topic: Towing Vehicle for R-pod 178?
Posted By: thegarrs@xmission.co
Subject: Towing Vehicle for R-pod 178?
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 7:35pm
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Howdy! I'm new to the Forum and new to trailering, so please be gentle... My wife and I retired from tent camping last year and bought a new (2015) R-Pod 178. We took six trips last summer, using her 2006 SAAB wagon to pull the R-pod. It has a stated towing capacity of 3,500 lbs, which we thought would work out with a lightly-loaded, 2,500-lb R-pod. It performed pretty well, but we have some pretty steep, long climbs out of the Salt Lake Valley (our home) to get to a lot of our favorite places. With the SAAB, we just kissed the "H" a few times, but never had to pull over to let the engine cool. The SAAB is probably getting too old for this and there are many places we'd like to go that are higher and steeper than we've gone. We'd like to get a vehicle that we'll have confidence in. Also, this would also be my wife's commuting vehicle, so she'd rather not have a pickup. In talking to friends who pull R-pods, we've gotten all kinds of often conflicting information. For example, one friend has an Xterra with a tow rating of 5,000 lbs, but he's unhappy with the power. Another swears by his Ford 150 truck. I've learned over the years to simply not believe dealers, so, coupled with my very limited knowledge of cars, trucks, etc., I'm in sort of a pickle. Ideally, we'd like to get a lease-return, low-mileage SUV (my wife's really not a truck person) that doesn't drive like a tank around town and has more versatility than a pickup. So, I thought I'd take a survey, of sorts, and see what experienced owners use to pull their R-pods. Any suggestions? Thanks, thegarrs ------------- John Garr |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 8:02pm
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While I would not necessarily recommend what we have (2016 Ford Escape SE with factory tow package and 2L Ecoboost engine, 3,500 lbs tow rated) as it would likely not meet your needs, please consider in any vehicle you decide to purchase to make sure it has a factory tow package. In our case, it did not only add the hitch, but added the transmission cooler and 4 connector wiring. I had to add the electrical brake controller, which meant running wires since the Escape did not have the electrical harness to support the controller. While it was not too difficult, it still would have been nicer had the connections been there. For example, a Ford Explorer with option 52T would have a 3.5L Ecoboost engine, factory class III hitch, transmission cooler, and 7-pin connector. That means that it should have the connector needed to plug in the brake controller. https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/16rvtt_ford_explorer_sep28.pdf - https://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/16rvtt_ford_explorer_sep28.pdf Just so I don't seem to be recommending one brand, here is a list that includes several: http://suv.reviewitonline.net/best-towing-suvs/ - http://suv.reviewitonline.net/best-towing-suvs/ ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2016 at 8:13pm
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Anything with a V8 (or diesel), and Factory Tow Package should do just fine. A mid size would be something similar to the Dodge Durango (or Grand Cherokee). Many more choices in the large category (Tahoe, Sequoia, Yukon, Escalade, Expedition, etc.....) http://www.autobytel.com/sport-utility-vehicles/car-buying-guides/suvs-with-the-highest-towing-capacity-for-2016-129968/ Currently saving up to trade my Nissan for a lightly used V8 Land Rover in the near future :) The Nissan has worked well, but you can tell the trailer is still back there when towing :( |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2016 at 12:25pm
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Welcome. I would go with at least a 5000 pound towing capacity, not only for the pod short-term but in case you move up to something larger in the future. Since you don't want a pickup, you'll be mostly looking at SUVs for that capacity. We jumped to a full-size SUV with a nearly 8000 pound capacity. While not necessary for the pod, to get a higher towing capacity so many components/specs will also be larger, and knowing we had trips planned over the Rockies I wanted something that wouldn't be underpowered on a long uphill slog with thin air. It also allowed us to move up to a large TT as our kids grew.
We use the TV for all it is worth, hauling wood & mulch & a car once, often hauling 6-7 people, snow plowing, and pulling other cars out of ditches. 4WD is a must where we live and nothing we owned had it, so it serves that purpose, too. Runs to Costco. It is also my daily driver although I only do that 3 days a week. ------------- 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: StephenH
Date Posted: 10 Feb 2016 at 8:52pm
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One thing to think about is whether the engine in the vehicle you are considering is naturally aspirated or turbocharged. It does make a big difference. In spite of our Escape only having a 2L engine, the turbocharger meant that the higher altitudes did not affect it as much as it would have a naturally aspirated engine like the one in our former Escape. Although the earlier Escape had a larger engine, it had less power and torque. We had no problems in our cross-country trip via I-40 even though we went to a little above sea level across the continental divide and Flagstaff's 7,000' elevation. I am sure you can extrapolate that to turbocharged V6 and Diesel engines as well. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2016 at 1:04am
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We have an 08 Explorer with a 4.0 V-6 and it works well for us pulling our 177. It is rated for 5000 lbs. We do know it is behind us when traveling across the Rockies. Currently have 150,000 miles on it so has a lot of life left in her. Our '94 F-150 stays closer to home with over 300,000 miles on it and 31 deer kills, I am afraid it would call more deer if we hauled our pod and I don't liken that thought in the least.
------------- 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." |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2016 at 1:26pm
31 deer kills? That's an awfully efficient hunting machine you have there.  And I thought the deer were bad around here.------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2016 at 2:35pm
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Funny thing is that all but 4 have been within a 5 mile stretch between home and work. For many years I only go between 30-35 mph on my way to work at 5:30 - 5:45 am but there are so many of them and with thick cover on both sides of the road they only have to jump out in front of my and WHAM ! One year I figured on riding my bicycle to work, big mistake! On my second day I nearly had a deer run me over, it was close, I yelled at it and still it nearly ran me over. The guys at work nicknamed the truck "deer slayer' a fitting name  .Only once has the truck taken a big hit as all but one have been hit with the front bumper. This was in 1998 and just had the truck for a week and the deer were in the "rut." I stopped on the road as I watched about 20 deer cross in front of me about 30 yards away. All of a sudden a doe came out of the corn field and hit me right behind the driver door. It put a huge dent in the side, stupid thing broke its neck - Ford tough I guess. Never got it fixed cause the owners didn't transfer insurance on it YET. So I always have that to look at and laugh. I have managed to go 2 years (not in a row) where I have been fortunate enough not to kill any, but that is a rarity. ------------- 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." |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 11 Feb 2016 at 7:27pm
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We started off pulling our Pod with a Chevy Astro van. It was a 6 cylinder and immediately we realized that neither the engine, brakes, transmission or cooling system could handle long distance towing . We bought a certified pre-owned Ford Expedition EL that had 30, 000 miles . It has the factory tow package and is rated for 9000 pounds. when we tow the pod, we hardly know it's behind us most of the time. We love it as an all around vehicle as well as an excellent tow vehicle. We have used it for several cross country US trips and it has been flawless. We get about 12 mpg when towing at reasonable speeds-not great, but reasonable for it's size and towing. We get about 18-19mpg during non-towing use. It is comfortable, stable, has plenty of power, brakes, cooling and transmission capability. You can easily seat 2 in the front, 3 in the middle and 3 in the far back comfortably. The middle and/or rear seats fold down to make a huge storage area.I would recommend it and would buy it again. Vann Evans ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: CampCat
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 10:35pm
I was looking at a VW Touareg Diesel. They tow 7000 + lbs and the diesel delivers great fuel economy. They are a little spendy but I believe it would be worthy of research. Just food for thought as I have not bought it "yet" ------------- Patrick&Deanna, Scion xB, Clark Vertex Hammock "PuppypPod", crosswind kayak Starting from scratch😄 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 11:08pm
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A little spendy? That is like saying an expectant mom is a little pregnant. However, if it meets your needs, it is your choice. Reviews varied widely, from 2 to 4-1/2 stars depending on the site. In any case, if you get it, you should have no problems towing an R-pod or even a larger trailer.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: CampCat
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 11:17pm
Lol, I hear you.  That's truly the beauty of an Rpod. Lite weight for sure. ------------- Patrick&Deanna, Scion xB, Clark Vertex Hammock "PuppypPod", crosswind kayak Starting from scratch😄 |
Posted By: CampCat
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2016 at 11:38pm
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Not to mention, which I forgot about, the VW and epa investigation. I only mentioned the VW because the original post requested more than 3500 lbs towing and not a pickup. Consumer reports had a so so opinion of it, as they do with many vehicles. I once looked for the perfect tow/commuter vehicle. I never truly found it. Perhaps it doesn't exist. I'm pretty sure I'll get the new Ridgline as the towing is increased and the mileage is supposed to be better. Although that doesn't help the original posting question. I was just offering food for thought. ------------- Patrick&Deanna, Scion xB, Clark Vertex Hammock "PuppypPod", crosswind kayak Starting from scratch😄 |
Posted By: Planetwister
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 12:17am
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I would go with a new Eco Boost Explorer if money wasn't much of a issue. ------------- GLORY TO GOD 2016 178 Hood River 2004 F150 |
Posted By: Capt Kidd
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 10:55am
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We tried towing our 179 behind my sisters Honda Pilot. Worked just fine except the gas mileage was horrible. Normally get 22 not towing but towing only get 11.
Our solution is to tow it behind our Dodge 3500 Mega Cab diesel. We now get about 13 mpg and don't even know it is back there. Also diesel is usually cheaper than gasoline now. |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 11:46am
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dodge 3500, now were talking with a real towing machine; except it should be a ford f350!!!! hogone
------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Planetwister
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 11:49am
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I towed my trailer home with my dads F-250 because I didn't have a brake controller for my F-150 yet and the trailer is so light and doesn't compress the leaf springs at all so it towed like crap! I also have air bags on my 150 with a self leveling kit so that helps with the ride too. ------------- GLORY TO GOD 2016 178 Hood River 2004 F150 |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 4:11pm
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If the money is not a real issue, I would recommend the Touareg TDI . I get 23 mpg mostly city, and a real 30 mph highway at 65 mph. I get near 15 mpg towing hilly highway at 65 mpg. No lugging. It never struggles. Someday I will upgrade to a small toy hauler nearer the tow capacity (7700 lbs). There is currently an across the board "stop sale" for ALL VW, Audi, and Porsche TDI diesel vehicles. But as mentioned, right now NO ONE can buy one from a dealer, new or used. March 24th is the day when the EPA and CARB have to finish their review of the submitted plan to "correct/fix" the software documentation problem and any emissions problems for the 3.0L Diesel V6 engines. VW is hoping that the fix submitted in February will be accepted, and not rejected as their previous fix for the 4 cylinder models. VW cannot de-rate or de-tune the engines in question to meet emissions, EPA will not allow it. The engines must perform the way the original vehicle Monroney Sticker said they would for engine performance and economy. So the current owners are not screwed, just annoyed. I already spent half of the $1000 VW goodwill money towards new tires. I still have $500 on a VW only cash card. Then when they finally achieve a "fix", they will likely have to pay penalties to the owners in the form of cash/rebates/buybacks which at this point is all unknown, but great drama. Seriously, I will NOT sell or trade my Touareg TDI, it has been awesome when towing compared to my previous tow vehicle (2003 4Runner). So far is has been very reliable except for a probable "dealer low competence" issue that was resolved in a week. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 4:14pm
I have talked with a lot of guys towing small campers (r-Pod and T@B) and universally, everyone gets about HALF their normal highway mpg when towing. The formula seems to hold up. My previous 4Runner would normally get about 20-21 mpg highway, and drop to 11.5-12 mpg towing the R-Pod 177 at 60-65 mph, and worse when travelling North to Vermont from Connecticut (9-10 mpg). With a 21 gallon fuel tank, I would have to stop before my destination to refuel.
------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2016 at 4:19pm
Yup. Works every time, including full sized 1/2 ton trucks. It's a function of the trailer, wind, speed and not TV, engine, etc. ------------- 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: TheBum
Date Posted: 14 Mar 2016 at 9:44am
| We're using a 2012 Toyota Highlander. We started off with a standard hitch, but the front end was rising a bit too much, so I installed a weight distribution hitch this weekend. We haven't towed the trailer much yet, but initial indications are that it will work quite nicely. I have a trip later this week where I'll do several hours of driving, so I'll be able to make a better assessment. |