Weight distributing hitch
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=7447
Printed Date: 21 Jun 2025 at 2:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Weight distributing hitch
Posted By: les olvera
Subject: Weight distributing hitch
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:15am
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I have a Rpod 171 with a tongue weight of 700lbs, When I have the the Rpod attached to my Toyota Tundra it drops the level less than an 1" and it tows great. The question I have, is it necessary to have a weight distributing hitch? I have told by a veteran RVer that I need it, and I have been told by another Veteran RVer not necessary. Who ever has a Rpod 171 please advise. ------------- Les |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:49am
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First I'd question the 700# tongue weight. The whole trailer plus batteries and propane only weighs less than 2500#. Even with all three tanks + WH full, an unlikely condition, it's still under 3500#. 700 pounds TW seem way high. Second, the Tundra should not need the WDH. However, adding the WDH will greatly improve the ride by eliminating the porpoising when going over bumps and dips. So it comes down to this: though you may not need it, you may want it. ------------- 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: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 1:54pm
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Agree with Charlie. Maybe you meant 700 pound tongue weight capacity of the Tundra? ------------- 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: jato
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 2:57pm
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I believe the tongue weight on our 177 is around 300 lbs and that is with 2 full propane tanks and 2 deep cycle marine batteries. ------------- 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: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 6:59pm
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We towed a 171 with our Tundra. Didn't "need" the WDH but sure loved having it. Much steadier ride in windy conditions or when the semis blow by. Nary a wiggle. The Fastway E2 gets my vote. (Though there are several good choices) ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 7:09pm
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Not sure of the weight limit of the tongue on a 171 but I think 700 lbs. may be near the limit. ------------- 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: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 7:15pm
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As others have alluded to.. How do you know your trailer's tongue weight is 700lbs? I have dual 30 pound tanks, dual T-105 batteries, and a power tongue jack. 177 also has a fair amount of forward storage. We last weighed at 385lbs tongue weight. Ready to camp.
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Posted By: Commander203
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2016 at 4:03pm
My exact setup with our 179. I don't know if I needed it or not but sure do love having it. I've never tried towing without it. When we towed from Hamilton, Ohio back to Texas in September, no issues with wind or anything. Well I won't say anything, traffic around Dallas was a nightmare.  ------------- Mike & Erin 2013 Tundra 4.6L V8 (Tow PK) 2006 Honda Goldwing GL 1800 2005 Honda VTX 1800N |
Posted By: Appocalexx
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 6:30am
Dang 385 lbs huh? with all these numbers I can prolly guestamate my tongue weight right now lol ill have 1 deep cycle battery 1 30 lb tank and no storage. What you say? 200ish lb tongue weight. ------------- |
Posted By: jstrenn
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 10:30am
I would think your tongue weight is probably between 250 & 300 Lbs. It's always a good practice to have at least 10% of your total trailer weight as tongue weight to prevent trailer sway.
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Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 12:27pm
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I have a 177 with a single 30 pound propane cylinder and a single group 27 battery and a manual tongue jack and my tongue weight is 288 pounds ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 3:21pm
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I have a 177 and I doubt that I have over 300 pound hitch weight. I was getting a little sway until I moved some weight forward under the dinnette. Move it out after I get to destination. It is easy to load up the rear storage and the 177 only has a little storage under the right side dinnette seat. ------------- Walt & Lynne 2015 r-pod 177 08 F150 or 2014 Explorer Pinckney,Mi |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 3:23pm
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JandL, Do you have a wdh and if not how is your sway? That sounds personal!!! ------------- Walt & Lynne 2015 r-pod 177 08 F150 or 2014 Explorer Pinckney,Mi |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 3:56pm
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I have no sway bar and no weight distribution system and my trailer tows great. Look at the links on trailer towing dynamics and they will explain about the physics of towing. Go to “Reviews and General Information” Dynamics of towing” (posted 30 dec 2015)
http://caravanchronicles.com/guides/understanding-the-dynamics-of-towing/ http://caravanchronicles.com/understanding-the-dynamics-of-towing-pt-2/ This one has a good Utube video on weight distribution https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-advice/everything-you-need-to-know-about-towing-heavy-trailers/ ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2016 at 4:58pm
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