New owner
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7468
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 12:00pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New owner
Posted By: Tetoncamper
Subject: New owner
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 8:33pm
| New owner of a 178. My tow vehicle is a Jeep Grand Cheeroke Eco-diesel with a tow package. I have absolutely no towing (much less backing) experience. Question is do I need to get sway bars??? I live at the base of the Tetons in eastern Idaho and will be doing a lot of traveling in the Idaho/Wyoming/Montana/Utah areas. In addition to mountains some of the areas are subject to gusty winds. Thanks for the input |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 20 Feb 2016 at 10:56pm
|
My opinion is that you should get a weight distribution hitch with sway control. What is the tow rating for your Grand Cherokee? I have a 179 and use an Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch rated at 6,000 lbs. We went from NC to NV and AZ and back to NC in December/January. I'm glad I had the hitch because it would have been a very different experience if I had tried with a normal hitch. We hit some high, gusty winds both on the way out and on the way back. As I mentioned in another thread, it is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 6:07am
|
Yes! I think you will be much happier and feel safer. Even with a full size truck the difference in towing with a WDH is better. I don't think you will regret buying one after towing with it and noticing the difference.
------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 7:37am
|
Welcome to the group! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 7:57am
Yes, you should get a combination WDH + Sway control hitch. Two popular options are the 6000/600 pound E2 from Fastway and the Andersen hitch. WDH will greatly smooth out the bumps and dips while the sway control will help with crosswinds and passing trucks. Both will go a long way to reducing driver anxiety and fatigue. Fewer white knuckles  .
------------- 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: DaveC3
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 9:39am
|
Welcome to the forum. I am also a new owner, we will take delivery of our 180 this coming Saturday. My wife will do most of the driving. She has never towed anything before. We are having the dealer install a Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch. My opinion error on the safe side. Good luck. Dave ------------- 2016 R-Pod 180 2015 Ford Explorer Limited |
Posted By: Tetoncamper
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 11:11am
| Thanks for the input and great advice. My diesel Grand Cheerokee has a 7200 lb tow weight so should have the muscle for the mountains but issue of sway control is a concern. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2016 at 11:20am
|
Your Jeep GC has the muscle, but will still benefit from weight distribution. WD is separate from, but often combined with, sway control. I recommend both.
------------- 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: Carlos&Alicia
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 9:54pm
|
Welcome. We too are owners of a 178 - 2015. ------------- Carlos & Alicia 2015 RPod-178 1999 Cadillac Escalade 2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50 Newfoundland/Collie Mix (Max) Shih-Tzu (Mia) Chihuahua/Pug mix (Foxy) |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 12:39pm
|
Go with the WDH. We pull with an Explorer with only a sway-bar and have had no problems even with cross winds that have exceeded 30 mph. However the wdh will give a smoother ride and when we upgrade to a newer Explorer will probably get one ourselves.
------------- 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: CozyPod
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 3:47pm
|
Welcome and congratulations!! ------------- David & Suzanne |