Reviews and General Information: Rpod and Jeep Wrangler?

Rpod and Jeep Wrangler?

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Topic: Rpod and Jeep Wrangler?

Posted By: drax
Subject: Rpod and Jeep Wrangler?
Date Posted: 24 Jan 2017 at 6:44am

Hey all!

My wife and I are considering getting an rpod, has anyone towed one of these with a jeep wrangler unlimited? We have 3.73 gearing and a tow rating of 3500#.

I was searching this forum and I've seen people tow with the rubicon, but I believe they have 4.10 gearing. I have also heard from people with our jeep say its fine but they are on flat land. We would be taking a couple of trips from Maryland to New York (finger lakes region) and have a STEEP drive through PA.

So... anyone with a Wrangler 4 Door, 3.73 gears, who has been through the mountains: is this going to be a white knuckle drive or should I consider sticking to tent camping?

Also, I keep seeing "sale" prices on an rpod, there is a camper show near us next month. For an Rpod 179 new, what constitutes an AMAZING sale price?

Thanks!!!!!

Replies:

Posted By: cosmo751
Date Posted: 24 Jan 2017 at 7:45am

Over the last two years I have logged 20,000 miles with my 177 and 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It is equipped as you describe.

First off, in 2012 Jeep changed drivetrains, to a nicely energetic 285 hp 3.6 liter and 5 speed auto trans. It works well, but do expect to use 4th gear, not 5th for cruise. Gear down for climbs, and hold the engine speed down to 3500-3800 rpm. On a steep climb in the Rockies at 9-10,000 feet you'll see 35-40 mph at 3800 rpm, possibly less. Do not "beat" the engine by running it at a higher rpm.

Unless you go to a Ram 2500 with the Cummins diesel you are unlikely to do better than that. Yes, I'm sure others will chime in with their "yeah, but I..." responses. No one will truthfully tell you about pulling 65 mph up a 10,000 foot climb in 5th gear with a fully loaded RP 181 in their Honda Civic...

Consider changing the factory hitch for a Drawtite. Better kit and slightly higher capacity. Big plus is that its a bit longer which you will appreciate at hookup time.

If you already have the Jeep - go for it !

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"He not busy being born is busy dying."

Posted By: mooremg1
Date Posted: 24 Jan 2017 at 11:45am

I am unsure what constitutes an "amazing" sale price on the 179 but I can tell you what we paid for our 2016 model. Ours came with the air conditioner, convection/microwave oven, R-Dome and lift blocks for the axle. We paid $14,771 for it at Gillette's Interstate RV in East Lansing, MI last August.

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Sue and Mike

2022 Grand Design 23LDE
2017 Ford Expedition Platinum
2017 r-pod 179 (for sale)
2018 Chevrolet Traverse LT (sold)