Introduce Yourself: New to R-Pod

New to R-Pod

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=9605
Printed Date: 27 May 2025 at 2:28pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: New to R-Pod

Posted By: SDTrialer
Subject: New to R-Pod
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 7:33pm

Just bought a 2013 176 R-Pod. I'll be towing with a 2006 Pathfinder with 250k miles. It's rated 6,000lb tow capacity. There is a sway bar but do I need pa WDH? Thank you. The mods are great ideas.

Replies:

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 7:44pm

Some will say 'certainly' while others like myself say it is your personal choice. We have an Explorer which has a similar wheelbase to your pathfinder. We have used only a sway bar and haven't had any 'issues' with just using that over the 25,000 miles we have traveled with our 177, crossing the midwest, through the Smokies as well as a lot of time spent in the Rockies. Both our '08 Explorer and our current '13 Explorer have towed well. Have even used my '94 F-150 with 309 K miles for real short trips, don't even use a sway bar when using that.

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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: Leo B
Date Posted: 02 Apr 2017 at 8:07pm

Welcome to the group!! Congrats on your 176!

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: OlyPA
Date Posted: 20 Apr 2017 at 11:21pm

I have a 2012 176 and have been towing it with a 2004 Toyota 4-Runner, the model with the V-8. I always use a sway bar after earlier towing experiences with other trailers and almost having my SUV whipped off a mountain road. Also, Washington highways get grooved from the studded tires and the wider spread of the RPod wheels causes the trailer to 'search' back and forth. The sway bar works wonders.

I have a weight distribution hitch, but to be honest, I can't always tell a difference when I use the bars and when I don't. I usually use the bars, but just because I think they are taking strain off the rear of the 4Runner. BTW, I only have one propane tank and one battery on my trailer.

So, in my opinion, the sway bar is a must, the weight distribution bars, not sure.

Enjoy your 176. We really do. We removed the stiff back pads around the dinette seating and just use bolsters and pillows. Much more comfortable and flexible.

Posted By: computerfixitguy
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 1:14am

I can so tell the difference. I have a Jeep, not as robust as almost anything I fear, but for me it's just squirly eithout it.

Posted By: ParPod
Date Posted: 21 Apr 2017 at 11:24am

Jato is correct...it's a personal choice....but if you decide WDH I doubt you will ever regret it.....just adds that much more stability IMHO.

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Bob&Margaret
2017 179
2016 Toyota 4Runner
2 sets of Golf Clubs