R-pod Owners Forum : Tongue Weight https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Tongue Weight Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:10:04 +0000 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:44:26 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1037 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Tongue Weight : Correct, anything listed as a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39393#39393 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1037
Posted: 10 Oct 2013 at 12:44pm

Correct, anything listed as a standard option is included, which includes the empty propane tank but no battery.  Just adding the battery and filling the LP tank will add about 90 pounds to the tongue.

http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/rpod/default.aspx?page=features http://www.forestriverinc.com/TravelTrailers/rpod/default.aspx?page=features 

]]> Thu, 10 Oct 2013 12:44:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39393#39393 Tongue Weight : Unless FR is different from... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39380#39380 Author: retiredtraveler
Subject: 1037
Posted: 10 Oct 2013 at 9:35am

Unless FR is different from other manufacturers, tongue weight is always given with nothing on it. That's due to a simple reason --- people load different size batteries (with different weights) on their trailer and ditto on propane --- one tank or two. A battery and propane will easily  add another 70+ pounds to the tongue weight.  A common mistake for newbies is that they don't realize how much weight is added to an RV once 'stuff' is packed into it, including the tongue.
   Now, because propane tank is standard on that unit, it's possible that is included. But battery is not a factory option. That comes from the dealer.
]]> Thu, 10 Oct 2013 09:35:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39380#39380 Tongue Weight : My understanding from talking... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39375#39375 Author: furpod
Subject: 1037
Posted: 10 Oct 2013 at 8:25am

My understanding from talking to them at the Indiana factory is it is with them. ]]> Thu, 10 Oct 2013 08:25:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39375#39375 Tongue Weight : Does the tongue weight of the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39365#39365 Author: TrinityTurret
Subject: 1037
Posted: 09 Oct 2013 at 10:28pm

Does the tongue weight of the 171 as listed on Forest River specs (225lbs) INCLUDE the battery and propane tank?]]> Wed, 09 Oct 2013 22:28:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=39365#39365 Tongue Weight : Thankyou for all your help, and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9200#9200 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1037
Posted: 22 Jan 2010 at 8:40am

    Thankyou for all your help, and we feel safe with our marriage no need for stronger wedding rings. Big smile   David and Danette]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:40:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9200#9200 Tongue Weight : what i was meaning to say about... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9195#9195 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 8:43pm

what i was meaning to say about the Liberty was that The hookup I had did sway but I'm thinking it was that the trailer was sitting higher.]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:43:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9195#9195 Tongue Weight : IMHO going with the class 3 was... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9189#9189 Author: Guests
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 5:04pm

IMHO going with the class 3 was a good move.  Experience has taught me that there are two areas in life where one should refrain from practicing excessive "thriftyness":
1. Your spouse's birthday
2. Your towing equipment
To do so might result in, what I refer to as - "heap plenty problems".  I'll define "heap plenty problems" as: Your spouse and/or your trailer may want to separate from you in, what I'll refer to as - "an unpleasant manner".  I'll leave the words "an unpleasant manner" open to your interpritation.
 
The tongue down and sway bars are both good suggestions. 
 
Hope to see you "out there"
]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:04:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9189#9189 Tongue Weight : Originally posted by rpodcamper.comI'm... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9188#9188 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 3:52pm

Originally posted by rpodcamper.com

I'm towing a 171 and started with a jeep liberty and had sway with that.  I did not get much chance to play with the what options to try as my wife totaled that vehicle.  I replaced it with a Chevy Trail Blazer and the sway did go away.  I did have to drop the trailer lower on the ball so try that. 


I have towed my 175 all over with my Liberty.  No problems at all.

Terry
]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:52:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9188#9188 Tongue Weight : I'm towing a 171 and started... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9183#9183 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 2:09pm

I'm towing a 171 and started with a jeep liberty and had sway with that.  I did not get much chance to play with the what options to try as my wife totaled that vehicle.  I replaced it with a Chevy Trail Blazer and the sway did go away.  I did have to drop the trailer lower on the ball so try that. ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:09:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9183#9183 Tongue Weight : The class 3 will at least give... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9178#9178 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 10:15am

The class 3 will at least give you the ability to go up to your vehicle's 350 lbs max tongue weight, so it wasn't a bad purchase.  Try the tongue-down configuration before you add a sway bar, if you can easily swap your tow bar around or borrow someone else's.  Mine can either go 2" up or 2" down by flipping it (and then moving the ball), which in my case took me from slightly tongue-up to slightly down.  No sway bar necessary.]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:15:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9178#9178 Tongue Weight : My main concern was the tongue... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9175#9175 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 7:36am

    My main concern was the tongue weight. Going to a class 3 hitch was able to increase the tongue weight capacity. We have the V6 3,500 LB. tow capacity, the class 2 hitch would have been fine with that but with the 300 Lb. tongue weight capacity of the class 2 , I wanted more to be safe. With trailer fully loaded at times we may be near 3,000 LBs. With the rule 10 % of trailer weight should be on the tongue we will feel safer with the class 3. Does anyone need a class 2 hitch for a saturn vue or chevrolet equinox Smile .    David and Danette]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:36:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9175#9175 Tongue Weight : If it is the 3.5L they will have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9174#9174 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 2:25am

If it is the 3.5L they will have a 3,500lbs. tow limit.  The hybrid version has a 1,500lbs. limit.

Terry
]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 02:25:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9174#9174 Tongue Weight : What needs to be determined here... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9173#9173 Author: yizit
Subject: 1037
Posted: 21 Jan 2010 at 12:54am

What needs to be determined here is how much your vehicle can tow and the hitch weight.  If your vehicle can tow only 3500#'s, replacing the hitch from a class 2 to a 3 isn't going to increase your towing capacity or hitch weight.  If you are having sway problems that is another problem and easily solved by using a sway control device and rearranging items in the trailer.  Also keep in mind the additional weight of the hitch going from a class 2 to a 3.  What is the towing limit on your Vue?]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:54:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9173#9173 Tongue Weight : You are right Terry when I checked... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9171#9171 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1037
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 at 10:09pm

     You are right Terry when I checked the tongue weight it was a little lower than the towing heighth when connected to our saturn vue. Guessing I would say no more than 3 inches. And yes I was having a little trouble with sway . We were traveling with a strong headwind at times and a strong cross wind, and when large trucks passed us the trailer would sway. I traveled before from Kentucky to Florida with the trailer loaded heavy in the front and it pulled very well no sway with strong winds and many large trucks. So I normally would not have that many things to pack inside so I was wanted to move the spare tire forward for the weight. I was always a little unsure about the class 2 hitch. With the class 3 hitch I ordered I feel better. Perhaps with the trailer actually loaded as we would for a trip and the tongue at the same height as the TV hitch I will have a better Idea of the tongue weight. Time will tell.        David and Danette]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:09:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9171#9171 Tongue Weight : Are you having sway issues? ... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9170#9170 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1037
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 at 8:24pm

Are you having sway issues?]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:24:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9170#9170 Tongue Weight : I was just wondering something.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9167#9167 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1037
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 at 7:12pm

I was just wondering something.  When you weighed the tongue, was the tongue at the same angle as when it is hooked up to your tow vehicle?  If not it could change everything.

Terry
]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:12:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9167#9167 Tongue Weight : I mounted the spare tire to the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9166#9166 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1037
Posted: 20 Jan 2010 at 6:05pm

     I mounted the spare tire to the front of the trailer with a bracket we bought from Northern Tool today. With trailer partly loaded no liquids, the tongue weight is now 298 LBS. So with that much weight I ordered a valley class 3 hitch with a 4,000 LB. trailer weight capacity and a 400 LB. tongue weight, we will feel safer now.      David and Danette]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:05:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9166#9166 Tongue Weight : Our popup wasn't the most... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9139#9139 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1037
Posted: 19 Jan 2010 at 10:59am

Our popup wasn't the most stable thing to tow.  After much experimenting, including taking the tire off the rear, I found the biggest difference came when I made sure the front of the camper was slightly lower than the rear.  Take a look at your rig when its fully loaded ('pod and TV) and see if the 'pod is nose-up, level, or nose-down.  Nose-up will give you sway, you should be level according to the experts but I still found I had sway, nose-down helped a lot.
 
If you take the tire off the rear you would do best to put it in the TV, or on the floor of the 'pod near the axle so it has little effect on the tongue weight.  I would play with the angle first.  However, I've tried nose-up and nose-down with our 'pod (first few trips out I hadn't switched my ball around to lower the nose) and I didn't detect any sway in any configuration.  Even w/o a sway bar - which was mandatory with our popup.
 
Let us know what kind of issues you are experiencing.
]]> Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:59:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9139#9139 Tongue Weight : Thanks for the question D&D.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9131#9131 Author: Guests
Subject: 1037
Posted: 18 Jan 2010 at 4:27pm

Thanks for the question D&D.  I don't know anything about the subject, but that's never kept me from speaking in the past.  Can I clarify?  The tongue weight was 268 by only removing the spare from the rear of the Pod (and not resting it on the front)?  I ask because if you remove weight from the rear, it will shift more weight to the tongue.  Also, could you mention your tow vehicle?

Others have posted some very good references on this very subject and are much more knowledgable than myself.  My "knee jerk" reaction would be to suggest moving up to a class 3, but there may be some additional things to do also.
 
Hope to see you "out there"
]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:27:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9131#9131 Tongue Weight : There is a little leeway in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9130#9130 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1037
Posted: 18 Jan 2010 at 4:14pm

There is a little leeway in what the hitch will take but I would be more than just a little worried about that weight.  That is cutting it a little close for comfort, for me at least.

Terry
]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:14:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9130#9130 Tongue Weight : I was checking the tongue weight... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9129#9129 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 1037
Posted: 18 Jan 2010 at 3:20pm

     I was checking the tongue weight on our 171. With spare tire and bracket the weight is 228 LBS., without tire and bracket it is 268. I did not expect that big of a difference 40 LBS. Our bathroom scale could be off a few pounds. I think with that difference the trailer would tow better with the spare tire moved to the front. I checked Northern Tools and they have a bracket for 25.00 to mount tire up front. I will try that and when trailer is fully loaded I will do a final check. We have a class 2 hitch the tongue weight limit is only 300 LBS. We need to be careful , may need to switch to a class 3 hitch I would feel safer. Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts.    David and  Danette]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:20:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1037&PID=9129#9129