R-pod Owners Forum : Tow vehicles http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Tow vehicles Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 10:09:12 +0000 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 05:28:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=10723 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Tow vehicles : Nice looking set up! We hooked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105057#105057 Author: Leo B
Subject: 10723
Posted: 03 Mar 2018 at 5:28am

Nice looking set up!  We hooked on this winter and towed around the Lyndonville area, just to see how the truck towed the Pod in the snow...............................handled really nice!!!]]> Sat, 03 Mar 2018 05:28:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105057#105057 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by Woody.1Picked... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105051#105051 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 02 Mar 2018 at 9:51pm

Originally posted by Woody.1

Picked up our new R pod yesterday and had to go over Wolf Creek Pass right out of the shoot.
Added Sumo Springs and WDH. No sag on Taco. Pulled pretty good.

Hey! Looking good! Glad to hear everything worked out well for you.

Thinking seriously about heading out to your state with my rig this summer so the wife can visit her home town, Boulder.
]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2018 21:51:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105051#105051 Tow vehicles : Nice looking setup. Looks like... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105045#105045 Author: jato
Subject: 10723
Posted: 02 Mar 2018 at 7:51pm

Nice looking setup.  Looks like you have a bit more snow there than what we have in northern Michigan.]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2018 19:51:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105045#105045 Tow vehicles : Picked up our new R pod yesterday... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105041#105041 Author: Woody.1
Subject: 10723
Posted: 02 Mar 2018 at 2:41pm

Picked up our new R pod yesterday and had to go over Wolf Creek Pass right out of the shoot.
Added Sumo Springs and WDH. No sag on Taco. Pulled pretty good.
]]> Fri, 02 Mar 2018 14:41:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=105041#105041 Tow vehicles : I trusted my dealer to give me... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104714#104714 Author: rawest50
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 5:54pm

I trusted my dealer to give me what I needed. Brake controller and sway & load control. Watching the video makes me comfortable with the way they set it up. If you look from the side after hooking up it is a straight line from my PU through the Pod wheels. I do check my tongue weight and adjust. I do not put much in the back on the Pod. Maybe 50 pounds. I like about 300-350 pound tongue weight. ]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:54:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104714#104714 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by HaydukeThank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104711#104711 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 5:45pm

Originally posted by Hayduke


Thank you much!  One more for you: is your part number 610-47 or 612-47?  (the 612 seems to be the new model redesigned for the 3rd generation Tacoma, I don't know how long they've been available)
Thanks again


I believe the part number is SSR-612-47. You can call their tech support # 866-898-0720 and they will be glad to help you out.

Hope this helps.
]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:45:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104711#104711 Tow vehicles : Woody, your topic was really interesting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104710#104710 Author: lostagain
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 5:10pm

Woody, your topic was really interesting and, far from it being stormy, was really educational.  I for one, had never seen the calculated and measured effect of a WDH and it makes me feel a lot more confident in my decision to have spent the dough on an E2.  Now I understand better why it works so well.

Kudos for bringing up the topic!!
]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:10:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104710#104710 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by DavMarI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104709#104709 Author: Hayduke
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 5:03pm

Originally posted by DavMar

 
I went with the Black 47 density SumoSprings, just a few extra bucks over the Blue 40 and I figure the best of both worlds don't need the heavy duty Yellow 54. Been using them for over a year now and pleased with the performance. The only other suspension upgrade I've been thinking about is better shocks.



Thank you much!  One more for you: is your part number 610-47 or 612-47?  (the 612 seems to be the new model redesigned for the 3rd generation Tacoma, I don't know how long they've been available)

Thanks again
]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 17:03:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104709#104709 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by Woody.1Man... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104704#104704 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 3:39pm

Originally posted by Woody.1

Man I didn’t mean to start a s*#t storm. I like the idea of the sumosprings to give the truck less sag when carrying weight in the bed. I would get those and for sure the WDH. Once we get the trailer I will post a pic of how it looks. Should be next week weather permitting. We bought the trailer on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass and we live on the west side and it’s been snowing everyday on the pass. I’d like dry roads when I bring the trailer home. I’ll find out how it all handles over a Pass right out of the shoot.


Fear not you didn't start a sh*t storm, far from it. LOL

Just an open discussion of different opinions, as long as they are respectful nothing wrong with that and I'm sure everyone would agree. Smile


]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:39:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104704#104704 Tow vehicles : Man I didn’t mean to start a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104703#104703 Author: Woody.1
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 3:30pm

Man I didn’t mean to start a s*#t storm. I like the idea of the sumosprings to give the truck less sag when carrying weight in the bed. I would get those and for sure the WDH. Once we get the trailer I will post a pic of how it looks. Should be next week weather permitting. We bought the trailer on the east side of Wolf Creek Pass and we live on the west side and it’s been snowing everyday on the pass. I’d like dry roads when I bring the trailer home. I’ll find out how it all handles over a Pass right out of the shoot.

]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:30:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104703#104703 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by DavMarI think... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104702#104702 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 3:19pm

Originally posted by DavMar

Ithink we’ve may have gotten our apples and oranges mixed up on this subject, ifso forgive me.
It happens all the time. I misunderstand you, you misunderstand me, or we both misunderstand each other. It will all come out in the wash if we give it enough time and thought.
]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:19:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104702#104702 Tow vehicles : +1 to DavMar http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104697#104697 Author: mcarter
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 2:44pm

+1 to DavMar]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:44:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104697#104697 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by GlueGuyIf... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104691#104691 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 10:32am

Originally posted by GlueGuy


If the springs are compressed, and carrying the additional load, there is little difference. What I'm talking about is discussed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg


Great video! Thanks for sharing it and its one that I thinkanyone pulling a trailer should view. I completely agree with the video andyour conclusion. If you’re ONLY using an airbag system or a product such as SumoSpringsto compensate for trailer weight distribution you will not get the benefits thata good weight distribution hitch (WDH) gives you when towing. Even if you havean additional suspension system improvement such as the airbag or SumoSpringsit should not take the place of a WDH so we are in agreement. I too use theFastway e2 WDH system that also gives me additional anti-sway control which Ibelieve is very important. Any aftermarket shocks, airbag, helper springs, or aproduct such as SumoSprings should only be used as an additional improvement toyour vehicle suspension system and again not as a replacement for the WDH. Ithink we’ve may have gotten our apples and oranges mixed up on this subject, ifso forgive me.

]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:32:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104691#104691 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by DavMarI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104686#104686 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10723
Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 9:10am

Originally posted by DavMar

I will have to respectfully disagree with your conclusion in thatthere is a difference between SumoSprings and airbag suspension systems. SumoSpringsare a “passive” system where air bags are “active” suspension system.


If the springs are compressed, and carrying the additional load, there is little difference. What I'm talking about is discussed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBZu39pQ8Gg
]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:10:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104686#104686 Tow vehicles : rawest50, I also have a 2016... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104674#104674 Author: mcarter
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 6:10pm

rawest50,

I also have a 2016 Colorado, and there is not one pertinent post with my ability to tow, nice info, and interesting read. Appreciate conversation, end of the day, if vehicle is rated and capable - good to go.]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 18:10:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104674#104674 Tow vehicles : I have not read all the post and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104668#104668 Author: rawest50
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 5:29pm

I have not read all the post and not clear about the towing and suspension? I pull with a Colorado Z71 Off Road with weight and stabilazation. No problem with balance. My Jeep Unlimited with the tow package has no problem but I am close to tow capacity of the vehicle. ]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 17:29:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104668#104668 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by GlueGuySuper... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104663#104663 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 4:11pm

Originally posted by GlueGuy

Super springs or Sumo springs are no different in their dynamics than air bags. You would still have better vehicle/trailer dynamics with a WDH instead of any of those.


I will have to respectfully disagree with your conclusion in thatthere is a difference between SumoSprings and airbag suspension systems. SumoSpringsare a “passive” system where air bags are “active” suspension system. In allairbags you have compressed air inside which uses some type of bladder system.They work great as long as they are always maintained, correct pressure andsuch, and never have a puncture. Where as SumoSprings are made out of a type offoam which requires no maintenance and no worries about leaking from punctures.Unlike airbags SumoSprings, which replace your leaf springs rubber bump stops,only exert full compression under heavy load. The SumoSprings are used to help stabilizeand support your load which can only help not hinder when using a WDH. In no way have I foundthem negatively effecting the suspension stabilization but only improving it whichis what your after by also using a WDH. If you believe something like SumoSprings orairbag suspension systems don’t work when you use a WDH. Then I suggest thatafter you do a long haul with your camper reach under your rear wheel fenderopening and grab your shock and I’ll bet you’ll find it quite warm to say theleast. Its why many people upgrade their shocks or suspension systems using productslike SumoSprings or airbags with or without WDH when they are pulling a traileror hauling heavy loads. If you still don’t think either suspension systems workthen I ask you why do you think tractor trailer trucks use airbag systems? Ifthat doesn’t convince you well to each their own more power to you brother.

]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 16:11:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104663#104663 Tow vehicles : Super springs or Sumo springs... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104656#104656 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 3:06pm

Super springs or Sumo springs are no different in their dynamics than air bags. You would still have better vehicle/trailer dynamics with a WDH instead of any of those.]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:06:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104656#104656 Tow vehicles : will look into these. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104654#104654 Author: Woody.1
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 2:26pm

will look into these.

]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 14:26:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104654#104654 Tow vehicles : Hey Dave,Which model of sumosprings... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104649#104649 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 1:53pm

 
[/QUOTE]
Hey Dave,
Which model of sumosprings are you using?  I'm planning on installing some this spring, and appreciate any feedback you've got.
[/QUOTE]

I went with the Black 47 density SumoSprings, just a few extra bucks over the Blue 40 and I figure the best of both worlds don't need the heavy duty Yellow 54. Been using them for over a year now and pleased with the performance. The only other suspension upgrade I've been thinking about is better shocks.
]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 13:53:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104649#104649 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by DavMarTake... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104643#104643 Author: Hayduke
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 12:54pm

Originally posted by DavMar



Take a look at Sumo SuperSrings which replace your stock springs rubber stops.

https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/

I have them installed on my Tacoma run them with a WDH and am happy with the results. I also load my bed of the truck with coolers, storage chest and such. Never had any problem with overheating with running in the mountains that some with older trucks have experienced. If by chance you do look into added radiator or transmission cooler.
 


Hey Dave,
Which model of sumosprings are you using?  I'm planning on installing some this spring, and appreciate any feedback you've got.
]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 12:54:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104643#104643 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by Woody.1 Hey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104635#104635 Author: DavMar
Subject: 10723
Posted: 20 Feb 2018 at 11:26am

Originally posted by Woody.1

Hey gang,
First post here - we just bought a 179 and I’ll be towing it with 2013 4x4 Tacoma double cab with tow package. I’m having dealer add the WDH.
My question is should I get air bag suspension for the Tacoma? I’ve been searching in the forum, but haven’t come across any mention of using them.
Will have a couple of bikes and probably a cooler in truck bed. No serious weight.
Thanks,
Woody


Take a look at Sumo SuperSrings which replace your stock springs rubber stops.

https://www.supersprings.com/products/sumosprings/

I have them installed on my Tacoma run them with a WDH and am happy with the results. I also load my bed of the truck with coolers, storage chest and such. Never had any problem with overheating with running in the mountains that some with older trucks have experienced. If by chance you do look into added radiator or transmission cooler.
 
]]> Tue, 20 Feb 2018 11:26:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104635#104635 Tow vehicles : Thanks for the advice gang.I’ll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104601#104601 Author: Woody.1
Subject: 10723
Posted: 19 Feb 2018 at 10:33am

Thanks for the advice gang.
I’ll pass on the air bags and try it out.
]]> Mon, 19 Feb 2018 10:33:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104601#104601 Tow vehicles : +2 to what TT said. From what... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104591#104591 Author: StephenH
Subject: 10723
Posted: 18 Feb 2018 at 2:22pm

+2 to what TT said. From what I understand, you do NOT want air bag suspension if you are using a WDH. Both of them will reduce the rear end sag, but the air bags would conflict with what the hitch needs to do to transfer weight to the front wheels. Fastway (makers of the e2 hitch) has a video on the differences which may be helpful.]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:22:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104591#104591 Tow vehicles : Originally posted by Woody.1 Hey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104590#104590 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 10723
Posted: 18 Feb 2018 at 2:12pm

Originally posted by Woody.1

Hey gang,
First post here - we just bought a 179 and I’ll be towing it with 2013 4x4 Tacoma double cab with tow package. I’m having dealer add the WDH.
My question is should I get air bag suspension for the Tacoma? I’ve been searching in the forum, but haven’t come across any mention of using them.
Will have a couple of bikes and probably a cooler in truck bed. No serious weight.
Thanks,
Woody
+1 to what TT said. I have put some serious loads in our previous Tacomas and they've handled it very well (well over the 300-400 lbs of an R-pod). However, if you're going to use a WDH, that transfers a significant portion of the load to the front wheels. A recent vintage of Tacoma (like yours) with a tow package should handle "up to" 6500 lbs. A long-winded way of saying that I don't believe that you will need the air bags. Save the air bag money on some nice fru-fru for your R-pod.
]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2018 14:12:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104590#104590 Tow vehicles : The WDH should get rid of most... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104588#104588 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 10723
Posted: 18 Feb 2018 at 12:32pm

The WDH should get rid of most of any droop if it's installed and adjusted correctly.  I'm not an expert by any means, but from what I've gleaned, air bags probably aren't necessary.  Try it without for while and add them later if you think you need them.  A lot of people with your class tow vehicle don't have air bags or a WDH.

TT
]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2018 12:32:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104588#104588 Tow vehicles : Hey gang,First post here - we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104587#104587 Author: Woody.1
Subject: 10723
Posted: 18 Feb 2018 at 11:57am

Hey gang,
First post here - we just bought a 179 and I’ll be towing it with 2013 4x4 Tacoma double cab with tow package. I’m having dealer add the WDH.
My question is should I get air bag suspension for the Tacoma? I’ve been searching in the forum, but haven’t come across any mention of using them.
Will have a couple of bikes and probably a cooler in truck bed. No serious weight.
Thanks,
Woody
]]> Sun, 18 Feb 2018 11:57:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=104587#104587 Tow vehicles : excellent advice. thanks http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102098#102098 Author: zappapod
Subject: 10723
Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 7:54pm

excellent advice. thanks]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:54:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102098#102098 Tow vehicles : WillyBob, it might be prudent... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102097#102097 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 10723
Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 7:50pm

WillyBob, it might be prudent to test your S10 by towing a popup or fold down camper as you describe it.

I don't know if you could rent one for a weekend, but it could be cheap insurance that you're not making a mistake. It could still very well be that your S10 has issues related to being stressed by towing.

I suggest visiting an S10 forum, there must be a few, and gleaning some info from other owners.

Your 195Hp is not a lot, and the torque rating is probably similar. I owned a 2003 Toyota 4Runner  4.0L V6 for ten years, and when I purchase my first camper, I thought it was the camper that caused my highway towing issues (weak on hills and highway speeds). So I bought an R-Pod 177 thinking it was more aerodynamic, and guess what, the 4Runner was still not great at towing at highway speeds (65mph). I was in 3rd gear for entire trips (4 speed auto). I upgraded the tow vehicle instead of making another camper purchase.
]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2017 19:50:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102097#102097 Tow vehicles : Nomad....we found no solution... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102082#102082 Author: WillyBob
Subject: 10723
Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 4:26pm

Nomad....we found no solution to the overheating issue. Now the pod is winterized and sitting in the drive till spring when we plan on selling it and getting another Forest River product that folds down.  Sadly.  But, I do intend on having the the cooling system flushed before towing anything.  ]]> Sun, 12 Nov 2017 16:26:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10723&PID=102082#102082