R-pod Owners Forum : New Everything... Need Advice http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New Everything... Need Advice Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 11:26:56 +0000 Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:17:37 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11577 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ New Everything... Need Advice : That was a good and detailed account... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=111274#111274 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11577
Posted: 24 Jun 2018 at 3:17pm

That was a good and detailed account of towing with the Escape. We towed our 2016 RP179 with a 2016 Escape until we hit ice with a cross-wind. My experience parallels yours. We now tow with a 2010 Nissan Frontier but at significant altitudes, miss the power of the Escape's Ecoboost engine. The escape is not ideal, but it can work if one is aware of the limitations.
]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2018 15:17:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=111274#111274 New Everything... Need Advice : We're home from our initial... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=111271#111271 Author: LMS
Subject: 11577
Posted: 24 Jun 2018 at 2:58pm

We're home from our initial 1200 mile shakedown cruise with our 2019 RP-189 towed by our 2017 Ford Escape.  Some of you were on target... the vehicle tows very well up to about 60 mph.  If good driving conditions, it can tow comfortably close to 65.  With a load leveling, anti-sway hitch there are no control issues, including when braking, up to 55-60 mph.  Cross-winds in excess of 35-40 mph are a problem but are an issue no matter what type of RV you have (I always parked my Class A in high wind conditions).  We traveled I-75 south from Michigan to I-40 then cut across the Smokey Mountains to I-26 south. So we did have real mountain driving but not the severe grades you would find on 441 through the Smokey Mountains National Park or out west.  Since the Escape has the select paddle shift option, I found that 5th gear was a comfortable level and maintained the engine around 2400 RPM (High gear, 6th gear just doesn't work).  And, cruise control was usable on all but the steepest inclines and downgrades.  Gas mileage averaged 15 MPG for the trip from MI to FL.  Only on the steepest inclines did I find it necessary to downshift to 4th gear to maintain speed in the truck lane without stressing the engine.  Downgrades were a breeze with only the occasional braking required.  We were able to keep all weights just under max except for the car's rear axle which is running about 40 lbs overweight, total weights are within range.  I think I can re-balance my load in the Pod a bit to get all weights within range.

Bottom line, if you are buying a tow vehicle to pull your Pod, don't select the Ford Escape, its #3500 lb capacity is undersize for an ideal tow.  If you have a Ford Escape and want to tow a Pod, do it; but with caution and full awareness of your limitations.

PS...  We love our new Pod (named it 2 Peas in a Pod) and are looking forward to our next trip.  The weather is a bit hot right now to enjoy local FL weekend outings but a couple of days on the beach is in our future.
]]> Sun, 24 Jun 2018 14:58:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=111271#111271 New Everything... Need Advice : My 0-60mph times could be measured... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109406#109406 Author: Guests
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 5:53pm


My 0-60mph times could be measured in minutes.....at those times that I could even do 60mph.

I've been scoffed at many times for preaching nothing less than a V6 with a 5K towing capacity (V8 & full size is better). I do so for a reason.

It helps to think ahead, as much as possible. There is no power to accelerate out of a problem - only brake. Plan accordingly.

]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 17:53:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109406#109406 New Everything... Need Advice : Yeah Buddy, and I'm sure... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109405#109405 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 5:38pm

Yeah Buddy, and I'm sure you had a good attitude but you were a safe tower. Not somebody reliant on karma.]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 17:38:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109405#109405 New Everything... Need Advice : It brings back fond memories... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109404#109404 Author: Guests
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 5:30pm



It brings back fond memories of "foot to the floor" and only able to reach 45-50mph at times. It was not fun. There is no way in H@ll I would recommend a vehicle like that. If a person really wants a Pod (like I did).....just understand what you are getting into with a small tow vehicle. You can get down the road but, I can just about promise, it will not be a pleasant experience.

Buying my Pod was very expensive. I had just purchased (new) the GMC Canyon in 2008. I purchased (new) the Pod in June-July 2009. In October 2009, I purchased (new) a Chevy Silverado 5.3 V8. My wallet was screaming!     




]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 17:30:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109404#109404 New Everything... Need Advice : David, You may be right:) There... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109402#109402 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 4:59pm

David, You may be right:) There is a ton of info on the interweb about towing with the Ford Escape, and most have towed the lighter Pods. My response was directed at the OP and the 189. He's at 80% without adding a single pound. At the risk of "patronizing", I guess best answer to a bad situation is a good attitude. Not being prepared. That's an afterthought. IMHO it's is an issue when a tow vehicle is at it's limits, we see it everyday on our highways. I see it in campgrounds. Honesty is a better policy than people pleasing.]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 16:59:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109402#109402 New Everything... Need Advice : I think I still hold the record... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109387#109387 Author: Guests
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 2:02pm



I think I still hold the record for the "most wimpy" tow vehicle - a 2008 GMC Canyon, 4 cyl., automatic, with a 3200lbs. tow capacity. It pulled my RP173 from central Indiana to Rocky Mts. National Park and back. It wasn't the most enjoyable drive that I have experienced. There were times when I could not maintain even the minimum posted speed limit on the highway. Headwinds were the biggest issue.

My position regarding tow vehicles is: There is what I would recommend, and then, there's "what ya got". Can it be done? Yes. However, as mentioned above, you'll likely be shopping for something with a little more muscle as soon as you can.

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1050&KW=Rocky&PID=9239&title=rocky-mountain-high#9239


]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 14:02:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109387#109387 New Everything... Need Advice : We started off towing with a 2012... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109375#109375 Author: ParPod
Subject: 11577
Posted: 19 May 2018 at 7:07am

We started off towing with a 2012 Toyota Rav4 Sport V6 w/towing pkg.  It was rated for 3500 lbs. so a similiar vehicle to the Explorer.  We also had a E2 hitch set up.  We were pulling our 179.  The vehicle did it but just barely.  We were always careful about what we put into both the Pod and Rav with respect to weight.  Tanks were always empty and with exception of the odd valley/hill we're pretty flat here.  I also had it on North Dakoka/Minnesota Interstates where we did alright as well......but it's pretty flat there too.
You're at your limit - no question but try it and see.  I suspect that if you decide to stay with the Pod (and you should!) you're going to be looking for a vehicle upgrade.
]]> Sat, 19 May 2018 07:07:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109375#109375 New Everything... Need Advice : Originally posted by mcarterThere... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109362#109362 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 11577
Posted: 18 May 2018 at 8:13pm

Originally posted by mcarter

There is a ton of acceptable tow vehicles out there, why cut yourself short and put yourself and others in jeopardy. It makes no sense to me.

Well, ....There is always a spectrum of risk in life, and individuals vary in their ability to handle risk, and risky situations.

 I don't personally think that driving an Escape automatically puts themselves and others at risk, and it's a little patronizing to say so, in my opinion. 

I agree that there are much better tow vehicles, but if this is the best one for them at this point, no one can say that they are wrong. They do have proper equipment - a tow package and a weight distribution hitch, and a good attitude.
]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 20:13:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109362#109362 New Everything... Need Advice : +1 - the rating is close but the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109356#109356 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11577
Posted: 18 May 2018 at 5:17pm

+1 - the rating is close but the Caravan as stated is longer and heavier. When it goes wrong there's not a lot of time to either change your mind or correct the bad decision. There is a ton of acceptable tow vehicles out there, why cut yourself short and put yourself and others in jeopardy. It makes no sense to me.]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 17:17:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109356#109356 New Everything... Need Advice : Your Grand Caravan is longer and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109355#109355 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 11577
Posted: 18 May 2018 at 3:17pm

Your Grand Caravan is longer and heavier than an Escape.  The OP needs to be careful NS TOW SLOW.
]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 15:17:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109355#109355 New Everything... Need Advice : We towed our 179 with our Dodge... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109353#109353 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11577
Posted: 18 May 2018 at 1:05pm

We towed our 179 with our Dodge grand Caravan for 3+ years. You can tow a pod with a 3,600 rated vehicle. We tower up and down the east coat, White Mountain of NH, Green Mountains of Vermont, Pocono Mtn in eastern PA. No problems and I feel safely.
I will admit it is a lot better towing with our Ford Pick up now. But it is all up to how you feel when you start towing.
]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 13:05:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109353#109353 New Everything... Need Advice : If I were you, I would call a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109351#109351 Author: ArenaBlanca
Subject: 11577
Posted: 18 May 2018 at 9:30am

If I were you, I would call a company that will rent a pickup truck and tow the pod back to Fla with that.  I know that Enterprise will rent them but they are a little pricey.   However, a couple of weeks of truck rental may be cheaper that car repairs, monthly truck payments, and/or hospital bills.  Better safe than sorry.]]> Fri, 18 May 2018 09:30:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109351#109351 New Everything... Need Advice : Originally posted by LMSI'm... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109335#109335 Author: Happy Tripping
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 3:40pm

Originally posted by LMS

I'm concerned about the Escape having the ability to adequately tow.  Its going to require a lot of effort to keep our weight at 3,500#;  We will be driving from FL to Indiana to pick-up our unit and expect to travel ~2500 miles over 3 weeks on our return trip.  

I would definitely prefer more towing capacity but out east, if you stay away from mountains with long grades, and you keep your speed down to 60 mph and your total weight down as much as possible, I think you'll do just fine and have a good trip. 

Then you can start adding weight to it if you feel you are doing ok.
]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 15:40:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109335#109335 New Everything... Need Advice : STRONGLY SUGGEST - Borrow a truck... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109333#109333 Author: SqueakyToy17
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 2:45pm

STRONGLY SUGGEST - Borrow a truck to tow your trailer home. The DRY weight on the trailer ALONE is 2700. Your vehicle tow UP TO 2,000. Never want to max out your tow capacity!

Get AAA before you leave if you decide to tow it with your vehicle.    ]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 14:45:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109333#109333 New Everything... Need Advice : We tow with a 2L EcoBoost AWD... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109331#109331 Author: Bucky Dutchman
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 2:35pm

We tow with a 2L EcoBoost AWD 2017 Escape with a load leveler/anti sway hitch ... but we have a 172. We are relatively light packers, keep it under 60 mph max, have encountered pretty strong crosswinds and HUGE trucks (3 trailers!) passing us and never felt in peril.]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 14:35:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109331#109331 New Everything... Need Advice : Thanks for the feedback. Wow...Looks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109327#109327 Author: LMS
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 1:08pm

Thanks for the feedback.  Wow...Looks like I'm sending a boy to do a man's job.  I'll let you know how my Escape handles the return trip back to Florida (if it gets that far).  Worst case scenario, my RP-189 will be for sale ASAP.  Good thing I'm saving a lot of $$$ over Florida best offer... I might actually be able to breakeven on this ill-fated buy.  Best case scenario, it might be workable for a couple who is in no hurry to get from place to place.  Still looking for someone who has towed a Pod with an Escape...  seems like a rare breed. ]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 13:08:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109327#109327 New Everything... Need Advice : I'll add my voice to the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109320#109320 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 8:41am

I'll add my voice to the chorus. I think you need a higher capacity vehicle. For a 189, I would be looking for something with ~~ 5,000(+) lb towing capacity.]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 08:41:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109320#109320 New Everything... Need Advice : Agree with texman. 2.5L I-4 FWD 1500 1.5L... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109318#109318 Author: Ghosthawk
Subject: 11577
Posted: 17 May 2018 at 6:50am

Agree with texman.

2.5L I-4 FWD

1500

1.5L EcoBoost FWD

2000

1.5L EcoBoost AWD

2000

2.0L EcoBoost FWD

3500

2.0L EcoBoost AWD

3500


Not enough, not for me. And not enough horses either.  We recently bought a used 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee to get that capacity up over the 5000 mark.

Figuring 3,000 for the trailer, food, clothing and you and your wife puts you right at max. Take nothing else, make no extra stops.

That tail is going to be wagging the dog. Add in heavy truck traffic or crosswinds and you have a recipe for disaster.
]]> Thu, 17 May 2018 06:50:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109318#109318 New Everything... Need Advice : I think you are at max for the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109306#109306 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11577
Posted: 16 May 2018 at 4:31pm

I think you are at max for the tow vehicle selected. Personally I would consider a change. I agree with LEO, SH towed with an Escape, right up to point of impact.]]> Wed, 16 May 2018 16:31:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109306#109306 New Everything... Need Advice : Welcome to the group!, Congrats... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109300#109300 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11577
Posted: 16 May 2018 at 2:38pm

Welcome to the group!, Congrats on your 189.

StephenH  towed with an escape, he should have some advise and words of wisdom for you.
]]> Wed, 16 May 2018 14:38:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109300#109300 New Everything... Need Advice : looks like that is the max load... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109298#109298 Author: texman
Subject: 11577
Posted: 16 May 2018 at 2:15pm

looks like that is the max load for the escape to tow?  is that correct? if you are driving to get it, you only bring what the escape can hold, which cant be much.  I would be very concerned with the ability of your tow vehicle. any way to change that at this stage of your plan? ]]> Wed, 16 May 2018 14:15:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109298#109298 New Everything... Need Advice : In two days we pick up our new... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109296#109296 Author: LMS
Subject: 11577
Posted: 16 May 2018 at 1:48pm

Embarrassed  In two days we pick up our new 2019 RP-189.  Will be towing with a 2017 Ford Escape w/ tow package and load-leveling hitch.  This is a down-size for us... we have traveled the lower 48 in a 34' Winni-Sightseer but this is my first experience with a towable.  My wife is concerned about the "small space".  I'm concerned about the Escape having the ability to adequately tow.  Its going to require a lot of effort to keep our weight at 3,500#; we are accustomed to packing everything we think we might need.  We will be driving from FL to Indiana to pick-up our unit and expect to travel ~2500 miles over 3 weeks on our return trip.  Looking for words-of-wisdom for our shake down tour!Confused


]]> Wed, 16 May 2018 13:48:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11577&PID=109296#109296