R-pod Owners Forum : 4-cyl towing thoughts? http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : 4-cyl towing thoughts? Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 07:25:33 +0000 Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:16:25 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11733 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ 4-cyl towing thoughts? : I towed an RP 172 with a 2010... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129844#129844 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 11733
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 8:16pm

I towed an RP 172 with a 2010 Honda Pilot using the E2 WDH for a year. The Pilot was Unibody and, since it was 4WD, rated at #4500 towing. In the year I owned the Rpod I had no issues regarding the WDH with Unibody construction. I definitely recommend using a WDH.]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:16:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129844#129844 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Here is my $0.02.There is no good... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129835#129835 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 9:20am

Here is my $0.02.

There is no good reason to worry about towing or using a wdh with a unibody vehicle per se. Unibody construction is very strong and stiff in a minivan or suv vehicle with C and D pillars which effectively make the vehicle body a truss structure. There is no great advantage to unibody construction in a pickup structure (like the Honda Ridgeline) because there is no roof structure to tie into.

OTOH, there is every reason not to exceed the tv manufacturer's specs, regardless of whether the tv is body on frame or unibody construction. If your tv manufacturer doesn't rate your vehicle for use with a wdh then you are essentially being a test pilot if you do so, regardless of the construction of the vehicle. 
]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 09:20:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129835#129835 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Dear Offgrid"I wouldn't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129833#129833 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 11733
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 8:39am



Dear Offgrid
"I wouldn't base my use or non use of a wdh on whether the rig looks level or not."

Altho level does matter somewhat, the reason for concern for a wdh is the unibody construction not levelness of the minivan. The manufacturer is silent on use of a wdh. I would like to hear from the knowledgable folks on this website as to the appropriateness of using a wdh on a unibody vehicle.
]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 08:39:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129833#129833 4-cyl towing thoughts? : one thing i've noticed is,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129832#129832 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 11733
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 8:38am

one thing i've noticed is, there are more names given to the two steel bars, than there are names given at a nursery. They are called spring bars (above) , transfer bars, friction bars, etc.. I think spring bar might be correct, but I tend to call them friction bars (thinking of the sway control). Somehow we all know what people are talking about. ]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 08:38:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129832#129832 4-cyl towing thoughts? : I would rank WDH as : 1) CONTROL... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129830#129830 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 11733
Posted: 15 Mar 2020 at 7:53am

 I would rank WDH as :

1) CONTROL - puts weight back to the front axle of the tow vehicle, where you steer from, and most of your braking power will be.
2) See # 1

There's no downside to a WDH unless you count $$$, proper setup, and which type you choose and how easy it is to connect and disconnect. For the R-Pods, the Andersen WDH is very good, and easy, but if I had to do it over again, I would just buy a Blue Ox WDH rated for the tongue weight for the R-Pod. Simply an easy way to connect and disconnect, provides WD and sway control. There are versions that do not require bolting through the frame or welding. the frame rail mounted clamp version is the best. And if you switch trailers and tongue weight is different, all you have to buy are the new spring bars. 
]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2020 07:53:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129830#129830 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by malkbean2I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129474#129474 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 25 Feb 2020 at 6:14am

Originally posted by malkbean2

I tow with a front wheel drive grand caravan without weight distribution hitch. Although it is perfectly level i get real nervous going up steep grades on gravel roads found at some campgrounds. i keep thinking i should practice backing up more.

I wouldn't base my use or non use of a wdh on whether the rig looks level or not. The purpose of a wdh is to move load from the rear axle of the TV to the front axle and trailer axle. The load on the TV front axle will inevitably go down when you hang the trailer on the hitch unless you have a wdh. Having more load on the front axle is even more important with a FWD than for a RWD or AWD vehicle, because greater weight equals more traction on the drive wheels. 

You might want to try adding a wdh to your rig and using it to increase your front axle load. Get the front axle load back to or even a couple hundred pounds above what it was without the trailer. Weigh your axles at a public scale so you know you are staying well within your TV's rated front axle load limit. Don't worry too much about how it looks. While FWD can never be ideal for towing, that might give you more confidence towing uphill or on low traction surfaces.  

]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2020 06:14:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129474#129474 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by ColtThe... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129457#129457 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11733
Posted: 24 Feb 2020 at 9:58am

Originally posted by Colt

The answer is a massive "it depends". The cylinder count is irrelevant. Displacement and horsepower matter. If the UVW is really 2000 lbs and you are careful mot to put more than 700 lbs if stuff in it, you should be fine. That doesn't mean you don't need a brake controller and you won't be revving 5k on some climbs.   
These days, I would revise that to "torque and horsepower" matter. In these days of turbo, and occasionally super charging, relatively small displacement motors can do impressive power. 
]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:58:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129457#129457 4-cyl towing thoughts? : The answer is a massive "it... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129452#129452 Author: Colt
Subject: 11733
Posted: 24 Feb 2020 at 12:03am

The answer is a massive "it depends". The cylinder count is irrelevant. Displacement and horsepower matter. If the UVW is really 2000 lbs and you are careful mot to put more than 700 lbs if stuff in it, you should be fine. That doesn't mean you don't need a brake controller and you won't be revving 5k on some climbs.   ]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2020 00:03:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129452#129452 4-cyl towing thoughts? : i tow with a front wheel drive... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129437#129437 Author: malkbean2
Subject: 11733
Posted: 23 Feb 2020 at 8:53am

i tow with  a front wheel drive grand caravan without weight distribution hitch. Although it is perfectly level i get real nervous going up steep grades on gravel roads found at some campgrounds. i keep thinking i should practice backing up more.
]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2020 08:53:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129437#129437 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Hi!I just wanted to say thank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129431#129431 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 23 Feb 2020 at 12:20am

Hi!
I just wanted to say thank you to all the people who weighed in with advice on towing our pod with a 4-cylinder Subaru Outback.We did it for a little while – even went up to the Sierras - we kept it light, it worked, but only marginally. So we were left with either going back to a smaller lighter folding trailer again, buying a larger TV, or… other. We opted for the latter. We sold the Pod last week and next week we go and pick up our brand spanking new Class B 2020.5 Winnebago Travato 59G. I think it’s a better fit for us all around. I really didn’t like towing. I didn’t like the inconvenience. It’s great when you get to where you’re going to drop the trailer and have just a car to drive around in, but there were so many places that we couldn’t find parking. We’d pull over to look for a place to have lunch and there were no places long enough for us. We drove to Banff/Lake Louise in the popup and no RV parking at Lake Louise, so we had to drive on. Etc. 

To me a trailer is best suited for point A to point B travel, dropping the trailer and treating it as your homebase. But we’re wanderers who go where they feel like and stop as long as they feel like, sometimes just overnight. Constant hitching and unhitching just wasn’t for us. I think a van will work best for how we like to travel. A van has the disadvantage of taking your house around everywhere when you want to go: to the store, restaurant, sightsee. But it’s only 21 feet long - a foot longer than a Chevy Suburban. And it’s not a wide body. It’ll be nice to have a vehicle that fits in one space.

So i’m leaving the group, but I wanted to thank everyone for your advice and opinions. I really did appreciate it.

Trish
]]> Sun, 23 Feb 2020 00:20:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=129431#129431 4-cyl towing thoughts? : To your two questions the answers... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117062#117062 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 2:11pm

To your two questions the answers are yes and yes. You have said you want at most a midsized suv. Most everyone on this forum that isn’t towing with a big truck really likes their wd hitch. You will too. They’re not expensive really. The antisway function is different from the wd function although many hitches combine them. The only caveat is to your question 2 for weight distribution, not antisway, not all receivers (the part that is attached to the tow vehicle) and tow vehicles are approved for weight distribution hitches. So when u upgrade tow vehicles, be sure to get a setup that is.

Glad you’ve found the type of camping you want to do, nothing wrong with keeping things light as long as that meets your needs. I don’t think really that gets you into a lower range tow vehicle though, IMHO you should look at vehicles with about a 5000 lb rating either way (and a 20 plus gal fuel tank). ]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 14:11:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117062#117062 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Yow! Lots of info to take in,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117054#117054 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 11:08am

Yow! Lots of info to take in, but I’m on board with it. So you think that even if we move up from the Outback to a beefier tow vehicle, it would still be a good thing to have - correct?  And the sway bar attaches to the trailer, so it would work with any tow vehicle - correct? 

We’ve gotten used to our creature comforts and we don’t boondock. In the three years that we’ve had the A-frame, we’ve never carried water. 2 gallon jugs in the car that we refill at the campground. The only places we’ve stayed w/o hook ups were Great Basin NP & Teddy Roosevelt NP, but they had water. Lots of campgrounds have some sort of water source – not necessarily at the site, but somewhere down the road is a faucet.  And that’s as primitive as we would get - never in the middle of nowhere. For me it’s a safety issue. (Funny thing is that when I proposed trailers to my husband, he, who is an old backpacker and backcountry camper who offroaded an old FWD IH Scout all over the backwoods of CO, chasing trains thru his teens-40s, said adamantly that he would never stay in an RV campground! Never! But the first time we did, and we had heat and an electric blanket, he decided that that was ok. Now, as we look at RV parks, he’ll say, “That one looks pretty nice”.) 

Things like a second battery would be a seldom-used luxury for us. What we have done in the NPs is just plug it into the Subaru and run the car for a while to recharge the RV battery.  It’s overkill as a generator, but we’ve only done it maybe twice.  But what I would be more likely to do is buy solar panels – the portable kind. I saw a YouTube once where the guy was extolling the virtues of being able to park in the shade and set up his solar panels out in the sun. I thought that made a lot of sense. Plus we wouldn’t be carrying the weight of the solar panels on top of the trailer. 

 So – probably never water in it – or maybe just a little for flushing. 
 And only one battery. 
]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 11:08:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117054#117054 4-cyl towing thoughts? : I love those old ads but don’t... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117051#117051 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 10:10am

I love those old ads but don’t try this at home 😀]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 10:10:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117051#117051 4-cyl towing thoughts? : A couple pictures worth a thousand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117049#117049 Author: tcj
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 9:14am

A couple pictures worth a thousand words on how a weight distribution hitch works.



]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 09:14:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117049#117049 4-cyl towing thoughts? : TrailerTrish, IMHO you really... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117040#117040 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 5:47am

TrailerTrish, IMHO you really do need a weight distribution hitch towing an rPod with something like your Subie, or even something like my Highlander. Towing safely isn't about horsepower, it's about handling weight. The truck that won WW2 for us, the famous deuce and a half that could carry nearly 4 tons of cargo and tow a artillery piece had a 90 hp engine.  

A lighter short wheelbase vehicle ends up riding way too light in front because the tongue weight rotates the rear of the car down around the rear axle, forcing the front axle upwards. The result will be poor steering and braking at best,  and can be total loss of of control at worst. 

But before you get a wd hitch, be sure your vehicle and your receiver are rated for using one. Not all are, and the wd hitch works its magic by creating a torque lifting up on the hitch and rotating the car down, so it creates an upwards twist on the receiver and on where the receiver is bolted to the frame of the car. 

A wd hitch helps redistribute the tongue load but it doesn't make the weight go away, so you still have to consider the tongue weight, trailer gross weight and total rig weight (called gross combined vehicle weight). For any tow vehicle you choose there will be maximum weights listed for all these numbers, as well as for its front and rear axles. 

And don't believe the tongue and trailer weight numbers that you see in trailer marketing literature. Those weights are based on a totally empty trailer with no propane and no battery and no water. The real loaded weights are always higher.

I saw you removed water from the fresh water tank that was there when you picked up the trailer. That was very good to do for your first trip, but unless you also drained the water heater tank you didn't lose 300 lbs, only 250. You have 6 gallons sitting in the water heater all the time, and water weighs 8.3 lbs per gallon. 

My 179 tongue weight is 570 lbs loaded, and the trailer is at about 3850 lbs,  but I boondock and have dual batteries and a full water tank. I take what I need to be able to spend a week at a remote site, and nothing more.  

Will you always be camping places that have water? If not you'll end up hauling water at least sometimes too. Will you want to stay somewhere without electric hookups for more than a few days? You'll probably need 2 batteries if you do.  A decent mattress, food, clothing, tools, a jack,so you can change the trailer tires if you have a flat, a solar module, a little propane grill, camp chairs, the list goes on... And don't forget the weight carried in the tow vehicle itself. Any weight behind the rear axle basically works the same as tongue weight. 
  

All this is why I personally wouldn't tow my trailer behind anything lighter than my Highlander. and then only with a wd hitch. It's great to try to keep the rig weight down but not so low you can't camp as you want. It won't change your fuel economy much if at all anyway, about 2/3 of your fuel is going to fight air drag on the big box behind you and only about 1/3 is rolling resistance related to the weight you're hauling. 

If you want to really know all your numbers you can load up your rig and run through a public scale, then use this online calculator and the max load specs for the tow vehicle and trailer to see where you are. I highly recommend doing this once. 

https://www.ajdesigner.com/apptrailertow/weightdistributionhitch.php


]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 05:47:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117040#117040 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by TrailerTrish Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117035#117035 Author: OldNeumanntapr
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 2:18am

Originally posted by TrailerTrish


Originally posted by offgrid

TrailerTrish, do you have a weight distribution hitch? Highly recommended if not essential towing an rPod with a lighter tow vehicle. I wouldn't leave home without mine towing with my Highlander. 
 We don’t and I’m not exactly sure what they are -  or perhaps I should say how they work. I looked them up, so I know what they look like now. Is it something that stays attached?  If so, can we attach it, or would we take it to an RV service place for installation? Or is it something you put on every time? I couldn’t quite tell from the pictures. 





A WDH replaces the standard ball hitch. It has an adjustable shank that transfers weight from the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the front axle, and some weight is transferred to the trailer axle. A WDH ‘locks’ the TV and trailer together, so to speak, and eliminates the bouncing ‘porpoising’ that can happen to the rear axel when traveling over bridges on the interstate. Most WDH systems also provide sway control, which can be much more beneficial than weight distribution alone. A good WDH makes towing a trailer much safer and much more easily controlled.

I couldn’t believe the difference from the standard ball hitch to my Equalizer hitch.

Hitching up is a little different than with a standard ball hitch but it’s not difficult. Some WDH systems preclude the ability to back up, but some do not. The Equalizer hitch can be backed up easily. Other systems that use chains have to be removed before the trailer can be backed up.

I had my WDH installed by a hitch shop, which added $150 to the cost. I got my Equalizer from Etrailer.com and they were very helpful. I highly recommend both Etrailer and Equalizer.

It is possible to install the hitch yourself but it can require special tools, and a torque wrench, which I didn’t have.
A properly set up WDH wil ‘level’ the tow vehicle so it doesn’t sit with the rear lower than the front. It really does make a big difference, especially if the TV is not significantly heavier than the trailer. For example, a full sized 3/4 ton pickup towing an rPod wouldn’t NEED a weight distribution hitch, but could still benefit from sway control.)]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 02:18:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117035#117035 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by offgridTrailerTrish,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117034#117034 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 28 Oct 2018 at 12:32am

Originally posted by offgrid

TrailerTrish, do you have a weight distribution hitch? Highly recommended if not essential towing an rPod with a lighter tow vehicle. I wouldn't leave home without mine towing with my Highlander. 

 We don’t and I’m not exactly sure what they are -  or perhaps I should say how they work. I looked them up, so I know what they look like now. Is it something that stays attached?  If so, can we attach it, or would we take it to an RV service place for installation? Or is it something you put on every time? I couldn’t quite tell from the pictures. 
]]> Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:32:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117034#117034 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by furpod As... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117019#117019 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 7:09pm

Originally posted by furpod

As a note.. the Toyota Land Cruiser, and it's Lexus twin, are, honestly, the best SUV's on the planet.

I have spent some time in a couple parts of the world where, if your vehicle goes down, there is a good chance you may die. Literally.

No Suburbans. No Broncos. No Blazers. No Explorers. No Pathfinders, Cayennes, Jeeps, Discoveries, etc etc.. almost 100% Land Cruisers. Age almost doesn't matter with them. The running gear has a long and storied history, many reaching 300K, with never even having the valve covers removed.

Truth to that - while the one I bought had been well-maintained (from the records, the prior owner was somewhat anal-retentive; he replaced stuff that really didnt need replacing), the spark plugs were still the original set (15 yrs old!). My mechanic said they still looked semi-reasonable considering their age. I replaced them of course. Amazingly well-built vehicles and a very comfortable ride. I'm sure some electronic stuff will go in the next 5-10 yrs but with what I have invested in it, that's ok if I have to spend a few $,000 to keep it rolling for another 100k miles. Driving it, it still feels like a new vehicle. Now if I only kept my collection of cassette tapes.....
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 19:09:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117019#117019 4-cyl towing thoughts? : LCs!? Very well jato. LC's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117015#117015 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 6:46pm

LCs!? Very well jato. LC's are massively overbuilt. Have you ever looked at one? I had a 20 ft 8x12 beam that had originally been holding up my house fall 10 feet onto mine (long story), got a very small fender dent, barely visible. There is a reason the rest of the world swears by them. There are some really bad roads in Africa and Latin America.   ]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 18:46:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117015#117015 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by jato Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117012#117012 Author: furpod
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 6:00pm

Originally posted by jato

Originally posted by furpod



No Suburbans. No Broncos. No Blazers. No Explorers. No Pathfinders, Cayennes, Jeeps, Discoveries, etc etc.. almost 100% Land Cruisers. Age almost doesn't matter with them. The running gear has a long and storied history, many reaching 300K, with never even having the valve covers removed.


Sounds like my '94 F-150 with 320,000 + miles.  My question is how would those vehicles hold up to 31 deer kills and even more 'hit and runs' to numerous to count?LOL


Many of them have hit camels and goats in pretty high numbers.. deer are rare in that part of the world... Oh, and the occasional land mine..
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 18:00:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117012#117012 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by furpodNo... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117007#117007 Author: jato
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 4:29pm

Originally posted by furpod



No Suburbans. No Broncos. No Blazers. No Explorers. No Pathfinders, Cayennes, Jeeps, Discoveries, etc etc.. almost 100% Land Cruisers. Age almost doesn't matter with them. The running gear has a long and storied history, many reaching 300K, with never even having the valve covers removed.


Sounds like my '94 F-150 with 320,000 + miles.  My question is how would those vehicles hold up to 31 deer kills and even more 'hit and runs' to numerous to count?LOL
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 16:29:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117007#117007 4-cyl towing thoughts? : You know what the say in Oz: if... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117004#117004 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 2:41pm

You know what the say in Oz:  if you want to go to the Outback take a Land Rover. If you want to come back...take a Land Cruiser.

Coincidentally I also own a 1994 Land Cruiser with only about 130,000 on the clock. They are built like for the end of the world, but not built to make work on them easy, or for efficiency. We call ours the Land Bruiser.  It's for sale btw if there are any interested parties out there. Just way more truck than I need anymore....and to be honest the ride is a whole lot better in the Highlander.

I get about 14 mpg towing my rPod with the Highlander (level ground, no wind, 62-ish mph). But I don't think that that number is going to be much different with any modern vehicle with an efficient drivetrain you choose, wind drag from the trailer dominates the hp requirements while towing, so there's really no changing it. By modern vehicle I don't mean something like the LC, that gets about 10-11 towing, but its got an old, bulletproof engine design and a massive drivetrain and frame not meant for efficiency. 

I'd recommend that you get the vehicle you want, and if that means getting something a couple years older that's fine, just get something with low miles on the clock.  In the first 15 years or so of ts the miles on the odo that matter more. If you're over 20 years or thereabouts then things start having to be renewed because rubber and plastic become brittle even if the vehicle hasn't been driven much, and corrosion starts to get into things. All of the maintenance on my LC has been of that nature: a bad fuel injector because the electrical connector lost its seal, a cracked plastic header tank on the radiator, that sort of thing. Nothing that strands you in the middle of nowhere though.

BTW, I did remove the valve cover on the LC when I got into the injectors, I needed a new valve cover gasket, the old one got dried out and was leaking pretty good Tongue.
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 14:41:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=117004#117004 4-cyl towing thoughts? : As a note.. the Toyota Land... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116999#116999 Author: furpod
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 1:17pm

As a note.. the Toyota Land Cruiser, and it's Lexus twin, are, honestly, the best SUV's on the planet.

I have spent some time in a couple parts of the world where, if your vehicle goes down, there is a good chance you may die. Literally.

No Suburbans. No Broncos. No Blazers. No Explorers. No Pathfinders, Cayennes, Jeeps, Discoveries, etc etc.. almost 100% Land Cruisers. Age almost doesn't matter with them. The running gear has a long and storied history, many reaching 300K, with never even having the valve covers removed.
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:17:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116999#116999 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Hi, Ben!Wow, 170k! My comfort... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116998#116998 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 1:07pm

Hi, Ben!
Wow, 170k! My comfort level says to keep it under 100k for a used car. But that’s less based on the engine wear than on the electronics. We had a horrible experience once with a Nissan Altima with about 80k. Was running great, but the electronics were getting wonky and the first time it happened was when we stopped to get gas in the middle of nowhere. My husband left the keys in the ignition when he stepped out to pump, and I left my purse in the car when I got out to go into the bathroom. The blasted thing locked its own doors, and both his key and mine were locked inside!  We had to wait forever for a rural tow truck to come and fidget the door open.  So I tend to equate age/mileage with wonky electronics. That’s probably not fair as a blanket policy, but once burned twice shy.  Ever since, if I leave my purse in my car to step out to pump, I always open the window before I shut the door! Always. 

 Still, that was ~15 years ago, 1998 Altima. Electronics have progressed.  I’ll keep senior Lexus SUVs in mind. Have never thought of anything that luxe, but it certainly appeals. :)
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:07:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116998#116998 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Trish - we ended up with a tow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116997#116997 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 12:52pm

Trish - we ended up with a tow vehicle that I never would have expected - an older Lexus GX470 SUV. Bought a 2003 that was in near-mint showroom condition with 170K miles for just over $10,000. Its basically a rebadged Land Cruiser Prad - v8 engine, super-comfortable. This engine/drive train is known to be Toyota's best, we expect to have it as a TV for the next 10 yrs. May not push your buttons but after lots of research we found that it was our best choice. ]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 12:52:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116997#116997 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by TrailerTrishThanks... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116996#116996 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 12:37pm

Originally posted by TrailerTrish

 Thanks for the tip!  What sort of mileage do you get? With and without towing? 

I like Toyotas, it’s just that I didn’t think they would lose their value the way Jeeps and the others mentioned do. But it’s a good point that they are better cars (IMHO), and I could probably comfortably look for an even older Toyota. (NB: I don’t want to start a war here because every car brand has had its dogs, and every car brand has had its stars. It’s just that certain manufacturers have more dogs and some have more stars.)

 Not sure how much of a workout it would get anymore, though. We’re in our 70s and winding down. I think the biggest trip would probably be from the Bay Area to Big Bend National Park and around the southwest.  But once I get it fixed up, who knows? I can’t tell you how excited I am to have something with a bathroom after three years with an A Frame. :-))
We have owned 4 different Toyota pickups over the years. Never had a single problem with any of them. If you're looking for a reliable tow vehicle, IMO you can hardly do better.
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 12:37:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116996#116996 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Thanks for the tip! What sort... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116993#116993 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 11:39am

 Thanks for the tip!  What sort of mileage do you get? With and without towing? 

I like Toyotas, it’s just that I didn’t think they would lose their value the way Jeeps and the others mentioned do. But it’s a good point that they are better cars (IMHO), and I could probably comfortably look for an even older Toyota. (NB: I don’t want to start a war here because every car brand has had its dogs, and every car brand has had its stars. It’s just that certain manufacturers have more dogs and some have more stars.)

 Not sure how much of a workout it would get anymore, though. We’re in our 70s and winding down. I think the biggest trip would probably be from the Bay Area to Big Bend National Park and around the southwest.  But once I get it fixed up, who knows? I can’t tell you how excited I am to have something with a bathroom after three years with an A Frame. :-))
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 11:39:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116993#116993 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Congratulations on your new acquisition.I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116977#116977 Author: offgrid
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Oct 2018 at 2:52am

Congratulations on your new acquisition. 

I went through pretty much the same tow vehicle search earlier this year, didn't want a pickup either.  I ended up with a 2012 Toyota Highlander with 80k miles on it, 4wd, 3.5 liter V6, tow package and receiver hitch. 5000lb tow rating.  All I had to do was add a brake controller. Mid level interior (leather and heated seats but no fancy stereo or nav system). Paid $16K for it. So, not quite in your <15K < 4 years old criteria but close.

And not to start a war on the subject but,... its a Toyota. I like Toyotas, never had one break on me in well over a million miles of driving various ones over the past 35 years. Can't say the same about the other brands you mentioned. And while this might be a third car for you, its probably going to get harder use than the others, and if it does break could strand you in more remote places.

Just my $0.02.
]]> Sat, 27 Oct 2018 02:52:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116977#116977 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Ok, folks. I took all of your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116975#116975 Author: TrailerTrish
Subject: 11733
Posted: 26 Oct 2018 at 10:35pm

Ok, folks. I took all of your comments to heart and decided to see what sort of ~3yr old 6-cylinder tow vehicle we could get for under $15,000. Turns out, quite a few. Not everything holds their value like the Outbacks. I’ve looked at a few Ford Escapes, Jeeps, Ford Flex, etc. None of them strikes me as a particularly great car (a Consumer Report comment on the Jeep model year I was looking at referred to it as the “last of the Chrysler bad old days“), but it would be a third car, strictly a towing car, not something to replace my husband’s beloved Outback. As long as it doesn’t look like it will leave us stranded in the middle of nowhere, has a few basic creature comforts, Bluetooth, recent vintage safety features and a back up camera, unloaded hwy MPG of mid-20s, I’m considering it. And I’m perfectly open to a private party car with a few dings on it. If anyone has a favorite SUV (no pickups) within these parameters, I’d love to know about it. (Ben Herman once mentioned a VW Routon, and they appear to be a rebadged Chrysler Town and Country van. That might be a good used choice.)


But having said that, the R-Pod 173 I’ve had my eye on for months had been going through some price drops on the dealer website. I was concerned that at a certain price point, someone else would swoop in and buy it, So I decided to make an offer, tow vehicle or not. We are in the Bay Area, it was in Phoenix, and it was enough under the max tow limit of our vehicle that I decided that would be OK bringing it back with the Outback. The highest point was probably the Tehachapi Mtns at around 4000 feet. 


We did surprisingly well – after we dumped 300 pounds of water - the RV lot had sent us out with a full tank of water!  It was driving like a slug when I realize what the problem was and did some quick math - 36 gal x 8.3 = “ackk!!”.  I do think the Outback is marginal, but I never thought that it was unsafe. We had a reasonable amount of pickup – not noticeably less then when we pull the pop-up.  We didn’t have to deal with big grades and we didn’t have any heavy winds, so I can see that those would perhaps make the Outback less than desirable. But for this trip, it went just fine. 


So it’s currently parked right outside our condo and I’m hard at work redoing the interior. But that’s for a different thread. This one is about towing and I’m still looking for a good solid vehicle... 


But I wanted to let you know that we are now the owners of a 2009 R-Pod 173 and I wanted to thank you for all of your insights and info for the uneducated.

]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2018 22:35:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=116975#116975 4-cyl towing thoughts? : Originally posted by TrailerTrishReally?!I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=111485#111485 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11733
Posted: 27 Jun 2018 at 7:01pm

Originally posted by TrailerTrish

Really?! 

I guess I am probably thinking about the old Mercedes diesels of my youth. We had a neighbor with one – it was circa 1962 - and you could smell it going down the block. 

Maybe I’ll consider one for our next car...
Newer diesel vehicles will change your mind about the noise & smell. That said, I think the days are numbered for diesel vehicles in general. There are some pollutants that are just really, really difficult to remove. There are even rumblings of phasing them out in Europe where they have been quite popular for decades now.
]]> Wed, 27 Jun 2018 19:01:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11733&PID=111485#111485