You're not wrong. The right tow vehicle and the R-Pod loaded correctly, the WD Hitch isn't necessary.  I towed for almost 4 years without a WD hitch, and had zero towing issues. But I installed the Andersen WD hitch to reduce porpoising (bounce) and a good towing experience got a lot better. It was worth it for me. I towed the Pod almost 2000 miles a year. This year will be even more.

Please explain this. 

I have a 4500 # rated tow vehicle and often get along just fine without even a sway control, but do put it on IF there is some side-wind or twisty parts on the road.

Personally, with r-pods and a reasonable tow vehicle, I believe a wdh is not necessary, but that's just me.

"I am wondering if having more wiggle room over the 3800# of the 178 is a good idea? "

I have never heard anyone say they wished they had less capacity.  My F150 had the heavy duty tow package that allows me to tow over 11,000 pounds.  it gets 14 mpg if I keep it under 65, not a hint of sway, and is quiet and comfortable.  It is much harder to parallel park than my Smart car, but the Smart doesn't pull the Pod as well.

It will need the weight distribution hitch tho

Thank you for responding! The Santa Fe is my favorite but I was worried about it going through the mountains. We looked at a Nissan Pathfinder today since it is rated to tow a bit higher #6000; I am wondering if having more wiggle room over the 3800# of the 178 is a good idea? But really, the Santa Fe is my favorite. 

Thank you for responding! The Santa Fe is my favorite I was just worried about it going through the mountains and didn’t want to be creeping uphill at 30mph. We also looked at a Nissan Pathfinder today; I was intriqued since it is rated to tow 6000# it may be a better option to have more wiggle room (but I really like the Santa Fe, the best = )). 

I didn't look at the Jeep, as I am fairly negative on FCA for the last year or two.

The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer are real similar in most respects. Similar power and such. The Explorer is a little bit bigger in most dimensions, and also has significantly more cargo room. The Explorer also is better across the board as far as crash and safety ratings are concerned. I think the Santa Fe looks a bit spiffier, but I'd give the nod to the Explorer as far as specs and ratings go.

What engine is in your Jeep?

Got it! No, FWD!

Is the Dodge on your wish list a V6 or a V8?

Thank you, I think the Dodge is one of my top runners. I am struggling with V-6 versus V-8 so I appreciate your feedback...

Is the Dodge Durango on your wish list a V6 or a V8?

It goes over the hills with no effort at all but does down shift going up hill.  Car has an 8 speed auto and usually runs in 6th gear which is 1to1.  Sometimes it will go along in 7th gear and only gets in 8th down hill.

After looking long and hard we went with a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory trailer package.

Factory channels for roof racks (for the kayaks)

Listed tow capability was 5500 lbs.

It is a darker red color so I call it "big red" and people stay out of my way.

Have not towed with it yet, but in town it is getting about 25 mpg.

Inside it is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned, bar none. Seats feel awesome. Controls are nicely laid out. We paid 19,000 $ for ours with 90,000 miles on her. And then I bought the best possible extended warranty for the next 4 years.

Your mileage may vary, but thus far big red works for us. But we are still waiting on our pod.

 If I was in the market, I would look at the new Durango(5.7 V8) , or a slightly used Lexus GX460 (V8), they are nice SUV's. I already have my towing overkill, 2013 VW Touareg TDI (diesel). The VW Touareg is not for everyone, and I would NOT have bought it unless it had a huge powertrain warranty (it came with 10yr/100K). I wouldn't risk a used one unless it had a great dealership and warranty.

Someone already mentioned the older(2003-2007??) Toyota 4Runner V8. That was a sweet combo, but I think it was axed because it was competing with the Lexus GX470.