Good point. The new F150s we have at work have Trans Temp Gauges. I've never seen one get hot but it's always nice to be able to have a visual reference.

This is a great article, thank you! I generally knew the upshot but this explains it well and simply. Another one for the binder. 

Woodmiester,

If by chance you don't know then you need to look into if your vehicle has a factor installed tow package? Because if it does then the chance are that maybe you already have an additional transmission cooler and heavier duty alternator that puts out more amps then the standard alternator that is sold with your vehicle that come with many vehicles that are sold with tow packages.

I am thinking of adding a transmission cooler also, just to eliminate future problems..  You are absolutely right about one thing.  "Slow down and enjoy the trip".

We recently went over Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mts. and there is one hill which requires a down shift into nominally 1st gear of a 5-speed automatic, with 3 shift positions plus an overdrive button.  We were in real second gear and pleasantly, but slowly made it up the grade with no problem.  [I know it was 2nd because when I pushed the gas a little too far it down shifted into real 1st.]  The nice thing is that you get to look at things you never get to see while driving.  We also added a transmission cooler just to be on the safe side, but I can't say I've noticed any functional difference in performance.

I have been thinking about upgrading to get more hp and torque. The 2018 Canyon, Colorado and Tacoma have more hp and torque. The way to go would certainly be a F150 or a Silverado but I'm trying to avoid the full size truck to get it into my garage. Do you think a later model Chevy Cplorado, GMC Canyon or Toyota Tacoma would make enough difference? The new Ford Ranger is about to come out and it will have the best performance. It it suppose to pull up to 7,500- but I would pay a lot for the new vehicle. However, I would hate to go through the trouble of getting a new or newer middle size truck and it still doesn't make much difference. The problem is- you really don't know the difference until you actually pull the vehicle.

Thoughts

Trike Man

You would be a lot happier with a V6 Tacoma. We pull our rPod 180 with a V6 PreRunner Tacoma and it is a perfect match. Plenty of power for the job. Fuel mileage is between 10.5 and 13, so the range is around 200 miles on a tankful.

I notice its max tongue weight is 640 lbs. I'm currently right around the Highlander's 550lb tongue weight limit with full fresh water and two golf cart batteries, but with only one propane tank on the tongue. Lots of folks prefer two tanks for boondocking, myself included, but I'd be close to 600 lbs then which is a bit higher than I'd like on the Highlander. You should be fine with the Taco but I'm sure it will continue to ride better for you with the wd hitch.

One other consideration on the 179 while we're on the topic of loading and weight distribution. The axles on the rPods are rated at 3500 lbs. If you're fully loaded in a 179 you're not too far off that figure. When you tension your wd hitch it adds to the rear axle load (about 20% of the tension on the hitch shows up as load on the axle). I've weighed mine with the hitch tensioned and I'm at about 3450 lbs on the trailer axle. So you don't want to overtension the wd hitch.  Just something to be aware of. 

Have fun!

Agree with your decision. We had a V6 Rav that my wife loved but we sold it when we got a 179. Originally towed it with a Honda Ridgeline (rated for 5,000 lbs towing) but it too was underpowered. Now towing with an older Lexus GX470 with a V8. LOVE this vehicle - a friend of mine tows a Casita with a Tacoma and is very happy with it.

The folks I bought my 179 from originally towed with a RAV 4V6, sold it and bought a F150. In addition to the issues raised by mcarter, their other complaint was the small fuel tank capacity. You will get around 14 mpg towing, they told me that they had to stop for gas about every 130-150 miles or so.