R-pod Owners Forum : Let's talk MPGs

R-pod Owners Forum : Let's talk MPGs https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : Let's talk MPGs Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:52:10 +0000 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:16:28 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1301 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Let's talk MPGs : The thing that made my decision... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12171#12171 Author: olphart
Subject: 1301
Posted: 05 Oct 2010 at 7:16am

The thing that made my decision to opt for a Toyota Sienna over the Durango that I nearly bought, was the realization that I'm not pulling my pod all the time. So, while getting the same mpg as most, I average in the high twenties, (28 - 29), most of the time, plus the Sienna has little trouble with the 171

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2010 07:16:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12171#12171 Let's talk MPGs : To sum up (and bail out on this... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12135#12135 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 02 Oct 2010 at 6:54am

To sum up (and bail out on this subject) I think the following can be said about fuel milage/TVs:

1. If you want to get great mpgs on your camping experiences - buy a Prius or Civic and throw a pup tent in the back.

2. If want camp in a Pod (or any 18-20' TT), you'll need to have something with a tow cap. in excess of 3000lbs.

3. If you choose option 2 (above), most any vehicle you choose (in this class) will get about 10-12mpg towing and 20-ish when not towing. Forget mpgs (they are all about the same) - think performance. What kind of traveling experience to you want?

4. I have intentionally avoided diesels, as I feel they are in a whole nuther class of TV. Also, I don't know if I spell the word "diesel" corrrectly. It is "i" before "e" except in Budweiser...isn't it? This could be the topic of another thread; 24 hours in a day, 24 bottles in case.....coincidence or by design?

5. Some debate topics will rage on forever; Ford or Chevy, sweet or unsweetened tea, Ginger or Mary Ann? It comes down to personal situations/preferences. Does anyone know if they show "Gilligan's Island" on Hulu?

Till next time.......

PS - The answer is Mary Ann!

]]> Sat, 02 Oct 2010 06:54:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12135#12135 Let's talk MPGs : Originally posted by cane2I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12127#12127 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 at 4:28pm

Originally posted by cane2

I pulled my 177 up to Lake Superior last week and i filled the tank up just before going down Duluth hill and i had to drive 45 mph cause of construction for 20 miles then another 35 miles of since drive. I got 16.3 on that drive but before i got 12.9 driving 58 mph at 2500 rpm with a 3.8 Tc with a 20 mph tail wind. I believe that speed is the most important factor unless you are in mountains. I agree with Dixie's buddy. Problem is that at 45 mph on regular roads you will not make a lot of friends.

Thanks to you also, cane2! I had a simlar experience comming back from the Rocky's last year. On one tankful thru Illinois (flat) I got 17mpg doing about 65mph. I had a contant brisk tail wind of (est.) of 20-30 mph. The air "acted" as though I was only driving about 35-45mph. The air was not "pushing" me, as I was still outrunning it by the above numbers.

The Pod seems to act very well below 50mph. Something about the areo above that speed just ruins any advantage of the lighter weight. If FR could come up with a solution for this (maybe push that "critical speed" up to 70mph)....if they think they're selling a lot of Pods now...look out! There would be mobs of eager buyers pushing and shoving their way into the dealers to buy a fully equipped TT that gets 15-17mpg and gets , at least, reasonable performance with a smaller TV. I really believe aero is the problem and it will take an aero solution. Your mpg and rpms (V6-yes?) sounds completely in line with my theory (small engine, bigger engine, bigger(still) engine. Again, thanks.

PS - More than one person showed me that I was "number 1" when I was strggling to do 50mph on a 75mph highway!

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:28:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12127#12127 Let's talk MPGs : I pulled my 177 up to Lake Superior... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12124#12124 Author: cane2
Subject: 1301
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 at 3:16pm

I pulled my 177 up to Lake Superior last week and i filled the tank up just before going down Duluth hill and i had to drive 45 mph cause of construction for 20 miles then another 35 miles of since drive. I got 16.3 on that drive but before i got 12.9 driving 58 mph at 2500 rpm with a 3.8 Tc with a 20 mph tail wind. I believe that speed is the most important factor unless you are in mountains. I agree with Dixie's buddy. Problem is that at 45 mph on regular roads you will not make a lot of friends.]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 15:16:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12124#12124 Let's talk MPGs : Thanks for saying and affirming... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12123#12123 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 at 2:20pm

Thanks for saying and affirming what I am trying to convey. The size of the TV/engine really doens't matter (within reason) - if all a person looks at is miles per gallon. There seems to be no advantage to having a small TV. However, with the larger TV/ engine, you gain a lot of performance. A small TV operates at or near it's capacity. The large TV can handle challenges (hills, wind, etc) with ease, but milage will likely drop somewhat below the 10-12mpg that seems to be what most get, when using the extra performance.

Don't go out and buy a large engine thinking it will get better mpg while towing. The reason to buy the larger tow vehicle is because you want better performance, towing ease & safety, and longevity of the life of the engine and drivetrain.

Conversely, don't buy a small TV thinking it will save money. It will be straining it's guts out trying to get the load down the road, keep up with traffic and, road/wind challenges.

I may be burned at the stake for saying this but, the Pod is an 18' travel trailer and it "pulls" just about like any other 18' travel trailer. The lightweight advantage seems to be negated by aero forces above 50mph. As long as persons understand this and make an informed decision based on it, this is good.

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:20:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12123#12123 Let's talk MPGs : I have towed the R-pod with 5... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12121#12121 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 1301
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 at 9:33am

I have towed the R-pod with 5 different vehicles in the last year and half and found many different things. The one item that seemed to stay the same was the average MPG on the trailer. The differences was how hard the engine worked to get me there. I have pulled with a Jeep Liberty (6cyl), Chevy Trailblazer (6cyl), Ford Ranger (4cyl – 5 Speed Manual), Dodge Dakota (6cyl) and now a Dodge Ram 1500 (8cyl). All of them could tow it according to weight but some just worked harder. Only reason for switching so many times was jeep was totaled, Trailblazer engine keeps popping a fan clutch (4 in the last year but replaced under warranty), Ranger Traded in for Dodge Ram, and the Dakota was a test to see how it pulled but then found a great Ram.

The Rpod is a light-weight Trailer that many vehicles can pull but you still have the weight to move. I'm not too worried about the MPG I get as I look at what I have and where I can go with it. Much cheaper to travel with the R-pod than staying in hotels and eating out all the time.

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:33:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12121#12121 Let's talk MPGs : Originally posted by DavidIt... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12120#12120 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1301
Posted: 01 Oct 2010 at 9:01am

Originally posted by David

It says I get 79F. This seems to be about average; sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. In the winter, this number is much lower.

]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 09:01:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12120#12120 Let's talk MPGs : Just for the halibut (though I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12117#12117 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 30 Sep 2010 at 5:10pm

Just for the halibut (though I don't know why people do things for a fish species, but I frequently hear people saying that they doing something for the halibut, so I guess I will too) I decided to reset the onboard computer this morning and get a reading of an average mpg of my daily commute.

Sorry for the blurry picture. It says I get 79F. This seems to be about average; sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. In the winter, this number is much lower. The other number, 20.8, seems to be about average too. This represents about half driving on county roads and half on a busy six lane city street with frequent stop lights.

A little more real world experience....new TVs are not inexpensive. My checkbook is still howling in agony!

The smaller tow vehicle will do the job (I towed my Pod to the Rocky Mts. & back with a 4 cyl) and Lee's hints/tips/stratigies would undoubtedly help. MPG wise, do the math and come to your own conclusion.

]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:10:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12117#12117 Let's talk MPGs : Let me add to my own post. It... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12109#12109 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 7:49pm

Let me add to my own post.

It takes a certain amount of energy (fuel/gas) to move a given load (weight/wind resistance, etc.) over a given distance (miles). Since we are talking about the same load (Rpod) and the same distance (a mile is a mile) is will take roughly the same amount of energy to move it. I would find it remarkable if there were a large variance in mpg in the different tow vehicles.

When comparing the small vs larger TV, I can think of this example:

Imagine you are out of gas and need to push your 3000lbs truck one mile down the road to the gas station. Let's say you do it yourself and you burn 1000 calories doing so. But, what if I were to show up, see your predicament, and help you push it one mile to the gas station. That would be much easier! However, the same amount of energy is still required to travel the mile and the 1000 calories (same total amount of energy) is still burned (3000lbs over one mile). The difference is you burned 500, as did I.

Does that help?

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:49:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12109#12109 Let's talk MPGs : Originally posted by Butterfly_Lee Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12105#12105 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 5:40pm

Originally posted by Butterfly_Lee

Originally posted by Outbound

Agreed; what's amazing to me is that the mpg's all seem to be about the same, regardless of t.v. engine size (5.3L,4.8 l, 3.8L, etc.).

Don't forget, MPGs can be deceptive when they're low. For example, if one person gets 10 MPG while towing and another gets 12 MPG, the second person gets 20% better gas mileage.

Ok, So I have a 2.4L engine I get about 10 to 12 (twelve is flat land no wind), I have a 50% drop in gas milage when towing. Which means I'm no better off with the smaller truck then the bigger TV other than I get 20-22 when not towing.

Lee

Lee - In a word...yes IMHO. Last year I towed my RP173 with a 2008 GMC Cannyon 2.9L 4cyl. I got 11mpg 99% of the time. I typically drove at 60-65mph and the engine rpms were about 32-3300. With the TV I have now 5.3L V8 I was getting about 11-12 mpg towing the Pod - though I admit I didn't tow it much with the new truck. However, my engine rpms are roughly half (about 17-1800). Though the engine was smaller in the GMC, it was "working" twice as hard - turning nearly twice the rpms. This is why the mpg is about the same in either scenario. The 4 cyl were "firing" twice as often. By the way, I got about 24mpg (non-highway) when not towing with the Canyon and 28mpg highway.

My 5.3L gets about 20+ mpg, with a personal best of 21.7 mpg under the same circumstances as when the Canyon was getting 24. (I'll be happy to take a picture of the dashboard computer if anyone doubts.) Also, it has the horsepower and torque to pull the camper, uphill, with a headwind and the A/C on...no problem. In turning half the rpms, the V8 is likely to "live" longer, too.

I tried the small TV scenario and didn't like it and I didn't see where I gained squat! (Sorry, I call 'em like I see 'em). The mpg is about the same either way - in my experience.

Please understand that I am not "bragging", promoting any particular tow vehicle, or intend to be unduly harsh. This is my "real world" experience and opinion. I hope you take it with however many grains of salt you deem well and good.

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:40:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12105#12105 Let's talk MPGs : Originally posted by Outbound Agreed;... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12103#12103 Author: Butterfly_Lee
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 4:37pm

Originally posted by Outbound

Agreed; what's amazing to me is that the mpg's all seem to be about the same, regardless of t.v. engine size (5.3L,4.8 l, 3.8L, etc.).

Don't forget, MPGs can be deceptive when they're low. For example, if one person gets 10 MPG while towing and another gets 12 MPG, the second person gets 20% better gas mileage.

Lee

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 16:37:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12103#12103 Let's talk MPGs : Agreed; what's amazing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12095#12095 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 12:23pm

Agreed; what's amazing to me is that the mpg's all seem to be about the same, regardless of t.v. engine size (5.3L,4.8 l, 3.8L, etc.).

Don't forget, MPGs can be deceptive when they're low. For example, if one person gets 10 MPG while towing and another gets 12 MPG, the second person gets 20% better gas mileage.

]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:23:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12095#12095 Let's talk MPGs : Ditto - misplacedtexan - welcome!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12094#12094 Author: Guests
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 11:00am

Ditto - misplacedtexan - welcome! Check in often. I also agree, your mpg numbers sound about what most average. But, look at it this way; think of the spg (smiles per gallon) you'll get out of using your Pod. Happy camping!]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:00:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12094#12094 Let's talk MPGs : Agreed; what's amazing to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12093#12093 Author: psaman
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 10:59am

Agreed; what's amazing to me is that the mpg's all seem to be about the same, regardless of t.v. engine size (5.3L,4.8 l, 3.8L, etc.).]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:59:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12093#12093 Let's talk MPGs : Welcome misplacedtexan! Those... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12088#12088 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1301
Posted: 29 Sep 2010 at 8:11am

Welcome misplacedtexan! Those mpg's sound about right.]]> Wed, 29 Sep 2010 08:11:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12088#12088 Let's talk MPGs : I tow with a 2008 sliverado with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12082#12082 Author: misplacedtexan
Subject: 1301
Posted: 28 Sep 2010 at 5:35pm

I tow with a 2008 sliverado with the 4.8 eng. I get 10 to 12 towing. Even with this eng. it pulls hard at times, even on level road. Can not use overdrive.]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 17:35:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=12082#12082 Let's talk MPGs : I highly recommend that whatever... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10876#10876 Author: TIDALWAVE
Subject: 1301
Posted: 04 Jul 2010 at 11:36am

I highly recommend that whatever TV (with auto trans) you use towing your Pod, that you have
an auxillary transmission radiator on your vehicle.
I also have an RV. The transmission crashed after just 7,000 miles of simply driving the RV at normal speeds and terrain and not towing anything. I always assumed that an auxillary radiator was there for the times when extra towing was occurring or very high outside temps. But it appears that Ford radiators are not large enough to handle the auto trans heat output. It turned out that the fluid lines to the cooler were pinched at the factory and no fluid had ever gone through the cooler. The trans fluid still was sent to the main radiator for cooling but apparently that was insufficient. The fluid temp never got hot enough to 'burn' the fluid or send a signal that the transmission was overheating. But the elevated temps eventually damaged the transmission enough to cause it to finally break down completely. The transmission had to be replaced along with a new auxillary radiator. $5,000 dollar replacement...luckily the RV was still under warranty. But it took three weeks to get it replaced.
So don't assume that your standard radiator will handle the extra heat output from your auto transmission while towing your Pod.
]]> Sun, 04 Jul 2010 11:36:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10876#10876 Let's talk MPGs : When towing it would be a good... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10874#10874 Author: TerryM
Subject: 1301
Posted: 03 Jul 2010 at 4:21pm

When towing it would be a good idea not to use overdrive. That will cause your tranny to do a lot of extra shifting. Not a good thing.

Terry
]]> Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:21:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10874#10874 Let's talk MPGs : Good news for us. We were concerned... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10873#10873 Author: ToddsPod
Subject: 1301
Posted: 03 Jul 2010 at 3:19pm

Good news for us. We were concerned that our 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan didn't come with the towing package. We had the dealer install one when we purchased it, but they didn't do any other modifications. I spoke yesterday with the dealer and the parts and service guys at Spring Dodge in Spring, Texas about our towing doubts. They went through the parts catalog with me and showed me where the transmission cooler was located (included in all 2006 Grand Caravans, regardless of whether it has the towing package or not). It is the top portion of the A/C coil and there are two lines that run from the coil to the transmission. Other than the hitch, the only difference between a model with the towing package and one without is the auto leveling suspension. We don't have this on ours, but have reenforced it with suspension helpers (bolt on to the leaf springs to add support). So we are good to tow! No need to buy a new TV.]]> Sat, 03 Jul 2010 15:19:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10873#10873 Let's talk MPGs : Yes and also engine oil cooler,bigger... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10806#10806 Author: cane2
Subject: 1301
Posted: 26 Jun 2010 at 10:16am

Yes and also engine oil cooler,bigger radiator with 2 fans. The load leveling is NOT air controlled but works very good as i carry a mobility scooter in the back and a lift for it and the van handles it great. your best millage will be at 55-58 i have found. Just don't try and be the leader of the parade. I also do not use a WDH or sway bar.]]> Sat, 26 Jun 2010 10:16:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10806#10806 Let's talk MPGs : Originally posted by cane2Well... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10804#10804 Author: ToddsPod
Subject: 1301
Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 10:23pm

Originally posted by cane2

Well that MPG is not bad. My 05 TC gets from 10-12 and we have towing package. Out of overdrive 2500 rpm at 58 MPH. I have not heard of anyone really bragging about great millage with any tow vehicle.

You have the factory installed towing package? Do you know what is included in this? I have heard the following:

1 - Transmission cooler.

2 - Load leveling/height control suspension

3 - Heavy duty radiator

I have added suspension helpers to beef up the rear suspension and I looked into adding an additional radiator cooler. I'm up in the air as to whether or not I should do this. It pulled fine coming home from the dealership in Dallas and on our first camping trip. We may take it on a 5000 mile round trip to Oregon via Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks and I don't want to kill my transmission. I haven't gotten a straight answer from anyone, including dealerships, on what's included in the tow package.

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:23:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10804#10804 Let's talk MPGs : We have a Nissan Frontier as our... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10802#10802 Author: popgoesweasel
Subject: 1301
Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 4:21pm

We have a Nissan Frontier as our tow vehicle and are quite satisfied with it. It has plenty of horsepower and torque using the cheapest grade of gasoline and provides an MPG of 11-13 when running at 55-60 mph.

The Frontier model that we have (2WD V6 king cab standard bed) comes with a 5100 lb towing capacity. While towing, we run in drive with Over Drive turned off.

We recently completed a trip from Florida to Illinois and then to the Eastern Rally in Kentucky. We only had a ball for towing with electric brakes and will add an anti-sway bar for future trips. Weight distribution was not a problem, just the wall of wind resistance that the pod creates when driving above 50.

Spot #40 at First Eastern Rally

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:21:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10802#10802 Let's talk MPGs : Our 2008 5.3L Silverado extended... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10799#10799 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 1301
Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 9:14am

Our 2008 5.3L Silverado extended cab, with towing package, normally gets 16.5 MPG. We do mostly short drives, not a lot of expressway driving. I don't think it would get much better mileage than that on the x-way anyway.

On our trip from MI to FL last February, we took I-75 down and got exactly 12 MPG. On the way back, coming up I-77, which was much more mountainous than the trip down, and very windy too, we got 10.5 MPG.

We use the "towing mode" button. Although according to the figures in the owner's manual, it's really not needed due to the pod's light weight, it does seem to shift less in tow mode.

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:14:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10799#10799 Let's talk MPGs : Most people have found similar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10796#10796 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1301
Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 7:22am

Most people have found similar mpg drops with the 'pod. I get around 22 normally, and drop to 12 when towing the pod. I got about 16 towing our popup. The 'pod is several hundred pounds lighter than our popup and I notice it below 50 when wind resistance is less of an issue. But around 55 most 'podders find that they "hit a wall" and their reserve power disappears. Its all going into keeping you at speed which is why you get a 50% drop in your mpg. The 'pod may be rounded but you are still towing a big wall around behind you.

Check your owner's manual. Some vehicles have variable timing and can adjust to higher octane gas to get a few more horsepower out of the engine. Our Sienna does this. I don't know the exact gain in power from 87 to 93 octane but its very noticable on the throttle. I chuckle when I think about when we picked up our 'pod and took it on its maiden camping trip. Our Sienna is primarily a tow vehicle - camper and utility trailers - and so we always keep 93 octane gas in it. Well, my wife's car was in the shop so she was driving the van around for a week before we picked up the 'pod. She forgot and filled it up with 87 octane. We get to the dealership, hook up, and get down the road to the campground. Once we got above 50 I found I was nearly flooring it to get up small hills. Like ToddsPod I was thinking "oh great, we are going to need a new TV (tow vehicle)". Then it hit me, so I asked... "hey, did you put 93 octane gas in the tank?" "Whoops, sorry, no I didn't." "Ah-ha! That's why I don't have any power!" Since the tank was half empty I pulled into the next gas station and topped it off with 93 (so I probably had 90 in the tank). Still not full power but it was noticeably better when I got back on the road. On the next trip when I was able to use a full tank of 93 I had even more power. Moral of the story, you may have a stronger engine than you think so check your manual.

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:22:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10796#10796 Let's talk MPGs : Well that MPG is not bad. My 05... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10794#10794 Author: cane2
Subject: 1301
Posted: 25 Jun 2010 at 6:28am

Well that MPG is not bad. My 05 TC gets from 10-12 and we have towing package. Out of overdrive 2500 rpm at 58 MPH. I have not heard of anyone really bragging about great millage with any tow vehicle.]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2010 06:28:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10794#10794 Let's talk MPGs : We just got our pod in May and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10790#10790 Author: ToddsPod
Subject: 1301
Posted: 24 Jun 2010 at 11:14pm

We just got our pod in May

and are pulling with a '06 Dodge Grand Caravan. We bought it without the towing package, but had the dealer install the reciever hitch. I've heard various schools of thought and have asked more than one dealer about the differences in the vehicles that come with tow package installed vs. no tow package. The dealers don't know and some people say there is an additional transmission oil cooler that needs to be added, along with beefed up suspension. Others say the transmission cooler is standard on all models. This makes a difference in the towing capacity 3400 lbs vs. 1800 lbs w/out towing package. This vehicle is not made to tow, that's for sure. We picked it up from RV Max near Dallas, TX and pulled it home (270 miles). We were disappointed that our normally good gas mileage (22-24 highway) was drastically reduced to 9-10 mpg!

We are even considering upgrading to something with a few more horses. It is a little under-powered, and takes a little coaxing up inclines, luckily there aren't many of them in our region.

So my question is what do you drive and what are your mpgs (towing / not)?

]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:14:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1301&PID=10790#10790