R-pod Owners Forum : Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 15:31:42 +0000 Sat, 10 Apr 2021 22:36:15 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14526 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Originally posted by mjlrpodAll... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141563#141563 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14526
Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 10:36pm

Originally posted by mjlrpod

All the times you have posted about these mirrors, I would look and say " nah, I don't need those", but I finally gave in. They are on order. Mostly i'm hoping they help me see when backing into a site. My back up
 camera is great for when i'm on the road.
They help in seeing what the trailer is doing. I don't have a backup camera on the trailer, so I can't compare the view each gives. I look forward to reading your report when you get them, install them, and test them.
]]> Sat, 10 Apr 2021 22:36:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141563#141563 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Yeah I can just imagine the state... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141555#141555 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14526
Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 5:37pm

Yeah I can just imagine the state governments' specs for rear facing cameras to meet blind spot requirements. Resolution, field of view, display sizes and daylight visibility brightness specs. ]]> Sat, 10 Apr 2021 17:37:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141555#141555 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Originally posted by offgridSeems... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141549#141549 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 14526
Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 2:19pm


Originally posted by offgrid


Seems like it should say something like "reflect a view of the entire roadway beginning at most 200 feet behind the vehicle". That would require mirrors to be set wide enough so that the view from the two mirrors overlaps withing 200 feet so the blind spot is shorter than that.

But maybe I'm missing something.



That's what rear facing cameras are for!

Tongue
]]> Sat, 10 Apr 2021 14:19:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141549#141549 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Originally posted by StephenHI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141544#141544 Author: mjlrpod
Subject: 14526
Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 10:44am

Originally posted by StephenH

I added towing mirrors from 1A Auto to our Frontier. I appreciate the additional visibility that the mirrors give me when they are extended.



All the times you have posted about these mirrors, I would look and say " nah, I don't need those", but I finally gave in. They are on order. Mostly i'm hoping they help me see when backing into a site. My back up
 camera is great for when i'm on the road

]]> Sat, 10 Apr 2021 10:44:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141544#141544 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : The majority of states mirror... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141534#141534 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14526
Posted: 10 Apr 2021 at 7:25am

The majority of states mirror requirements are that they reflect a view of the roadway of at least 200 feet behind the vehicle.

Personally this "at least"
language doesn't make much sense to me. Any mirror with an outer edge that is set out as wide or wider than the trailer will do that, but could still leave a big (or infinite) blind spot.

Seems like it should say something like "reflect a view of the entire roadway beginning at most 200 feet behind the vehicle". That would require mirrors to be set wide enough so that the view from the two mirrors overlaps withing 200 feet so the blind spot is shorter than that.

But maybe I'm missing something. ]]> Sat, 10 Apr 2021 07:25:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141534#141534 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : I added towing mirrors from 1A... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141532#141532 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14526
Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 9:56pm

I added towing mirrors from 1A Auto to our Frontier. I appreciate the additional visibility that the mirrors give me when they are extended.

https://www.1aauto.com/search?q=towing+mirrors&page=2
]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 21:56:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141532#141532 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Originally posted by neptune1thanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141531#141531 Author: Colt
Subject: 14526
Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 3:47pm

Originally posted by neptune1

thanks John!!! can I ask what year was your Colorado?




Mine was a 2007. 

As to wider mirrors, I'd like to have some, but I can see my wheels and some area beside/behind my 180.  I've added a wireless rear view camera that I thinks is fabulous!  However, I have to put the screen near the rear view mirror because my automatic scan goes to that mirror and all I see is green.  Wink
]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:47:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141531#141531 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : +1 Even though our truck is two... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141529#141529 Author: jato
Subject: 14526
Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 2:24pm

+1  Even though our truck is two years newer, mirrors and the like are most likely nearly identical as on yours and do not feel there is a need for additional tow mirrors.  Even on the '94 F-150 the view we had from the mirrors was more than adequate.
]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 14:24:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141529#141529 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : We don't have tow mirrors... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141524#141524 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 14526
Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 11:42am

We don't have tow mirrors on our F150, and the view aft works very well with the narrowness of the RP179. Tow mirrors would probably be better, but it's actually pretty good with the standard mirrors.]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:42:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141524#141524 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : 5000 lbs is the minimum for a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141508#141508 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14526
Posted: 09 Apr 2021 at 6:38am

5000 lbs is the minimum for a 178. If you plan on boondocking I'd suggest higher. I do and I'm right at the limits on tongue weight, water and batteries are heavy.

The only other comment I have is the 170/180 series rpods are narrow enough that they don't necessarily need extension mirrors. I don't use them, try for yourself first. The 190 series are wider and do need them. ]]> Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:38:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141508#141508 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : I would like to add a few more... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141494#141494 Author: campman
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 4:24pm

I would like to add a few more suggestions as I have just spoken to my wife (and listened!).

We also have a bit of a height differential, I am just under 6 ft tall and she is 5 ft tall. Some of the must haves when selecting our truck was an 8 way adjustable drivers seat (we wish ours had both front seats that were adjustable like this...but at a minimum the drivers seat to allow for the different body lengths (we actually have to have a 2x10 piece of wood on the passengers side floor so she can have her feet planted securely and comfortably).

The 2nd thing that allows my wife to drive our full size truck is the adjustable pedal option...whoever climbs in can set the seat and pedals etc and off we go.]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 16:24:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141494#141494 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : thanks everyone, great information,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141488#141488 Author: neptune1
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 3:06pm

thanks everyone, great information, I think we are on the right track!!]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:06:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141488#141488 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Hello Neptune1! Glad to see you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141487#141487 Author: campman
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:56pm

Hello Neptune1! Glad to see you have included a visit here as part of informing yourself before making a tow vehicle purchase. I can't give you specific info regarding your search for a midsize truck, but I believe I can safely say whatever vehicle you purchase, try to ensure that it is a model that already is set up with a (heavy duty) tow package. If it has everything tow specific you need, you won't need to install a lot of aftermarket items unless you want to customize something in particular.

A decent heavy duty tow pkg would include a larger radiator for extra cooling and possibly a heavier suspension/shocks. A transmission cooler is usually included as part of the pkg (also a must-have in my books) as well as a higher rated alternator (a trailer increases the load on your electrical system), a trailer brake controller and the 7 pin trailer plug to plug on the TT should also be factory installed as part of the pkg. It might also include tow mirrors that can slide out but if needed, clip on mirrors can be purchased through the interweb or at a local parts store. Not as good as a factory tow mirror but does the job I need them to do.

You may already know all this but I thought it better safe than sorry in mentioning it. Good luck in your search and keep asking questions, we are fortunate to have a lot of people here that are willing to help out where ever possible!]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:56:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141487#141487 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frontier,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141485#141485 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:45pm

Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frontier, and Tacoma are all considered mid-sized these days. I think any of them would be good for pulling most Rpods. I think all of them can be gotten with tow capacity in the 6,000-6,500 range.]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:45:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141485#141485 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : We have neighbors that have both... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141484#141484 Author: jato
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:17pm

We have neighbors that have both Rangers and Colorados, both are close to being similar in size.
Website shows Ranger gets up to 21 city and 26 highway.
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:17:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141484#141484 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : what kind of gas mileage do you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141482#141482 Author: neptune1
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 1:39pm

what kind of gas mileage do you get with the Ranger? also isn't that a full size truck?

]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:39:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141482#141482 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : The Ford Ranger also offers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141480#141480 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 12:16pm

The Ford Ranger also offers a 7500 lb. towing capacity when you buy the towing package.

I think that it comes with the 2.7L ecoboost engine.  We have that engine in our F-150 and it has plenty of power, especially at high altitudes. 
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 12:16:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141480#141480 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : In all actuality I wouldn't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141478#141478 Author: jato
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:38am

In all actuality I wouldn't worry about gas mileage while towing.  Most on the forum here will get 11-14 mpg regardless of what gasoline powered vehicle is used.  Lower speed=better mileage. 

For 8 of the last 10 years we towed our 177 out west on numerous occasions with either an '08 or '13 Explorer which had engine displacements of 4.0 V6 (5000lb tow capacity) and 3.5 V6 (5500 tow capacity) over 26,000 miles with no issues.  Certainly we didn't win any races going up or down a lot of the grades in the Rockies, but were not in a race either.  Mileage was 12 mpg for both.  Also, a Curt friction bar was utilized on both for sway control and was found adequate for the job. 

I would strongly lean toward the 3.6 engine as you can never have too much power but you can certainly wish you had 'a lot more' when climbing those steep grades in the mountains.
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:38:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141478#141478 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : thanks John!!! can I ask what... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141477#141477 Author: neptune1
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:37am

thanks John!!! can I ask what year was your Colorado?


]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:37:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141477#141477 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Yes, either will do the job, but... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141476#141476 Author: Colt
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:33am

Yes, either will do the job, but the larger engine will let you carry more junk in the truck. 

I hope the newer Colorados are better than mine.  It was endless trouble.  After 2 Pontiacs, that Colorado broke me from ever having another GM product. 
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:33:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141476#141476 Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow : Hi, we are going to be buying... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141472#141472 Author: neptune1
Subject: 14526
Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:10am

Hi, we are going to be buying a Rpod-178 Forest River. We are wanting/needing to buy a smaller truck mostly due to we don't have space to part a full size and my wife is too small to drive one so its not in the cards at all. 

We're looking at the Chevy Colorado, around a 2018. 

There is the V6 2.5L Tow package that has a 5,000 Tow Capacity
     and the  V6 3.6L Tow package that has a 7,000 Tow Capacity

Would either of these be capable to tow the RP-178 ? would the 3.6L be better choice or does it matter much? Gas mileage is also a consideration of ours.

Thanks in advance for your input/thoughts
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 11:10:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14526&PID=141472#141472