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After towing our 177 for 8 years with a couple different Explorer's we went with a 2011 F-150 with the 5.0L V-8 Coyote engine.  Maybe I just had a lemon but that engine sucked oil like there was no tomorrow.  We took a 6000 mile hike over 30 days into the Rockies and back to Michigan, ended up using 6 quarts of oil.  Mechanic told me the Coyote engine was known to use 32oz. oil for every 1000 miles!  Now my older 1994 F-150 also had a 5.0L. V-8 (not a Coyote) and would use about 8oz. oil after 10,000 miles using a synthetic oil, which I also used on the Coyote.  That engine on the 1994 had 322,000 miles on it and had never had an engine issue, although it did need a new clutch and throw-out bearing after 240,000 miles.  And, to change the plugs on that Coyote engine was not  an easy task either. 

The newer 3.5L with ecoboost is a much easier engine to work on just to do the basics.  And so far, although it doesn't have that many miles on yet, hardly uses any oil between the 10,000 mile intervals.

This is true. We have a Tacoma with the 4L V6, and the F150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost. Despite the fact that the F150 is bigger and heavier than the Tacoma, it gets significantly better mileage than the Tacoma, and is way more powerful; especially in the mountains. If we are doing a trip of any mileage (without the Rpod), the F150 is our go-to vehicle because it is more quiet and more comfortable.

When we're pulling the Rpod, the F150 does it with its eyes closed.

That said, both pull the R-179 just fine as long as you stay in the flats. They get similar mileage numbers when pulling the Rpod. We would never pull the Rpod in the mountains with the Tacoma.

He recommended that I go with the 5.0l, so I did.  

Hey, if you're going to trust your guy, you gotta go with what they recommend:-)

Good luck! 

If you're looking for a truck, make sure you look at the fuel economy regardless of the size.  With the fuel management systems on the newer trucks, you'd be amazed at the fuel economy on the F150 as compared to a Tacoma or a Ranger.  

Either way, you'll be well equipped to tow an Rpod.

Enjoy!

Welcome and good for you for jumping in! Your thought on a half ton pickup with tow package will work. Our Tacoma did fine towing a 179 except in very strong headwinds. The Tundra doesn't know the 195 is back there, until we near a gas station of course :-)  Have fun!

Congratulations and welcome to your on-line 24/7 Owners Manual!  I have benefited greatly over the years on this forum as there are many 'well versed' and 'expert' podders here.  Stay tuned and ask away.

Fill us in on what flavor tow vehicle you have.  Seeing that you are from Washington you probably are experiencing a sun that has gone in "hibernation" mode for the winter.  At least that is what we currently have here in northern Michigan.  Enjoy that 189 and make a lot of great memories as well.