R-pod Owners Forum : Intro & R-Pod 190 advice http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Intro & R-Pod 190 advice Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 15:00:51 +0000 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:12:20 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15192 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Sounds a lot more scenic than... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147472#147472 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15192
Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 5:12pm

Sounds a lot more scenic than Tonopah.  On the other hand, Tonopah has the Tonopah Brewing Co., great beer and barbecue.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 17:12:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147472#147472 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Originally posted by lostagain Hey... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147471#147471 Author: poston
Subject: 15192
Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 3:37pm

Originally posted by lostagain

Hey Poston, looks like we were parked in the same spot for the fotos of our rigs.  Approve  I was a little north of Tonopah, on the way home to Dayton from Las Vegas.

Haha yeah, similar poses!

We were at Father Crowley's Lookout at Star Wars Canyon on the west edge of Death Valley.


]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:37:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147471#147471 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Hey Poston, looks like we were... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147458#147458 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15192
Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 12:22pm

Hey Poston, looks like we were parked in the same spot for the fotos of our rigs.  Approve  I was a little north of Tonopah, on the way home to Dayton from Las Vegas.]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:22:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147458#147458 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Originally posted by CG HapWhew...... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147450#147450 Author: jato
Subject: 15192
Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 7:07am

Originally posted by CG Hap

Whew... That's good to know!  I thought the attached items like AC, LP tank, and batteries where included in the dry weight... most of the RV dealer reps have given me the thumbs up, so glad I checked here.  I am going to have it weighed to see the actual weight.  I had thought about trading in for an Explorer or non-HY Highlander, but now I'm doubting that too. Sounds like 5000# limit is even questionable. Ugh



The Explorer's we used did an excellent job for us for 8 years.  The only time we felt it was working hard was when we were on those long passes, or off road areas, in the Rockies.  Anywhere else, even in the Smokies, they never seemed taxed.  Interstate travel, high winds, ect, we always felt comfortable with the Explorer.  It is doable with that size SUV.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:07:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147450#147450 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : I wanted to get a HiHy too but... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147449#147449 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15192
Posted: 25 Mar 2022 at 1:54am

I wanted to get a HiHy too but chose a std drivetrain 5000 lb rated Highlander for my 179 instead. The 190 weighs more than the 179, and even with the 5000 rating I was close to the limits with the 179. I carried the minimum in the Highlander and the rpod but I always boondock so water was a necessity.    

Don't forget that the weight in the tow vehicle counts against you, the tow capacities are specified with minimum possible weight in the vehicle.

If you find yourself asking if it is possible to do this or that thing to make something work out then that's a dead giveaway that you're pushing the limits.

Why not swap the HiHy for a std Highlander with tow package? You will have essentislly the identical vehicle. Your fuel economy towing won't be much different, if at all. We all get around 14-15 mpg towing, at best. That is because the air drag of the trailer dominates the power requirements. So the hybrid drivetrain wont be operating under conditions where it will do you much good.

The thing you lose by getting a std drivetrain Highlander is the excellent fuel economy not towing you get with the Toyota hybrid drivetrain. That is the tradeoff you will need to consider. If daily driving not towing is most important, get a smaller trailer like a pop-up or a Tag which can be safely towed by a 3500 lb rated vehicle. If travelling and camping with more space is most important, then swap out the HiHy for a std drivetrain vehicle.

Or, do what I do and have the best of both worlds. My daily driver is a Prius so I get all the hybrid drivetrain benefits for most of my driving, saving the (relatively) gas guzzling non hybrid Highlander for towing and long trips.

]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2022 01:54:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147449#147449 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : is it possible to safely reduce... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147448#147448 Author: poston
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 9:26pm

[QUOTE=CG Hap]is it possible to safely reduce the weight of the R-Pod190.  [QUOTE]

I think it is possible to safely reduce the weight, but I don't think it's possible to safely drop 700+ pounds to get in into the Highlander Hybrid's capacity.  

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 21:26:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147448#147448 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Thanks jim & all... this may... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147447#147447 Author: CG Hap
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 9:11pm

Thanks jim & all... this may be a silly question from a newbie and mostly just curious - is it possible to safely reduce the weight of the R-Pod190.  I got the idea looking at some configurations and seeing what looked like lighter custom seating in the back.  Thanks again to all!]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 21:11:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147447#147447 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Originally posted by CG HapSounds... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147446#147446 Author: poston
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 8:52pm

Originally posted by CG Hap

Sounds like 5000# limit is even questionable. Ugh

Don't get scared off!  5,000-lb capacity is definitely doable, depending on the details.  Many forum members are towing with a vehicle of 5,000-lb capacity, including me.

When you drop to 3,500-lb capacity, it gets dicey.

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 20:52:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147446#147446 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Whew... That's good to know!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147445#147445 Author: CG Hap
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 5:09pm

Whew... That's good to know!  I thought the attached items like AC, LP tank, and batteries where included in the dry weight... most of the RV dealer reps have given me the thumbs up, so glad I checked here.  I am going to have it weighed to see the actual weight.  I had thought about trading in for an Explorer or non-HY Highlander, but now I'm doubting that too. Sounds like 5000# limit is even questionable. Ugh

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:09:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147445#147445 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : You are too close to the limit... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147444#147444 Author: jato
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 4:17pm

You are too close to the limit even if you pack light.  For the first 8 years I towed our 177 (empty weight 2415, fully loaded 2940 which includes 36 gallons water) with either an '08 Explorer  5000 tow wt. or a '13 Explorer 5500 tow wt.  It was adequate but towing in the Rockies was a workout on those long mountain passes.  I cannot imagine towing more weight, as you will definitely have, with a TV with 1500-2000 # less towing capacity. 

Remember, things like the weight of the A/C unit (105 lbs), battery(s), propane tank(s) are not included on the label weight on your 190.  At the light end add at least 200 lbs there.  Then on the towing end of your vehicle add the weight of your fuel, passengers, and stuff you bring and that will begin to show how much you actually weigh.  At the advice of Offgrid on this forum I went to our local county maintenance garage and had my 177 (fully loaded) with my tow vehicle loaded and had it weighed; it was a real eye-opener.  I figured the 177 fully loaded was in the neighborhood of 2650, ended up being 2940 lbs.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 16:17:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147444#147444 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Thanks pHp - I think you are looking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147443#147443 Author: CG Hap
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 1:52pm

Thanks pHp - I think you are looking at the 2022, the one I was looking at had a dry weight of ~2750#, tongue of ~305#.  I calculated my load to be partial water fill and 2-250#s other, but that is still over your 20% target... I had targeted 10% (2475#), but maybe still too tight...  Also not sure if being 'hybrid' is a positive or negative to consider other than the reduced limits.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:52:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147443#147443 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Originally posted by CG Hap...... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147442#147442 Author: poston
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 1:02pm

Originally posted by CG Hap

... is whether my Highlander Hybrid is adequate (3500# max, 350# tongue) for this R-Pod.  

I don't think it's a go.

The 190 shows a dry weight of 2979 lbs.  My 180 is 2950 lbs dry, but when loaded for the road it's 3500 lbs (without water), and we pack on the light side as we came to the Rpod from tent camping.

It's recommended that you reserve 20% of your max tow rating for safety.  That leaves you with 2800 lbs for towing.  You'll be overloaded just in total weight, without even looking at tongue weight. 

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:02:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147442#147442 Intro & R-Pod 190 advice : Hello, I'm Chris & new... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147441#147441 Author: CG Hap
Subject: 15192
Posted: 24 Mar 2022 at 12:30pm

Hello, I'm Chris & new to the forum, and about 90% likely to be buying an R-Pod 190 soon.  I have already found lots of useful info on this forum and bookmarked it!  I have reached out to other RV'ers for advice, but one thing I would like to hear from this group is whether my Highlander Hybrid is adequate (3500# max, 350# tongue) for this R-Pod.  It appears it may be a close call... any thoughts?  Thanks for any insights!

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 12:30:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15192&PID=147441#147441