R-pod Owners Forum : 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 20 May 2026 22:56:12 +0000 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:29:38 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15905 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Update... got a sherline scale.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153200#153200 Author: Fireguyinfla
Subject: 15905
Posted: 20 Dec 2023 at 3:29pm

Update... got a sherline scale. The tounge weight (TW) with a full LP tank and cargo box hooked the the rear was 300lbs. I thought it would be less than that. Dry weight of my 179 is right at 3000lbs. Cargo box and camper contents has to put it between 3500 and 3800. TW needs to be about 370 lbs. to give me 10%. Added 50 lbs of weight to the battery tray. Only gave me 22 lbs of TW. Removed the weight and filled my fresh water tank. My TW went from 300 lbs to about 425 lbs. Which is about 10% of my total weight considering I just added 300lbs. of water. I'll never tow without at least a half tank of water. Hope this helps someone. Very nice job on the spare tire mount đź‘Ź. I may have to revisit that project. Thanks to everyone for the input.]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:29:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153200#153200 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : I agree that trailer tires are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153166#153166 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15905
Posted: 13 Dec 2023 at 10:17am

I agree that trailer tires are incredibly important to avoiding sway.
When we changed to Goodyear Endurance, it was amazing how much stiffer the sidewalls were than the Maxxiis that we had previously. Stiffer sidewalls make a huge difference in the towing .
Travel often and safe
Vann
]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:17:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153166#153166 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : I got rid of the last little bit... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153165#153165 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 15905
Posted: 13 Dec 2023 at 10:03am

I got rid of the last little bit of side- to - side movement in the mirrors when i tried Load Range E tires at 80 psi.  Rather than bouncing, the new tires really leveled out the ride.  62 mph seems to be the sweet spot.]]> Wed, 13 Dec 2023 10:03:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153165#153165 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : We took the spare tire off of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153159#153159 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15905
Posted: 11 Dec 2023 at 7:18am

We took the spare tire off of the rear and mounted it on the passenger side of the A frame.  We had to cut the existing propane tank base off and move it as far forward as possible.  This allpowed to tire to snug up to the front edge curve of the pod body.
we used the existing spare tire bracket and cut off the bottom part that was ata 90 degree angle. Welded the vertical part directly to the side of the A frame

here are a few pictures
hope this helps
travel often and safe
Vann
]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 07:18:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153159#153159 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Just looked on eBay at the Shurline... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153157#153157 Author: jato
Subject: 15905
Posted: 11 Dec 2023 at 6:50am

Just looked on eBay at the Shurline TONGUE weight scales and see that they are cheaper now then when I purchased mine 6 years ago!  Saw one for under $ 100 with shipping included, is measured 0-2000 lbs, which is way more than what you need, mine goes up to 1000 lbs, which is way more than what I need.  Nice thing with the scale, it takes the guesswork out.  As far as weighing your 179 take it to your local county garage, they will weigh it for you, most likely for free.
]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 06:50:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153157#153157 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : I'm running goodyear endurance... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153155#153155 Author: Fireguyinfla
Subject: 15905
Posted: 11 Dec 2023 at 4:17am

I'm running goodyear endurance on my r pod, and goodyear wranglers on my truck. All good there.
]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 04:17:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153155#153155 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Hey van, how did you mount your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153154#153154 Author: Fireguyinfla
Subject: 15905
Posted: 11 Dec 2023 at 3:58am

Hey van, how did you mount your spare tire to the A frame? I tried that. Mounted it to the outside of passenger side as far back and as high as I could get it. First trip to the keys, I pinched it with the bumper trying to turn around on one of those tiny roads. Crushed the box frame of the trailer where the tire mount was attached. Thank God it's no worse than it is. I suppose I could add another battery. I run a generator when boondocking. Never had a problem with just one, but I could use the weight. Ordered a tounge scale. I'll bet my bottom dollar I'm not even even close to 10%. Hoping some water in the tank will bring that up to 12% or more. I'm gonna shoot for 450lbs. on the tounge. Pretty sure that's going to fix me up.]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:58:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153154#153154 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Normal 0 ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153153#153153 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15905
Posted: 10 Dec 2023 at 8:31pm

We also have a 179 and use it for multiday/multiweek trips.  Thus,it is usually fully loaded and heavy when we travel.

Here are some actual weights that were taken as we began a 3 week triprecently

 First pass-pod connected to Ford

Fordfront axle                                                            2,760

Bothaxles (includes tongue weight)                       7,700

CombinedPod and Ford                                                         11,140

Podaxle weight                                                          3,440

 

Secondpass-Ford only,

Fordfront axle                                                            3190

Bothaxles                                                                    7010

 

Pod Tongueweight (7700-7010)                             690(1 propane tank, spare tire, 2 6v batteries

PodTotal weight (3440+690)                                   4130

Tongueweight % (690/4130)                                   16.7%

 We have a lot of tongue weight-(16.7%).

We have modified ours by moving the spare tire up to the A frame and wehave 2 6volt Trojan batteries as well as the standard 20# propane tank ( whichactually weighs around 34# when full).  We also store a lot of tools/equipin the front storage compartment. We usually start off with 5-10 gallons ofwater in the forward fresh tank and the rear black tank is 3-4 gallons ofchemicals and water to slosh around and clean the tank while driving. Both thepantry and refrigerator are full and fortunately located behind the axle(tooffset some tongue weight).

 We modified the rear frame to accommodate a 2” bike rack/receiver andcarried 2 mountain bikes on the rear. This added about 95# to the total. This alsocounterbalances the tongue weight.

 We were pulling the pod with a v8 Ford Expedition  and use an Equalizer4 point hitch with built in sway control.

 We had stiffer rear shocks installed on the Expedition, used Michelintires on the Expedition and Goodyear Endurance on the pod.

 We have pulled the pod across country multiple times, north to south andeast to west in all types of weather.  Wehave never felt any trace of sway or “white knuckle’ driving.

 I think that towing safely is a combination of lots of individual components-

      the tow vehicle with adequate suspension, power and tires

      The hitch system properly adjusted

       The pod properly packed and with quality, balanced tires

 

All components need to work together. 

 

Travel often and safe

Vann

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:31:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153153#153153 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Thanks guys. I knew that had to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153151#153151 Author: Fireguyinfla
Subject: 15905
Posted: 10 Dec 2023 at 3:59pm

Thanks guys. I knew that had to be the problem. I have one LP tank and battery. Dry weight empty of my 179 is 3500 lbs. Figure 3800 with cargo box and water I'll have to add. I'll shoot for 12% of that. I'll check out that tounge weight scale. Thanks again đź‘Ť]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:59:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153151#153151 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : +1 GG is correct. Since following... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153150#153150 Author: jato
Subject: 15905
Posted: 10 Dec 2023 at 3:13pm

+1  GG is correct.  Since following that advice many years ago - no sway issues.  I also own a Shurline tongue weight scale for added assurance.  Our 177 weighs much less than your 179 but the rules do not change. 

Our scenario: fully loaded 177 with 36 gallons water (tank behind axle) and supplies stored for a 30 day trip weighs in at 2940 lbs.  2940 x .11% = 323 minimum needed on the tongue to reduce/eliminate sway.  Our a-frame carries two 20# propane tanks and a pair of 12 volt batteries.  Tongue weight is 340 so we are good especially as we travel and use water the FW tank becomes depleted (behind axle) and water is transferred to either the gray or black tank which are both in front of the axle which is constantly adding weight to the tongue.  Over the 12 years of ownership we towed the first 8 years with an '08 and '13 front wheel drive Explorer and the the last 4 years with an '11 and '17 F-150, all using a basic Curt friction bar with no issues.  And mind you we have towed through snow storms, sleet, hail, heavy rain and cross winds in excess of 20 mph and have always felt safe towing.  The big thing, as GG above wisely points out, tongue weight is critical, make certain you know you have a minimum of 10% of total 179 weight on the (a-frame) tongue.
]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:13:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153150#153150 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : The rule of thumb for tongue weight... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153149#153149 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15905
Posted: 10 Dec 2023 at 12:04pm

The rule of thumb for tongue weight is 10 to 12 percent of the gross trailer weight.

For example, if your trailer is 3000 lbs, the tongue weight should be 300 to 360 lbs. Do not go below 10%, but it's fine to go over 12% up to the limit of the vehicle. I have the same truck and have never worried about it because it can theoretically handle up to 1000 lbs (but I've never gone that high). Our RP179 tows like a dream; no sway or control issues whatsoever.
]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 12:04:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153149#153149 179 Weight distribution / tounge weight/ sway issu : Somewhat new to travel trailer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153148#153148 Author: Fireguyinfla
Subject: 15905
Posted: 10 Dec 2023 at 6:49am

Somewhat new to travel trailer towing. Can someone please tell me what I should strive to keep my tounge weight at on the r pod 179? Loaded / unloaded / partially loaded. LP tank full or empty. I'm buying my own tounge weight scale. Thinking of using water in the tank which is located in front of the axle as ballast. Having occasional sway issues. TV is a 2015 f 150 crew 4x4 with trailer brakes and airbags, adjustable hitch. Always keep rig nice and level. No sway bars. Don't want to use them if I can help it. Warranty/ frame/ issues/ cost / hassle. I added a cargo platform to rear hitch of trailer. Carry a storage box. Reconfigured spare tire mount. Probably 80 to 100 lbs with box loaded added to rear of trailer. Anyone been through this? What does that tounge weight need to be at? Thanks]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 06:49:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15905&PID=153148#153148