R-pod Owners Forum : Tow Vehicle Effiency https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : Tow Vehicle Effiency Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 03:53:13 +0000 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 17:36:58 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15983 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Tow Vehicle Effiency : Ram diesel gets 22 mpg empty.I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155071#155071 Author: ppine
Subject: 15983
Posted: 16 Nov 2025 at 5:36pm

Ram diesel gets 22 mpg empty. 
I expect it to get around 16-17 pulling an RP. 
I get around 12 with a 29 foot Nash. 
]]> Sun, 16 Nov 2025 17:36:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155071#155071 Tow Vehicle Effiency : 2017 Honda Ridgeline towing 2016... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155053#155053 Author: poohbill
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 8:13pm

2017 Honda Ridgeline towing 2016 RP-179, getting the same range as everyone. ]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:13:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155053#155053 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Scroc,Got it.Thx https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155052#155052 Author: Travel is Fatal
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 8:11pm

Scroc,
Got it.
Thx
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:11:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155052#155052 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Our F150 displays real-time mileage... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155051#155051 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 4:38pm

Our F150 displays real-time mileage info, so I never looked elsewhere. I do run an app called Torque on my phone, which connects through the OBD port. I haven't looked, but I would not be surprised if one of the displays is MPG.]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:38:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155051#155051 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Here is a link to the newer unit,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155050#155050 Author: scroc
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 2:12pm

Here is a link to the newer unit, our unit is the older OBD before they replaced it with the OBD+.
Yes, abit spendy yet no issues and they are great on updates of the older units and help.
Steve.
https://www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Grade-Diagnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=sr_1_1
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:12:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155050#155050 Tow Vehicle Effiency : I use the MX Bluetooth sending... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155049#155049 Author: scroc
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 2:04pm

I use the MX Bluetooth sending unit from the truck and the OBDLink app on my android phone.
Have used this system with no issues or problems except the learning curve to program the various/ mind boggling MANY PID's available on the device.
Have settled on: Speed mph/ RPM /Engine Temp / Instant Economy / Engine Torque / Absolute Throttle Position % / 
Can access engine and trans temp but requires tapping into a different PID from the Nissan/ Infinity ECM.
Lots of choices.
Bottom Line: it does a good job for us to monitor whats happening with our old truck.
Steve
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 14:04:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155049#155049 Tow Vehicle Effiency : scroc,that is a neat idea to drive... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155047#155047 Author: Travel is Fatal
Subject: 15983
Posted: 13 Nov 2025 at 12:21pm

scroc,
that is a neat idea to drive with an OBD to check health/operation of the vehicle.  I had not thought of that.  Since I drive an older tow vehicle 2010 Tacoma without the bells/whistles other than basic dashboard dials without much detail, now I'm curious to grab an OBD and drive with it on.  After having used yours do you have any recommendations as to the one you use and/or competing sensors?
]]> Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:21:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=155047#155047 Tow Vehicle Effiency : I have an Rpod 179, and I tow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=154507#154507 Author: FlyBigSky
Subject: 15983
Posted: 04 May 2025 at 11:54pm

I have an Rpod 179, and I tow it with my 2013 GMC 1500, 5.3 Litre.  I average 13 to 14 MPG on hiway / Town, and on a long trip maybe a little better., maybe 15. ]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 23:54:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=154507#154507 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Just made the same trip from NC... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=154505#154505 Author: CUGrad90
Subject: 15983
Posted: 04 May 2025 at 11:10pm

Just made the same trip from NC to camp for a week in central Florida...

Switched tow vehicles, from using my wife's 2011 Honda Pilot, to a new-to-me 2016 F150, 5.0 6 speed trans.

Totaled 1440 miles and got home at 14.8 MPG.  That's about what I was hoping for. A constant headwind dropped me below 15 mpg about halfway through Ga on the way back.
]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 23:10:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=154505#154505 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Originally posted by scrocWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153931#153931 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15983
Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 8:55pm

Originally posted by scroc

We run the OBD link app with their MX BT hooked into the scan port on the Frontier. This gives us real time info on whats happening with the Tugger so you can adjust driving habits accordingly. 
We started with this tool in 2016 on our old Trek and found it was a great help with maintaining and monitoring the power train systems so we have continued updating and using it on all our tow rigs since then.
With the electronic throttle controls on most rigs today small incremental movements of your foot make a considerable difference in amount of fuel being used to cover the distance.
Enjoy our new Pod, Steve & Cheryl

I admire your dedication to data. I usually just put gas in the tank and point the thing in the direction I want to go and press on the accelerator. You all take it to a whole new level.
]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 20:55:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153931#153931 Tow Vehicle Effiency : We run the OBD link app with their... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153929#153929 Author: scroc
Subject: 15983
Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 10:35am

We run the OBD link app with their MX BT hooked into the scan port on the Frontier. This gives us real time info on whats happening with the Tugger so you can adjust driving habits accordingly. 
We started with this tool in 2016 on our old Trek and found it was a great help with maintaining and monitoring the power train systems so we have continued updating and using it on all our tow rigs since then.
With the electronic throttle controls on most rigs today small incremental movements of your foot make a considerable difference in amount of fuel being used to cover the distance.
Enjoy our new Pod, Steve & Cheryl
]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:35:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153929#153929 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Originally posted by scrocWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153927#153927 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15983
Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 8:36am

Originally posted by scroc

We just finished a trip from western Idaho back to the southern
Oregon coast, R-Pod, 2024 RP194 came across the scale at 3550 lbs and
tugger, 2013 Nissan Frontier at 5400 lbs. Averaged 13.2 for trip using
true gallons and miles, several 5k+ passes and some bad winds between
Burns and Lakeview.
The Nissan does a good job, maintains
48-55 on the uphills at 2700-3200, could spin it and go faster but were
retired so wandering easy is fine with us.
Steve, Cheryl, & critters.


Wow. You must be living right to get that kind of performance out of the Frontier. We never got close to that and we travel lighter than some backpackers! Good for you!]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 08:36:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153927#153927 Tow Vehicle Effiency : That's really good mpg WOW.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153926#153926 Author: JR
Subject: 15983
Posted: 20 Oct 2024 at 7:40am

That's really good mpg WOW. But I think your secret trick is driving below 55 mph. Enjoy your travels.]]> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 07:40:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153926#153926 Tow Vehicle Effiency : We just finished a trip from western... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153925#153925 Author: scroc
Subject: 15983
Posted: 19 Oct 2024 at 6:59pm

We just finished a trip from western Idaho back to the southern Oregon coast, R-Pod, 2024 RP194 came across the scale at 3550 lbs and tugger, 2013 Nissan Frontier at 5400 lbs. Averaged 13.2 for trip using true gallons and miles, several 5k+ passes and some bad winds between Burns and Lakeview.
The Nissan does a good job, maintains 48-55 on the uphills at 2700-3200, could spin it and go faster but were retired so wandering easy is fine with us.
Steve, Cheryl, & critters.

]]> Sat, 19 Oct 2024 18:59:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153925#153925 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Originally posted by jatoJust... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153896#153896 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15983
Posted: 03 Oct 2024 at 9:25am

Originally posted by jato

Just returned from a 30 day, 6000+ mile trip towing a loaded 177 (2940#) from MI to IL to IN to IO to NE to CO to UT to AZ and then returned home going thru CO to NE to SD to MN to WI and back to Michigan.  Used 87 octane (never more than 10% ethanol) and averaged 13.2 using the trailer towing mode.  Gas prices ranged from 2.79 in Iowa to 4.49 in Colorado and 4.19 in Arizona.

We have an F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost motor and 10 speed tranny and we are in the same ball park as you are with regards to mileage. Truly a wonderful motor and transmission combo. Towing with that combo is stressless for both the driver and the truck.
]]> Thu, 03 Oct 2024 09:25:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153896#153896 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Just returned from a 30 day, 6000+... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153893#153893 Author: jato
Subject: 15983
Posted: 02 Oct 2024 at 9:11pm

Just returned from a 30 day, 6000+ mile trip towing a loaded 177 (2940#) from MI to IL to IN to IO to NE to CO to UT to AZ and then returned home going thru CO to NE to SD to MN to WI and back to Michigan.  Used 87 octane (never more than 10% ethanol) and averaged 13.2 using the trailer towing mode.  Gas prices ranged from 2.79 in Iowa to 4.49 in Colorado and 4.19 in Arizona.
]]> Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:11:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153893#153893 Tow Vehicle Effiency : I wouldn't think that a couple... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153890#153890 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15983
Posted: 02 Oct 2024 at 10:38am

I wouldn't think that a couple of kayaks on top of the tow vehicle would help. Some kind of air tunnel tests would be needed to confirm. Most of the drag from a trailer is actually the vacuum bubble behind that big box.]]> Wed, 02 Oct 2024 10:38:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153890#153890 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Just a follow up, however many... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153889#153889 Author: CUGrad90
Subject: 15983
Posted: 01 Oct 2024 at 9:25pm

Just a follow up, however many months later...

Just made pretty much the same trip from NC to Fl and back...and this time got 12.6 on the Pilot.

I definitely took it much easier on the accelerator. Maybe that's the reason.

I also had 2 kayaks strapped on a kayak rack top of the pilot. I'm not aeronautical engineer, but I'm wondering if that might have actually helped break up the air in front of the camper and contributed to the improvement.

I'm heading back down to Jacksonville in a few weeks without the kayaks, so I'm going to see if that changes things.
]]> Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:25:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153889#153889 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Same 177 has been used for 13... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153590#153590 Author: jato
Subject: 15983
Posted: 07 Jul 2024 at 1:38pm

Same 177 has been used for 13 years, loaded weight is 2940 lbs. and that includes the 36 gallons of water located behind the axle.  Tongue weight is 340 and a Curt friction bar is utilized.  First 8 years - .'08 and '13 front wheel drive Explorer's - average was 12 mpg. Next two years '11 F-150 with the 5.0 V-8 Coyote engine - 11 mpg.  Last 3 years '17 F-150 3.5 V6 with ecoboost - 13 mpg.  In all cases 87 octane (a couple exceptions we went with premium but only saw a 1 mpg or so increase, not worth the added cost, also all above include a lot of driving in the Rockies) was used, our destination from northern Michigan.  Speed is normally 60 - 65 mph.
]]> Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:38:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153590#153590 Tow Vehicle Effiency : Normal 0 ... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153581#153581 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15983
Posted: 02 Jul 2024 at 10:08am

We have towed our 179 for 7 years with both a 2012 Ford Expeditionv8 and our new to us 2022 F150 3.5L Ecoboost. We have always used regular gas with 87(?)octane and have not tried higher rated fuel.

 The Expedition V8 usually gave us about 9-10 mpg dependingon travel conditions. We recently came back from a 3 week round trip from NC toTexas. Towing with the F150 Ecoboost was much easier and we averaged 14.2mpgover 2500 miles. When not towing, we just averaged 21.9mpg on a weekend trip tothe NC mountains

 We find the F150 to be extremely comfortable, easy driving/riding and a great tow vehicle.  We added an ARE camper shell and Bilsteinshocks on the rear. Everything else is standard Ford 10 speed

 I hope to keep this F150 as our tow vehicle for the rest of ourtrailering days

 Travel often and safe

Vann

]]> Tue, 02 Jul 2024 10:08:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153581#153581 Tow Vehicle Effiency : We tow a small, fiberglass fifth... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153580#153580 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15983
Posted: 01 Jul 2024 at 8:42pm

We tow a small, fiberglass fifth wheel (tandem axle, 5500lb GVW) with a Ford 3.5 Ecoboost with 10speed tranny. We're having a bad day if we get bellow 12mpg. Usually closer to 14mpg in varied terrain and weather. The mileage you get with your Pilot is about what we would get when we pulled our 179 with a Nissan Frontier 4.0L. I know it doesn't make sense, but when an engine can spend more time in the lower RPM range, it's going to get better mileage.]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2024 20:42:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153580#153580 Tow Vehicle Effiency : When we lived in NV we routinely... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153579#153579 Author: lostagain
Subject: 15983
Posted: 01 Jul 2024 at 2:19pm

When we lived in NV we routinely got around 14 mpg towing our trailer with our F-150 2.7 ecoboost.  Now that we live in the east, all of our mileage is worse, and we get closer about 12.5 to 13 mpg towing.  I wonder if the gasoline formula differs and if there is more ethanol in the gas here.  We've lost about 4 mpg for regular driving compared to what we got out west.  ]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:19:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153579#153579 Tow Vehicle Effiency : We get 14 MPG towing with the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153578#153578 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 15983
Posted: 01 Jul 2024 at 1:13pm

We get 14 MPG towing with the 3.5L EcoBoost for the most part (depending). If we're doing hills, it will be a little worse than that. If we have favorable terrain/wind conditions, it can be a little more than that.

I use the lie-o-meter (which I have corrected through Forscan), and also have an app on the phone that tracks it on a per-tank basis. After correcting the lie-o-meter, it matches very close to actual.

When we're not towing, we get between 18 and 22. 18 when around town doing starts and stops. 22 when we are cruising on the freeway with favorable conditions.
]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:13:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153578#153578 Tow Vehicle Effiency : we tow our Vista Cruiser 23 foot... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153577#153577 Author: Leo B
Subject: 15983
Posted: 01 Jul 2024 at 7:36am

we tow our Vista Cruiser 23 foot with our Ford F-150 with the V-8 engine. Depending on the wind, we average 13.5 on our trips up and down the east coast. We had tail winds this last trip in the spring we averaged 14.5 down and 14.7 coming home.
we use exxon/mobile mid level gas. we average 60 mph. I use both the little trip computer in the truck and double check it
the mileage and gallons used.]]> Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:36:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153577#153577 Tow Vehicle Effiency : I'm wondering what kind of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153576#153576 Author: CUGrad90
Subject: 15983
Posted: 30 Jun 2024 at 8:38pm

I'm wondering what kind of MPG some of you are getting behind your tow vehicle?

I tow my 171 with a 2011 Honda Pilot. It gets the job done just fine, but a recent mostly flat run from NC to FL showed 10.6 MPG for the nearly 1000 mile trip. And that's on the liar meter on the dash, not my calculation at the pump.

Whose getting better fuel efficiency, and with what tow vehicle? 

Been thinking about upgrading, either my pickup to one of the Ford ecoboosts, or my wife's Pilot for a SUV with better MPG, if there is such a thing.
]]> Sun, 30 Jun 2024 20:38:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15983&PID=153576#153576