R-pod Owners Forum : Be Careful with weight distribution http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Be Careful with weight distribution Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:32:25 +0000 Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:15:07 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=16336 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Be Careful with weight distribution : Originally posted by GlueGuyIf... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155159#155159 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 16336
Posted: 13 Dec 2025 at 8:15am

Originally posted by GlueGuy

 
If you're doing that kind of modification, you should do yourself a favor and weigh your Rpod loaded and unloaded; especially if you re-locate the LFP batteries inboard (which will make the tongue weight issue potentially worse).

+1 to that. Having proper tongue weight is essential, especially with any camper carrying that much weight in the rear. 
]]> Sat, 13 Dec 2025 08:15:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155159#155159 Be Careful with weight distribution : Originally posted by ppineI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155157#155157 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 16336
Posted: 12 Dec 2025 at 11:48am

Originally posted by ppine

I am replacing 2 lead batteries with one lithium battery. 
There will be less weight on the tongue. 
I have heard of people losing control of a 177 if they were not careful with weight distribution. 
If you're doing that kind of modification, you should do yourself a favor and weigh your Rpod loaded and unloaded; especially if you re-locate the LFP batteries inboard (which will make the tongue weight issue potentially worse).
]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:48:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155157#155157 Be Careful with weight distribution : I am replacing 2 lead batteries... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155149#155149 Author: ppine
Subject: 16336
Posted: 11 Dec 2025 at 1:25pm

I am replacing 2 lead batteries with one lithium battery. 
There will be less weight on the tongue. 
I have heard of people losing control of a 177 if they were not careful with weight distribution. 
]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:25:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155149#155149 Be Careful with weight distribution : The key to this 'potential'... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155094#155094 Author: jato
Subject: 16336
Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 8:38pm

The key to this 'potential' issue is to have 11% or more of the total trailer weight on the a-frame (tongue).  We have towed our 177 for almost 15 years and over 52,000 miles with 36 gallons in the FW tank w/o issue by following this simple rule.  Our 177 fully loaded with 36 gallons of water (tank behind axle) and prepped for a 30 day journey weighs in at 2940 lbs.  11% of that comes to 323 lbs on the a-frame.  Using our trusty portable Shurline tongue weight scale we come in at 340 lbs., so no issues.  Over the years we have traveled through blizzards, heavy snow and rain, sleet, hail, and cross-winds in excess of 20 mph towing with (2011-2019) a '08 and '13 front wheel drive Explorer and (2020-2025) using an '11 and '17 F-150, without any troubles.  We have utilized a friction bar on all 4 vehicles listed. ]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 20:38:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155094#155094 Be Careful with weight distribution : Many rPods have a rear water tank.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155075#155075 Author: ppine
Subject: 16336
Posted: 17 Nov 2025 at 10:29am

Many rPods have a rear water tank.  Some carry 36 gallons which is around 275 pounds when full.  Make sure you keep your weight forward.  Excessive weight behind the axle can cause fishtailing and loss of control. 

I don't plan to ever fill my water tank and keep heavier items forward when loading the trailer.  When hooked to a tow vehicle the trailer should be level or a little nose down. 

This is a serious design flaw that everyone should be aware of. 
]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:29:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16336&PID=155075#155075