R-pod Owners Forum : Shopping for new TV ~ need advice https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : Shopping for new TV ~ need advice Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:40:04 +0000 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:15:50 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1849 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Originally posted by SnowboundYes,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17317#17317 Author: Guests
Subject: 1849
Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 9:15pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

Yes, Tom noticed that when we were driving 100 km/hour (your 60) the mileage was bad but when we were doing 90-95 the mileage was better.
It will be interesting to see how we do on our next big trip, Alberta to Ontario, later this month. Will we pay the price and sleep in or get moving a little sooner to save some $$? We don't have to go to bed when it gets dark anymore now that we have the Gastropod  AND it's a lot easier to sleep in without the sun coming through the walls and heating up the tent.Smile
 
Well, I vote you sleep in and enjoy! Smile
 
In doing the math, 1 or 2 miles per gallon just doesn't add up to a whole lot of money.  Like me, you bought a camper and a new tow vehicle to pull it with (translate: a bunch of money).  Personally, I intend to enjoy the journies .....what's 2 or 3 more dollars (spent on fuel) at this point! LOL
]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:15:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17317#17317 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Yes, Tom noticed that when we... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17314#17314 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 6:46pm

Yes, Tom noticed that when we were driving 100 km/hour (your 60) the mileage was bad but when we were doing 90-95 the mileage was better.
It will be interesting to see how we do on our next big trip, Alberta to Ontario, later this month. Will we pay the price and sleep in or get moving a little sooner to save some $$? We don't have to go to bed when it gets dark anymore now that we have the Gastropod  AND it's a lot easier to sleep in without the sun coming through the walls and heating up the tent.Smile
]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:46:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17314#17314 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Originally posted by SnowboundOn... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17307#17307 Author: Guests
Subject: 1849
Posted: 07 Jul 2011 at 4:21pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

On our Canada Day excursion we averaged 11.3 mpg -about split 50/50 between city and highway driving.
B
 
That sounds about what most everyone averages.  It is about what I got when I had my RP173.
 
One thing that is interesting in comparing the Pod to my conventionally shaped (square back) TT is that the Pod seems to get a little better mileage when towed at speeds of 55mph or less.  My existing TT pretty much stays the same regardless of the speed. 
]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:21:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17307#17307 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Not too bad. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17300#17300 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 06 Jul 2011 at 10:27pm

Not too bad.]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 22:27:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17300#17300 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : On our Canada Day excursion we... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17288#17288 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 06 Jul 2011 at 3:00pm

On our Canada Day excursion we averaged 11.3 mpg -about split 50/50 between city and highway driving.
B]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:00:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=17288#17288 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Originally posted by Snowbound Turns... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16716#16716 Author: Guests
Subject: 1849
Posted: 16 Jun 2011 at 2:24pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

Turns out Tom had turned on the mileage log on the trip thing-y and we got 11.3 miles to the gallon on the trip to Lacombe. This is with the addition of over 500 lbs of stock being carried split between the TV and pod and also a full tank of freshwater. As well, we had the usual, some food, clothing, etc. but I did remove the dome, floor mat and lawn chairs in the interest of fuel economyLOL

B
I used to bungee my chairs to the top of my Pod in the unfolded/open position.  Not only did this hurt the fuel mileage but, the bugs made a real mess on the chairs.  I found that folding them up and putting them in the storage compartment helped with both problems. TongueLOL
 
It sounds like the new TV is going to work out great for you.Smile
]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:24:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16716#16716 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Those floor mats are a real mpg... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16715#16715 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 16 Jun 2011 at 1:53pm

Those floor mats are a real mpg killer!]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:53:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16715#16715 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Turns out Tom had turned on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16711#16711 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 16 Jun 2011 at 11:10am

Turns out Tom had turned on the mileage log on the trip thing-y and we got 11.3 miles to the gallon on the trip to Lacombe. This is with the addition of over 500 lbs of stock being carried split between the TV and pod and also a full tank of freshwater. As well, we had the usual, some food, clothing, etc. but I did remove the dome, floor mat and lawn chairs in the interest of fuel economyLOL

B ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:10:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16711#16711 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : I guess our theory is we've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16661#16661 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 14 Jun 2011 at 11:18am

I guess our theory is we've bought the Pod and Durango so why worry about the mileage now. We've kept a mileage log for years for income tax purposes but I don't think we ever broke it down to  kilometers per litre /miles per gallon.
I forgot to get a new log book for the Durango for the trip before we left. It's on my list now.
B
]]> Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:18:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16661#16661 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : I'd bet mileage was in the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16645#16645 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 10:20pm

I'd bet mileage was in the 10-12 mpg (19.6 - 23.5 l/100km) range... it seems unavoidable.

That said, I did get 16.8 l/100km (14 mpg) while towing at 90 km/h (56 mph) last weekend.
]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 22:20:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16645#16645 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Noooooooooooooooooo! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16642#16642 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 9:46pm

Noooooooooooooooooo!]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:46:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16642#16642 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : The ride down was a little nerve-wracking... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16629#16629 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 2:57pm

The ride down was a little nerve-wracking until we got out of the city. Canada has two seasons-winter and construction.  Because of stop-and-go traffic for ten miles, our new, but used, Durango and the funny noise on the trailer, and our stock packed in unfamiliar configuration we were tense.
Coming home was a different story. The Durango had not acted up, was very capable of pulling the Pod, the towing was easy and it was not Friday at rush hour.
I found the ride smooth and actually it felt pretty much the same as the Caravan except for sitting higher up. We drove at 100 kms for the majority of the distance (mostly highway). Can you believe we forgot to take our mileage and we need it for expensing the trip but  Tom had to fill up with gas in Lacombe and was not very happy.
We will have to do the mileage thing on our next trip out- Canada Day weekend.
]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:57:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16629#16629 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Good to hear. How was the ride... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16625#16625 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 12:48pm

Good to hear.  How was the ride comfort?  Did you get some mpg readings?  You know you can't talk about TVs around here without mentioning what mpg you got!  LOL

]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:48:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16625#16625 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Bette, sounds like everything... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16620#16620 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 12:42pm

Bette, sounds like everything went pretty well and you're getting the rest of the bugs worked out.  Good for you!]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:42:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16620#16620 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : We're back from our antique... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16606#16606 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 13 Jun 2011 at 11:39am

We're back from our antique show and the Durango handled the drive very well. Tom was pleased that the rpms stayed around 1600 except for a couple of hills where we hit around 2000.
Thursday night while we were hitching up we suddenly realized our hitch was not going to work. Why did we  not realize that the Caravan's hitch was only 11" from the ground while the Durango's was 24"??? So it was after 7 p.m. and we HAD to leave for the show the next day. After calling around, we finally found a service fellow willing to stay at our dealership until we got there. It was only a couple minutes work for him to change the ball to the other side of the hitch which actually fit when we got home. Tom is planning to buy a new hitch bar (the thing the ball sits on) which will lower the pod a touch more as it was just a little nose up rather than level.
The show turned out well for us, we had several nice walks around their lovely town lake (part of the Trans Canada Trail) and Sally dog was happy to snooze in the Pod while we worked. The only drawback to the entire weekend was the gas but I guess we will get used to it.Ouch
Oh yes, we used the shower for the first timeLOL It does work....
]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:39:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16606#16606 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Only hilarious if you weren't... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16544#16544 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 10 Jun 2011 at 10:53am

Only hilarious if you weren't there Hodge! It was pretty embarrassing and I was so flustered I forgot two of the items I went to the store for.  Poor Sally. my canine sidekick , was not impressed with the amount of noise emerging from her ride!
B
]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:53:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16544#16544 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Bette, that's hilarious!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16530#16530 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1849
Posted: 09 Jun 2011 at 8:49pm

Bette, that's hilarious!  LOL  But at least it drove just fine.
Diane
]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:49:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16530#16530 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Thanks David. I took the Durango... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16527#16527 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 09 Jun 2011 at 6:15pm

Thanks David.
 I took the Durango out for my first drive today -just to the grocery store-and everything went well until I accidentally hit the panic button when locking the doors. Starting up did not stop it, moving it and parking again did not stop it, but finally I hit the right combination and it finally shut up.Embarrassed  Of course I'm not sure what stopped it but you can bet I will look carefully when I hit the lock key! And I will be checking the manual.
  I guess you can tell Tom does most of the driving!
B
]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:15:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16527#16527 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Originally posted by SnowboundWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16524#16524 Author: Guests
Subject: 1849
Posted: 09 Jun 2011 at 4:40pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

We found a new tow vehicle! We are going to be towing with a 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8. It has a hitch and the 7-pin connector for the lights but they are installing a brake control today before we pick it up tonight.
Since we got a good deal on an older unit, we have decided to keep our Grand Caravan for driving around town.
The Durango is taller and I mentioned that I did not want to be jumping into a truck but I can manage this one with the help of running boards and the roof handle.
Thanks Outbound for your help as it got me started looking in the right direction. I spent a week immersed in car culture which I am now going to delete from memory! LOL I will say though that searching the internet made the hunt easier and gave us some bargaining power at the dealership.
B
 
Congratulations on your new tow vehicle.  I hope it works out well for you.  Smile
]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:40:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16524#16524 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Tech, I agree with you about the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16483#16483 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1849
Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 9:00pm

Tech, I agree with you about the MPG (that was the one major drawback) for commuting, but it is still better than most trucks.
 
However towing mileage seems comparable to everyone else here in the forum.  It went down to about 8 or 9 MPG pulling the long haul up the mountain on Memorial day -- it was a STEEP climb, but on the way back home I got 13 MPG.
 
I traded in my used MB GL450 on it ( it had 3 rows of seats and longer wheelbase of course, MPG a little lower than the ML350).  Mainly, I traded for another MB because when I tried to trade the 450 in on something with better mileage, every non-Mercedes dealer treated me like I was crazy for trying to trade in such a nice car.  I think they thought something must have been wrong with it, and none of them would give me a reasonable trade price.  In the end I got frustrated and went with another MB after all, but one slightly smaller.
 
But it does drive beautifully, and it tows very smoothly, too.  I believe you might like the GL450, but you might be dissuaded by the MPG.  However, it is still better than most trucks, too.
]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:00:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16483#16483 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Snowbound, a good choice. If you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16481#16481 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 8:21pm

Snowbound, a good choice.  If you got an extended wheelbase model you basically have a fully-enclosed pickup, with the wheelbase good for towing.  I'll be interested in your experience towing as I weigh my choices.

Hodge - dang, nice TV!  I just checked out some used models and that is definitely doable for me.  Smile  It will have to be my daily driver for a while and I've been considering Merc/BMW already for a commuter car.  Just not for towing, until now.  Only thing in the specs I would prefer is... longer wheelbase.  Tongue  And a bit higher mpg for the commute.

]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:21:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16481#16481 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Well, it will get a workout this... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16471#16471 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 6:28pm

Well, it will get a workout this weekend as we have an antique show in Lacombe, Alberta (small town south of Edmonton). It will be intersting to see how much stock we can pack between the tow and trailer. Our next working trip will be to Ontario in July and we want to carry enough stock to make it worth while plus we do some buying enroute.
B 
]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:28:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16471#16471 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Originally posted by Snowbound... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16469#16469 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1849
Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 5:11pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

  Let's have some suggestions. Oh yes, you can leave out the Mercedes as we have a budget too. 
B
Dang, Bette!  I love my Mercedes . . . the ML350 tows like a dream . . . with a 7500 lbs. towing capacity.  But  I bet you will love the Durango, and feel much safer, too.
 
If you had told me 10 years ago (or even 5) that I would EVER be driving, much less TOWING with a Mercedes, I would have said you were crazy!  But I am going to enjoy the blessing while I have it.  I have to admit I like that German engine even though I can't technically explain why. LOL
 
Congrats on the "new" TV and keep us informed on how the Durango pulls the pod on your next outing.
]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:11:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16469#16469 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : We found a new tow vehicle! We... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16456#16456 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 08 Jun 2011 at 12:20pm

We found a new tow vehicle! We are going to be towing with a 2005 Dodge Durango 4.7 V8. It has a hitch and the 7-pin connector for the lights but they are installing a brake control today before we pick it up tonight.
Since we got a good deal on an older unit, we have decided to keep our Grand Caravan for driving around town.
The Durango is taller and I mentioned that I did not want to be jumping into a truck but I can manage this one with the help of running boards and the roof handle.
Thanks Outbound for your help as it got me started looking in the right direction. I spent a week immersed in car culture which I am now going to delete from memory! LOL I will say though that searching the internet made the hunt easier and gave us some bargaining power at the dealership.
B
]]> Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:20:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16456#16456 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : I just changed from my Santa fe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16255#16255 Author: tdrace
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 8:54pm

I just changed from my Santa fe Hyundai v-6 to a Ford f-150 v-8. I am so pleased. I feel like I can go anywhere and not worry if I will make it or not. The Santa fe pulled great even in the Smokies, but it did work harder. The truck gets around 20-21 on the road, 12-13 towing about the same as the Santa Fe. ]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 20:54:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16255#16255 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Thanks, Outbound. That gives us... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16243#16243 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 6:14pm

Thanks, Outbound. That gives us some place to start looking. My husband would be the first to tell you he is NOT into cars. For us they are just wheels; good when they go and bad when they don't.
But I don't like him feeling like a nervous wreck when dragging the Pod. It's not a good start to a vacation.
B]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 18:14:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16243#16243 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Well... I'm a few years... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16239#16239 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 5:12pm

Well... I'm a few years off for purchasing a new tow vehicle.  Personally, I'll be looking at the Ford F150 and I'll be taking a long look at the new V6 twin turbo engine.  Although the power curve compared to the 5 litre V8 concerns me and makes me wonder how fuel efficient this engine will be under real-world towing conditions.

But, trucks aren't for everyone, so options may include:


]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:12:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16239#16239 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : Hi Duckbooklady, We have some... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16228#16228 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 12:44pm

Hi Duckbooklady,
  We have some of the same concerns. We are towing with a 2003 Grand Caravan 3.3L. We like the space inside the van for our antiques business and I being 5'2, don't want to jump up into a truck everytime we go somewhere.
  Tom is really unhappy with the RPMs when we are towing and I have been searching this site for clues as to which vehicle would work better for us. This would be our only vehicle so I'm really not in favor of a truck. Gas mileage would be an issue too as we drive across Canada at least once a year. Our kids are grown now so we could manage with 5 seats, I think. We usually leave our bench seat at home when camping or on long trips.
Let's have some suggestions. Oh yes, you can leave out the Mercedes as we have a budget too. 
B
]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:44:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16228#16228 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : I fully agree with the minimum... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16227#16227 Author: Outbound
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 12:42pm

I fully agree with the minimum 5000 pound towing capacity.

Unfortunately, you're going to have to compromise somewhere, and I suspect that it'll be the fuel economy.  Also, now is the time to look 2-3 years into the future and ask yourself if you'll still have the R-POD, or if you'll be moving into a larger trailer.  We all love our compact R-PODs, but a growing family has its needs.
]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:42:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16227#16227 Shopping for new TV ~ need advice : I agree that you need something... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16224#16224 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1849
Posted: 01 Jun 2011 at 12:30pm

I agree that you need something with a 5000 pound towing capacity, in general that will put the other specs where you want them (horsepower, torque, etc).  While the actual weight of the 'pods is fairly low we've all experienced the unusually high wind load that appears above 50 mph.  Add a head wind with a vehicle like the Quest and you are sitting still.  On a recent trip to FL we had such a bad head wind I had to drop down to 50 mph to keep my minivan from downshifting into 2nd several times a minute - and my mpg dropped to 8.  I decided on that trip that I need to upgrade in the near future, too.  I'm looking at either Nissan or Toyota full-sized pickup, with a full-sized 4 person cab (called different things by various manufacturers). 
 
Another number to look at is wheel base.  Some SUVs with 5000 pound capacities have shorter wheel bases, and longer wheel bases give you a more stable ride when towing.  A fully-enclosed vehicle is appealing to me but I've crossed most of the SUVs off my list because of the wheel base.  Since my TV really is mostly used for towing I want it to be the best towing vehicle it can be.
 
Other things that can be useful but aren't strictly necessary for towing are:
-- 4 wheel drive (better handling when towing in the rain, plus a bonus in winter even when you aren't towing)
-- factory-supplied braking controller or braking controller connection (I prefer aftermarket controllers and it usually isn't hard to find the proper wiring connections if there isn't a factory plug)
-- 4+ rear-end gear ratio (with much more powerful engines available today I don't think its as critical as it was just 10 years ago, and sub-4 ratios will give you slightly better mpg)
-- cruise control (personally this is a must-have for long trips)
-- "trip computer" (I think a Scan Gauge is much more useful for towing than a factory trip computer)
-- factory pull-out towing mirrors (you can get clip-ons from auto parts stores much cheaper, and you really don't need them with the 'pod since its fairly narrow)
 
]]> Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:30:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1849&PID=16224#16224