R-pod Owners Forum : owner-to-be http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : owner-to-be Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:27:57 +0000 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 07:22:42 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3202 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ owner-to-be : The Trailer Life 2012 towing guide... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30566#30566 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3202
Posted: 01 Feb 2013 at 7:22am

The Trailer Life 2012 towing guide indicates the 3.7L engine rating of 2000 lbs is for the Sport model with 22 inch wheels. That's barely bigger than the Pod wheels Smile]]> Fri, 01 Feb 2013 07:22:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30566#30566 owner-to-be : I wondered about that too. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30563#30563 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 31 Jan 2013 at 10:58pm

I wondered about that too.]]> Thu, 31 Jan 2013 22:58:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30563#30563 owner-to-be : Odd that the larger engine only... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30549#30549 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3202
Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 8:06pm

Odd that the larger engine only has the 2000 pound towing spec.]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:06:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30549#30549 owner-to-be : Ok I will stop stirring the pot.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30546#30546 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 3202
Posted: 30 Jan 2013 at 4:36pm

Ok I will stop stirring the pot.  Just wanted to make sure.]]> Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:36:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30546#30546 owner-to-be : It's a 3.5L V6 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30531#30531 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 8:23pm

It's a 3.5L V6]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:23:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30531#30531 owner-to-be : I really hate to stir the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30529#30529 Author: rpodcamper.com
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 8:13pm

I really hate to stir the pot But what size enginge does the 2013 Ford Edge have?

3.5-liter V6 - 3,500 lbs.

3.7-liter V6  - 2,000 lbs..

2.0-liter I-4 EcoBoost - 1,500 lbs

 
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/2013_Edge_Specs.pdf
]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:13:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30529#30529 owner-to-be : With a 2" receiver you are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30527#30527 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 7:47pm

With a 2" receiver you are technically OK with a class II since its maximum rating is 3500 pounds.  But, you will be pushing its limits with a fully loaded pod.  I wouldn't worry too much, but make sure in the future you get a class III.

The "manual" we have on this forum is here:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723&title=creating-an-instruction-maintanence-manual

]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:47:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30527#30527 owner-to-be : Just now readingpostabout a dealer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30526#30526 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 5:14pm

Just now reading post about a dealer who wouldn't allow r-pod to be used w/Class II.  I'll call the service dept. at the dealer.  And yes, I am having a digital brake controller installed.  Will from now on read posts in the order I receive them so as not to incur Angry.]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:14:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30526#30526 owner-to-be : "You can lead a horse to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30525#30525 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 5:05pm

"You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink"

We tried-  she doesn't want to listen.  My conscience is clear.
]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:05:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30525#30525 owner-to-be : I guess I got lucky; my receiver... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30524#30524 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 5:00pm

I guess I got lucky; my receiver is 2" and the Ford dealer said the E2 equalizer hitch would be a good idea.  Is there any one place to get the entire forum pod manual?  I have been finding pieces of it in various places.]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 17:00:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30524#30524 owner-to-be : janice, usually class II hitches... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30519#30519 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 2:46pm

janice, usually class II hitches come with 1 1/4 inch receiver openings.  Most aftermarket accessories like bike racks, WDHs, cargo trays, etc, require the 2 inch receiver opening that comes with the class III and IV hitches.]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:46:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30519#30519 owner-to-be : Our friends, Forum members Gypsy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30513#30513 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 3202
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 at 6:53am

Our friends, Forum members Gypsy Edie and Kona Joe, had a Class II factory hitch on a Mazda van, and our selling dealer,
Lazy Days in Tampa, basically refused to deliver the R 177 without upgrading to a Class III.  We had no
factory hitch, so it was an easy call for us to order a Class III from Amazon for our local mechanic to
install.

We then ordered, again from Amazon, a WDH and have had zero problems.

You will, of course, be installing a trailer brake controller, right?
]]> Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:53:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30513#30513 owner-to-be : I took a look on the Ford... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30511#30511 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 9:53pm

I took a look on the Ford site and recommemded Maximums for your Edge to tow are 3,500 pounds and a 350 pound toung weight.  Shipping weight for the Pod is less than that, but when you add your accesories (air, battery, propane), and supplies you are going to be near the max.  You may even be over if you tow with a full water tanks.  I would get weight distribution and sway protection.  I think you will need it.  And dont tow with water tanks full if you can help it.  ]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:53:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30511#30511 owner-to-be : Thanks for the detailed explanation... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30510#30510 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 9:19pm

Thanks for the detailed explanation of the equalizer vs the sway bar.  I was unclear at first how it all fit together.  What is your opinion about the Class II hitch that was factory installed?  Some have said I need a Class III.  I'll be calling my Ford dealer as well.]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:19:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30510#30510 owner-to-be : I checked my paperwork which says... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30509#30509 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 9:04pm

I checked my paperwork which says it's a Class II hitch; an R-Pod serviceman called today and said he could install the E2 stabilizer (6000 lbs) to use with my current receiver, if I want that.  Why is it important to have a Class III?]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 21:04:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30509#30509 owner-to-be : +1 on the class III hitch.Is your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30505#30505 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 7:40pm

+1 on the class III hitch.

Is your factory installed hitch a receiver (the hitch ball can be removed leaving a square opening on the TV), or a permanently installed ball?  If you have a class III hitch you just need to buy the WDH for use with the existing receiver.

]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 19:40:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30505#30505 owner-to-be : Please insure that your factory... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30504#30504 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 4:55pm

Please insure that your factory installed hitch is at least a Class III.  Many are not.]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:55:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30504#30504 owner-to-be : Thank you all for your advice.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30500#30500 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 1:15pm

Thank you all for your advice.  I forgot to mention in my original post that I already have a factory-installed hitch on my Edge which I'm sure is not a WDH.  So, majority opinion seems to be get the sway bar.  I live in the beautiful NW so many of my trips will be on secondary, probably curvy mountain roads thus doubt I will have any trouble keeping it at and below 60mph tops.]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:15:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30500#30500 owner-to-be : I was about to add my .02,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30498#30498 Author: coopercdrkey
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 12:18pm

I was about to add my .02, until I realized it had all been said!  Good advice here.
 
I will make quick note of the difference between anti sway and load distribution.  They both have
the objective of reducing, (but never totally eliminating) the tendency for the trailer to depart from
the center line track of the tow vehicle.
 
Anti sway devices add a shock absorber-like device in the horizontal plane to discourage horizontal
deviation.  Load distribution devices add bars or trunions between the tow vehicle's frame, (via the
hitch), and the trailer frame to force the front wheels of the TV back down to their unweighted
position.  (A vertical correction, if you will.)
 
Although I am not personally familiar with the E2 hitch, it appears to offer both horizontal and vertical
correction forces simultaneously.  I wish I had known about it prior to installing my WDH, although
we have never had a problem with our 177 and our Grand Cherokee.
  
]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:18:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30498#30498 owner-to-be : Janice,As you see, there are many... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30494#30494 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 10:36am

Janice,

As you see, there are many pro and con arguments here. Personally, I highly recommend the E2 hitch from Progress Mfg. It combines weight distribution and sway control in one hitch. You may not "need it", but you will definitely want it, especially with your small and light weight tow vehicle. I tow my RP-172 with a 2010 Honda 4WD Pilot. With the E2 hitch I hardly know the Pod is back there, except for the decreased acceleration and gas mileage. I spent lots of brain time sweating with and without, but finally decided to get the E2. I didn't want my first experience to be disaster.
]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:36:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30494#30494 owner-to-be : Read through the owner's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30489#30489 Author: Our-pod
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 8:40am

Read through the owner's manual for your car - 
I tow my 182G with an Acura MDX.  The owner's manual specifically recommends not using a sway control.  According to the manual, the sway control logic is built into the AWD system of the MDX.

It's the biggest of the Rpods and it tows very nicely.  I only felt movement when a huge Charter bus passed me doing about 85 when I was doing 65.
]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:40:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30489#30489 owner-to-be : I also would recommend an anti-sway... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30487#30487 Author: P&M
Subject: 3202
Posted: 28 Jan 2013 at 8:11am

I also would recommend an anti-sway bar for the hitch.  We have one on ours and it makes a huge difference, especially compared to what I remember it was like towing a tent trailer w/o one back in the 80's.]]> Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:11:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30487#30487 owner-to-be : My experience is like that of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30483#30483 Author: LarryK
Subject: 3202
Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 8:26pm

My experience is like that of techntrek.  The E2 hitch (a weight distribution hitch which includes sway control) dampens the bumps in the road making a much more comfortable ride.  Without it the Pod would bounce hard.  For me it was worth the extra money.
]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2013 20:26:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30483#30483 owner-to-be : Welcome. I pulled mine without... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30482#30482 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3202
Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 7:55pm

Welcome.  I pulled mine without for a while, happy to not have to use one anymore (my popup was suicide without a sway bar).  Eventually I ran into a long haul with crosswinds which changed my mind.  I got a weight distribution hitch which includes sway control and have enjoyed no sway and a much more comfortable ride, because the WDH acts as an extra suspension system to dampen bumps in the road.]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:55:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30482#30482 owner-to-be : Lots of pros and cons WDH versus... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30481#30481 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 3202
Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 7:44pm

Lots of pros and cons WDH versus friction antisway. to each his own. I use a single adjustable friction antisway that goes on the passengers side between the pod and the hitch, I have never had any sway problem with or without the anti sway bar. I know it has a lot to do with the tow vehicle, wheel base, ball height. I tow with a Chevrolet Trailblazer and it pulls it great. I have been in 30 mph right cross winds and then had a semi blow past me on the left at 75 plus, a little side motion but nothing scary. I keep my speed at 60 mph or lower period. I can pull at 70 I have pulled at 80, but why am I going out with the pod. To slow down and enjoy the day, not hurry. When we get to the check in area I pop out and remove the single arm friction antisway bar so as to not forget and try to back up with it on and bend it in two. Anyway a bad day Podding is better than a good day at work ]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:44:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30481#30481 owner-to-be : Yes....get one. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30480#30480 Author: Racer|X|
Subject: 3202
Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 7:11pm

Yes....get one.]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:11:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30480#30480 owner-to-be : Hi, I have a 177 on order which... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30478#30478 Author: janice
Subject: 3202
Posted: 27 Jan 2013 at 7:09pm

Hi,  I have a 177 on order which will be delivered sometime end of Feb. or March.  I'll be pulling it with 2013 Ford Edge.  Since I've never owned my own trailer (although I grew up camping in one), nor have I pulled one, I think I should err on the side of safety and get a sway bar despite the service man saying he didn't think I'd need one.  He suggested taking it out a couple of times before making a decision.  Any thoughts?  I'm very excited to get it and my friend who bought a Casita in Texas and drove through Salt Lake City in a blizzard getting it home is totally jealous.

]]> Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:09:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3202&PID=30478#30478