R-pod Owners Forum : suv tow vehicle http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : suv tow vehicle Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 04:57:25 +0000 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:49:28 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3348 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ suv tow vehicle : Just returned from a 30 day... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51173#51173 Author: Budward
Subject: 3348
Posted: 09 Sep 2014 at 5:49pm

Just returned from a 30 day 10,000 mile trip- probably 8,500 of that was towing - with a 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser- averaged around 11 mpg towing at 60-65.  Saw as low as 8 or 9 on heavy headwinds towing across the plains- oddly we had headwinds going west and 30 days later had headwinds going east- just my luck.Wink
Saw as much as 12mpg towing in higher altitudes and slower speeds.
5th gear (OD) was basically worthless unless there was no headwind or uphill.  Majority of driving at 60-65 was in 4th at around 2500 RPM. 5th would be just below 2000 but the 4.0 V6 just doesn't have the torque to maintain that at least 50% of the time.  For those not aware the FJC has the aerodynamics of a brick, a very upright windshield and sits high off the ground being off road oriented.



]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2014 17:49:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51173#51173 suv tow vehicle : Up until early 2013 I was towing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51108#51108 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 3348
Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 10:41pm

Up until early 2013 I was towing with a 2003 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6, 4 Speed Auto transmission. About 236 hp and 282 ft/lbs torque. The 4runner weighed about 4500 pounds. It was pretty good, but on the 65mph highways, it struggled. I had to drive in 3rd all the time, 4th (overdrive gear) was out the door. This meant lower fuel economy (11-13mpg typical) for my 400 mile round trip weekends.

I bought a 2013 VW Touareg Sport TDI 3.0 diesel ... Totally different animal. It weighs almost 5000 pounds. 240 hp and 406ft/lbs torque. 8 speed transmission, and have no issues towing 70mph on any highway or hill. If I stay at 65mph cruise, I get 15-16 mpg ... I even got as high as 17mpg on a trip to New Hampshire. There were far fewer climbs on the trip.

My only beef with the VW was having to connect the brake controller myself, and the prewired harness was a miserable PITA to fish out from behind the dash. Several hours of baloney, but finally got it together. The dealership would have charge a small fortune to do the job. ]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:41:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51108#51108 suv tow vehicle : We tow our R-Pod 178 with a 2012... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51107#51107 Author: CO_PILOT
Subject: 3348
Posted: 07 Sep 2014 at 7:58pm

We tow our R-Pod 178 with a 2012 Honda Pilot.  It has a 4500 GVWR, 250 hp V-6 , 5-speed  4WD.

In hilly country the tranny spends a lot of time in 3rd gear.

Gas mileage goes from 9-15 mpg (mostly around 10) depending on speed and wind.

60 mph or less will get about 12 mpg.

Do not need load-leveling hitch or anti-sway bars as the rig seems very stable without.

]]> Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:58:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=51107#51107 suv tow vehicle : Wow our upcoming trip is only... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46571#46571 Author: RCU
Subject: 3348
Posted: 30 May 2014 at 9:22am

Wow our upcoming trip is only is about 1600 mi. Making our way to Copper Falls, and the Apostle Islands. Then a couple of stops on the way to Galina, I'll. Now that the weather is getting better. Have fun on your 8k Journey.
RCU]]> Fri, 30 May 2014 09:22:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46571#46571 suv tow vehicle : I couldn't be happier with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46570#46570 Author: fwunder
Subject: 3348
Posted: 30 May 2014 at 8:54am

I couldn't be happier with my 2008 4Runner Limited V6. Our last 300 mile trip a couple of weeks ago we got 15MPG. I attribute that to empty tanks, recent tune up and a brand new set of Michelin LTX MS2s. We were getting 13.5 prior to new tires. Also, I think I finally found the sweet spot at about 62-64 mph highway. I do have WDH and friction sway.

I should gather some good data in upcoming 8K mile trip.

fred
]]> Fri, 30 May 2014 08:54:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46570#46570 suv tow vehicle : I also tow with the 4 Runner a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46568#46568 Author: RCU
Subject: 3348
Posted: 30 May 2014 at 7:54am

I also tow with the 4 Runner a V8. I did tow without the sway bar. Several tripsagowe got caught in a a pretty significant storm. I have since installed weight distribution system w/sway. No probs in the last couple of storms, straight and level.

RCU]]> Fri, 30 May 2014 07:54:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=46568#46568 suv tow vehicle : Welcome from a fellow SLC area... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44802#44802 Author: podrunner
Subject: 3348
Posted: 17 Apr 2014 at 1:11am

Welcome from a fellow SLC area resident.  I tow with a 2006 V6 4Runner and have not had any problems..Can you tell you are towing a trailer?  Of course..Is it slower going up hills?  Of course.  We have towed here locally in the canyons, made a trip through Duchesne to the Uinta Mountains and last fall took a great trip to Yellowstone.  Never dropped below about 45MPH even on the steepest hills.  Gas mileage is 10 to 11 MPG.  I do not use nor have ever felt like I needed a sway control system.  Happy Trails...]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2014 01:11:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44802#44802 suv tow vehicle : Anyone use a spoiler to deflect... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44707#44707 Author: headcold
Subject: 3348
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 7:14pm

Anyone use a spoiler to deflect the wind above the roof of the Pod?


]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 19:14:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44707#44707 suv tow vehicle : LOL, since it was at my friend's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44701#44701 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3348
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 1:00pm

LOL, since it was at my friend's house it was probably a Coors Light.]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 13:00:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44701#44701 suv tow vehicle : I don't think that's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44698#44698 Author: fwunder
Subject: 3348
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 12:20pm

I don't think that's a Natty Boh next to the hitch. I guessing National Premium. Smile]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:20:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44698#44698 suv tow vehicle : I have an E2 600/6000 on my 2010... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44697#44697 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3348
Posted: 14 Apr 2014 at 12:12pm

I have an E2 600/6000 on my 2010 171.  Here is my post on the installation:  http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1374
 
A note that when I changed my TV I experimented and found the ride quality was still much better with the WDH in place, so I continue to use it.
 
 
]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:12:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44697#44697 suv tow vehicle : What type WDH is on your unit.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44692#44692 Author: RCU
Subject: 3348
Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 11:31pm

What type WDH is on your unit. I don't know if the frame has changed from my 2010 171. ]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2014 23:31:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44692#44692 suv tow vehicle : RCU, I believe the majority of... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44691#44691 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3348
Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:50pm

RCU, I believe the majority of us use WDHs, but the ones that don't seem to be more vocal. Smile
]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:50:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44691#44691 suv tow vehicle : Burt, I was surprised to hear... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44688#44688 Author: RCU
Subject: 3348
Posted: 13 Apr 2014 at 10:18pm

Burt, I was surprised to hear in addition to the sway bar you have a weight distribution unit on the pod. I was thinking of using one too. After looking at the stock that makes up the frame Ifelt uncomfortable with the idea. Would you describe your set up. It might assist me in reconsideration. We have been caught in some tough wind situations on our trips to the boundary waters. The Pod & TV came through. I have at times considered a second sway bar. Would like to hear from you
RCU]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2014 22:18:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=44688#44688 suv tow vehicle : Sammyc, I agree with your assessment.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43717#43717 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 3348
Posted: 19 Mar 2014 at 9:33pm

Sammyc, I agree with your assessment. I tow a 172 with a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer 4.2 I 6, it pulls it like there is nothing behind you. I stay at 60mph or less, even on the interstate. I have noticed when I exceed 60 mph the gas mileage goes down. If I pull at 65 or 70 my mileage goes down to 10 to 11.5, but if I keep it down to 60 on the flats or 50 on hills I can get 13 to 14 mpg. I have a friction anti sway bar, no WDH and have never had a problem with sway. I have towed the Pod 50 miles on the Interstate without the anti sway bar hooked up, no problem, not even when semis pass. The long wheel base of the Trailblazer helps I am sure.]]> Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:33:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43717#43717 suv tow vehicle : It always amazes me to read posts... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43666#43666 Author: sammycamper
Subject: 3348
Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 10:33pm

It always amazes me to read posts about SUVs that struggle to tow the rPod. I don't know what it is about our 173, but our 6-cyl Trailblazer pulls it beautifully. We do not have the axel risers, which may help aerodynamics; and our model does not have extensions or sliders, which keeps the weight down. I do not use a weight distribution hitch or stabilizer bars or mirror extensions. Being free of that stuff is one of the big advantages that the rPod offers over our previous travel trailer. At this point, I've towed our Pod in plenty of wind conditions - fore and aft and port and starboard and every variation in between - in wind speeds of at least 30 mph. I do not get the same fuel mileage towing that I get with nothing attached, and nobody should expect to. Gas mileage when towing is more effected by wind conditions and highway speeds than it is without a tow load. Also, I don't go more than 65 mph when I'm towing anything sizeable like a camper. I don't think the 173 has the best amenities among the rPods; but, after reading all the towing complaints on this forum, I'm begining to think it's the optimal towing model. It's just flat fun to tow, and it does not behave at all like a parachute.
 
Sam
]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2014 22:33:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43666#43666 suv tow vehicle : How was the rest of your summer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43657#43657 Author: HPY CMPR
Subject: 3348
Posted: 18 Mar 2014 at 7:17pm

How was the rest of your summer pulling with the Pathfinder.  I have been looking at the Honda Odyssey and the Pilot, but my sister just mentioned to me that she is leaning towards the Pathfinder over the Pilot.  I have had both Honda and Nissan in the past and love them both.  So curious if you could let me know how you are still liking it for towing and also any problems.  I bought the Rpod 178.  Which one are you towing?

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2014 19:17:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=43657#43657 suv tow vehicle : Roger:As a follow up to your question... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=32186#32186 Author: Burt
Subject: 3348
Posted: 11 Apr 2013 at 3:00pm

Roger:

As a follow up to your question about non-ethanol gas (real gas), I just found out from a friend about this website:

www.pure-gas.org

Smart phone will put out address and coordinates

You can search by city/state or location for it.

Burt
]]> Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=32186#32186 suv tow vehicle : Roger:We find non-ethanol gas... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31944#31944 Author: Burt
Subject: 3348
Posted: 05 Apr 2013 at 10:27am

Roger:

We find non-ethanol gas in The Dalles, Oregon.  It's also available in most rural cardlock pay pumps as well.  It is always ethyl which also helps.  It seems that the bureaucrats are imposing city rules on rural living as fast as they can, so look in rural areas for non-ethanol gas.

As an aside, if you have any small engines, i.e. mowers, etc.... use only non-ethanol gas.  If the engine sits for more than a few weeks, water will develop in the gas and cause failure, especially in carbureted engines.  This is fact, not fantasy or conspiracy theory.

Now, yes, we do have an anti-sway bar installed on the pod for safety.  We do get some unexpected gusts of wind in the Columbia river gorge.  The cascade mountains and foothills can cause downdrafts that one wouldn't expect.  Large semi's passing can also give you a fair "bump."  It only made sense out here in country where a large storm blows over semi's occasionally and the gorge can be closed to truck traffic, to have both a weight transfer hitch and a sway bar.

The anti-sway bar does make a difference in stability, especially when you are on a 2 lane highway and a semi goes the other way next to you.

Just look harder for real gas, you will find it.  The cardlock places usually have it.  A gas station that has it will also usually put out an additional sign indicating that they have it.

If you can't find it, just carry a bottle or two of some ethanol reducer and gas booster if you know you are travelling over some mountain passes.  Sea Foam is good as well as the good old sta-bil.

Burt
]]> Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:27:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31944#31944 suv tow vehicle : Thanks to everyone for their input... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31930#31930 Author: roger
Subject: 3348
Posted: 04 Apr 2013 at 3:22pm

Thanks to everyone for their input on tow vehicles.

Burt, you mentioned the winds from the gorge and using gas without ethanol.
It sounds like you had anti sway tow connection. Please indicate and comment on stability in cross winds. Also, comment on who/where you find gasoline without ethanol. Around here I haven't seen any "real" gas for years.

Thanks,
Roger
]]> Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:22:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31930#31930 suv tow vehicle : We have the 5.7 Hemi in the Jeep,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31920#31920 Author: Goose
Subject: 3348
Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 10:28pm

We have the 5.7 Hemi in the Jeep, way better than the 3.3 we had in the Caravan. No longer struggle up the long grades out west. The 4 wheel drive does pull down the fuel mileage some what.   Goose]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 22:28:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31920#31920 suv tow vehicle : Originally posted by techntrekDidn't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31911#31911 Author: Thinker
Subject: 3348
Posted: 03 Apr 2013 at 9:46pm

Originally posted by techntrek

Didn't know CVT had made it to heavy-duty vehicles yet, nice.  Our Prius has CVT and I would love it in a TV!
 
We had a Prius.  Put about 180,000 miles on it.  Loved it, but got worried about the high cost of big battery replacement.  It was a 2005 model.  We sold it in 2010.
]]> Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:46:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31911#31911 suv tow vehicle : I tow with my 09 Toyota FJ Cruiser.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31880#31880 Author: compubmw
Subject: 3348
Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 8:33pm

I tow with my 09 Toyota FJ Cruiser.  While I've never towed any travel trailers besides this one, I've towed a Buick, and a utility trailer.  I towed that Buick through the mountains in So.Cal. on I10 and it was great.  

I tow my r-pod with it and it seems like a breeze.  My first major outing was at 75mph with major headwinds and I had no troubles while the other TTs on the road were swerving and having issues.

The 4runner is basically the same vehicle, same drive train, almost identical frame.  The only difference is the creature comforts.
]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 20:33:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31880#31880 suv tow vehicle : Didn't know CVT had made... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31876#31876 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3348
Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 5:55pm

Didn't know CVT had made it to heavy-duty vehicles yet, nice.  Our Prius has CVT and I would love it in a TV!]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:55:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31876#31876 suv tow vehicle : I am towing with Nissan Pathfinder... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31870#31870 Author: Thinker
Subject: 3348
Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 4:12pm

I am towing with Nissan Pathfinder 2013.  Tow rated at 5000#.   Tows like a dream. Getting 12 -13 at 60 MPH.  The new to Pathfinder CVT transmission is super.  No hunting for gears then upshifting and downshifting.  Just one big long smooth continuously variable gear. 
 
Your mileage may vary.
]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:12:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31870#31870 suv tow vehicle : The MDX sounds pretty good. I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31865#31865 Author: TerryM
Subject: 3348
Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 12:39pm

The MDX sounds pretty good.  I used to tow with a 2005 Jeep Liberty 4X4.  It had the tow capacity and I never had a problem.  One thing that helped though was that I set it up for off roading:  lower gears, bigger tires (stock were 28", changed to 32") and beefed up suspension.  That thing weighed 1/2 ton more than stock.  It also had steel skid plates covering everything underneath and a heavy duty steel front bumper with a winch.  It pretty much would go anywhere I wanted to go!

Terry
]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:39:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31865#31865 suv tow vehicle : I tow my 182G with an Acura MDX... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31864#31864 Author: Our-pod
Subject: 3348
Posted: 02 Apr 2013 at 12:24pm

I tow my 182G with an Acura MDX - 300hp and a 5000lb tow capacity.  I haven't towed a bunch yet, only a few hundred miles.  I'm happy with the power and torque.  While I can easily tow at 65mph+, I typically don't; the mileage is terrible and I don't think the time saved is worth the risk to me and my family.  Also, as others have stated, you can really feel the Rpod pulling at higher speeds.

The tech who hooked up the trailer when I bought it took it for a drive to help me get the brake controller set.  He was surprised and impressed at the towing ability of the MDX.

Another nice feature - the MDX has a setting to keep from shifting into 6th, which prevents a bunch of extra shifting.
]]> Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:24:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31864#31864 suv tow vehicle : My thoughts are you need at least... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31766#31766 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 3348
Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 6:33pm

My thoughts are you need at least 250 hp, and you can not always go by the manufactures tow capacity. We had a 2010 Jeep Liberty with the 3.7, 210 hp. its tow capacity was 5,000 lbs. That may of been fine with a boat with little wind drag but with the Rpod it was under powered. As it has been mentioned the length of the wheel base makes a difference and the tow vehicles weight. Our new Ram 1500 is working great for us, it has the 4.7 engine and 3.92 differential. Its tow capacity is about 7,500 lbs. We don't need to think about how much we have loaded in the Rpod, other than our mpg which has been so far about 12.5. Planning a trip to Tennessee now that it has more mileage on it about 5,000 I will get a better idea of how the mpg will be. Will be about a 2,000 mile trip, so far we have only traveled about 150 miles.   David]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 18:33:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31766#31766 suv tow vehicle : Roger:We use a Ford Ranger V6... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31765#31765 Author: Burt
Subject: 3348
Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 4:04pm

Roger:

We use a Ford Ranger V6 4.0 liter, 4WD.  Stock it was 207 HP.  We put a chip in it to boost it up to 267.  It towed fine before but then we wanted some more boost on the hills/mountains.

Whatever you get, be sure to use a brake controller and a weight transfer hitch.

We also use a stabilizer as we live near the Columbia River gorge and can get some unexpected and fierce winds here.  Be prepared.

BTW, there are many great formulas for selecting tow vehicles.  One, add 1000 lbs. to your trailer as that is about what you will put in it.

Subtract the payload in your actual tow vehicle from the tow  vehicle GVWR.  Then, if your selection is too close to capacity, get something with more towing capability.

Our Ranger rates at 5600 towing capability and 880 lbs payload.  Subtract 880, now we're at 4720 towing.  The 171 is 2000 lbs.  Subtract that.  2720.  Now subtract the 1000 lbs.  1720.  We're within the range and OK but then we do take more stuff sometimes.  We figure that we end up with about 800 to 1000 near limit sometimes.

Best to overdo it with the tow vehicle.

Another thought:  Use non-ethanol gas when you expect to tow up hills.  It's has more power per gallon than the crummy corn fuel they sell us now.

My thoughts are that when we search for a towing trailer, we just look at the weight and think that is it.  Easy to make that decision.  Then, knowledge and experience kick in and you have to go backwards and re-think stuff.  You're wise to ask this question first.

Good luck with your choice and smooth roads to you!

Burt






]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:04:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31765#31765 suv tow vehicle : We seem to pull just fine.. we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31761#31761 Author: furpod
Subject: 3348
Posted: 26 Mar 2013 at 10:33am

We seem to pull just fine.. we have the 2 valve 5.4 in the Expedition, and the 6.2 in the Excursion.

The newer 5.4 has 3 valve heads, and it makes more HP AND gets better mpg.. (when not towing)

Towing mileage works like this..

It takes "x" horsepower to move the pod through the air at "x" speed.

Internal combustion engines are air pumps. It takes "x" amount of air pumped through the engine to reach the needed (x) horsepower to move the pod along at "x" speed.

No matter if you have a 3.5 v6 or a 6.2 v10, you still have to make that power level. There is some difference for overall weight, and some tow vehicles are a little more aerodynamic than others.. but it works out that no matter what you tow with engine wise, as long as somewhere in it's power band it can  make that needed "x" horsepower, it can pull the pod.

Now, most are not comfortable with an engine that needs to turn 3500-4500 rpm to do it. But that is why almost everybody towing with a v6/v8/v10 gets *about* the same mileage. They are all pumping the same amount of "air".

A larger tow vehicle does have more weight and wheelbase to  help  keep things stable, and help keep the tail from wagging the dog, so to speak.
]]> Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:33:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3348&PID=31761#31761