R-pod Owners Forum : new tow vehicle question https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : new tow vehicle question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 27 Aug 2026 22:33:28 +0000 Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:35:53 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3350 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ new tow vehicle question : I think the 3.31 diff. should... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31781#31781 Author: David and Danette
Subject: 3350
Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 10:35pm

I think the 3.31 diff. should work fine. The rpod is not that big of a trailer. We have the 3.92 diff. only because we bought ours on the lot, we did not order it that way. If you do a lot of highway driving the 3.31 will give you better gas mileage, I mostly drive city and rural roads where the 3.92 does not make a big difference with the mpg. But if I get on interstate it does make a difference. You can tow a little more weight with a lower gear, but the rpod fully loaded to the max would never reach the limit of your tow capacity. Hope this helps in your decision.   David]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2013 22:35:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31781#31781 new tow vehicle question : Different manufacturers have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31779#31779 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3350
Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 9:36pm

Different manufacturers have slightly different axle ratios, but in general they are close to:

3.3-3.4, higher speeds possible, less torque at low speeds, best mpg

3.7, best middle-of-the-road gearing, better low-end torque but still decent mpg

4.1, best torque for heavy loads but worst mpg, very high rpms at highway speed

For the heavy duty towing vehicle you describe I would go with the 3.31 for use with the pod, it will only be about 3000 pounds when loaded.  My Suburban is similar in specs with the heavy duty towing package, 6 speed tranny, 3.42 rear and I've never wished I had a different ratio.  Very happy to get a little better mpg day to day.

]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2013 21:36:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31779#31779 new tow vehicle question : One of my clients has an Expedition... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31777#31777 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3350
Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 6:28pm

One of my clients has an Expedition with the heavy duty trailer package.  I don't know what ratio the axle is, but I do know that the rear springs are the same as an F250 pickup.  It is stout!

It may depend on the year, but my F150, 2010, is 3.31 and with the 6 speed auto transmission it is low enough.  I turn less than 2000 RPM at 65 and it pulls the pod like it isn't even there.
]]> Wed, 27 Mar 2013 18:28:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31777#31777 new tow vehicle question : we are trying to find a new tow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3350&PID=31774#31774 Author: Pod People
Subject: 3350
Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 12:39pm

we are trying to find a new tow vehicle-a Ford Expedition. I have found one with the heayy duty tow package but it has a 3.31 rear axle ratio instead of the 3.73 ratio. the tow  package has a transmission cooler, a heavy duty radiator , the wire harness for brake controller and hitch.

We plan on taking the Rpod on long distance, cross country trips-eventually driving from NC to Calif and even to Alaska.

What do you think the difference in axle ratios really means?/ Is it power, torque, gas milage, longevity???

Should I continue to search for a TV that has the 3.73 axle or take the 3.31??

Thanks for any input.

Vann
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