R-pod Owners Forum : 2015 R-Pod 179 http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : 2015 R-Pod 179 Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 02 May 2026 21:12:13 +0000 Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:10:34 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4716 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ 2015 R-Pod 179 : We too hauled a popup without... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48203#48203 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4716
Posted: 12 Jul 2014 at 1:10pm

We too hauled a popup without sway control. It could be a handful on a given day. Since tripling the weight of our camper, we went with a Blue Ox WDH with sway control built in. The Rpod is loaded heavy & still hauls & rides better than our 1200 lb. popup did.
Now if I could figure out how to get 150 more horsepower & 25 more MPG at the same time.....]]> Sat, 12 Jul 2014 13:10:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48203#48203 2015 R-Pod 179 : Welcome. Since I'm on the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48186#48186 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4716
Posted: 11 Jul 2014 at 11:52pm

Welcome.  Since I'm on the road I can't elaborate much right now, but the short answer is, there is weight distribution, sway control, and the combination of both of them.  Some WDHs have sway control, some don't.

With the shorter wheel base and 3500 pound towing capacity of your Pilot, I suggest a WDH that includes sway control.  E2 and Equalizer are two brands that do both.  I have an E2, and Equalizer owns E2, FYI.  I used to own a popup and if I didn't use the sway bar (didn't have WDH then) the thing was nearly impossible to tow no matter the other anti-sway steps I took (see the link in my signature for info on sway control).  So in that case it definitely helped.  I towed my pod for about 2 years w/o any sway control or weight distribution on our prior TV (tow vehicle) but a good day in wind convinced me to get sway control.  Getting the E2 also solved the weight distribution problem.  When I changed my TV I tried w/o on one trip and went back to using the WDH sine it improves the ride quality.
]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:52:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48186#48186 2015 R-Pod 179 : It seems this topic never seems... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48158#48158 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 4716
Posted: 11 Jul 2014 at 12:19pm

It seems this topic never seems to be definitively answered. I might suggest that some of the "Whiz Kids" who are active on this forum write a definitive answer to this perplexing concern. Safety is at issue here, and possibly a MUST READ note might be added for all new campers. I think it should address not only flat road travel, but for some, steep and long climbs up and down mountains, as well as large trucks passing, with the possible problems. Too much info is passed on here without all of the towing parameters being discussed. As we now seem to have and electrical advocate onboard, possibly a towing advocate might also be searched for. My two cents. Safe Travels. ]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:19:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48158#48158 2015 R-Pod 179 : We just bought our Rpod 176 in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48154#48154 Author: Oddpod
Subject: 4716
Posted: 11 Jul 2014 at 10:12am

We just bought our Rpod 176 in March, 1st time owners and I've never trailered before this.  I'm trying to learn the acronyms and lingo.  We trailer the Rpod with a 2005 Honda Pilot with factory installed hitch package, and at times it can get swaying back and forth on the short trips we've taken.  We have no sway control, just a standard hitch.  What does WD stand for and do you find sway control bars really help make the ride feel less unstable.  It's a bit unnerving when it gets swaying as trucks or winds push you around.


]]> Fri, 11 Jul 2014 10:12:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=48154#48154 2015 R-Pod 179 : We just returned from a 1500 mile... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46601#46601 Author: NormanHill
Subject: 4716
Posted: 31 May 2014 at 11:25pm

We just returned from a 1500 mile round trip with a 1998 f 150 4x4, 4.6 v8 w/manual transmission towing a 178. Most of the trip had to be in 4th, not overdrive, and the mileage was only 12.5 mpg. I think I'd benefit from a bigger engine and automatic transmission.

That said, the trailer towed great and no problem without a WDT. It sat damn near level when loaded. I did add a sway control bar on the trailer and recommend them to everyone. This 2 wheel trailer is much more skittish than the tandems I've pulled. It does make some noise when you're turning and I released the pressure when backing up.


]]> Sat, 31 May 2014 23:25:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46601#46601 2015 R-Pod 179 : With an f150 there is absolutely... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46556#46556 Author: vacationwhileyoucan
Subject: 4716
Posted: 29 May 2014 at 7:18pm

With an f150 there is absolutely no way you need a wdh to pull an rpod. I used to own a 2003 f150 with a 5.4 and it towed great. I pulled our 179 with our 08 F150 5.4 and couldn't even feel it through the mountain passes in Oregon and even with 35mph winds on i5. Good luck guys! I would add quality rear shocks and keep weight over the axles. ]]> Thu, 29 May 2014 19:18:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46556#46556 2015 R-Pod 179 : Just a note on the "Built... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46194#46194 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4716
Posted: 20 May 2014 at 7:18pm

Just a note on the "Built in Sway Control" byFord (or any other manufacturer), it will only work after your trailer isgetting blown around and is "out of control".  Then the computer applies the car's breaks tocompensate for the motion that is being imparted on it by the trailer.  A friction "sway control" device onthe hitch works by using friction to prevent your trailer from getting blownside to side in the first place and thus keeping your entire rig in a safercondition.  At that point, if your TV'ssway control kicks in, you know it would have been even worse since it alreadyovercame the friction on your hitch.

 

There are several different types of hitches out there,even ones like an "Equalizer" WD & Sway that doesn’t have separatechains, just two bars, pretty slick. Many of our smaller TVs like the Explorer etc require the WD to spreadthe load out evenly across the frame; heck when I have the car loaded down itstarts to squat even without the trailer. And as far as "max tow capacity", don’t forget to look at yourMax Payload, Gross Combined Weight Rating, etc.  When I am loaded with my wife, kid, dog andsome personal items, my trailer weight can only be ~4000lbs, not anywhere closeto the 5000 lb max capacity the Explorer claims.  There are lots of good web pages with"max tow calculators", it's worth checking into.  If you have transmission, axle seals, suspensionetc etc go out while towing over the "max limits", Ford or Lexus orwhoever are smart enough to say "you should have read the manual..."  Not trying to preach, I spent hours and hoursresearching and learning what it all meant so just trying to pass on theknowledge.

 

Cheers,
Bobby]]> Tue, 20 May 2014 19:18:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46194#46194 2015 R-Pod 179 : Currently I don't have a... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46180#46180 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4716
Posted: 20 May 2014 at 10:30am

Currently I don't have a WD set up on my explorer but I do have built in Trailer Sway Control by Ford.  For the most part my trips are relatively short one way under 150 miles on relatively flat roads (Wisconsin) so my gas mileage is better around 15 mpg.  The true test of how it will tow will be when I travel to the 2014 Forest River International FROG Camping Rally in Goshen, Indiana this August.

]]> Tue, 20 May 2014 10:30:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46180#46180 2015 R-Pod 179 : rascarlrv, what kind of gas mileage... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46164#46164 Author: bcskimiller
Subject: 4716
Posted: 20 May 2014 at 12:55am

rascarlrv, what kind of gas mileage do you get?  So far I've gotten around 10.5 and that's at 60mph everywhere.

I see the same thing with my 2013 Explorer 4wd & 178.  The towing requirements for the Explorer say anything over 2K need to have WD, and I can see a difference in ride characteristics with & without (even in short jaunts around the neighborhood).  I have also have the sway control and on my first real road trip I ended up in a borderline wind advisory on a narrow construction laden 2 lane road with heavy truck traffic...I got pushed around alot but never had "sway" problems.  I was even down to 50 mph because roads were that bad.  That being said, on the way back down the hill, I screwed up one of the pins and didn't have the sway control for 400 miles of that two lane and interstate and didn't notice, but we also didn't have the same winds or traffic; I agree with others, especially with as "little" of a TV you have: WD & sway.
]]> Tue, 20 May 2014 00:55:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46164#46164 2015 R-Pod 179 : The quick answer is yes your vehicles... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46130#46130 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4716
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 2:05pm

The quick answer is yes your vehicles will be able to tow the trailer but if you want my honest opinion, the both of you will quickly find out that towing the 179 will put a lot of strain on your vehicles with that towing capacity.  I have the 179 and the dry weight with all the options from Forest River puts the weight at 2,800 pounds plus another 150 pounds or so for a single battery and a full propane tank.  Then you need to add in all the gear that you put in your exterior storage compartment as well any camping stuff you pack inside like food, drinks, clothes, camping gear, etc.  You will be easily at 3,500 pounds and then some if you pack light for one to two people.  This doesn't even take into consideration any water you fill in your storage tanks, etc.    

Personally I wouldn't tow a larger RPOD unless you have at least a 5,000 pounds towing capacity that has a built in factory towing package and transmission cooler.  Even then I will say I know I am towing my 179 especially when it is a windy day or even going up any type of incline.  The RPM's in my vehicle typically are 2 - 3 towing on level roads but as soon I go up a hill towing the 179 my 2013 Ford Explorer strains and automatically shoots up to 4 RPM's until the road levels out.  Just my two cents worth.
]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 14:05:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46130#46130 2015 R-Pod 179 : All good to know. Thank you! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46127#46127 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 12:48pm

All good to know.  Thank you!]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 12:48:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46127#46127 2015 R-Pod 179 : One thing to note is that we usually... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46124#46124 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4716
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 12:11pm

One thing to note is that we usually only carry probably 5 gallons in our water tank while we are towing. Also the wind conditions can really vary your miles per gallon. We usually travel at a steady 55-65, usually not in a rush. We only use the one battery, so we haven't done a lot that has increased the weight of the trailer.]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 12:11:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46124#46124 2015 R-Pod 179 : This is very encouraging news.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46118#46118 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 10:18am

This is very encouraging news.  Thank you!]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 10:18:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46118#46118 2015 R-Pod 179 : We tow with a 2013 Dodge Grand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46112#46112 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4716
Posted: 19 May 2014 at 6:27am

We tow with a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan which has a 3500 towing capacity. We have had no problem towing our 171 and have towed from Vermont to Florida and VT to North Carolina on multiple occasions we average 13.5 mpg driving out of VT in the mountains and 14.5-16 mpg once we get to Massachusetts and south. We have towed through the Pocono Mtns with no problem handling or power wise. It handles the wind well.
We are presently waiting for delivery of a 179 that we purchased, I think it will be 300 pounds heavier than our 171, don't anticipate any problems in towing that.
]]> Mon, 19 May 2014 06:27:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46112#46112 2015 R-Pod 179 : Still searching for Podders pulling... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46108#46108 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 18 May 2014 at 9:34pm

Still searching for Podders pulling with a Lexus RX350. Want to know what it's been like for towing. Or other vehicles with 3500 towing capacity. ]]> Sun, 18 May 2014 21:34:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=46108#46108 2015 R-Pod 179 : http://www.forestriverforums.c... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45993#45993 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4716
Posted: 14 May 2014 at 7:55pm

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52700]]> Wed, 14 May 2014 19:55:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45993#45993 2015 R-Pod 179 : Lets see if someone with a flair... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45992#45992 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 4716
Posted: 14 May 2014 at 7:32pm

Lets see if someone with a flair for organizing such an event is interested,]]> Wed, 14 May 2014 19:32:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45992#45992 2015 R-Pod 179 : Yes to a Wisconsin rally! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45964#45964 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 14 May 2014 at 12:09am

Yes to a Wisconsin rally!]]> Wed, 14 May 2014 00:09:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45964#45964 2015 R-Pod 179 : I think we need a Wisconsin rally. ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45958#45958 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 7:53pm

I think we need a Wisconsin rally.]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 19:53:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45958#45958 2015 R-Pod 179 : Looks like a really nice time.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45952#45952 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 5:13pm

Looks like a really nice time.  We have some reservations in Door County right after that.  Might have to extend our vacation time.Smile]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 17:13:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45952#45952 2015 R-Pod 179 : I tow my 179 with a Ford Explorer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45948#45948 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 2:02pm

I tow my 179 with a Ford Explorer 4wd with factory towing package that tows up to 5,000 pounds and I can feel the truck strain a bit going up bigger hills, etc.  Level roads it cruises along just fine.
 
As a side note, since your from Wisconsin you might consider joining about 25 other Rpod Units along with other Forest River products at the 3rd annual Forest River Frog Camping Rally in Goshen, Indiana this August.  Details below
 
http://forestriverfrog.com/InternationalRally/
]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 14:02:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45948#45948 2015 R-Pod 179 : Is anyone pulling with a Lexus... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45946#45946 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 12:06pm

Is anyone pulling with a Lexus RX-350?  Interested to know how it's working and what you all added to your purchase to be able to pull the R-Pod comfortably.]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 12:06:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45946#45946 2015 R-Pod 179 : We ordered from Couchs RV Nation... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45945#45945 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 12:02pm

We ordered from Couchs RV Nation out of Indiana so it's getting shipped to us.  They are giving us all the bells and whistles and a great price, BUT if we would have told Camping World what we were getting, they would have matched it. Ouch]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 12:02:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45945#45945 2015 R-Pod 179 : I have the WD with stabilizer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45942#45942 Author: CasaJack
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 10:01am

I have the WD with stabilizer and I am glad I do especially when we ran into very high winds in Palm Desert, CA about a month ago.  I recommend it.  I also agree that you probably don't need the extended mirrors.
]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 10:01:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45942#45942 2015 R-Pod 179 : Welcome to both of you. I agree... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45940#45940 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 9:30am

Welcome to both of you.  I agree that the mirrors are usually unnecessary since the pod is fairly narrow.  The brake controller is mandatory - you might look into the Tekonsha RF since it doesn't involve any work on the TV other than plugging into the power outlet, and almost no work on the camper, to install it.  Some here feel fine w/o sway control, I used to tow a popup that was suicide to tow w/o so I was happy to tow the pod for a while w/o.  Less hassle.  Then I had a bad day with wind and decided to get it, and went ahead with a weight distribution hitch that also has sway control.  I have the E2 600/6000 model.]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 09:30:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45940#45940 2015 R-Pod 179 : We use a fastway E2 weight distributing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45937#45937 Author: outermostpod
Subject: 4716
Posted: 13 May 2014 at 8:36am

We use a fastway E2 weight distributing hitch with sway control.  Our TV is a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe rated to tow 5000 lbs.  The E2 was $250, is easy to install and easy to connect each time.  We weren't sure if we would need it, but decided for $250 it was worthwhile for peace of mind. It does not have to be disconnected for backing up, and you don't have to drive/tow any differently than you would without it.  Tongue weight is still obviously important, but the E2 makes it easier to achieve the proper stance. I don't have any experience towing without the E2 but I can tell you that we have had no problems with sway.

Probably too late, since you ordered them, but we don't find mirror extenders to be necessary.  The rpod is narrower than most trailers, and we have no problem seeing around it.
]]> Tue, 13 May 2014 08:36:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45937#45937 2015 R-Pod 179 : I.m also anew owner and struggling... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45934#45934 Author: NormanHill
Subject: 4716
Posted: 12 May 2014 at 11:38pm

I.m also anew owner and struggling with the WD hitch with or without a stabilizer. I've only towed it about ten miles from Camping World to my house in Madison and was surprised by how poorly
 It towed. Sway and bounce, but this was empty. My TV is a 1998 F150 4x4 w/4.6 v8. I.m pretty sure I didn't have enough tongue weight.

Some questions:

Does anyone have a floor plan that shows the location of water tanks with relationship to the axle?
With this light a trailer, thinking it would have less than 400 lbs tongue wt, will a WD hitch do me any good?
If so, any recommendations.
I'm used to dual axles so maybe sway control without the WD hitch would make sense, reasonable?

We're taking off on a longer trip next week somI want to get this figured out soon.

Thanks to anyone with advice!




]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 23:38:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45934#45934 2015 R-Pod 179 : Where did you purchase your 179?... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45932#45932 Author: rascalrv
Subject: 4716
Posted: 12 May 2014 at 9:19pm

Where did you purchase your 179?  I got mine at camping world in Madison. 

]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 21:19:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45932#45932 2015 R-Pod 179 : Thank you! I think my husband... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45929#45929 Author: R-PodKids
Subject: 4716
Posted: 12 May 2014 at 6:57pm

Thank you!  I think my husband and I thought as long as our vehicle had the capability to pull the weight of the R-Pod, we could just hook up and go!  But we're finding there are several things we need to do first and it's getting a little mind-boggling.  

We are planning to pull the 179 with an RX-350 which has a limit of 3,500 lbs.  We are scheduled to get a brake system installed in my vehicle, I guess so when we brake with our vehicle, the R-Pod will brake as well.  We've heard yes's and no's to the stabilizer bar.  I'd love your comments on that.  And I guess there's the kind you can leave on when you park the R-Pod and the kind you have to take off or you'll jackknife.  And now my husband is ordering mirror extenders for my vehicle. (I guess I should use the term TV, right? LOL )

Looks like most people end up getting a different mattress.  Ideas for which one turns out to be the best? I see they can get pretty pricey, too.  Short-queen sheets probably needed too.

Anything else you can think of before we tow this thing away, please pass the info on.

Much appreciated!

]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 18:57:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45929#45929 2015 R-Pod 179 : Welcome to the group!! http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45924#45924 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4716
Posted: 12 May 2014 at 6:06pm

Welcome to the group!!]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 18:06:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4716&PID=45924#45924