R-pod Owners Forum : First timers http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : First timers Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 15:27:37 +0000 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:13:16 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=5941 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ First timers : Originally posted by jbsimm2 First.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57880#57880 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5941
Posted: 18 Mar 2015 at 9:13pm

Originally posted by jbsimm2

First. sorry for the thread hijack:

Happens all the time around here.  Embarrassed

as for the gearing. I think I have 3.13:1 not sure, and I don't really know enough to know what is good for towing.


If that number is correct that is really high for towing.  Better to have something like 3.43 or 3.73 (higher number = lower gearing = better for towing).
]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2015 21:13:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57880#57880 First timers : First. sorry for the thread... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57870#57870 Author: jbsimm2
Subject: 5941
Posted: 18 Mar 2015 at 12:54pm

First. sorry for the thread hijack:

 

It felt underpowered, but I don't have anything to compare it to. my old trailer was a hardsided pop up Apache from the 70's. I could tell a real difference. It could be that I am just not used to pulling a real trailer and that 55-60 will be my top speed with the Xterra or if I had a big HD diesel.

 
as for the gearing. I think I have 3.13:1 not sure, and I don't really know enough to know what is good for towing.
]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:54:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57870#57870 First timers : Underpowered at 261 hp? I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57838#57838 Author: techntrek
Subject: 5941
Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 12:42pm

Underpowered at 261 hp?  I thought that about my Sienna minivan which was just over 200, but I would think over 250 would feel ok.  Maybe the rear end gearing needs to be adjusted?
 
I'm like you, I used to make 14 hour trips between MD and TN (no camper) and would love to "beat my time", although at that distance I learned that speed had far less to do with it than traffic.  Now even with a Suburban (335 torque 320 hp) pulling the pod and now our Salem, I just stick it on 60-65 mph and enjoy the scenery.
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2015 12:42:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57838#57838 First timers : I have a similar vehichle... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57837#57837 Author: jbsimm2
Subject: 5941
Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 10:32am

I have a similar vehichle in the the Xterra. it is rated at 5,000lbs towing and is about 261 HP. I towed our new R-Pod home from the dealer about 4 hours away over on the other side of the cascades. I am not used to towing something so big, and you can definetly feel it back there. my top speed was about 55-60, and about 45-50 climbing the mountain.
 
It towed fine, but I found it to be on the cusp of being under powered. I have a 178, and didn't realize how big this trailer is until I got to the delear to hook up. It was super windy in the Yakima valley, and I didn't really feel like there was any sway (I'm glad they talked me into the WDH) but the whole truck and trailer was being pushed sideways.
 
I just bought the Xterra so there is no new vehicle in my future. I will just have to get used to driving slower than normal. I am the guy that likes to be to places first and try to beat my time from the last trip, and beat the time on the GPS. Honestly will a bigger truck with a V8 be any better? I got the impression that the trailer itself is basically just a big sail and basically hits a wall at that speed. I didn't officially calculate it, but I estimate I got between 6 and 8 mpg on the way home.
]]> Tue, 17 Mar 2015 10:32:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57837#57837 First timers : I also own a 2013 Pathfinder and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57826#57826 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 5941
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 9:11pm

I also own a 2013 Pathfinder and find it a smooth tow-er. There are no gears with a CVT, which means it is not constantly searching for the right gear as in a traditional transmission.
The one oddity is that the receiver on the PF is a smidgeon larger than any shank I could find so there was enough play to make even the shortest trips annoying. So I purchased a Roadmaster Quiet Hitch adapter. It's cheap and works great.
I also installed a set of Firestone air helper bags in the rear springs. Helps to keep the loaded rear from bottoming.
]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 21:11:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57826#57826 First timers : I was going to do a review after... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57821#57821 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 5941
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 8:14pm

I was going to do a review after this camping season, as I have only towed with it once.  That being said, I am delighted with the performance of the Pathfinder.  It is a pleasure to drive and I look forward to doing errands with it around town.  The rear camera, the fit and finish, the electronic dashboard  are great and I really like the electric trunk hatch door.  We have taken another couple out to dinner a few times, and they were impressed with the rear seat knee room.   We are looking forward to this years camping season and will have more to report.  The Pathfinder is constantly reviewed by the auto mags. and is always described in glowing terms.  We purchased it at Wilsonville Nissan from Jim who is the fleet specialist.  Compared his price with another dealer and they were comparable and they are closer to where we live.  The service dept. there is fabulous.  Haven't been impressed as much with a service dept. since I owned a Mercedes years ago.  The Honda only has a 4,500 lb. tow capacity and I was not overly fond of the Toyota.  Coming from a Tahoe with a 6,800 lb. tow capacity, and a big V8, I was concerned with going with a 6 cylinder.  We got the LE edition.  The Pathfinder is rated to tow 5,000 lbs.  I could babble on but you won't be sorry if you got a Pathfinder.  Tell me later what you finally decided.  Safe Travels.]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 20:14:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57821#57821 First timers : Thanks Camper Bob - I'll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57798#57798 Author: Andy and Lisa D
Subject: 5941
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 1:00pm

Thanks Camper Bob - I'll look into it.
How do you like the 2015 Pathfinder? I'm due for an new TV and that's on my short list. ]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 13:00:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57798#57798 First timers : Welcome. Join us in August. Look... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57794#57794 Author: Camper Bob
Subject: 5941
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 8:27am

Welcome. Join us in August. Look under Events and campouts. Safe Travels.]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2015 08:27:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57794#57794 First timers : Welcome to the group! Congrats... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57785#57785 Author: Leo B
Subject: 5941
Posted: 15 Mar 2015 at 6:43pm

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 179!]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:43:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57785#57785 First timers : Hello. We are long time tent... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57784#57784 Author: Andy and Lisa D
Subject: 5941
Posted: 15 Mar 2015 at 6:29pm

Hello.

We are long time tent campers who recently purchased an RP179. First 2 short trips complete, now I have a list of mods to do before our sabbatical cross-country road trip.
Love the great advice and ideas on this forum.

Looking forward to some good times traveling the country.

Cheers!]]> Sun, 15 Mar 2015 18:29:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5941&PID=57784#57784