R-pod Owners Forum : Tow Vehicle Question http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Tow Vehicle Question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 09:28:45 +0000 Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:40:33 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7429 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Tow Vehicle Question : We aren't a whole lot different... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69902#69902 Author: jato
Subject: 7429
Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:40pm

We aren't a whole lot different than you with our '08 Explorer with a 4.0 V-6.  We have hauled our pod out west twice, south once, east once and a lot in the UP of Michigan.  Mileage is 12 overall.  And we don't take it above 65 either, might take a bit longer to get to the destination but at least we get there and not stressed trying to keep up to the Formula Ones, flying by as if we are sitting still.]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:40:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69902#69902 Tow Vehicle Question : CharlieM - Interesting, good... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69900#69900 Author: Nozenji
Subject: 7429
Posted: 13 Feb 2016 at 8:32pm

CharlieM - Interesting, good response, can you give that calculation in formula form ? Thanks !
]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 20:32:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69900#69900 Tow Vehicle Question : Understood Sir Thank You http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69701#69701 Author: Patriot Dave
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:20pm

Understood Sir

Thank You]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:20:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69701#69701 Tow Vehicle Question : Originally posted by PodsterWell,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69700#69700 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:19pm

Originally posted by Podster

Well, ours is not a 4x4 and 4wd models have a little lower tow capacity. Usually because of the added weight that the 4wd drive drain brings. 

Yes, have done a lot of free way time. Towed it all the way back from the dealer in Iowa to San Antonio. We like cruising at 60, but don't have any problem cruising at 65 at times. It's pretty unusual that we enter the 70mph mark. Not because of power, but overall handling feels better at 60-65. 



Patriot Dave,

Most campers like to cruise about 60 MPH. Higher speeds really eat into gas mileage. Since the HP required to pull your parachute like camper through the air is proportional to the SQUARE of the speed, it takes 36% more power to tow at 70 vs 60. That roughly takes 13 mpg down to 9.5 mpg. Angry
]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:19:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69700#69700 Tow Vehicle Question : Podster I missed the 4 x 4 difference.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69699#69699 Author: Patriot Dave
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:18pm

Podster

I missed the 4 x 4 difference. Thanks for the pic.

I am thinking I will be okay for this our first year.

And I understand your comments about it feeling better at 60 - 65.

Thank You for the reply and if you think of anything else that might be helpful to me please post to me again.

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:18:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69699#69699 Tow Vehicle Question : Here is a pic of our setup... ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69698#69698 Author: Podster
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:14pm

Here is a pic of our setup...




]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:14:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69698#69698 Tow Vehicle Question : Well, ours is not a 4x4 and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69697#69697 Author: Podster
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:09pm

Well, ours is not a 4x4 and 4wd models have a little lower tow capacity. Usually because of the added weight that the 4wd train brings. 

Yes, have done a lot of free way time. Towed it all the way back from the dealer in Iowa to San Antonio. We like cruising at 60, but don't have any problem cruising at 65 at times. It's pretty unusual that we enter the 70mph mark. Not because of power, but overall handling feels better at 60-65. 

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:09:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69697#69697 Tow Vehicle Question : Thanks for the reply. It sounds... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69695#69695 Author: Patriot Dave
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 10:00pm

Thanks for the reply.

It sounds like we both have pretty much the same set up.

Have you been out on the freeway yet and if so what seemed to be a good cruising speed or top speed?

Thanks]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 22:00:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69695#69695 Tow Vehicle Question : We tow with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69694#69694 Author: Podster
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 9:45pm

We tow with a 2011 Ford Ranger Super Cab powered with a V6 4.0. It's a 1/2 ton version rated at 5,800 lbs tow capacity, and equipped with a factory tow package. We are starting our 3rd season with a 178, so far no problem, however, admittedly we camp at the coast a lot so its like 800'ASL down to 0'ASL and back. We are scheduled to try a little something more challenging this year with a trip to Palo Duro Canyon SP and expecting that will be no problem. 

So anyway, I think success with a Ford Ranger as a TV depends on two things. 1) The model and specs of the Ranger, and 2) where you want to go with it. Some of them certainly have the payload capacity, but all of them are just a little under powered for the job. It will get you there, but your going to work it. 

All that said, we maintain 60-65 mph (max rated tire speed) with no problem. We keep the OD off and the rpms between 2500-2800. When we approach hills we try to get a jump and make sure the engine is cracked up enough to ensure good torque on the climb. It's not hard to do, just takes a little getting used to. We have no problem maintaining speed up some of the long mild grades up in the Texas Hill Country. MPG runs between 12-14. 

Good luck Sir. 

]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:45:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69694#69694 Tow Vehicle Question : I am a Newbie to the forum and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69693#69693 Author: Patriot Dave
Subject: 7429
Posted: 07 Feb 2016 at 8:32pm

I am a Newbie to the forum and plan on purchasing and Rpod by spring time. Not yet sure which model.

I am hoping to tow it with an 4.0 V-6, 2006 Ford Ranger, 4 x 4 Super Cab STX Truck. The truck has a factory tow package. I am pretty sure the truck is capable of handling the load however, I do not want to be out on the e-e-way crawling along at 50 mph.

I am assuming I can run 65 plus mph without any issues other than gas mileage???

Is there anybody here on the forum with a similar tow vehicle that can give me a bit of feed back?

Thanks
Dave
]]> Sun, 07 Feb 2016 20:32:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7429&PID=69693#69693