R-pod Owners Forum : Honda Odessey Towing https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Honda Odessey Towing Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 02:52:58 +0000 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:18:50 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7528 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Honda Odessey Towing : Sounds like a great trip!! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=81440#81440 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7528
Posted: 30 Aug 2016 at 5:18pm

Sounds like a great trip!!]]> Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:18:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=81440#81440 Honda Odessey Towing : I own a 2016 180 and tow with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=81326#81326 Author: CharlesOK
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 8:55pm

I own a 2016 180 and tow with a 2015 Durango with V-6. Last long trip I towed over Vail pass 10,870 ft. No problems. Averaged 14.5 mpg over 2,400 miles from OKC to Durango to Arches NP to Denver to home. No problems and with the 8 speed transmission up and down work great. I tow about 62mph average. Flat ground with little headwind I average 16mpg. The Durango has a Factory tow package and self-leveling rear shocks. Tows sweet with plenty of power. V8 is decidedly overkill in my opinion, but then I don't have any need for a truck. That is why I bought a pod.]]> Sun, 28 Aug 2016 20:55:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=81326#81326 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by CaptiankdWe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80653#80653 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7528
Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 8:51pm

Originally posted by Captiankd

We are back from our 8000 mile trip and the Honda did great. Little over 13 mpg. Some brake chatter after coming off the Rockies into Denver, glad we had brakes on camper and A brake controller installed in car. We are towing a RP171 the lightest R Pod.

Don't forget to downshift coming down the mountain passes.
]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2016 20:51:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80653#80653 Honda Odessey Towing : Hi Captainkd,That is really great... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80614#80614 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7528
Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 9:47am

Hi Captainkd,

That is really great info. What size engine do you have in the Honda, how many horsepower?  Sounds like quite a trip!
]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2016 09:47:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80614#80614 Honda Odessey Towing : We are back from our 8000 mile... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80612#80612 Author: Captiankd
Subject: 7528
Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 9:22am

We are back from our 8000 mile trip and the Honda did great. Little over 13 mpg. Some brake chatter after coming off the Rockies into Denver, glad we had brakes on camper and A brake controller installed in car. We are towing a RP171 the lightest R Pod.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2016 09:22:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80612#80612 Honda Odessey Towing : Ok I'm following your reports!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80607#80607 Author: catwork
Subject: 7528
Posted: 16 Aug 2016 at 2:53am

Ok I'm following your reports! I have a '13 Odyssey, which meets my dog and grandkids hauling needs perfectly. I want a 178 soooo badly. I want the Odyssey to work.]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2016 02:53:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80607#80607 Honda Odessey Towing : I have a 179 and was pulling it... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80150#80150 Author: densmorema
Subject: 7528
Posted: 07 Aug 2016 at 12:28pm

I have a 179 and was pulling it with a 2013 pilot and had no problems never even used equalizer bars just a sway bar.Just leased a new silverado with the 4.3 V6 and don't see a whole lot of difference. Good luck you shouldn't have any problems with your pod being lighter and the same motor we had in the pilot.]]> Sun, 07 Aug 2016 12:28:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=80150#80150 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by Captiankd... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=79777#79777 Author: walkerbait
Subject: 7528
Posted: 30 Jul 2016 at 9:59pm

Originally posted by Captiankd

Thumbs Up OK, I met with the Honda people today and talked about my trip. My weight will be under 3000 fully loaded. Tranny cooler installed, weight dist. hitch installed, sway bar installed. Will not carry any water, fresh, gray or black. Will use either a AeroPlus or a AeroShield (two different companies.)

Will be doing this trip into the rockies only one time.

They said I would be fine, no problems. Use premium fuel and also use the D4 gear when going up hills which provides added torque. (Do not know if this is new for 2015)

So lets hear from everyone.
Thanks!


I wanted to follow up - how has it been going?

I have a 2014 Odyssey and want to buy a 172...but wondering how the Odyssey will do towing it.
]]> Sat, 30 Jul 2016 21:59:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=79777#79777 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by StephenHThanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72328#72328 Author: Guests
Subject: 7528
Posted: 30 Mar 2016 at 6:03pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Thanks for the advice about not rushing the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was thinking along those lines. I'll have to double-check the height before we take off on that adventure. I was looking at the National Parks Service Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner.http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73This is available as a PDF download as well as online. When I read that the speed limit is 45 mph or lower, I knew this would not be a fast trip.



Well, you seem to be doing your "homework" regarding the Parkway.
Please forgive me but, I have slept a night or two since 2007 and:

I may not be accurately remembering and/or
Those troublesome spots may have been remedied in the interim (nice).
If that is all you are seeing, I bet it is up to date and reliable. It is good that you are checking.

Let me know if you can travel at 45mph. Also, let me know if you can hit 30mph (posted) in the Southern half. I kind of got a chuckle out of those signs. (Maybe in a Ferrari or on a motorcycle) I think my average was closer to 20mph - and that was pulling only a 995lbs popup.

Plunging down
stand on the brake
downshift
hard right
hard left
immediately up
back on the gas
upshift
hard left
hard right

Repeat the above for about 10 hours and you'll make it from Cherokee to (mid-point) Linville Falls.    It get's a little easier up North and Skyline Drive ain't too bad at all - you might actually hit 45mph up there.]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2016 18:03:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72328#72328 Honda Odessey Towing : I did see that on Skyline Drive,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72122#72122 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 7:02pm

I did see that on Skyline Drive, there is Mary's Rock Tunnel with a 12' 8"limit. I think the R-Pod will not have any trouble there. Approve
]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:02:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72122#72122 Honda Odessey Towing : If you get a Ford p-up or expedition... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72116#72116 Author: J&Jcf
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 5:02pm

If you get a Ford p-up or expedition used be aware of the 5.4 v8. Make sure the spark plugs have been changed to the new one piece plugs. Otherwise it could be costly to replace them.I tow 171 with f150 5.4 v8. I tow at 65-70 mph easy.If I replaced my current truck I would replace with f150 5 liter v8. With tow package for at least 5 k. With my current TV I don't need weight distribution or sway bar.

As to the bridges on the blue ridge Pkwy they handle huge motorhomes & 5th wheels. I have gone the distance on it with the pod with out a problem.

The only parks that have limits on trailers is Glacier national park (road to the sun limits total TV+trailer lengths) & Zion thru tunnel which is width of trailer.If to wide you pay extra for a escort as they close the tunnel to one-way traffic before you can go thru. There may be other parks with restrictions but these are the park I know of.]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:02:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72116#72116 Honda Odessey Towing : Thanks for the advice about not... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72094#72094 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 9:47am

Thanks for the advice about not rushing the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was thinking along those lines. I'll have to double-check the height before we take off on that adventure. I was looking at the National Parks Service Blue Ridge Parkway Directory & Travel Planner.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=73
This is available as a PDF download as well as online. When I read that the speed limit is 45 mph or lower, I knew this would not be a fast trip.
]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 09:47:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72094#72094 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by StephenHDavid,Thank... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72091#72091 Author: Guests
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 9:05am

Originally posted by StephenH

David,Thank you for the link to your pictures. That is the kind of traveling I want to do with our R-Pod. I think I'll talk with my wife about a trip up the Blue Ridge parkway first as a warm-up before heading out to the Rockies.



You are very welcome!

Not to hijack the thread but....

I did the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive (Shenandoah N.P.)- I think, back in the fall of 2007. It would be one I believe you would find memorable. I started in Cherokee (South) and drove North - with reservations, about mid-point, at the Linville Falls campground.

Only planning 2 days for the drive was a big mistake. The road is demanding and there is much that could be seen along the way.

At the time, I was pulling a Coleman popup with a 2005 Dodge Caravan. This was no problem but, I seem to recall one or two low underpasses that RVs would have to detour around (due to height clearance).

Anyway, good luck. I think you would like it.]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 09:05:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72091#72091 Honda Odessey Towing : David,Thank you for the link to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72087#72087 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 8:38am

David,

Thank you for the link to your pictures. That is the kind of traveling I want to do with our R-Pod. I think I'll talk with my wife about a trip up the Blue Ridge parkway first as a warm-up before heading out to the Rockies.
]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 08:38:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72087#72087 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by CaptiankdI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72082#72082 Author: Guests
Subject: 7528
Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 8:06am

Originally posted by Captiankd

CensoredI want to thank everyone for your input, it has been very helpful. 
I picked up our new r pod 171 Tuesday in Sebring fl and brought it home some 65 mile on flat roads. My 2015 Honda Odyssey with a weight distribution hitch and sway bar brought it home.
The only problem is that the transmission ran 70% of the time in a lower gear. Instead of 2000 to 2500 rpm I was running at 3000 to 3500 rams. I could not really stay at 65 mph and the car kept going down to 55 mph. I do have a transmission cooler which I guess helped the transmission.
But I are really worried about going out west and into the Rockies. I am going to take a beating if I trade the new Honda for something else. What should I look for? A used Ford Expedition or what. Do you think I can rent some think for a couple of months for towing?
Again, I need help.


I'll refer you back to the above post.
My comment that over-rides any other of mine would be: Do what the Honda guy says. With mountains, headwinds and thinner air for the engine (reducing horsepower), I wouldn't plan on any BETTER performance.

Will you make it there and back? My guess is yes. It may not be pretty at times, but you should make it. I made it there and back on less than your Honda's 248 horsepower - and I got the pictures to prove it:

Rocky Mts.

However, if you can survive the drive there, it will be worth it. I found the place truly breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice.



]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2016 08:06:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72082#72082 Honda Odessey Towing : Great! I'm glad you got the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72061#72061 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7528
Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 4:49pm

Great! I'm glad you got the information you needed.]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2016 16:49:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72061#72061 Honda Odessey Towing : OK, I met with the Honda people... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72057#72057 Author: Captiankd
Subject: 7528
Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 3:34pm

Thumbs Up OK, I met with the Honda people today and talked about my trip. My weight will be under 3000 fully loaded. Tranny cooler installed, weight dist. hitch installed, sway bar installed. Will not carry any water, fresh, gray or black. Will use either a AeroPlus or a AeroShield (two different companies.)

Will be doing this trip into the rockies only one time.

They said I would be fine, no problems. Use premium fuel and also use the D4 gear when going up hills which provides added torque. (Do not know if this is new for 2015)

So lets hear from everyone.
Thanks!
]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2016 15:34:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=72057#72057 Honda Odessey Towing : Captiankd, I pull a 181G with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71914#71914 Author: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Subject: 7528
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 4:03pm

Captiankd, I pull a 181G with a '13 Jeep Grand Cherokee, equipped with a Hemi V8.  I have never wished for or needed more power.  As for mileage, 12 @ 55mph and less that 10 @70, I have pulled the 'Pod at 85 mph up the mountains of WV, never had it even near the floor.  Buy the tow vehicle you want, but I never heard anyone complain about having "too much power".
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 16:03:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71914#71914 Honda Odessey Towing : Disclaimer! I hate to be a negative... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71899#71899 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7528
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 11:05am

Disclaimer! I hate to be a negative influence on your buying decisions, so please keep in mind this is based on my experience only. 
That said, I've tried towing with 2 different V6 vehicles - an 08 Odyssey and a 13 4Runner. Both had enough power on paper to suffice. In reality, the Honda wasn't even close for me and the 4Runner still hunted all over for the right gear unless I left it in manual mode in 4th. Even then, on the hills it would jump down to 3rd and even 2nd all the time. My mileage was never over 12mpg when towing - often 10mpg on longer trips. No better than a V8. I will not purchase a V6 gas vehicle to tow a camper other than a popup again. THIS IS MY OPINION and EXPERIENCE ONLY ... But that's the point of forums, right? My bet is there are a ton of folks doing just that and happy with it. Maybe take a look at consumer reports on reliability, etc and get comfortable with a good used option if you find yourself getting out of the comfort zone on price. Best of luck!
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 11:05:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71899#71899 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by CaptiankdOk,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71897#71897 Author: Guests
Subject: 7528
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 10:57am

Originally posted by Captiankd

EmbarrassedOk, I am looking at cars on Truecar.  The Dodge Durango looks pretty good but was wondering if I can get by with the 6 cyl. or do I need to go to the V8.6 cyl. $29.626295 HP @ 640260 @ 4000 torqueV8 $39,982360 Hp @ 5150390 @ 4250 TorqueIf I must go to the V8 then I will go for a used one. A new one would replace my 2015 Honda Odyssey, but not the used one.



.wondering if I can get by with the 6 cyl.


I think you could "get by" on the 6 cyl.
That said, I don't know that you would notice a huge difference between that and your Honda - to justify the expense of the trade/purchase. However, there is a guy here that tows with the 3.8 in a Dodge Minivan and is happy with it.

The V8 sounds like the Hemi and would most definitely do the job - considering your plans include the Rocky Mountains. One of the reasons it cost more is because that is the one everybody wants (supply/demand). I suspect you would notice a big difference between the Honda and the Hemi.

Good luck.

]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 10:57:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71897#71897 Honda Odessey Towing : Ok, I am looking at cars on Truecar.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71891#71891 Author: Captiankd
Subject: 7528
Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 10:26am

EmbarrassedOk, I am looking at cars on Truecar.  The Dodge Durango looks pretty good but was wondering if I can get by with the 6 cyl. or do I need to go to the V8.

6 cyl. $29.626
295 HP @ 640
260 @ 4000 torque

V8 $39,982
360 Hp @ 5150
390 @ 4250 Torque

If I must go to the V8 then I will go for a used one. A new one would replace my 2015 Honda Odyssey, but not the used one.
]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2016 10:26:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71891#71891 Honda Odessey Towing : You'd be fine. More than... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71839#71839 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:26pm

You'd be fine. More than fine. Plenty of power. It's built on a truck chassis too. It's on the F150 chassis. On the new ones, you can even get the V6 ecoBoost. 
Model YearType/modelPowerTorque
2006–20085.4 Liter (331 cu in) 24-valve SOHC VCT Triton V-8 gasoline300 hp (224 kW)365 lb·ft (495 N·m)
2009–20145.4 Liter (331 cu in) 24-valve SOHC VCT Triton V-8 gasoline/E85 ethanol310 hp (231 kW)365 lb·ft (495 N·m)
2015–present3.5 Liter (213 cu in) 24-valve DOHC Ti-VCT EcoBoost V-6 gasoline365 hp (272 kW)420 lb·ft (569 N·m)

From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Expedition#Third_generation_.282007.E2.80.93present.29
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:26:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71839#71839 Honda Odessey Towing : What are the thoughts on a Ford... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71838#71838 Author: Captiankd
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:17pm

What are the thoughts on a Ford Expedition. There are a bunch of used ones for sale at pretty good prices. All are gas engines but have tow pa lagers.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:17:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71838#71838 Honda Odessey Towing : As long as I'm towing a camper,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71835#71835 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:38pm

[/QUOTE]
 As long as I'm towing a camper, I'll never go back to a gas engine.
[/QUOTE]
popcorn ... here come the gasser rants LOL
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:38:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71835#71835 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by dacolson+1Totally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71833#71833 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:28pm

Originally posted by dacolson

+1 
Totally agree. Towed our 172t home from Duluth MN to Minneapolis 6 years ago with an 08 Odyssey and promptly upgraded it to an 07 VW Touareg TDI. Would have it still except I didn't want to spend 10K replacing both turbos. Bought a 13 4Runner. Spent the next 3 years towing in 3rd/4th gear. Gave up and bought a Silverado. It may hurt right now to make the upgrade, but don't suffer for years with the wrong TV like I did. I dreaded each trip. Added stress. These campers are the best mix of light weight, convenience, great features and quality you can get for the money. They are still difficult to tow with the wrong vehicle. 


A Touareg V10 TDI is serious overkill for an R-Pod LOL .LOL..You could tow 3 of them simultaneously with that torque monster. I agree on giving it up if the turbos went south. $$$$.. So much money to keep maintained.

 The Touareg 4.2L TDI V8, only available in Europe, are now ceasing production so I've heard, but it would be a hell of a daily driver/tow vehicle, not that I could afford to buy or maintain one.Ouch

 If the new Jeep GC diesel made a miraculous improvement in reliability and road handling, I would take another look. I am still hoping that Toyota-Nissan-Ford-Chevy build a new diesel SUV , but VW kinda screwed it up, and it's going to be a while before car makers jump into North America with diesel options.

 As long as I'm towing a camper, I'll never go back to a gas engine.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:28:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71833#71833 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by CaptiankdI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71830#71830 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:05pm

Originally posted by Captiankd

CensoredI want to thank everyone for your input, it has been very helpful. 


I picked up our new r pod 171 Tuesday in Sebring fl and brought it home some 65 mile on flat roads. My 2015 Honda Odyssey with a weight distribution hitch and sway bar brought it home.

The only problem is that the transmission ran 70% of the time in a lower gear. Instead of 2000 to 2500 rpm I was running at 3000 to 3500 rams. I could not really stay at 65 mph and the car kept going down to 55 mph. I do have a transmission cooler which I guess helped the transmission.


But I are really worried about going out west and into the Rockies. I am going to take a beating if I trade the new Honda for something else. What should I look for? A used Ford Expedition or what. Do you think I can rent some think for a couple of months for towing?

Again, I need help.

OP - here's another good thread with lots of advice about tow vehicle choices.
 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7590
My recommendation? If you are worried about the cost, find a newer used diesel SUV like a Jeep Grand Cherokee or VW Touareg, or look at the diesel Colorado/Canyon small pickup. That one's new so it may cost you more. You'll tow so much easier - mountains/flats/hills/valleys - it doesn't matter. Or look for an F150 or other Ford SUV with the small turbo gas engine. They produce a lot of torque as well. Lots of people have lots of opinions about gas vs diesel, but if you can get high torque at low RPMs, you'll love towing your RPOD much more. 
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:05:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71830#71830 Honda Odessey Towing : Originally posted by ToolmanJohn Your... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71829#71829 Author: dacolson
Subject: 7528
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:53pm

Originally posted by ToolmanJohn

Your transmission seems to has 6 speeds, but with only 248hp/250tq , and respectively all your power comes at 5700RPM/4700RPM, you will have to keep the tranny in one lower gear (5th) while towing. You will never be able to run in the tallest gear, and if you stay in D (Drive) it will hunt. You might even be limited to towing 55-60 mph. At lower rpm's, the Honda V6 is not making peak HP or Torque. If you can stand to drive 55 mph, I recommend it to save the engine from overworking. Use premium fuel when towing to make the most power.

 I can attest to what a difference the engine/transmission combo makes. I had a 2003 Toyota 4runner, 4.0 6cyl, 235hp/282tq, with a 4 speed automatic. It could NOT hold 4th gear (OD) at 55 mph or higher towing my 177. Forcing it into 3rd, I could pull 65 mpg on the flats at about 3100+ rpm, but had to back off on any hills or risk sending it into 2nd and ridiculous RPM territory. Towing taught me to not be in a hurry.

 In contrast, my diesel 3.0 liter TDI has 240hp/406tq. 8 speed automatic. I do not have to take it out of drive. 90% of my tow trip is in overdrive at about 2000 rpm.  The only time it downshifts is pulling climbs, and never below 6th, about 3200 rpm. 
+1 
Totally agree. Towed our 172t home from Duluth MN to Minneapolis 6 years ago with an 08 Odyssey and promptly upgraded it to an 07 VW Touareg TDI. Would have it still except I didn't want to spend 10K replacing both turbos. Bought a 13 4Runner. Spent the next 3 years towing in 3rd/4th gear. Gave up and bought a Silverado. It may hurt right now to make the upgrade, but don't suffer for years with the wrong TV like I did. I dreaded each trip. Added stress. These campers are the best mix of light weight, convenience, great features and quality you can get for the money. They are still difficult to tow with the wrong vehicle. 

]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:53:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71829#71829 Honda Odessey Towing : One thing not mentioned when we've... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71382#71382 Author: NormanHill
Subject: 7528
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 9:21pm

One thing not mentioned when we've been discussing tow ratings for these vehicles is that if you only read the table from the manual you are neglecting the load caused by drag. Ford limits the tow table to trailers that don't exceed a front surface area of 35 sq ft. The wind load on camper trailers has a big effect on TV performance, and I haven't noticed that the curved top on the pod helps much. 

]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:21:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71382#71382 Honda Odessey Towing : Your transmission seems to has... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71379#71379 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 7528
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 9:06pm

Your transmission seems to has 6 speeds, but with only 248hp/250tq , and respectively all your power comes at 5700RPM/4700RPM, you will have to keep the tranny in one lower gear (5th) while towing. You will never be able to run in the tallest gear, and if you stay in D (Drive) it will hunt. You might even be limited to towing 55-60 mph. At lower rpm's, the Honda V6 is not making peak HP or Torque. If you can stand to drive 55 mph, I recommend it to save the engine from overworking. Use premium fuel when towing to make the most power.

 I can attest to what a difference the engine/transmission combo makes. I had a 2003 Toyota 4runner, 4.0 6cyl, 235hp/282tq, with a 4 speed automatic. It could NOT hold 4th gear (OD) at 55 mph or higher towing my 177. Forcing it into 3rd, I could pull 65 mpg on the flats at about 3100+ rpm, but had to back off on any hills or risk sending it into 2nd and ridiculous RPM territory. Towing taught me to not be in a hurry.

 In contrast, my diesel 3.0 liter TDI has 240hp/406tq. 8 speed automatic. I do not have to take it out of drive. 90% of my tow trip is in overdrive at about 2000 rpm.  The only time it downshifts is pulling climbs, and never below 6th, about 3200 rpm. 
]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:06:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71379#71379 Honda Odessey Towing : captainkd - did you have overdrive... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71370#71370 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7528
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 8:32pm

captainkd - did you have overdrive disengaged?]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 20:32:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7528&PID=71370#71370