R-pod Owners Forum : Tow capacity http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Tow capacity Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 17:52:47 +0000 Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:34:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7620 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Tow capacity : We usually carry a few gallons... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71854#71854 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 8:34pm

We usually carry a few gallons as others have noted.  In my experience with dry camping most campgrounds have water and a dump station somewhere within fairly easy distance of the campsites.  There are exceptions, of course, and all kinds of camping places.

We were on the road for 3 or 4 nights straight a few months ago, and stayed at Walmarts along the way.  I had to get enough water on board for a shower at one point.  It's usually not too difficult to find.

Others have said, and I pretty much agree, that no one ever complains about having too much towing capacity.  In my opinion a TV with a 3500lb towing capacity may be enough, but it sure isn't too much.  If or when you have a chance to upgrade to another TV you should probably look for at least 5000lbs.  A lot depends on how long your trips are and the general terrain though.

TT
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 20:34:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71854#71854 Tow capacity : Regarding traveling with the fresh... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71840#71840 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 7:27pm

Regarding traveling with the fresh water tank full or not, keep in mind that a full tank not only adds weight, but depending on where the tank is located, could adversely affect tongue weight, and therefore handling.  On my 177, the freshwater tank is cleverly located behind the axle, meaning that filling it takes weight off the tongue.  The lighter the tongue, the more sway you'll experience.  I'm not sure about 178s, but I wouldn't be surprised if they have the same tank layout as the 177.

If you are going to dry camp, and the campground is a ways away from home, I'd recommend filling the tank somewhere close to the campground, if possible.  If there's a rest stop or city/county park not too far from the campground, and it has a threaded faucet that you can access, you can possibly fill up your Pod with your white hose.  Another option is to use a jerry can to fill, but that takes several trips and a lot of effort.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:27:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71840#71840 Tow capacity : Thank you all. Hubby and I just... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71831#71831 Author: Nanny Rocks
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 6:11pm

Thank you all.  Hubby and I just want to travel and sightsee not just head to a camp so wondered about having needed water to do that.  Our van manual says 3500 lbs. does that mean weight of van loaded or does it included weight of people etc in van?  Looking forward to getting van just want to make sure we understand what it will take.  So appreciate your advice.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:11:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71831#71831 Tow capacity : Since we normally dry camp we... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71825#71825 Author: jato
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:39pm

Since we normally dry camp we always have a full tank when we leave, and as JohnBG stated above, add 250 lbs. to your towing weight.  30 gallons can last quite a long time depending on how miserly you are with it.  When dry camping, you tend to be miserly.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:39:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71825#71825 Tow capacity : Originally posted by Nanny RocksThank... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71822#71822 Author: JohnBG
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 5:27pm

Originally posted by Nanny Rocks

Thank you.  Do you travel with water as I heard it can weigh a lot.. As you can see we are newbies.

8.34 pounds per gallon,  If you fill the fresh tank with 30 gallons, that's 250 lbs.

We camp primarily at places with water and electric hookups, so we only carry a few gallons of fresh water for hand washing and toilet flushing while traveling.

Always keep a few gallons in the black tank so that things don't solidify in there. Confused
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 17:27:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71822#71822 Tow capacity : Originally posted by Nanny RocksWant... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71809#71809 Author: Guests
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 4:47pm

Originally posted by Nanny Rocks

Want to get RP178 and wondered if anyone has towed with newer grand caravan?  New to this. Thank you


Welcome to the group! Good luck in purchasing your Pod. Leo B would not tell you wrong. Check to see if you have the same engine as he.

We get some lively debates going in regards to tow vehicles. Don't tell anyone but, I've been known to "fan the flames/stoke the fire" in a debate or two. ]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 16:47:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71809#71809 Tow capacity : If you anticipate dry camping... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71794#71794 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 1:08pm

If you anticipate dry camping (no hookups), then you have no choice but to travel with water. Best to start is full water and empty black and gray water tanks if that is the case.

If you are anticipating going directly to a site with hookups, you can get by with minimal water in the tank (enough to operate the toilet if the sudden need arises while you are on the road and no rest area is nearby).
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:08:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71794#71794 Tow capacity : We usually use KOA campground... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71770#71770 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 8:57am

We usually use KOA campground on our trips, an using Flying J/Pilot truck stops in between, so we usually carry 5 gallons while traveling. it doesn't seem to adversely effect our driving or mileage.The only true enemy of towing his WIND. We usually average 15.5-16.5 once out of Vermont. If we hit a strong head wind, it will drop to 12.5.
]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 08:57:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71770#71770 Tow capacity : Thank you. Do you travel with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71763#71763 Author: Nanny Rocks
Subject: 7620
Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 12:36am

Thank you.  Do you travel with water as I heard it can weigh a lot.. As you can see we are newbies.]]> Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:36:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71763#71763 Tow capacity : Welcome to the group! We tow our... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71760#71760 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7620
Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 10:03pm

Welcome to the group!  We tow our 179 with our 2013 Grand Caravan with the Pentastar 3.6 engine. We have towed up and down the coast with out any problems, gets pretty good gas mileage.]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2016 22:03:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71760#71760 Tow capacity : Want to get RP178 and wondered... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71758#71758 Author: Nanny Rocks
Subject: 7620
Posted: 23 Mar 2016 at 9:56pm

Want to get RP178 and wondered if anyone has towed with newer grand caravan?  New to this. Thank you]]> Wed, 23 Mar 2016 21:56:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7620&PID=71758#71758