R-pod Owners Forum : Load equalizer - Sway control https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Load equalizer - Sway control Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 14:44:13 +0000 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:22:39 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7713 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Load equalizer - Sway control : I think you summed it up very... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73066#73066 Author: Guests
Subject: 7713
Posted: 12 Apr 2016 at 8:22am


I think you summed it up very well, Greg. Please feel free to stay and hang around here with us. ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:22:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73066#73066 Load equalizer - Sway control : Yep, gave it up Sunday. Called... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73038#73038 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 11 Apr 2016 at 9:31pm

Yep, gave it up Sunday. Called off the loan and let the trailer go back on the lot. I appreciate the help. I believe that you all saved me from investing in a dream that would have ultimately resulted in nothing but heartache and a huge transmission bill. I've enjoyed our short time together. You're a great group. I wish it could have been different. maybe another day.

Greg and Margaret
]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:31:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73038#73038 Load equalizer - Sway control : Hi Greg,I pulled my pod with a... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73035#73035 Author: Gavin
Subject: 7713
Posted: 11 Apr 2016 at 9:14pm

Hi Greg,
 I pulled my pod with a f-150 5.4...it did well in the Tennessee Mountains to the SC coast. anything heavier I would have put a transmission oil temp gage on it...lets say if the total towing went 3000lbs with the rpod loaded...its the heat which burns up the bands in the automatic transmission.
Info: It was a factory tow package rated for 8300 lbs, but the moment I hooked up 4300 lbs it did a lot of dropping down a gear when climbing a hill...I knew it was a matter of time before that transmission would have cooked and needed a rebuild.... that was with about half the rated towing capacity....I have gone to a f-350 diesel and dont worry anymore
]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2016 21:14:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73035#73035 Load equalizer - Sway control : With a diesel you might not know... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73030#73030 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7713
Posted: 11 Apr 2016 at 8:55pm

With a diesel you might not know it is back there.]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2016 20:55:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=73030#73030 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by GregThanks,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72970#72970 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7713
Posted: 10 Apr 2016 at 7:57pm

Originally posted by Greg

Thanks, that about wraps it up... a new truck or no trailer... Darn.


Look at it this way:  Better to make the decision now that the Murano isn't the tow vehicle you want rather than finding that out by the side of the road with a blown transmission. 

We towed our R-pod last summer from Colorado to California and Oregon with an '04 Dodge Durango with a 4.7 liter V-8 and realized that it really wasn't up to snuff (with a 5,000+ lb. tow capacity).  Struggled mightily on uphill grades and threatened to overheat frequently.  Upgraded to a diesel Grand Cherokee recently, and can't wait to try it out with the Pod for the first time in a couple of weeks.

Moral to the story:  You'll never regret having too much tow capacity.  The opposite, however, is frequently true.
]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2016 19:57:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72970#72970 Load equalizer - Sway control : Thanks, that about wraps it up...... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72927#72927 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 5:54pm

Thanks, that about wraps it up... a new truck or no trailer... Darn.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 17:54:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72927#72927 Load equalizer - Sway control : Towed my 177 with a Frontier v6... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72926#72926 Author: Mountaingnome
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 5:28pm

Towed my 177 with a Frontier v6 rated at 6100# towing capacity or two years.  Really slow on inclines and mileage at 60mph was about 9mpg.  Used supersprings to keep it level with a 350# tongue weight.  After the last trip of around 1800 miles the tranny started hunting for gears and just generally had a hard time maintaining speed.

Talked to a Nissan mechanic and he told me that he had had the same problem with his Frontier and felt that Nissan had greatly over rated the towing capacity.  Traded the Nissan in for a Ram 1500 Hemi a couple of months ago and just waiting for the snow to finish melting to give it a try.

2014 R-pod 177
2015 Ram 1500 Hemi


]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 17:28:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72926#72926 Load equalizer - Sway control : In addition to the marginal towing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72922#72922 Author: Mountainrev
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 4:15pm

In addition to the marginal towing capacity, the Murano has a CVT (constantly variable transmission) rather than a standard 5-speed (or whatever).  While some report success using CVT-equipped vehicles for towing, I personally wouldn't do it.  The transmission would be the weakest link in your towing chain, IMO. 
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 16:15:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72922#72922 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by CharlieM Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72921#72921 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 3:32pm

Originally posted by CharlieM

Originally posted by Greg

I was planning on placing a Class III hitch on the Murano, but the performance issue has really got me questioning the wisdom of this. I can't afford a $6-8K transmission. Maybe we should wait a year and try again with a different vehicle.


That sounds like the best plan, Greg. The general wisdom is 3500# rating is marginal but 5000# is adequate with a class III receiver or better and WDH+sway. Also look for AWD , 4WD, or rear wheel drive. Front wheel drive is not preferred for towing.

+1. I hate to discourage anyone from podding but I honestly think that isn't enough vehicle to do the job. As I previously posted, we had a 2012 Escape v6 and bought the pod on an impulse, also thinking it would be fine but ended up buying the Tacoma 2 days later. After reading this thread I asked my wife if she thought we would have bought the pod, knowing we had to buy another vehicle to tow it, and we both agreed we probably wouldn't have. AND we both agreed what a mistake that would have been, because we haven't regretted the pod for a minute!

Obviously, your finances should dictate your decision. But just know that when you can do it, you won't regret it!
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 15:32:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72921#72921 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by GregI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72919#72919 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 1:44pm

Originally posted by Greg

I was planning on placing a Class III hitch on the Murano, but the performance issue has really got me questioning the wisdom of this. I can't afford a $6-8K transmission. Maybe we should wait a year and try again with a different vehicle.


That sounds like the best plan, Greg. The general wisdom is 3500# rating is marginal but 5000# is adequate with a class III receiver or better and WDH+sway. Also look for AWD , 4WD, or rear wheel drive. Front wheel drive is not preferred for towing.
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:44:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72919#72919 Load equalizer - Sway control : I was planning on placing a Class... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72917#72917 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 1:01pm

I was planning on placing a Class III hitch on the Murano, but the performance issue has really got me questioning the wisdom of this. I can't afford a $6-8K transmission. Maybe we should wait a year and try again with a different vehicle.]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 13:01:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72917#72917 Load equalizer - Sway control : Buy a longer shank and use the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72915#72915 Author: SandD
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 12:29pm

Buy a longer shank and use the old one for a boat anchor?
Shouldn't need to. ETrailer should swap the old one out.
Anyway what length did you get? Understand the other two options are a 9 1/2 and 11 1/2".]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:29:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72915#72915 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by SandDtowing... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72914#72914 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 12:13pm

Originally posted by SandD

towing with an expedition and longer shank? How much clearance under the shank and have you ever drug it?

I have the same problem as you and furpod with my Suburban.  Get the longer shank, they aren't that expensive.
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:13:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72914#72914 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by GregThanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72913#72913 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 12:11pm

Originally posted by Greg

Thanks for all your replies. Now I'm really worried about the 3,500 lb towing capacity of the Murano. Nissan has a Class II hitch and rates it for towing, but the two Nissan mechanics I talked to said don't tow anything with a Murano. Now I don't know what to do. A new vehicle is out of the question. Does anyone out there tow their R-Pod with a Murano? 

I need to make a decision by Monday when my loan papers go through. Help

If you will be doing local trips w/o mountains, you'll be fine.  Just don't go across the Rockies.
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 12:11:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72913#72913 Load equalizer - Sway control : Originally posted by GregNow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72902#72902 Author: furpod
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 10:54am

Originally posted by Greg

Now I'm really worried about the 3,500 lb towing capacity of the Murano. Nissan has a Class II hitch and rates it for towing, but the two Nissan mechanics I talked to said don't tow anything with a Murano. Now I don't know what to do. A new vehicle is out of the question


Towing, and towing a pod, can be two VERY different things.

A jet ski or two is vastly different from a pod. Even a 3500 pound boat. As much as I hate to say it, if a different tow vehicle isn't an option, a different camper must be. Maybe a T@B or a snoozypod..
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 10:54:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72902#72902 Load equalizer - Sway control : According to Reese, a very credible... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72901#72901 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 9:56am

According to Reese, a very credible hitch maker, a class II hitch is NOT rated for use with a WDH and is usually 1-1/4" square.

http://www.reese-hitches.com/learning_center/general-towing-classes

Measure the opening of your receiver. If it's only 1-1/4", not 2", I would say no way. With the larger 179 and the small Murano you will definitely need WDH. If it's a true class II hitch it's probably only mounted to the body and not the frame. In addition the Murano probably has a "unibody". That means no real frame, just an integrated body. I would check with a few other dealers, but weigh everything they say carefully, especially if they say "no problem". 

You might also send a private message to jjkashery and ask him about his Murano. He last logged in last August so he may not be around.

I short I'd agree with David's assessment. Marginal at best if that. 
]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 09:56:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72901#72901 Load equalizer - Sway control : I did a quick search on the word... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72894#72894 Author: Guests
Subject: 7713
Posted: 09 Apr 2016 at 5:58am


I did a quick search on the word "Murano" and found a few posts, like this:

Murano

So, apparently, one or two have done it. However, I would be reluctant to argue with the Nissan mechanics. Personally, I'd rather see a class III hitch. Also, @3500lbs tow rating, you are at the bottom end of performance and might not be completely satisfied. Good luck!]]> Sat, 09 Apr 2016 05:58:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72894#72894 Load equalizer - Sway control : Now I'm really worried about... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72889#72889 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 11:20pm

Now I'm really worried about the 3,500 lb towing capacity of the Murano. Nissan has a Class II hitch and rates it for towing, but the two Nissan mechanics I talked to said don't tow anything with a Murano. Now I don't know what to do. A new vehicle is out of the question]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:20:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72889#72889 Load equalizer - Sway control : Thanks for all your replies. Now... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72888#72888 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 11:14pm

Thanks for all your replies. Now I'm really worried about the 3,500 lb towing capacity of the Murano. Nissan has a Class II hitch and rates it for towing, but the two Nissan mechanics I talked to said don't tow anything with a Murano. Now I don't know what to do. A new vehicle is out of the question. Does anyone out there tow their R-Pod with a Murano? 

I need to make a decision by Monday when my loan papers go through. Help
]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 23:14:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72888#72888 Load equalizer - Sway control : Yes, it has drug once or twice.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72886#72886 Author: furpod
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 10:26pm

Yes, it has drug once or twice. I don't leave it in when not towing. But, with a low Pod, and a larger SUV.. you do what you have to do..


]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 22:26:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72886#72886 Load equalizer - Sway control : towing with an expedition and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72883#72883 Author: SandD
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 8:51pm

towing with an expedition and longer shank? How much clearance under the shank and have you ever drug it?]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 20:51:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72883#72883 Load equalizer - Sway control : Yes, if you are bottomed out on... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72881#72881 Author: furpod
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 8:21pm

Yes, if you are bottomed out on the holes, you need a longer drop shank.. we have no risers and tow with a Expedition, our shank is really long..  ]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 20:21:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72881#72881 Load equalizer - Sway control : I have a 178 with an 06 Tacoma... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72879#72879 Author: SandD
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 8:04pm

I have a 178 with an 06 Tacoma trad Prerunner crew 2wdh. Only used a sway bar. Ok if fresh water tank is empty.
Heard a lot about the E2 0600 so bought one. Having problems.
Center of truck receiver is 17 1/2" high. Using the bottom holes of the shank and 7 washers the RPOD sits 2" higher in front than back. Not good.
The camper has the risers.
Anyone have this problem?
Called e trailer and they said they would sell me a longer shank. Not cheap.
Like the set up if it worked.]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 20:04:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72879#72879 Load equalizer - Sway control : Welcome! The Equal-i-zer 4-way... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72840#72840 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 9:22am

Welcome! The Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch is also one to consider. There is another one that I have read about but have not tried--the Andersen no-sway hitch. ]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:22:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72840#72840 Load equalizer - Sway control : Welcome to the forum! I'm... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72837#72837 Author: Guests
Subject: 7713
Posted: 08 Apr 2016 at 9:13am



Welcome to the forum!

I'm not at all familiar with the Blue OX so, I can't comment. The Fastway E2 is popular among the group and here is a recent thread:

E2 posts

Good luck!]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2016 09:13:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72837#72837 Load equalizer - Sway control : Not to be negative, but I bought... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72822#72822 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 7713
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 11:24pm

Not to be negative, but I bought my 177 intending to tow with my v6 Ford Escape also rated @ 3500lbs. After one (very short) trip I found that tow ratings should be taken with a grain of salt. I bought the Tacoma the next day. It's rated at 6500lbs and I still worry that I should have gone with the Tundra.]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 23:24:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72822#72822 Load equalizer - Sway control : I'm purchasing an R-Pod... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72820#72820 Author: Greg
Subject: 7713
Posted: 07 Apr 2016 at 10:41pm

I'm purchasing an R-Pod 179 to pull behind my 2012 Nissan Murano. The Murano has a 3,500 Lb tow limit so that's OK. What I want to know is what folks think about a weight distribution/sway bar system for the trailer. 

I'm looking at the Blue Ox Sway Pro that has a 350 tongue rate which works with the 285 for the r-p. While the system is expensive, you can back up without having to remove it and the tension chains are on a roll up wheel as opposed to a cam-over lever system. I like both of these. 

I want to make sure that when my wife is driving, she feels secure with the trailer back there and we don't have to worry about wind, trucks, etc.

Thanks for any help you have to offer 
]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2016 22:41:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7713&PID=72820#72820