http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Purchase suggestions Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 13:50:35 +0000 Wed, 18 May 2016 13:16:14 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7965 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75345#75345 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 1:16pm

+1 on the 60 mph average. We have done that up and down the coast, it really does help your vehicle mileage and handling.]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 13:16:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75345#75345 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75344#75344 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 1:05pm

Originally posted by TheBum The manual says not to exceed 60mph with the AeroPlus. That would be a deal breaker for me.

I considered that. I recently made a trip from home to Louisville, KY and back. Yes, I thought 60 mph was slow at times. Yes, I think that 60 mph is conservative, meaning that it probably has the capability of being used at faster speeds, but with an increased risk of it breaking. All in all, 60 mph is a pleasant speed at which to drive. It also contributes to the fuel savings as faster driving means more air resistance, thus lower mileage. Limiting the speed to 60 mph makes the drive more enjoyable. That is a big plus.

Whether one decides to get one or not is a personal choice. I found it helpful. I am not sure whether the AeroShield by Icon Direct has a similar limitation on speed. I could not find a manual on their web site to check. It is another option but I did not see the Pilot listed in the applications guide. It also did not have the Escape listed. That is another reason I went with the AeroPlus.
]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 13:05:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75344#75344 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75341#75341 Author: CK63
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 12:44pm

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Especially about towing. Has anyone had experience with helper springs or transmission cooler installed on the car?

I'm looking at purchasing the 177 or 178.

Thanks again
Christy ]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 12:44:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75341#75341 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75339#75339 Author: TheBum
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 12:33pm

Originally posted by StephenH One thing I found to be helpful was to install a wind deflector. I chose the PurpleLine USA's AeroPlus. It helped with the aerodynamics and has helped me to get better mileage. Not only that, it helps when encountering head/cross wind situations. I am towing with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with factory tow package and 2L Ecoboost engine. It too has a 3500 lb towing limit.

The manual says not to exceed 60mph with the AeroPlus. That would be a deal breaker for me.]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 12:33:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75339#75339 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75338#75338 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 12:12pm

Originally posted by CK63 Thank you all for your great suggestions. Especially about towing. Has anyone had experience with helper springs or transmission cooler installed on the car? I'm looking at purchasing the 177 or 178. Thanks again Christy

From my personal experience with a 2010 4WD pilot: You will know the pod is there, especially in the mountains. I purposely chose an RP172 to keep the weight down, knowing I would be towing in the Colorado Rockies. Engine performance degrades 2% for every 1000 feet elevation. That said, I was able to handle 6% grades at 10,000', though I was in second gear at times. The 177 or 178 will be heavier, but if you take your time and watch the transmission temperature you'll be fine.

That said, the 4x4 Pilot should already have an added transmission cooler as part of that package. It did in 2010; check with a dealer. Your owner's manual should confirm 4500# tow rating. You should add a transmission temperature monitor such as ScanGauge. 

Helper springs don't solve anything, but you will need a weight distribution hitch such as the E2.
]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 12:12:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75338#75338 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75332#75332 Author: CK63
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 11:17am

Thank you all for your great suggestions. Especially about towing. Has anyone had experience with helper springs or transmission cooler installed on the car?

I'm looking at purchasing the 177 or 178.

Thanks again
Christy ]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 11:17:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75332#75332 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75328#75328 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 10:40am

One thing I found to be helpful was to install a wind deflector. I chose the PurpleLine USA's AeroPlus. It helped with the aerodynamics and has helped me to get better mileage. Not only that, it helps when encountering head/cross wind situations. I am towing with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with factory tow package and 2L Ecoboost engine. It too has a 3500 lb towing limit. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 10:40:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75328#75328 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75327#75327 Author: Capt Kidd
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 10:35am

Your Pilot will tow it just fine except for the mileage. Expect to only get about 11 mpg. We have towed our 179 behind my sisters Pilot and it worked just fine without any special hitch just trailer brakes,]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 10:35:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75327#75327 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75312#75312 Author: Guests
Subject: 7965
Posted: 18 May 2016 at 7:05am

Welcome to the group!
+1 on StephenH comments. Just get the basic stuff. You'll figure out what you need/want to carry as time goes by.]]> Wed, 18 May 2016 07:05:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75312#75312 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75291#75291 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7965
Posted: 17 May 2016 at 10:19pm

Hello Christy,

Welcome to the forum.

First, your tow vehicle. Is it equipped for towing? What are the specifications. From what I can gather, your towing limit is 3500 lbs. While you should be able to tow up to and including an R-Pod 179, that would be pushing it. One of the lighter models might be better for your Pilot.

Other than that, go on Forest River's web site and check out the various floor plans. You are the one who knows what you want or don't want. Once you decide on the floor plan, all else are accessories. Any R-Pod you purchase should come with a power cord, a propane tank and a battery. If you don't plan on doing any dry (no hook-ups) camping, then the stock battery should be adequate.

You will need hoses (fresh water (only used for that purpose), utility hose for things like flushing the black water tank, sewage hose and connectors, chocks, leveling blocks or system such as the BAL leveler or Andersen leveler), sheets, blankets, dishes, cups, food, toilet paper, towels, and anything else you might need on a trip. You would have limited space, so you should make choices on what is really needed and what can stay home.

Read the forum topics. There are lots of suggestions which you may find helpful. I know I did.
]]> Tue, 17 May 2016 22:19:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75291#75291 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75288#75288 Author: Leo B
Subject: 7965
Posted: 17 May 2016 at 10:10pm

Welcome to the group! I we are on our second rpod. We started out with a 171, which was a nice fit for the two of us. It was easy to pull and comfortable. After 5 years, we upgraded to a 179 with a larger kitchen and more storage. The slide out opens things up a lot.
]]> Tue, 17 May 2016 22:10:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75288#75288 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75283#75283 Author: CK63
Subject: 7965
Posted: 17 May 2016 at 9:45pm

Hi All....

I've been looking at the RPod for about three years now and have decided to buy one. My question to you all is.....

What do I really need??

I will be towing it with a 2007 4x4 Pilot

I know what I don't need: bunk beds or screen enclosure. I doubt I would do any off road camping. But what are the must haves??

I appreciate your experience, insight and honesty.

Christy. ]]> Tue, 17 May 2016 21:45:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7965&PID=75283#75283