http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New member, new owner Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 19:09:42 +0000 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 22:19:51 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=8286 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=8286&PID=78206#78206 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8286
Posted: 30 Jun 2016 at 10:19pm

We are towing with a 2016 Escape with 2L Ecoboost engine. You didn't mention whether your escape also has the factory Tow package. I hope so. It includes he transmission cooler. We are towing a 179, which is about 550 lbs heavier than the 171.

Some things to consider:
You will need to install a brake controller. The Escape does not come pre-wired for one. I chose the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller. I also had to get the kit to install it, which includes the round 7-wire connector as the Escape's tow package only comes with the flat four-pin connector. Check http://www.etrailer.com/ to get more details. If you look through the reviews for the InSIGHT controller, you will see a picture of it installed in our Escape.

Aerodynamics play an important part also. We noticed a significant increase in mileage when we purchased an air deflector. The one we chose is the PurpleLine USA AeroPlus. We ordered directly from www.purplelineusa.com. Icon makes one also, but we chose the AeroPlus. I had to use some extra shims to mount it. I don't know if you have the roof rack or not. You will need one with cross-bars for the AeroPlus.

Your dealer should recommend (and you should get) a weight transfer hitch with sway control. We have the Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch, 600 lbs tongue weight/6000 lbs capacity. This will be more than adequate. There are alternatives such as the E2 hitch. Another alternative is the Andersen, but I have no experience with it. I can tell you that the shank and hitch head for the Equal-i-zer is very heavy. There is a great tool to help move it. Another problem is where to store it when you are not using it. detailed a solution in my mods, the link to which is below in my signature. There may be other information contained there that would be of use to you as well.

Welcome to the forum, and I hope you enjoy your 171. You should really enjoy the change from tent and pop-up camping.
]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2016 22:19:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78206#78206 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78157#78157 Author: Patriot
Subject: 8286
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 10:11pm

Congrats. I'm towing a 180 which is a little heavier with a similarly sized vehicle (volvo xc60). It's tows fine. You should have no problem.

We are new to both towing and camping this year. Our first trip was 20 minutes, next was 50 minutes, then 2 hours, and last week was 5.5 hours away. This weekend is Virginia. At this rate we will be camping in China by the end of the summer. Maybe we'll see you there. Lol. ]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2016 22:11:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78157#78157 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78155#78155 Author: birderdiane526
Subject: 8286
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 9:32pm

Congratulations and welcome!]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:32:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78155#78155 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78148#78148 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8286
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 9:08pm

Welcome.]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2016 21:08:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78148#78148 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78133#78133 Author: Leo B
Subject: 8286
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 6:36pm

Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 171!!]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2016 18:36:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78133#78133 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8286&PID=78129#78129 Author: ralphb9684
Subject: 8286
Posted: 29 Jun 2016 at 5:40pm

Hi, my wife and I just purchased a model 171. We don't even have it yet. It's being built as we speak and we should be able to take possession of it in the next two weeks or so.  We are really looking forward to it. We tent camped for over 30 years, then switched to a pop-up for about 5 years and now took the jump to an R-Pod. I hope we can tow it with the vehicle we also just bought, a 2016 Ford Escape with eco-boost. Everyone at the dealerships and RV dealers say (sure, no prob). We'll find out soon enough.  First trip is close to home in the Adirondacks. Can't wait.
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