R-pod Owners Forum : Shopping for New Tow Vehicle https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Reviews and General Information : Shopping for New Tow Vehicle Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 04:12:24 +0000 Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:18:59 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=8790 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Make mine root beer, and I'll... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83606#83606 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 15 Oct 2016 at 2:18pm

Make mine root beer, and I'll join you. We may be heading down to Florida in November. That is still not certain though.]]> Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:18:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83606#83606 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by StephenHThanks.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83602#83602 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8790
Posted: 15 Oct 2016 at 1:45pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Thanks. This is good information to know. The math does not quite work as if there is a 0 distance, it would generate a "divide by 0" error. However, the point is clear that closer the result is to the wheelbase, the better.

The math is pretty good in the limit as you approach zero and infinity is a perfectly good mathematical concept. It's just that calculators can't handle it. However, it's probably impossible to achieve zero considering it's a three dimensional distance and you also have to consider the tire/road interface which will introduce slippage as forces increase. All that said, simply invert the fraction and drive it to zero. Same result and same guidance. Minimize ball to rear axle distance, maximize TV wheelbase, sat down, have a Bud, and Camp On Thumbs Up
]]> Sat, 15 Oct 2016 13:45:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83602#83602 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Had the chance to talk to several... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83588#83588 Author: flyfishingphil
Subject: 8790
Posted: 15 Oct 2016 at 11:11am

Had the chance to talk to several people with the new Dodge 1500 Eco diesel. The best one had driven from Texas to Oregon towing a trailer that showed just over 2900 pounds axle weight on a set of scales. He said he cruised at highway speeds, had come over thru Montana and his trip MPG had been running near 20. Most of the others reported about the same and doing over 27 running empty. (One with a heavy trailer reported about 14 mpg.)

Just something to look into and think about.
]]> Sat, 15 Oct 2016 11:11:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83588#83588 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Thanks. This is good information... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83550#83550 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Oct 2016 at 10:49am

Thanks. This is good information to know. The math does not quite work as if there is a 0 distance, it would generate a "divide by 0" error. However, the point is clear that closer the result is to the wheelbase, the better.
]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2016 10:49:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83550#83550 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : The operative factor here is the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83513#83513 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Oct 2016 at 3:22pm

The operative factor here is the ratio of vehicle wheelbase divided by hitch ball distance to the rear axle.  If D is the distance from the ball to the rear axle, this ratio is WB/D. The larger this ratio the less steering by the trailer and the less sway. As D approaches zero the ratio gets very large like on a fifth wheel or tractor/trailer rig. ]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2016 15:22:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83513#83513 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Now that you mention it - I noticed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83512#83512 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Oct 2016 at 1:02pm

Now that you mention it - I noticed a little sway when I put a longer stinger on the ball so I could open the tailgate.  I hadn't noticed it before, but then the trailer was fairly new then.  I still plan to put an Andersen hitch on this winter.]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2016 13:02:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83512#83512 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by RustlerYour... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83506#83506 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Oct 2016 at 10:13am

Originally posted by Rustler

Your observation brings up a good point. While overall wheelbase is important, the distance between tow ball and tow vehicle real wheels is a factor. The smaller distance tow ball to TV rear wheels the less leverage the trailer has to induce sway. Some of the SUVs have the rear wheels set relatively far back toward the tow ball, which is a good thing.

That is what I was saying also. For my Escape, the distance between the rear axle and the tow ball is about 3'. On larger vehicles, that distance might be more than twice the distance with the corresponding increase in leverage. That is why I feel quite safe and why I have not experienced any significant sway over about 10,000 miles of towing with the Escape. I feel a gentle nudge when passed by tractor trailers, but nothing significant. For me, it is a good thing to feel it as I had a stroke which took away part of my peripheral vision on the left. The nudge lets me know something is there and to check my mirrors again. Smile
]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2016 10:13:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83506#83506 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by techntrek Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83501#83501 Author: Rustler
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Oct 2016 at 3:24am

Originally posted by techntrek

Originally posted by StephenH

Every time I see the "longer wheelbase is better" argument, I keep thinking about tractor-trailers. They are the exact opposite and yet seem to work okay. I think that having proper tongue weight and proper equalization and sway control is more important than wheelbase in towing stability and resistance to sway.

A tractor's wheelbase is in the neighborhood of 200-280 inches (with big sleeper cabs).  My Suburban is fairly long for a non-commercial vehicle at 130 inches but the biggest pickups are over 230 inches.

5th wheels put the pivot point directly over the axle so sway is impossible.  See my discussion on this in my signature link.

Your observation brings up a good point. While overall wheelbase is important, the distance between tow ball and tow vehicle real wheels is a factor. The smaller distance tow ball to TV rear wheels the less leverage the trailer has to induce sway. Some of the SUVs have the rear wheels set relatively far back toward the tow ball, which is a good thing.
]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2016 03:24:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=83501#83501 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : It's TFL truck, on YouTube.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82790#82790 Author: CampCat
Subject: 8790
Posted: 25 Sep 2016 at 3:37pm

It's TFL truck, on YouTube. Very informative and entertaining. ]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2016 15:37:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82790#82790 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I like to review these guys. They... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82789#82789 Author: CampCat
Subject: 8790
Posted: 25 Sep 2016 at 3:36pm

I like to review these guys. They have many posts, on YouTube, on numerous TVs. 
https://youtu.be/0uCMJL7vOmo
]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2016 15:36:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82789#82789 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Welcome. Good point. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82777#82777 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8790
Posted: 25 Sep 2016 at 1:53pm

Welcome.  Good point.]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2016 13:53:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82777#82777 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Just joined the forum, we're... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82774#82774 Author: jdchristianson
Subject: 8790
Posted: 25 Sep 2016 at 1:00pm

Just joined the forum, we're starting to look into an R Pod.  I've towed several different camper and car haulers over the years.    I like long wheel bases in the tow vehicle, weight distributing hitches and sway control are wonderful.  The tail should not wag the dog.   

One thing I didn't notice anyone bring up, is that when figuring how much you can tow, you have to look at the Gross Combined Weight capacity of the tow vehicle.  How much "cargo" including people are you putting in your tow vehicle?  Mom, Dad, 2 college age kids and a St Bernard, a Canoe on the roof and 2 coolers full of ice and yummy bevearges?   It all counts.
]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2016 13:00:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82774#82774 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by dlbrownmacI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82484#82484 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8790
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 6:27pm

Originally posted by dlbrownmac

I have the 2014 Prerunner V6 with Tow package. How much was the supercharger?

As I recall the SC was about $7,000 installed. I bought the SC from Toyota OEM Part World and the local Toyota dealer installed it. The entire installation was then covered under the 3YR warranty. HOWEVER, 2013 was the last year Toyota would install and guarantee the SC. I had signed and put the deposit on a new 2014, then found out Toyota wouldn't install the SC, although the local manager assured me they would. I had to point out to the local manager he had no control over Toyota corporate. So I got a new end of year 2013. That said, the 2014 engine is identical to the 2013 so the SC should fit, but Toyota will not install and warrant it. Maybe a good third party shop would. The SC itself was around $4500. 
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 18:27:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82484#82484 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by dlbrownmacI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82473#82473 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8790
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:08pm

Originally posted by dlbrownmac

I have the 2014 Prerunner V6 with Tow package. How much was the supercharger?

Welcome.
]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:08:38 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82473#82473 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Just to throw a real-world example... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82472#82472 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8790
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 5:08pm

Just to throw a real-world example out there, until 12 years ago I was pulling a 3500 pound 16-foot popup with a Venture, which had about 2 1/2 feet between the axle and the receiver.  That camper was very sway-prone even with a sway bar.  I finally got it to a manageable level and then the Venture detonated on the way home from a trip.  Then bought a Sienna which had about 3 1/2 feet from axle to receiver.  What was manageable was again a big problem, with the only change that extra foot.]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 17:08:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82472#82472 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I have the 2014 Prerunner V6 with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82464#82464 Author: dlbrownmac
Subject: 8790
Posted: 18 Sep 2016 at 1:00pm

I have the 2014 Prerunner V6 with Tow package. How much was the supercharger?]]> Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82464#82464 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : The distance between the rear... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82317#82317 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 15 Sep 2016 at 9:24am

The distance between the rear axle and the hitch ball on my Escape is approximately 3-1/2' (the hitch is not mounted, so I am estimating the hitch ball to receiver distance). That probably explains why, even though the pivot point is not directly above the axle, I don't experience the sway that a pickup truck with a larger distance between the axle and the hitch would experience. I agree that better would be to have the pivot point at the axle. Better still might be what this setup did, and have the pivot point midway between front and rear axle: VW Beetle Trailer and Ultimate 5th Wheel.
]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:24:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82317#82317 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by techntrek Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82309#82309 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 10:33pm

Originally posted by techntrek

Originally posted by StephenH

Every time I see the "longer wheelbase is better" argument, I keep thinking about tractor-trailers. They are the exact opposite and yet seem to work okay. I think that having proper tongue weight and proper equalization and sway control is more important than wheelbase in towing stability and resistance to sway.

A tractor's wheelbase is in the neighborhood of 200-280 inches (with big sleeper cabs).  My Suburban is fairly long for a non-commercial vehicle at 130 inches but the biggest pickups are over 230 inches.

5th wheels put the pivot point directly over the axle so sway is impossible.  See my discussion on this in my signature link.

Thanks, Doug, for bringing this point out. I was going to do it, but you beat me to it. The hitch point for the 18 wheeler is over the tractor axle, not several feet behind like with a bumper pull trailer. Totally different geometry. Thus the 18 wheelers where the tractor WB is much shorter than the trailer is just fine, as are 5th wheel TTs. Fifth wheel TTs have other problems, like huge frontal cross sectional areas, but not sway.
]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 22:33:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82309#82309 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : On my first assignment after training... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82308#82308 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 10:09pm

On my first assignment after training with the Army, I was at Fort Hood, TX. As part of my assignment there, I was assigned as a driver of a deuce and a half. Along with that, I had a stake-side trailer. The truck was much longer than the trailer. Now I have an R-Pod 179, and I have been towing it with our Ford Escape. The trailer is longer than the Escape. What I have found is that with the Equal-i-zer hitch, coupled with the AeroPlus, sway has not been a big issue in the 10,000 plus miles of towing. It was not an issue with the Army vehicle, but backing was a royal pain as the trailer would jackknife in a heartbeat. Backing with the Escape is much easier since it does not have nearly the tendency to jackknife that I experienced with the deuce and a half.

I'm not saying that sway isn't something to be concerned about. Sway control is important. In my case, both equalization and sway control are vital. I would not be able to nor would I want to tow even a smaller R-Pod without them. I also would like to upgrade vehicles. I will do so as soon as it is financially feasible. I have been reading that Ford will have a Diesel F150 for the 2018 model year. Hopefully, I will be able to upgrade by then. Perhaps by then VW will be able to sell Diesel Tuareg models again also.
]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 22:09:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82308#82308 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by StephenHEvery... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82305#82305 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 9:22pm

Originally posted by StephenH

Every time I see the "longer wheelbase is better" argument, I keep thinking about tractor-trailers. They are the exact opposite and yet seem to work okay. I think that having proper tongue weight and proper equalization and sway control is more important than wheelbase in towing stability and resistance to sway.

A tractor's wheelbase is in the neighborhood of 200-280 inches (with big sleeper cabs).  My Suburban is fairly long for a non-commercial vehicle at 130 inches but the biggest pickups are over 230 inches.

5th wheels put the pivot point directly over the axle so sway is impossible.  See my discussion on this in my signature link.
]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 21:22:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82305#82305 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I'm eying an SUV with an... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82292#82292 Author: TheBum
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 2:18pm

I'm eying an SUV with an Eco-Diesel for our next TV. The diesel is just good for towing and the turbocharger would allow it to handle just about any elevation. It also gets good mileage in normal use, which is important to me.

The Dodge Durango was supposed to have that option for 2016, but I don't think it made the cut because it's not in the build options on the Dodge website. Hopefully it will appear in the 2017 models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available with an Eco-Diesel.]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 14:18:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82292#82292 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Every time I see the "longer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82290#82290 Author: StephenH
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 1:00pm

Every time I see the "longer wheelbase is better" argument, I keep thinking about tractor-trailers. They are the exact opposite and yet seem to work okay. I think that having proper tongue weight and proper equalization and sway control is more important than wheelbase in towing stability and resistance to sway.
]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 13:00:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82290#82290 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Agree - longer wheelbase is better.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82289#82289 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:53pm

Agree - longer wheelbase is better.  One just can't be in a hurry to tow a "bill board" in a cross wind.]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 12:53:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82289#82289 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Turbo/supercharger is a must for... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82281#82281 Author: techntrek
Subject: 8790
Posted: 14 Sep 2016 at 12:01pm

Turbo/supercharger is a must for high-altitude passes, I agree. I've towed over dozens of them in the last few years with a naturally-aspirated engine and wished I had either every time. Same for getting off the line at 8000 feet. The only way to retain your original HP/torque ratings at those altitudes is to compress the air. My next TV will have one or the other.

Wheelbase was mentioned above, I'll stress that is important for towing. The longer you go the more stable you are and resistant to sway. This factors into the tow rating for a vehicle, too. Look at the same truck with a long vs. short wheelbase and the longer one will be rated higher (Tahoe vs. Suburban for instance).]]> Wed, 14 Sep 2016 12:01:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82281#82281 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : We tow our 173with a 2012 Ford... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82269#82269 Author: Pod People
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:17pm

We tow our 173with a 2012 Ford Expedition EL. We love it because of the huge storage/ cargo capacity. It is very comfortable and has plenty of creature comforts to make long driving days bearable. It has the same chassis, engine choices, transmission, etc as the Ford F-150  series. Wwe think the large SUV type body has a lot of advantages over an open bed pick up. Ours came equipped with the factory tow package. We have traveled all over the country and had no issues. We hardly know the pod is behind us except when we fill up the gas tank. It has a 32gallon tank and we average about 11.5mpg when towing. It has plenty of power for the steepest climbs. We would replace it with the same vehicle if necessary.
Safe travels,
Vann
]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 23:17:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82269#82269 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I've towed your region twice... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82268#82268 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:11pm

I've towed your region twice over the years with Pod sized trailers. One tow vehicle was a well equipped 4.3 v/6 S10 rated @ 6000 lb and one our Tundra. To me, the mid-sized P/U was not enough for that area. Big elevation, big climbs, big speed limits, big winds! It's awfully, nice even towing small, to have a full sized SUV or P/U's power, wheelbase and wide stance when you have to continually deal with all your big stuff. It's also great to be able to use your vehicle's stock mirrors instead of those darn hang on towing mirrors.   ]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 23:11:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82268#82268 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by JGMM_BCI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82240#82240 Author: TheLoneRanger
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 4:07pm

Originally posted by JGMM_BC

I fully agree with most of the comments made. Keep in mind that the max weight of the R-Pod should be no more than 3600Lbs since that is what trailer is rated for.

I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander and once my wife's car is paid off we are buying a new TV. I think that any TV rated to pull 5,000Lbs or higher is more than enough for any of the R-Pods. We're looking at and F150 3.5L Ecoboost.



I am also leaning torwards the Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost V6 GTDi DOHC 24V Twin Turbocharged truck. I currently have a 2008 Saturn VUE XR 3.6L V6 which will nnot do well on steep grades and hi altitudes.
]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 16:07:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82240#82240 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by CharlieM The... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82233#82233 Author: Guests
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 2:29pm

Originally posted by CharlieM


The "best" for you would be a small 5L V8 like a 1/2 T pickup, Jeep GC, Yukon, Tahoe, Sequoia, etc.  




He speaks with wisdom.

Look at my signature and see what I tow with. A lesser combo would do it but, if you want a capable tow vehicle.......


]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 14:29:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82233#82233 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I fully agree with most of the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82232#82232 Author: JGMM_BC
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 1:18pm

I fully agree with most of the comments made. Keep in mind that the max weight of the R-Pod should be no more than 3600Lbs since that is what trailer is rated for.

I currently have a Mitsubishi Outlander and once my wife's car is paid off we are buying a new TV. I think that any TV rated to pull 5,000Lbs or higher is more than enough for any of the R-Pods. We're looking at and F150 3.5L Ecoboost.

]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 13:18:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82232#82232 Shopping for New Tow Vehicle : I subscribe to the belief that... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82226#82226 Author: GLBCamper
Subject: 8790
Posted: 13 Sep 2016 at 11:57am

I subscribe to the belief that you should keep your tow weight to 50%-60% of the vehicle's tow rating to have a comfortable towing experience. Don't forget to factor in the weight of your cargo, propane, water, etc. It adds up quickly. So, in the real world, my Tacoma which is rated at 6500 lbs tops out about 3900 lbs tow weight, which is a fully loaded 177. Personally I wouldn't "relax" with anything smaller. And of course, bigger is better. The 3.5L F150 ecoboost is a smaller engine with better gas mileage BUT tow rated for 10,500 lbs! (Turbo vs. Super)]]> Tue, 13 Sep 2016 11:57:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8790&PID=82226#82226