We had a 2008 4-banger Tacoma with super springs. One day I hauled 1200 lbs of concrete (15 80 lb bags), plus all my work gear (600 lbs), plus the bed slide and lumber rack (another 600 lbs). Total 2200 lbs, and that was not pulling a trailer.

BUT... I did hook up a concrete mixer (still with that load), and backed the whole thing down a 45 degree slope (yep, that's a 100% slope).

Very capable truck.

I pull a 180 Pod all up and down the east coast and Appalachian mountain chain with a 2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 with six speed automatic and V6 engine without a bit of problem. Whether its a back road pulling up a mountain or the interstate at 70 mph this truck will do it all, period. Who ever believes its marginal needs to borrow one and try it and there opinion will change. As for bounciness, well try using a properly set up WDH and then you might look into these which I installed on the rear of my truck or maybe better shocks.

Lucky you getting a manual! Is your bed 5' or 6'? When I bought my 2010 I needed full cab (this is also my passenger/run-around vehicle) and 6-foot bed, and I wanted (desperately) a manual transmission. The word was that I couldn't get the 6-foot AND a manual, so I went with the 6-foot out of necessity. I met someone recently who was able to get a 2018 Tacoma with manual only by going with the 5-foot. She was frustrated too but didn't actually need the 6-foot bed. My guy and I love our RPod 179 and haven't yet pulled it with my Tacoma, we've only used his F150 so far. 

My 2008 4.0 4Runner Limited just rolled 100K miles. With well over 20K towing Pod including east/west cross country, north south from PEI to Florida and many trips in between it's been a very capable TV. I am jonesing for a slightly more capable TV, however...when I sell my Pod and buy my next (heavier) trailer.

In the meantime, I got no complaints.

fred

Thx

 In Summer 2012, I bought a 2013 StarCraft 17RD and towed it with my 2003 4.0 V6 4Runner. The tow rating was 5000 pounds. Even though the trailer was only about 2900 pounds, it was parachute at anything over 50mph. The 4 speed transmission had to kept in 3rd, always at 3500 rpm at 65mph on the interstate. I was not pleased, and neither was the 4Runner.

 I moved up to an R-Pod in late Summer that same year, thinking the shape would improve the towing experience. Well, no it did not change it at all using the same 4Runner, same trip, same route.... I was disappointed with the meager 230-ish HP and the 260ft-lb torque. Just not enough power, and the transmission could have been a 6 speed might have been a little better.

 So I bought my Touareg TDI in the Spring of 2013, and have not regretted it in the least. It handles so much better than the 4Runner on road. And there are zero regrets with power when towing. The Touareg also let's me keep my options open in the future for a bigger trailer (bumper pull toy hauler).

 Just be warned, when buying a German make, get extended warranties!! I have used mine already and it saved me about $800. All modern diesels use SCR (automotive urea injection) and particulate filters. They are technologies not yet ready for mass market. The bugs are still being worked out.

You're too close to the edge with that setup.

Except for diesel, I don't know there is anybody happily towing with any 4-cylinder engine, at all. 

Thanks for allowing me to join the forum.  This is my first post here and I look forward to learning more about the wonderful world of R-Pods.  My wife and I were close to getting ready to buy our first travel trailer, the R-Pod 171, when we started to question the effectiveness of my truck as a tow vehicle. 

I have a 2013 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner, 2WD, with a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine.  The owner's manual says I have a towing capacity of 3500 pounds with a towing break, and 1000 pounds without a towing break. What exactly does this mean?  Does the R-Pod come with a towing break or is this something that would come with the towing package that I would purchase?

If I could get some advice on if my Tacoma would be a suitable tow vehicle, I would greatly appreciate it. We don't really have the option to upgrade vehicles at this time, so this would be our only option for now. We live in North Georgia and most of our trips would include driving through the N. GA / Smokey Mountains or down to the Florida gulf beaches.

Thanks so much for any advice you guys could give.  I look forward to getting to know you all.