R-pod Owners Forum : Doing homework http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Doing homework Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 15:27:00 +0000 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 23:00:05 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9622 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Doing homework : We're looking again. We're... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90660#90660 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 11:00pm

We're looking again.  We're finding some out there.  People in our area tend to keep their trucks (can't blame them).  Fortunately, we have time.  ]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2017 23:00:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90660#90660 Doing homework : Originally posted by PodwanThat's... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90620#90620 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 4:16pm

Originally posted by Podwan

That's excellent advice, Stephen.
We are keeping our eyes open for used crew cab trucks. They hold their value well, unfortunately for us. We live in SE Texas, and everyone here seems to like having at least one.

Check CarMax, AutoTrader, or other sites. We needed a replacement vehicle in a hurry, so we went to the CarMax in South Jordan, Utah. It was close to where our daughter and her family now live. That is where we purchased our 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4x4. There was a private seller who had a 2000 Ford F250 SuperDuty Diesel. I would have liked that, but it had some issues and we felt better getting at least a minimal warranty. CarMax did some work on the Frontier, replacing the back bumper which had been bent previously.

One advantage of being where pickup trucks are more popular is that they are likely to be more available on the used market than they are here in North Carolina. The CarMax in Raleigh has lots of sedans and SUVs, but very few trucks.
]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:16:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90620#90620 Doing homework : That's excellent advice,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90609#90609 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 11:05am

That's excellent advice, Stephen.
We are keeping our eyes open for used crew cab trucks. They hold their value well, unfortunately for us. We live in SE Texas, and everyone here seems to like having at least one. ]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2017 11:05:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90609#90609 Doing homework : If you do go for the Highlander,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90595#90595 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 06 Apr 2017 at 8:55am

If you do go for the Highlander, the LE AWD version is the one you would want. FWD works, but the drive wheels in front is not ideal.

If you go for the Pilot, Honda lists towing specifications as 3500 lbs for FWD and 5000 lbs for AWD versions provided you have the factory tow package. From the Honda web site:

"[3]  Maximum towing capacity for AWD models is 5,000 lbs. Maximum towing capacity for 2WD models is 3,500 lbs. Towing requires the addition of the Honda accessory towing kit, trailer harness and hitch ball."

Neither the Highlander nor the Pilot is a turbocharged engine. If you tow at relatively low elevations, you will not have any problems. The problems happen when you start to gain elevation. Figure on 4% power loss for every 1000 ft of elevation. You can tow at higher elevations with a naturally aspirated engine as long as you realize that you will not have as much power to work with. We did that coming back from our trip with the Nissan Frontier.

One thing you might consider is to purchase used instead of new. You might find a deal on a good used vehicle and you would not have the heavy depreciation hit of purchasing a new vehicle.
]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:55:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90595#90595 Doing homework : Originally posted by vtwinYou'd... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90582#90582 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 10:35pm

Originally posted by vtwin

You'd be better off with say a Jayco 174..
We recently sold our Rpod because it just is too small when having kids.
Was great for couple years, but kids grow fast and rpod didn't.
Jayco having bunks, Queen bed, and small dinette with power awning will feel so much larger.
We didn't get the Jayco, we ended up with 25ft Class C because 6cyl strains with a loaded up Rpod/Jayco/any 3k lbs trailer... I wont even get into the quality of Forrest river products, my opinion is about size with children..


I have been eyeing that particular Jayco model as well.  Our limiting factor is tow vehicle.  I've about convinced myself to get a tow vehicle rated for at least 5,000 lbs even if I get the r-pod, but if I need a real truck (and it will have to be quad cab since we have two children in car seats) then a big truck is going to cost us.  Will take longer to get our travel trailer. 
I'm fine waiting a little while, but if we wait too long, our kids will be grown.  :(

Wondering if I could safely tow that Jayco with a vehicle rated for 5,000 lbs, like a v-6 Highlander or Honda Pilot. 
]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:35:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90582#90582 Doing homework : Originally posted by Danielw1Why... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90578#90578 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 10:01pm

Originally posted by Danielw1

Why do you say you won't go into quality on FR products? Everything I've seen so far looks like great quality. As for the 6 cylinder towing.. I would recommend 6 cylinder f150 ecoboost! It blew the doors off my v8. Don't let number of cylinders be the deciding factor in what you tow with, it's all in how those cylinders are used!

It is also a factor whether those cylinders are turbocharged or not. The Ecoboost engines are amazing. Until our accident, the 4 cylinder Ecoboost engine in the Escape performed very well, much better than the V6 in the Frontier which has twice the displacement. That said, the Frontier is the better vehicle for towing since it is 4WD. When towing, the traction when it is in 2WD is better because it is the rear wheels being driven as opposed to the FWD of the Escape. When the R-Pod was hitched to the Escape, I had to be careful starting. It was easy to spin the front wheels, even with a WD hitch.
]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 22:01:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90578#90578 Doing homework : Why do you say you won't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90576#90576 Author: Danielw1
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 9:55pm

Why do you say you won't go into quality on FR products? Everything I've seen so far looks like great quality. As for the 6 cylinder towing.. I would recommend 6 cylinder f150 ecoboost! It blew the doors off my v8. Don't let number of cylinders be the deciding factor in what you tow with, it's all in how those cylinders are used! ]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 21:55:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90576#90576 Doing homework : You'd be better off with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90548#90548 Author: vtwin
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 2:31pm

You'd be better off with say a Jayco 174..
We recently sold our Rpod because it just is too small when having kids.
Was great for couple years, but kids grow fast and rpod didn't.
Jayco having bunks, Queen bed, and small dinette with power awning will feel so much larger.
We didn't get the Jayco, we ended up with 25ft Class C because 6cyl strains with a loaded up Rpod/Jayco/any 3k lbs trailer... I wont even get into the quality of Forrest river products, my opinion is about size with children..

]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 14:31:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90548#90548 Doing homework : Thanks, Stephen. I have so much... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90543#90543 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 12:10pm

Thanks, Stephen.
I have so much to learn. I will be asking lots of questions. ]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 12:10:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90543#90543 Doing homework : With the one you described as... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90541#90541 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 11:30am

With the one you described as going downhill on a curved decline sounds like the tongue weight of the trailer was too low or if they had a WDH, it was improperly adjusted and transferred too much weight, making the back end of the tow vehicle too light. It also makes me wonder if the person had brakes on the trailer and if they were operating properly or were set too low. I would like to know more details about the other accident. With the brakes operating properly, that should not have happened unless it also was on ice. The drag of the trailer brakes should have prevented that from happening.]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:30:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90541#90541 Doing homework : Also, there was another accident... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90540#90540 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 11:17am

Also, there was another accident where they were going down a curved decline (an exit maybe?) And the trailer jack knifed. They were unharmed, but that could have been terrible.
Makes me wonder about the single axel on the trailer, considering they had a sway bar and a wdh that was all mangled.
I can see where a small trailer could be safer to tow also.
I don't want to be unreasonably worried, but want to use some wisdom in what I tow. DH and I have never towed anything before.
Want to proceed with caution.
]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:17:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90540#90540 Doing homework : It is good that you are doing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90539#90539 Author: Guests
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 11:09am


It is good that you are doing your "homework".

The CRV would be out of the question. With the van, you would be at the lower end of performance. You may find it difficult keeping up with traffic when hills or headwinds are encountered. It can be done, just set your expectations accordingly. I suspect you will want a more muscular tow vehicle as soon as it can be arranged.]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:09:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90539#90539 Doing homework : I read about your accident (I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90538#90538 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 11:05am

I read about your accident (I think on the other forum).
I'm glad you're both safe.
Your story and another one are what has me thinking I should wait until we can get a truck, or at least a larger SUV. ]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:05:04 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90538#90538 Doing homework : I understand. We usually keep... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90536#90536 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 10:41am

I understand. We usually keep ours long-term, but there have been some exceptions. We traded our 2009 Escape which had a 1500 lb tow limit for a 2016 Escape with a 3500 lb tow limit. Unfortunately, we hit ice with a strong cross-wind while traveling through Wyoming in December. The Escape did not fare well and was in the shop until March. We purchased a used Nissan Frontier crew cab to use. Then decided we did not need two vehicles so we had our son-in-law pick it up from the shop. He then took it to Carmax, where we sold it. We have had other vehicles as long as 14 years.

From what I can find out, the Odyssey has a 3500 lb tow rating. If you are going to use it, you definitely will want the transmission cooler in addition to the hitch receiver and the wiring to support the round, 7- terminal Bargman connector, not just the flat 4-pin trailer connector. In addition to the hitch and cooler, you will need an electrical brake controller. Since the Odyssey does not come with the wiring connector, you will need a wiring kit to add the round connector plus the additional wiring for the 4-way connector. We purchased the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount trailer brake controller. Others like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 controller. Either one will require the ETBC7 Universal Installation Kit. You will also need the Plug-In Vehicle Wiring Harness for a 4-pole connector. Hopkins HM11143114 is one. Curt C56118 is another.

Honda requires the use of a weight distribution hitch when towing with the Odyssey from what I could find out. We use the Equal-i-zer 4-point sway control hitch. It combines weight distribution and sway control so no separate sway bar is needed. Others use the Fastway E2 (2-point sway control) or the Andersen No-Sway hitch. There are other options, but those are the ones mentioned most often in the forum.

eTrailer.com is a good source for parts. If you are not comfortable doing the installation work, you would have to add the cost of that when calculating the relative cost of upgrading your Odyssey as opposed to trading the CR-V.
]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:41:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90536#90536 Doing homework : I've been looking at the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90533#90533 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 10:15am

I've been looking at the floorplans. We like the bunk models.
Right now, my children like to bed share, but I don't see this continuing as they get older.
I'm so waffling between putting a tranny cooler, wdh, and sway bar on the Odyssey (we love our Odyssey), or waiting until we can trade the CR-V for something beefier.
We are both teachers, so. It a lot of money for big rigs.
Whatever we buy, we plan to keep for a very long time. (vehicles have long term relationships with us. Lol)]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:15:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90533#90533 Doing homework : Welcome! I take it you are looking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90530#90530 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 9:26am

Welcome! I take it you are looking at R-Pods as a possible purchase for you and your family. With your children, I would think that the 176 or 182G would be good choices. The 178 would also be good if you treated the dinette as two beds along the sides with an aisle between. I think it would get awkward to try to have both daughter and son in the same bed. The 178 would have room while they are both young and it would be the most comfortable for you as you would not have the cushion gaps to deal with.

We have the 179. While it is good for the two of us and would be good for a third person, I don't know how well it would work for a family with multiple children.

Have you looked at Forest River's R-Pod pages to see the various floor plans and specifications? If so, which model to you think would work best for you?
]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 09:26:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90530#90530 Doing homework : Hi. I'm new here and doing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90529#90529 Author: Podwan
Subject: 9622
Posted: 05 Apr 2017 at 9:02am

Hi. I'm new here and doing homework.
Our family consists of my husband, daughter (7), son (2), me, and the cat. The cat doesn't like going places, so she will stay home.
DH and I are educators, so we would like to travel during school breaks, parts of Summers, and the occasional weekend.
We currently own a Honda Odyssey and a CR-V.
Looking forward to learning from your posts. ]]> Wed, 05 Apr 2017 09:02:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9622&PID=90529#90529