R-pod Owners Forum : Another tow vehicle question

R-pod Owners Forum : Another tow vehicle question http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Another tow vehicle question Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 03 May 2026 11:07:25 +0000 Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:54:45 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9733 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Another tow vehicle question : Simple question...Why not?You... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91515#91515 Author: fwunder
Subject: 9733
Posted: 20 Apr 2017 at 4:54pm

Simple question...Why not?

You prolly got 50K+ invested in trailer and TV. Your Health Insurance deductible is prolly just as high. WDH and sway seems like pretty damn cheap insurance to me.

fred

]]> Thu, 20 Apr 2017 16:54:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91515#91515 Another tow vehicle question : Originally posted by john... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91494#91494 Author: StephenH
Subject: 9733
Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 8:33pm

Originally posted by john in idaho

A cross wind in Wyoming or Idaho will make you a believer is sway control. If it really is blowing it is far wiser to stop somewhere , especially with a light weight TV. If you drive at 60 or 62 you will never have to pass anyone and try to get back in the lane in a reasonable distance.

Double that if you encounter ice like we did. In our case, even sway control was not enough.
]]> Wed, 19 Apr 2017 20:33:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91494#91494 Another tow vehicle question : A cross wind in Wyoming or Idaho... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91486#91486 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 9733
Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 5:49pm

A cross wind in Wyoming or Idaho will make you a believer is sway control. If it really is blowing it is far wiser to stop somewhere , especially with a light weight TV. If you drive at 60 or 62 you will never have to pass anyone and try to get back in the lane in a reasonable distance.]]> Wed, 19 Apr 2017 17:49:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91486#91486 Another tow vehicle question : Hello, I tow my 179 with a 2016... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91469#91469 Author: dr2428
Subject: 9733
Posted: 19 Apr 2017 at 11:34am

Hello,
     I tow my 179 with a 2016 Santa Fe, same 290HP engine and trans if same year. I'm pretty sure my 5000lb tow rating is based on use of WD, honestly it works so well to distribute the weight that I would not tow without it, I have done so for 1/2 block just to move it and it was obvious I had much less control than with the WD. The WD dramatically reduces the bouncing from bumps and uneven terrain which contributes to greater control. My Santa Fe pulls the 179 almost effortlessly, I do not tow faster than 65mph, usually about 60mph but was able to maintain 65mph up a very steep 1/2 mile hill on I80. There is no overdrive lock out so I shift usually manually.

   I passed up a 2017 Sorrento which would have been cheaper but I was told by the hitch guy that the hitches were not rated for use with WD. The hitches on Etrailer show "Not rated for use with weight distribution systems" in their specs. I thought I saw a post on this forum that addressed that but cannot find it. I would check with a hitch shop, and Kia on that one.

     I see a lot of posts on this forum saying that a 1/2 ton pickup/SUV is a minimum but I'm convinced that mid size SUVs like my Santa Fe are a good option that can be equipped to tow safely. In my case, a pickup does not fit our lifestyle at this time. In any case, the first piece of safety equipment needed is a good head on your shoulders.

Good luck
]]> Wed, 19 Apr 2017 11:34:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91469#91469 Another tow vehicle question : Thanks guys.. I will get the WDH... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91455#91455 Author: SEW83
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 7:27pm

Thanks guys.. I will get the WDH and sway. Appreciate the input. I'm 56 yrs old and this is my FIRST major purchase all by myself. I've always had a husband to figure this kind of stuff. But that's ok, I'm learning and growing and can't wait to get my 179. ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 19:27:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91455#91455 Another tow vehicle question : IMO, you need a WDH. You are... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91444#91444 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 5:23pm

IMO, you need a WDH. You are at the max for your vehicle. On my 178 the tongue weight is 377 lbs. Ready to roll. I have done suspension enhancements all my life, everything to springs to bags to lifts, for drag racing and towing. You can't make up for capacity and wheelbase issues. You need an assist.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:23:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91444#91444 Another tow vehicle question : 3500 with a hitch rate of 350#... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91443#91443 Author: SEW83
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 5:17pm

3500 with a hitch rate of 350#]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:17:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91443#91443 Another tow vehicle question : +1 to CharlieM. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91441#91441 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 5:09pm

+1 to CharlieM.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:09:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91441#91441 Another tow vehicle question : Originally posted by SEW83I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91440#91440 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 4:58pm

Originally posted by SEW83

I am really getting concerned after reading so many different opinions. Go with a WDH, don't need one, go with a sway bar, upgrade suspension..... OMGosh .. I'm starting to wonder am I getting in over my head.

It seems daunting but we've all been there and somehow figured it out. There is a lot of personal opinion/preference surrounding WDH and sway control but IMO you should definitely use WDH/sway control with the short wheelbase Jeep. When the trailer puts weight on the hitch behind the Jeep's rear axle the front axle tends to get lighter and rise. This adversely affects steering and braking. The WDH will correct this. The WDH will also lock the trailer and Jeep bodies together into one longer body, reducing porpoising and bouncing when going over dips and bumps. With the the short, stiff Jeep that will beat you to death on a long trip. A combination hitch like the E2 or Equalizer provides both WD and SC which need not be disconnected when backing up. The separate friction type sway controllers must be disconnected when you back up. Forget to do that and you bend/destroy the device. I don't see a need to modify the Jeep suspension but you should have a auxiliary transmission cooler and frame mounted class III or IV hitch. You'll also need an electric brake controller such as the Tekonsha P3.
]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:58:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91440#91440 Another tow vehicle question : +2 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91438#91438 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 4:53pm

+2]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:53:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91438#91438 Another tow vehicle question : +1 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91437#91437 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 4:48pm

+1]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:48:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91437#91437 Another tow vehicle question : Originally posted by SEW83I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91436#91436 Author: furpod
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 4:35pm

EVERY setup is different, and personal opinions can count. We towed our pod with a Expedition, (2 actually), with over 9,000lb tow rating.. and used a WDH. Did we HAVE to? Nope, not for a minute.. but the ride WAS better with it. Our current combo is pretty close to the same.. 12.5K tow rating, and a 1500lb hitch rating, no WDH needed to achieve that. We still use WDH and dual cam sway control. Truck rides better and feels more secure.

If you are going to tow with a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, I would HIGHLY recommend a WDH and sway control, because of the short wheelbase.

Tow ratings very widely in any model, what is the tow rating of YOUR Jeep?
]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:35:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91436#91436 Another tow vehicle question : SEW83, What is your tow capacity?... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91432#91432 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:45pm

SEW83,

What is your tow capacity?]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:45:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91432#91432 Another tow vehicle question : I'm sorry I should have put... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91431#91431 Author: SEW83
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:38pm

I'm sorry I should have put in there that I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:38:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91431#91431 Another tow vehicle question : I am really getting concerned... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91430#91430 Author: SEW83
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 3:38pm

I am really getting concerned after reading so many different opinions. Go with a WDH, don't need one, go with a sway bar, upgrade suspension..... OMGosh .. I'm starting to wonder am I getting in over my head. ]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 15:38:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91430#91430 Another tow vehicle question : There are several 179 owners successfully... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91405#91405 Author: TheBum
Subject: 9733
Posted: 18 Apr 2017 at 10:30am

There are several 179 owners successfully pulling with TVs having a 5000 lb tow rating. I'm one of them (2012 Highlander V6 w/ tow package, 270 hp). We've pulled our 179 up grades as steep as 9% with minimal struggle.

I recommend the Fastway E2 600/6000. It has built-in sway control that doesn't need to be disengaged when backing up like a separate sway bar does. The price is also reasonable.]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2017 10:30:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91405#91405 Another tow vehicle question : Thanks to all for the advice!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91368#91368 Author: kayzwayz
Subject: 9733
Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 6:46pm

Thanks to all for the advice! I will get a transmission cooler as well as the sway/wdh installed. I don't mind going slow, just don't want to blow up my Sorento, AND need some security with cross winds and big trucks!

]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:46:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91368#91368 Another tow vehicle question : Listen to our wise admin. aka... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91362#91362 Author: jato
Subject: 9733
Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 6:07pm

Listen to our wise admin. aka David. Definitely go with a WDH + sway control. Unless you are only going to travel slowly, with no wind issues and flat roads, you will regret not having these on your short wheelbase KIA.
]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2017 18:07:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91362#91362 Another tow vehicle question : While I am not well versed in... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91356#91356 Author: Guests
Subject: 9733
Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 5:37pm

While I am not well versed in Kia vehicles....

Since you have a 5K tow capacity, I am assuming it has the V6 turbo rated at 290hp. It should do the job. Make sure it, at least, has a transmission cooler installed and it is usually better to not use overdrive - check your owner's manual for info.

With a somewhat short wheelbase, a weight distributing hitch with sway control might be worthy of consideration. Many of us use the Fastway E2. However, there are others.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2017 17:37:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91356#91356 Another tow vehicle question : You should be okay towing a 179. ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91348#91348 Author: Leo B
Subject: 9733
Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 3:47pm

You should be okay towing a 179.]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:47:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91348#91348 Another tow vehicle question : New r-pod 179 owner, and very... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91346#91346 Author: kayzwayz
Subject: 9733
Posted: 17 Apr 2017 at 3:34pm

New r-pod 179 owner, and very excited to be taking a 3-month trip this summer cross country. I am planning to tow with my AWD Kia Sorento which has a 5000 lb. tow rating. Am I foolish to think my TV is adequate? I don't plan to add much to the r-pod, weight-wise (very little fresh water, empty gray and black tanks). Also, does anyone have preferences on sway control and/or wdh?]]> Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:34:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9733&PID=91346#91346