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techntrek 
Admin Group - pHp 
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
 Topic: First timersPosted: 18 Mar 2015 at 9:13pm |
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Happens all the time around here.
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jbsimm2
Newbie 
Joined: 23 Feb 2015 Location: MLT Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
Posted: 18 Mar 2015 at 12:54pm |
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First. sorry for the thread hijack:
It felt underpowered, but I don't have anything to compare it to. my old trailer was a hardsided pop up Apache from the 70's. I could tell a real difference. It could be that I am just not used to pulling a real trailer and that 55-60 will be my top speed with the Xterra or if I had a big HD diesel. as for the gearing. I think I have 3.13:1 not sure, and I don't really know enough to know what is good for towing.
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2012 Nissan Xterra
2014 RP178 (Death Pod) |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 12:42pm |
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Underpowered at 261 hp? I thought that about my Sienna minivan which was just over 200, but I would think over 250 would feel ok. Maybe the rear end gearing needs to be adjusted?
I'm like you, I used to make 14 hour trips between MD and TN (no camper) and would love to "beat my time", although at that distance I learned that speed had far less to do with it than traffic. Now even with a Suburban (335 torque 320 hp) pulling the pod and now our Salem, I just stick it on 60-65 mph and enjoy the scenery.
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jbsimm2
Newbie
Joined: 23 Feb 2015 Location: MLT Washington Online Status: Offline Posts: 11 |
Posted: 17 Mar 2015 at 10:32am |
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I have a similar vehichle in the the Xterra. it is rated at 5,000lbs towing and is about 261 HP. I towed our new R-Pod home from the dealer about 4 hours away over on the other side of the cascades. I am not used to towing something so big, and you can definetly feel it back there. my top speed was about 55-60, and about 45-50 climbing the mountain.
It towed fine, but I found it to be on the cusp of being under powered. I have a 178, and didn't realize how big this trailer is until I got to the delear to hook up. It was super windy in the Yakima valley, and I didn't really feel like there was any sway (I'm glad they talked me into the WDH) but the whole truck and trailer was being pushed sideways. I just bought the Xterra so there is no new vehicle in my future. I will just have to get used to driving slower than normal. I am the guy that likes to be to places first and try to beat my time from the last trip, and beat the time on the GPS. Honestly will a bigger truck with a V8 be any better? I got the impression that the trailer itself is basically just a big sail and basically hits a wall at that speed. I didn't officially calculate it, but I estimate I got between 6 and 8 mpg on the way home.
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johnmaci
Senior Member 
Joined: 17 Jun 2014 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 202 |
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 9:11pm |
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I also own a 2013 Pathfinder and find it a smooth tow-er. There are no gears with a CVT, which means it is not constantly searching for the right gear as in a traditional transmission.
The one oddity is that the receiver on the PF is a smidgeon larger than any shank I could find so there was enough play to make even the shortest trips annoying. So I purchased a Roadmaster Quiet Hitch adapter. It's cheap and works great. I also installed a set of Firestone air helper bags in the rear springs. Helps to keep the loaded rear from bottoming. |
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Camper Bob
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Location: Portland Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 913 |
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 8:14pm |
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I was going to do a review after this camping season, as I have only towed with it once. That being said, I am delighted with the performance of the Pathfinder. It is a pleasure to drive and I look forward to doing errands with it around town. The rear camera, the fit and finish, the electronic dashboard are great and I really like the electric trunk hatch door. We have taken another couple out to dinner a few times, and they were impressed with the rear seat knee room. We are looking forward to this years camping season and will have more to report. The Pathfinder is constantly reviewed by the auto mags. and is always described in glowing terms. We purchased it at Wilsonville Nissan from Jim who is the fleet specialist. Compared his price with another dealer and they were comparable and they are closer to where we live. The service dept. there is fabulous. Haven't been impressed as much with a service dept. since I owned a Mercedes years ago. The Honda only has a 4,500 lb. tow capacity and I was not overly fond of the Toyota. Coming from a Tahoe with a 6,800 lb. tow capacity, and a big V8, I was concerned with going with a 6 cylinder. We got the LE edition. The Pathfinder is rated to tow 5,000 lbs. I could babble on but you won't be sorry if you got a Pathfinder. Tell me later what you finally decided. Safe Travels.
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Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
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Andy and Lisa D
Newbie
Joined: 15 Mar 2015 Location: Beaverton Orego Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 1:00pm |
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Thanks Camper Bob - I'll look into it.
How do you like the 2015 Pathfinder? I'm due for an new TV and that's on my short list. |
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Andy & Lisa
4-legged family: Gunner (RIP), Autumn, Dewey 2015 RP179 2003 Nissan xTerra Oregon |
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Camper Bob
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 26 Sep 2011 Location: Portland Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 913 |
Posted: 16 Mar 2015 at 8:27am |
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Welcome. Join us in August. Look under Events and campouts. Safe Travels.
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Camper Bob and Camper Sue
Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4518 |
Posted: 15 Mar 2015 at 6:43pm |
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Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 179!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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Andy and Lisa D
Newbie
Joined: 15 Mar 2015 Location: Beaverton Orego Online Status: Offline Posts: 5 |
Posted: 15 Mar 2015 at 6:29pm |
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Hello.
We are long time tent campers who recently purchased an RP179. First 2 short trips complete, now I have a list of mods to do before our sabbatical cross-country road trip. Love the great advice and ideas on this forum. Looking forward to some good times traveling the country. Cheers! |
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Andy & Lisa
4-legged family: Gunner (RIP), Autumn, Dewey 2015 RP179 2003 Nissan xTerra Oregon |
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First timers
