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Topic ClosedFirst time RV buyer
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Craigmri View Drop Down
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Joined: 26 Jun 2018
Location: FL
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: First time RV buyer
    Posted: 26 Jun 2018 at 6:16pm
So here I am...50 years old and looking to purchase my first travel trailer.  Used to camp as a child and not looking to tent on the ground...and its Florida so I need A/C too  hahahaha...

Stumbled upon the R-Pod series and like that I can tow with a Minivan.  Really like the 179 and the 190.  The 179 offers a great kitchen setup where-as the 190 offers a full bathroom.  Both have the U-shaped dinettes we like so much.

Questions....

1)  Is the 13.5K A/C enough to keep the R-pod cool in the hottest and humid Florida summer days?

2)  Will a new Toyota Sienna with Brake controller be enough to tow with confidence?

3)  Are there dealers out there with reputations for offering great deals?  I dont care how far I have to travel.

Thanks in advance!
Craig
Spring Hill, FL
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furpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 25 Jul 2011
Location: Central KY
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jun 2018 at 7:22pm
1) Yes.

2) What's the tow rating for your particular Van? Even in 1 ton trucks, there are many different tow ratings based on options and gearing.

3) Lowest prices in the east will be found at Couch's RV Nation in Ohio. Going to a distant dealer can save money, but has a few possible issues, like warranty service.
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Craigmri View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Jun 2018 at 8:03pm
Furpod,

Thanks for your reply.  The owners manual says with Trailer brakes 3,500 lbs.  Combined Vehicle and trailer weight of 8,900 lbs.

I know its not a Super Duty but the majority of my towing will be on pancake Flat Florida roads.

Craig
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Ghosthawk View Drop Down
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Posts: 128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2018 at 7:43am
My wife and I are waiting for a 189 that does not seem to arrive.

I looked at all the 3500 lb Tow Vehicles, and went with a Jeep Grand Cherokee with 5500 lb.
I just could not justify taking the chance we would never want to see the Blue Ridge Mtns or the Rockies.

I think you'll be ok, keep it light as possible. Then if you have no issues slowly add a few luxury's.
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Craigmri View Drop Down
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Posts: 7 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2018 at 7:47am
Ghost,

Is your Grand Cherokee an 8 or 6?  I love the Mopar 8 cylinders for sure!!!  Heck even their 3.6 is no slouch!

Craig
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Happy Tripping View Drop Down
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Posts: 473 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2018 at 10:02am
I used an 8 cylinder Grand Cherokee, with trailer package, and didn't know the R-pod was back there. Now perfectly satisfied with Cherokee Trail Hawk and trailer package at 4500 lb capacity, east coast to west coast, and Yellowstone, included.

Couch's ok, they will find locals for warranty work for you but 'locals' may not be really close-by.
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Cannot View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Jun 2018
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Posts: 8 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jun 2018 at 8:02pm
Originally posted by Craigmri


The owners manual says with Trailer brakes 3,500 lbs.  Combined Vehicle and trailer weight of 8,900 lbs.


Not all Siennas equipped tow package. For example, the tow package is standard for 2007 Sienna but it's optional for 2008-2010. Not sure about 3rd generation Sienna.

I would double check with Toyota. Provide them the VIN number to make sure your Sienna has tow package. 
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Ghosthawk View Drop Down
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Posts: 128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 7:16am
Mine is a 6 and has the factory trailer package.

I have the original Mopar electric brake controller I need to install one of these days.

In Theory we should have an R-pod to play with in 2 weeks. In theory.

If it don't happen I'm going to be demanding money back and file some paperwork.

They have them on the lots down in Minneapolis.  Its only some 250 miles away. Not like the other guy is that much closer.
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StephenH View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Nov 2015
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Posts: 6457 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 7:52am
You might want to check the specifications on that Mopar brake controller. Is it time delay or proportional? The one you want is proportional as it will react to the intensity of braking in proportion to your application of the TV's brakes. If the Mopar is time delay, it will work, but won't be as good.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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ajardina View Drop Down
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Posts: 3 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jun 2018 at 1:19pm
Why not consider buying used? I live in Florida and have a 2012 R-Pod 181 for sale. It is in top condition, with new tires plus the spare and comes with the the the dome tent for the Pod. Feel free to reply.
Angelo
Jaxsonville FL
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