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lostagain View Drop Down
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Location: Quaker Hill, CT
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Posts: 2595 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Newbie looking at purchase and vehicles
    Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 11:09pm
I don't really mind backing up the trailer myself.  I have to back the trailer through a gate that is about 9'6" wide so it's a tight squeeze, and dodge a fire hydrant on the way to the gate.  I've used the back up system for that a few times, but the sharp turn from the street to the yard entry on up and over a rolled curb twists things enough that the back up target sometimes gets lost.  

The back up system uses a checkerboard target on the trailer tongue.  It works really well when the target stays in sight.  But when it looses the target usually due to an uneven surface combined with a sharp turn, it gets lost and you have to either pull forward until the target is relocated or just do it manually.  In as much as I am a devout Luddite, I'd just as soon do it myself the old fashioned way.

Here is a video of the back up system:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tby3A29osDg
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Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 7:57pm
Originally posted by lostagain

Ours included in the tow package all of what GlueGuy got plus the brake controller and a back-up system that you steer with a little knob instead of the steering wheel.  As it's turned out, I haven't used the back-up system much.  


LA, can you elaborate a little on your take on Ford’s backup system? Does not using it mean the backup system doesn’t work or did you just not need it because you’re already up to speed on backing? Do you think it would be more beneficial to a new trailer owner or become a crutch that would slow down their learning curve?
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Posts: 2595 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 3:47pm
Ours included in the tow package all of what GlueGuy got plus the brake controller and a back-up system that you steer with a little knob instead of the steering wheel.  As it's turned out, I haven't used the back-up system much.  
Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2723 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Mar 2021 at 10:24am
+1

The factory tow package is generally far more than just the hitch. In our case (2015 F150), it included upgraded suspension, wiring for the 7-pin, transmission cooler. Ours did not come with the integrated brake controller, but it was wired for it. In retrospect, getting the brake controller from the factory would have been the preferred option.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 4:01pm
2016 Chevy Colorado, non-4WD, Z71 the towing package consisted of - trans cooler - differential change - towing mode in tranny - hitch - wiring. 4 and 7 pin.  I had to add brake controller.  In my 2014 Silverado Z71, 4WD, all the above and it had an integrated brake controller.  If that helps.
Mike Carter
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:24pm
A higher capacity alternator is also a common upgrade in a tow package. It all depends on the manufacturer. My Highlander’s tow package included a high capacity radiator, extra cooling fan, oil cooler, and higher output alternator. But not a 7 way connector, brake controller, or receiver.
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podwerkz View Drop Down
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Posts: 966 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:17pm
There is usually more to the tow package than just the brake controller and 7-way receptacle on the rear bumper. Often you will have towing (or extendable) mirrors, a heavier duty cooling system, and maybe, a shorter final drive ratio. Most of these vehicles intended for towing will already have the tow/haul switch.

Sometimes you will get heavy duty shocks and/or springs and maybe a better, more aggressive set of tires. On the higher end vehicles you will often see an enhanced camera system and possibly 'trailer memories'. On the really high-end vehicles I have seen a sort of automated 'semi hands-free' trailer backing system. 

It all depends on the specs of the particular vehicle and the manufacturers options.
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Ricktoon View Drop Down
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 3:05pm
You get an on dash brake adjustment and display shows how much braking you have set. I think there might either features but check with dealer. 7 pin connector and factory hitch included.
Rick and Ellen B
2019 Chevy Colorado
2021 Rpod 196
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neptune1 View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 2:32pm
hi Rick, now that's exactly the information we're looking for...thank you. We are looking at the Colorado and see that the 3.6 Litter has a tow weight of 7500. 

Can I ask, what is the difference in buying a truck with a tow package versus having the correct hitch and electric brake system installed yourself by a dealer or shop?
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Posts: 67 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Mar 2021 at 11:18am
We tow our 2021 R-pod 196 with a 2019 Chevy Colorado with the tow package. Be sure to get the tow package with whatever vehicle you decide on. You want the trailer braker controller, etc.  The Colorado has a 7,000 pound tow capacity so we have some safety margin even with a loaded trailer and stuff in the bed of the truck. We generally carry bicycles in the bed of the truck along with a spare propane tank, etc. We also use a WDH hitch to add another margin of safety. We get 12-14 mpg when towing and up to 30 mpg without the R-pod on the back. Wind and drag are the biggest impact and we try to keep it at 65 mph on major highways. We are are also higher up in Montana which impacts mileage.
Any of the smaller trucks should work. We got the Colorado because my wife could get in it without running boards. Try them out and have both of you drive it before deciding.
Rick and Ellen B
2019 Chevy Colorado
2021 Rpod 196
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