towing

A lot of folks use the towing guide, from which there is a link on the Forest River web site.  Not sure where the 3200 number is coming from, since the Towing Guide rates the Wrangler at 2000 lbs.  It would seem that 1200 lb deviation to the recommended tow weight would be significant, but as you say, some do it.

If you read all the posts in this thread you will see the variety of opinion on this subject.

You have a couple of strikes against you with a Wrangler. You are low on capacity (3200# according to you) and the TV's short wheelbase. Some would tell you that you are putting yourself and others in danger using this vehicle. I am not that smart to make such a statement, but I will say you need a proper weight distribution hitch and anti sway protection. If you have a receiver that is not rated for at least 3500 pounds replace it with one that is. You must have a brake controller, and make sure the Pod is loaded lightly and tanks are drained. Be careful and go slow and the chance for trouble goes way down.

First time out when the POD was brand new I weighed everything that went into the trailer, R-Dome, dishes, clothes, pots and pans, chairs, our outside table, water hoses everything that I added. The whole lot came to 410 pounds, then add 1 battery and propane. I don't see how I could even come close to the 1,200 pound load limit for the trailer. But that's me, I try to travel light. Goose
   PS. That 410 pounds also included a small floor jack, extra tools and our larger cooler with drinks and ice.   

Originally posted by barbanjoe The most important consideration is if you are towing with a FRONT WHEEL DRIVE you must use a WDH. Putting a trailer on the back removes weight from the TRACTION wheels. A WDH shifts the weight back to the front wheel drive axles. And of course water is about 8 lbs. per gallon so if you can do not tow water.

Excellent point... I have 4WD drive, that operates normally in 2WD, or All Wheel Drive. I normally tow in AWD, which does use mostly front wheel drive.

Ok.. I was wrong.. I mis-stated the weigh station numbers. Here is the correct copy of my weigh station visit..

Axle is 2460# and tongue was at 270# That totals at 2730#. But that does not include the cargo and passengers of the tow vehicle. So adding pots and pans and other personal items to the pod and a few things, maybe a generator to the TV you will still be at or very close to 3500#.

Where is the margin of safety factor? Do we run everything at max in our life?

If you don't care about safety, then care about comfort and the white-knuckle factor.. I just have a medium size SUV with a 5000# tow rating. I would consider that the minimum. I have had a diesel truck. I am not advocating that. I am only advocating what a sensible family might choose. I am old and have been towing for a bazillion years. But, there are new families on this forum that are making plans for the future and want honest information. I am being honest.

Also note that I have a 171, which is one of the lightest pods.. no slide, no garage..etc.