Introduce Yourself: New Member First Post

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New Member First Post

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16439
Printed Date: 07 Aug 2026 at 9:34am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: New Member First Post

Posted By: JWake
Subject: New Member First Post
Date Posted: 08 May 2026 at 10:21am

Hello from central NM. This is my first post. I am considering purchase of a new rpod 171 Hood River Edition. I live an hour out of Albuquerque and they have one in stock that I have looked at. I have a new Ford F-150 XLT with the 3.5 ecoboost engine so towing the 171 should not be an issue. The 171 has about everything I need and it will just be me using it. Right now the only upgrade I am considering is going to a lithium battery and adding a Weight Distro Hitch. I would be driving on fairly well maintained dirt roads on occasion. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated!

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JWake

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 May 2026 at 1:03pm

That's a good combo.

We pull our RP179 HRE with our 2015 F150, also with the 3.5L EcoBoost. We use an E2 WDH, and it's been about as flawless as can be.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 08 May 2026 at 7:04pm

Welcome!

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Honda SCL500

Posted By: Rpod-Couple
Date Posted: 08 May 2026 at 9:31pm

Welcome! The 3.5L EcoBoost is more than capable towing a 171. I have a VW Atlas with the 275 hp 3.5L V6 I tow a 2021 171. It tows nicely. I have towed the 171 with and without a WDH. I prefer using a WDH since it smooths out the ride on my softly sprung SUV. Don’t go overboard getting a WDH with 1000lb tongue weight. It will be way too stiff a ride and you run the risk of bending the trailer tongue. I replaced the 1000lb spring bars on my WDH with 600lb bars after the first trip and the ride is so much smoother.

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Steve & Elaine
2021 R-pod
2023 VW Atlas Cross Sport

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 May 2026 at 10:41pm

You have a nice setup, congratulations! Having owned a 177 for over 15 years, it has been towed by the following: '94 F-150, '08 and '13 front wheel drive Explorers, '11 F-150, and currently a "17 F-150 with the 3.5 EB. All have been towed with a Curt friction bar, no WDH. Have towed through snowstorms, hail, sleet, heavy rain and winds in excess of 25 mph without issue. You do need this info however, weigh your fully loaded 171 as though you were going on a trip, you want 10% or more of that weight on your tongue (a-frame). Our 177 fully loaded for a 30 day journey (including 36 gallons of water, tank behind axle) comes in at 2940#. Tongue weight is 340# which is more than the 10% minimum, resulting in a smooth relaxing ride, regardless of weather or road conditions.

Welcome to your 24/7 'owners manual.'

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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."