R-POD TOWING/OFF ROAD QUESTIONS

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   Ron, we used OD on the highway except for large hills. we didn't find any searching for the smaller grades but we didn't have much headwind either. 

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Heidi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Location: Cicero NY Status: Offline Points: 285	Post Options Post Reply Quote Heidi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jul 2010 at 12:41am
	Ron, we used OD on the highway except for large hills. we didn't find any searching for the smaller grades but we didn't have much headwind either.
	we R-pod people 175 ,2 peeps and one small horse

R-PODMAYBE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Jul 2010 Status: Offline Points: 116	Post Options Post Reply Quote R-PODMAYBE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 20 Jul 2010 at 8:59am
	David, Thanks for the link. Gmandual and Heidi, Thanks for the follow-ups. Best, Ron

ibosket Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Location: NW Montana Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote ibosket Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jul 2010 at 10:39am
	While we use a V8 Toyota Tundra, we've pulled our r-pod for considerable distances on bumpy, gravel roads here in Montana with no modifications. While the mileage remains about the same for on-road or off-road (about 12), the Tundra has no problem with powering the trailer through any conditions. The single-axle trailer however has some limitations, including being quite bouncy when encountering ruts and potholes. I've noticed some fish-tailing at speed going over a series of potholes, but nothing out-of-control. When the roads become rough I limit my speed to about 35 mph, and speed up on the smoother portions. The R175 seems to handle back roads pretty well, as long as we've battened down the hatches and kept things stowed well inside. We've done some cool-weather camping, and condensation can be a problem, but nothing beyond what we expected. We keep the roof/bathroom hatch slightly raised at night and crack a window or two. The furnace seems to do quite well keeping up without being too noisy. As far as the separate drains, you can use a "Y" connection to do both at once. Curt

Outbound Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 25 Jul 2009 Location: Oshawa, ON Status: Offline Points: 750	Post Options Post Reply Quote Outbound Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 25 Jul 2010 at 2:06pm
	I recommend against towing an r-pod off-road. Towing down a dirt road with some washboard, a few ruts and some light washout is one thing. But, dragging an r-pod into the backcountry and real off-roading is something else altogether. The stresses that an off-camber climb would put on the frame and structure would be enormous. I'd want a trailer with a welded steel frame (cage) as a base as opposed to the r-pod's aluminum/wood structure. The fibreglass skin would rip fairly easily if it came against some good sized rocks while dragging up a streambed. The unit is far too high, too - you'd constantly be hitting tree limbs and other obstructions. There are trailers build for offroad - the Coleman Evolution series comes to mind.
	Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray

R-PODMAYBE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Jul 2010 Status: Offline Points: 116	Post Options Post Reply Quote R-PODMAYBE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 Jul 2010 at 9:21am
	Curt and Craig, Thank you very much for your replies. Excellent advice. BTW, I'm no longer a MAYBE!! We will be picking up a new 171 next week. Thanks Again Everyone - Great Board, Ron

Heidi Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Location: Cicero NY Status: Offline Points: 285	Post Options Post Reply Quote Heidi Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 27 Jul 2010 at 12:56am
	Congrats on your new baby pod!
	we R-pod people 175 ,2 peeps and one small horse

R-PODMAYBE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Jul 2010 Status: Offline Points: 116	Post Options Post Reply Quote R-PODMAYBE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 Jul 2010 at 9:35am
	Thank You Heidi. We are anxious to get it. Ron

medimike Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 19 Jul 2010 Location: Canon City, CO Status: Offline Points: 4	Post Options Post Reply Quote medimike Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Aug 2010 at 5:41pm
	Hi David, I just purchased a 2010 171 and went from Colorado to SE Oklahoma to pick it up. I am pulling it with 2010 4d Rubicon, 4:10's, and stock BFG's. The jeep worked pretty hard in 104 Deg. weather(as anything would). The max I was traveling was 50mph. The engine light came on once and I backed off and it reset after several cycles of the ignition. I thought the jeep would do much better than it did. How is yours pulling? I thought there may be something wrong with my jeep. When we reached the Colorado boarder (82 Deg.) and a little rain it pulled much better. I could travel 60 to 65mph. but gas milage was 8.5mpg. The Jeep looks good hooked to the rpod but I am not to sure about towing it with it. Any ideas? Mike

argh6 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 29 Jul 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ Status: Offline Points: 83	Post Options Post Reply Quote argh6 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 01 Aug 2010 at 11:34pm
	Congrats Ron! You will love the Pod!
	Jerry, Julie, Kaiti, & Abbi ~ Phoenix, AZ ~ 2010 172T ~ 2004 Acura MDX

R-PODMAYBE Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 18 Jul 2010 Status: Offline Points: 116	Post Options Post Reply Quote R-PODMAYBE Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Aug 2010 at 1:07pm
	ARGH6, Thank you. I did a lot of research (this board is very helpful and is a great source of info plus has good people on it) on the r-pod. I like the design and features on it. Want to use it for hunting, other outdoor activities, staying in smaller campgrounds, traveling across the US and eventually our dream of getting to Alaska. Thanks Again, Ron