Towing |
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sabian9
Newbie Joined: 03 Jan 2016 Location: Ca Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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Posted: 13 Jan 2016 at 2:02am |
New to the "Nation" and are in the process of deciding if a Toyota Taco v6 or Chevy Colo. v6 w/tow package is truly enough to pull a 177 effectively over long distances. I would really prefer to have a Mid size truck as these over full size and am going to try to keep weight down to around 4000lbs. or less. The trucks are rated at about 6800-7000 lbs. towing. We plan on a full blown summer trip to Alaska in the next 2 years and am trying to get a feel on if this combination would do the job. Any help or prior experience is much appreciated as we are getting close to making our purchases. I've researched it to death and it seems OK but real live experiences would mean a lot. |
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Keep on Drumming
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furpod
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jul 2011 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 966 |
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A) You need to keep the pod under 3500 lbs, not 4000. It has a "3500 pound axle".
B) We have many owners pulling with Tacos and Colorados, and most report happiness. The trailer tow package is a must on either. C) Towing comfort is highly subjective, but with either of those two, properly equipped, you will theoretically be fine. ( I would not be comfortable, but I am probably jaded and biased, having done all my towing over the last few decades with full size trucks and SUVs) |
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Peggyquinn
Newbie Joined: 18 Jan 2016 Location: Fort Collins CO Status: Offline Points: 1 |
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Does anybody use a wind deflector on their car to reduce wind drag? Does that improve your gas mileage?
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furpod
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jul 2011 Location: Kentucky Status: Offline Points: 966 |
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Our Expedition has a fairing, but studies done here years ago showed the drag is much or more of the problem as wind resistance.. The pod looks like air should just slide off the back and smooth out.. it doesn't, it's turbulent as all get out back there. I have towed behind a couple pods in the rain, no smooth/laminar flow at all. |
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Lark
Senior Member Joined: 11 May 2010 Location: Mn Status: Offline Points: 259 |
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it's better to have a vehicle with a longer wheelbase and higher load cap. A trip to Alaska is a long distance with variable road conditions. I'd buy the most vehicle that you can afford. I've found that my R-179 seems to have a little less wind resistance than my R-171 had. I think its due to the different rear shape. I get a bit better mileage towing. From what I have read on this site over the past 5 years+, most everyone gets between 11 and 12.5 MPG while towing, regardless of the type of vehicle. Good luck and happy camping.
Lark F-150 2015 R-179 (my second pod)
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Lark
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Tomcamper
Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2011 Location: Saskatchewan Status: Offline Points: 140 |
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Does anyone tow with toyota 4Runner and what is experience please. Thanks tomcamper.
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Tomcamper
2016 4runner Dreampod 177 06 GMC Envoy |
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sabian9
Newbie Joined: 03 Jan 2016 Location: Ca Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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Thank you, I did indeed purchase a Ford f150 for the very reason you described. I think I will be happy with this. Now to get my R pod. See you on the road!
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Keep on Drumming
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PodChick72
Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2012 Location: Pacific NW Status: Offline Points: 12 |
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I am towing with a 2015 Tacoma V6 in the hilly Pac NW and have been pleased with it. I previously had a Hummer H3. The difference is dramatic between the two. Tacoma handles the inclines better and, feels more stable overall. It has been enough tow rig for me, but then again, I only have the frame of reference of less not more capacity.
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Kristen
2012 RPod 172 2015 Toyota Tacoma |
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Lark
Senior Member Joined: 11 May 2010 Location: Mn Status: Offline Points: 259 |
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The Tacoma with the 3.5 L V6 is rated between 6500 and 6800 depending on model. I would consider it a good TV for any pod. The Hummer H3 was not a good tow vehicle from what I've hear from owners. Have fun and safe traveling
lark F-150 R-179 |
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Lark
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pjmjunior
Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 2015 Location: San Jose, CA Status: Offline Points: 3 |
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So I just pulled these numbers from the Toyota website:
GVWR: 5600lbs Curb weight: 4230lbs Which leaves you with a load capacity of 1370lbs. Tongue weight should be 10% (350lbs) of the trailer weight (3500lbs) for proper distribution so subtract this number from the load capacity. That leaves you with 1080lbs. Subtract the weight of two adults (350lbs) and you have an available load capacity of 730 lbs. To me, that seems like a sufficient number. Just my two cents... ~Peter |
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2014 R-Pod 182G
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