Whats pulling your RPod |
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dfoster
Newbie Joined: 16 Jul 2012 Location: Washburn ND Status: Offline Points: 2 |
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I
bought a Rpod 172 last Summer - I hoped to find my 3.5 6 cylinder Isuzu up to
the task. The Isuzu was an Axiom (glorified Trooper). It was "able"
but just did not feel good, I used oil and had to run at about 3600 rpm at
highway speeds of 55-60 mph. Big hills were daunting but doable - did not
inspire good vibe. I was poor and elated to have a camper ā no more
sweating in the dirt for me. I did a lot of 200 - 300 miles trips in ND, and MT.
This winter I made the plunge
traded off my Isuzu for a Dodge/ram 1500. I kinda went nuts and got a
Hemi 5.7. The reason to my madness . . . . When you hook up almost
anything to a small vehicle V-6 you mpg goes straight to hell - for me cut in
half. I was getting maybe 17 w no trailer and 8-11 with. My Ram
gets about the same 18-ish no trailer and I have yet to see what with trailer -
but I'm guessing it will be better than with my Isuzu. Hoping for 11-13. Definitely
know the pulling vibe will be better, hills - no sweat. I had bumper envy - you
know the lustful look at a truck hitch that says "I like to pull " - nervous laugher ā you know what Iām saying.
Learning to date: you can pull a light trailer with almost anything and
if you have no money for bigger rig - I feel ya - do what you have to.
For shorter trips keep the trailer light - on relatively flat geography -
put it in third gear - run at 3500 rpm and drive 55. The real killer is
head winds - I expected that, but side winds are just about as bad for mileage.
Low profile (?)- the RPOD is actually pretty tall and side winds diminish
aerodynamics. Pay your dues at the gas pump, make it work the best you
can. I know that some folks out there do
fine with the small V6 ā mine just was not fully up to the task. As
Americans we can moan all we want - but if these are the issues we fret about -
how blessed are we! See
you on the highway (or at the gas pump). |
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GaRedneck81
Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2010 Location: Kennesaw, Ga. Status: Offline Points: 158 |
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After bringing home our 172, I decided to weigh it at the local truck scales before filling it with all my stuff. It came in at over 600 lbs. heavier than the listed weight. Inquiring at my dealer as to an answer; they stated that the POD's listed weight was minus the "extras"; A/C, refrigerator, microwave, tv/dvd player. That might explain why folks are feeling their tow vehicles are not up to the task of towing the POD....
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GaRedneck81
U.S.Navy-Retired Heavy Chevy 5.7 liter RP-172 Kennesaw, Ga. |
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MandB
Groupie Joined: 02 Apr 2012 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 70 |
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All water tanks were empty? If so that is a bit disturbing because there is only about 1000 pounds allowed for everything from water, waste to your belongings.
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wallawallaron
Senior Member Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Location: Walla Walla WA Status: Offline Points: 286 |
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All the extras that you list should not weigh more then around 260# per the weights on the Forest River web site. Sounds like there was something else added. Hope it works out for you. WWR
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WWRon,2012 RP177 HRE "Eye Pod",2010 Ford F-150 4x4
9/11 Never Forget. NRA Life Member, Amsoil dealer www.lubedealer.com/wallawallaron |
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dfoster
Newbie Joined: 16 Jul 2012 Location: Washburn ND Status: Offline Points: 2 |
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What kind of mileage with 5.7 Hemi - Ram, I just upgraded to a Ram - can I hope for 12 mpg?
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MandB
Groupie Joined: 02 Apr 2012 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 70 |
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Not a direct comparison, but with my 5.7 Toyota, 9.5-10 is all I see on average. the engine isn't direct injected which would help a small bit. I probably put 4000 miles on the truck last year pulling the R-Pod. I drive 60mph or less.
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sammycamper
Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Status: Offline Points: 20 |
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Sam
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Seanl
Senior Member Joined: 21 Aug 2011 Location: New Brunswick Status: Offline Points: 142 |
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The propane tank and battery is not included in the listed weight but all standard equipment is as far as I know.
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Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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sammycamper
Newbie Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Status: Offline Points: 20 |
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Sam
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GaRedneck81
Senior Member Joined: 24 Nov 2010 Location: Kennesaw, Ga. Status: Offline Points: 158 |
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All by itself; water tanks empty.
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GaRedneck81
U.S.Navy-Retired Heavy Chevy 5.7 liter RP-172 Kennesaw, Ga. |
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