Whats pulling your RPod

You might be okay with the Liberty 4 cylinder.  However, you should get the tranny cooler added to be on the safe side.  Just turn off your overdrive and watch your temp. gauge.  Plus stay on flat ground, which isn't hard here in Florida.

Terry

Well, we bought a 173 and went on our maiden voyage from Hurst to Wichita Falls, TX this past weekend. We really gave our Chrysler Pacifica (6 Cyl) a big test. It was 108 degrees in WF and so the A/C in the Pod got to work hard all weekend. Couldn't complain about how the trailer traveled behind the Pacifica, never swayed and couldn't tell it was there most of the time. The Pacifica didn't have any power in overdrive, so we used the Auto-stick mode and that worked a lot better. We were really sad with the mileage when we crunched the numbers after we got home. 6.5 Miles per gallon - sad, very, very sad.
Hills were an issue, didn't really feel comfortable with the V6, so we are looking at getting a V8 to pull with. We'd like to go to the mountains with it, but don't feel the Pacifica could handle it. The Pacifica is rated at 3500 lbs and we also had the tranny cooler installed before the trip, just to be safe. Kinda disappointed, but I agree with another post that said it wasn't the weight, it's more the drag due to the height of the Pod..... but still Love being a "Podder"...   

      I have done some research and found out the transmission should be no problem. To not use 5th gear and not let the engine bog down. I spoke to two transmission shops. The weakest link would be the clutch if not used properly. The transmission does not have a fluid pump, a cooler is not avialable. The transmission is a heavyduty truck transmission the lower 2,000 tow capacity is because of the clutch, but if used properly should be fine. I have driven a manual transmission all my life shouldn"t have a problem. Plan on staying in Florida with it. If we go out of state we will use the saturn V6. Its a jeep designed for climbing hills its built to be tough. The steepest inclines we will proably be driving up would be bridges.       David and Danette     

Yes, most dealers will say anything it takes to make a sell.  My guess is that you are borderline.  Check the owners manual and see what it says.  Brakes on the Pod would be a must have.  You should also have a tranny cooler.

Terry

The Pod Couple wrote: Hi were using my ford Ranger six banger.Does the job well.

What year Ranger do you have?  I have a 1999 4x4 V-6 that looks  (at least spec wise) that it would pull the 175 (need to get a receiver and lights put on though).

                                                         MC