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Whats pulling your RPod

Printed From: r-pod Nation
Category: Forest River r-pod
Forum Name: r-pod Adventures
Forum Description: Post your camping adventures here. Feel free to post pictures of you and your 'pod' from around the country...
URL: http://www.rpodNation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=73
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 5:49pm
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Topic: Whats pulling your RPod
Posted By: Stan and Linda Irvin
Subject: Whats pulling your RPod
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2009 at 6:26am
 Hi everyone,
I'm interesting seeing what you're using to pull your RPod. Are the newer hybrids able to handle the stress of the weight and does the engine and transmission hold up. We are traveling with a 2005 Murano 3.5L engine and a CVT transmission.


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Stan and Linda



Replies:
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2009 at 7:13am
We are pulling with a 2002 Jeep Liberty with the Factory Tow Package.

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Peter

www.rpod-owners.com The only r-pod forum owned, operated and maintained by r-pod owners.


Posted By: dragonfly's r-pod
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2009 at 7:19am
We are pulling with a 2007 jeep liberty.  Time will tell LOL.


Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2009 at 7:27am
    I have had some concern with our car a 2007 saturn vue front wheel drive 3.5 V6. I hope it is able to pull the rpod 171 over the mountains in tenn. By the specifications and reviews it sounds like it will. We pick ours up end of this month in ohio. Thankyou for asking the question, I am interested in what other rpod owners to are driving. My biggest concern is the lite weight of our car and the soft suspension in the rear.  David and Danette

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SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 10 Apr 2009 at 10:06am
This is what I will be using when I get my 175 soon.  It's a 2005 Jeep Liberty 3.7L with tow package, 4.10 gears and 3.5" lift running 32" tires.

Terry



Posted By: brods365
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2009 at 6:22pm
We brought our 173 (2300lbs) home Apr. 10, About 55 miles. Use a 2004 Pontiac Aztek AWD with the factory tow package, rated for 3500lbs. 3.4L V6 was working hard. I think we will keep it in the 5 state area. I may look for something with a little more beef next year esp. if we want to go into the mountains.

Bob


Posted By: jim
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2009 at 8:08pm
SmileI am pulling my 171 with a 2008 Chevy 2500HD Silverado. I bought a 2009 Jeep Liberty a few months before I bought the pod thought I would use it. I do not think I will now, the truck does such a fine job I do not even know its back there.


Posted By: capringl
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2009 at 8:58pm
Here's my set-up getting ready to leave the dealer...what a great day!Star



2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited....rated to pull 3500lbs....so far so good!!


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Craig
R-Pod 172
2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon


Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2009 at 7:01am
   Is anyone pulling their RPod or know of a similar trailer being pulled with a class 2 hitch. I called Draw Tite and was told the class 2 hitch that I have would be strong enough to pull the RPod 171 . I don"t want to switch to a class 3 unless I need to. Confused David and Danette

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SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: admin
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2009 at 9:56am
You should not need to go class 3, class 2 will be fine.


Posted By: rfun
Date Posted: 13 Apr 2009 at 6:44pm
We have a BMW X3... Our was delivered on Easter!!!

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Happy r trails to you.... until we meet AGAIN!!!

2005 BMW X3
2009 R-pod 171
Prodigy RF


Posted By: Linda Faust
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2009 at 6:31pm
We have a 173 and pull with a 2009 Rav4 AWD V6 with factory tow package.  Gas milage dropped from 24 to 8.5 mpg. Wink We were going 65 mph and are going to keep it under 55 mph next time.  I hope that helps.  It pulled it easily though, great pick up.  We are rated to pull 3500 lbs.  Linda

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RPod 171 Rav 4
Happy Camping, Ted, Linda & our labradorable Gracie


Posted By: CheriMo
Date Posted: 24 Apr 2009 at 9:43am
I have a Ford Escape Hybrid. We're hoping that the Escape can pull the rPod but according to Ford the Escape Hybrid is not rated to tow anything. We're going to do as much research as possible to figure out what could go wrong if we tried to tow an rPod with the hybrid engine. Does anyone else have any information about what could go wrong or what the possible issues could be for the hybrid engine and CVT transmission if you tried to tow an rPod?

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Cheri and George
plus the corgi crew
Dudley and Taffy


Posted By: joe&carol
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 3:30am
We pulled a 173 some 1200 miles from Ohio back to Colorado using a Chevrolet ZR-2, 2-dr Blazer.  It has 6 cyl, is an automatic and is rated at 4700 lbs for towing. Because of the mountain altitudes, in the back of my mind, I've deducted 20% or 940 lbs to get a tow rating of 3760 lbs.  At any rate, in coming back from Ohio, it seemed to pull hard at times, especially on long, steeper climbs and when driving into headwinds.  The mileage on the Blazer dropped in half from 20 mpg to 9-10 for the duration of the 1200 mile trip.  With the automatic, I never attempted to use the overdrive gear and just left it in 3rd. (In overdrive, it was constantly wanting to go to a lower gear anyway.)
 
At this point, the jury is still out, so to speak.  We've now had the Blazer tuned up and had a transmission cooler installed.  We already had a factory installed Class III hitch, but went ahead and had an equalizer put on the R-Pod tow bar as it does wonders in leveling everything.  We now need to take another lengthy trip to see what effect, if any, these modifications have.  We won't get a chance to do that for several weeks.


Posted By: wbillar
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 3:36am
I am using a Chevy 1500 extended cab truck.  It has a a small V-8, with the towing package and pulls the trailer alright but my mileage has gone down to about 10 mi/gal. 

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Bill


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2009 at 5:05am
When a manufacturer rates a vehicle for towing there are a lot of factors used.  Not the engine so much but gearing, brakes, what a tow bar is hooked to, type of transmission etc. 

If you do tow the camper you MAY void your warranty also.

Terry


Posted By: Mark & Shelle
Date Posted: 16 May 2009 at 12:00pm
We tow ours with a 1998 Ford Explorer 6 cyl. We get about 8-10 MPG depending on the terrain.

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Mark & Shelle, Mt Airy, MD


Posted By: K_Mac
Date Posted: 16 May 2009 at 8:06pm
2008 Mercury Mariner V6 FWD.  I averaged about 11 mpg on the maiden voyage.


Posted By: 4peas in a Pod
Date Posted: 20 May 2009 at 2:27pm
We will be pulling our 172 with a 2008 Toyota Sienna minivan! Wink  It has a factory tow package rated to pull 3500 pounds and a V6 engine!  Tomorrow we are going to get the hitch and the electric brake controller put on.

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Evan and Jodie
Rpod 172 coming soon!
Our tow: 2008 Toyota Sienna


Posted By: tabkld93
Date Posted: 22 May 2009 at 1:22pm
_popupControl(); Is anyone pulling the R-Pod with a VW Touareg?
 
We just bought a 2008 V6 that is rated to tow an amazing 7700lbs, but I don't believe it.
 
It has 280hp and 4 wheel disc brakes, but that is a lot of weight.
 


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 22 May 2009 at 3:55pm
I have read that in Europe they have a different way of figuring the town limit and that sets it higher.  A more realistic amount.  Like my Liberty is rated to tow 5,000 pounds but in Europe it is a lot higher, how much I don't remember.

Terry


Posted By: Chieko
Date Posted: 25 May 2009 at 6:25pm

We pulled with Ford Explorer 1998. It has 180K on it.  Sleepy Wow. It is V-6. We did 296 Miles away for one way we camped. No problem. Just little hard to climb up to the hill. We highly recommend Weight Distribution Hitch, otherwise your truck will have lots of bounce going over any bumps, and will sway alot in the wind.  ---David and Chieko

 


Posted By: Bill & Greg
Date Posted: 26 May 2009 at 4:26am
We have a 172, we pull it with a 2007 Chev Trailblazer with a 6cyl.  We installed a sway bar on it.  I'm thinking it will get around 12 mpg.  That is what we got with our last camper, which was about the same size and weight.   


Posted By: Joe & Cissy
Date Posted: 26 May 2009 at 8:47am
2003 Dodge Dakota 3.9 V6 automatic w/ tow package. MPG dropped to @ 10 from 18

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Always Welcome at OuR-POD


Posted By: NCRaiderFan
Date Posted: 26 May 2009 at 3:53pm
We are using a 4 Runner....gas milage dropped to 10-12 miles per gallon on the highway.

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N.C. Campers
Ric, Susan, Paige


Posted By: Stan and Linda Irvin
Date Posted: 26 May 2009 at 4:06pm
Ric
It just dawned on me. I think I was at Couchs when you picked yours up. Is the Forerunner silver?


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Stan and Linda


Posted By: spukistiles
Date Posted: 29 May 2009 at 6:46am

We plan on pulling the RP-172 with our 2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4. Do you know what what the recommended procedure is for towing? What I mean is that we formerly had a Lorado which had a special button to deactivate overdrive. So far, I have not located such a button the Liberty. Am wondering if I need to keep it in 2nd gear instead of Drive.

If you or any other Liberty owners knows the answer, I would appreciate hearing from you.


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M & M


Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 30 May 2009 at 4:17am
REMOVED FOR COPYRIGHT


Posted By: Tiogajoe
Date Posted: 30 May 2009 at 4:35am
We started out pulling our 175 with a Toyota  Highlander V6 4 wheel drive. It was really straining and gas mileage went to 10 MPG.  Just upgraded to a Ford 150.  Not a problem now!


Posted By: spukistiles
Date Posted: 30 May 2009 at 5:08am
Thank you, very much. I never noticed the button, and I cannot find the manual. That is great!

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M & M


Posted By: Ned
Date Posted: 30 May 2009 at 12:36pm
I"m pulling with a Ford Escape. No problems.
 
Ned


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2009 at 3:50pm
We are pulling a 172 with a Nissa Pathfinder V6 4.0L 266HP, 6000# towing.  We went from 20-22 hwy to 15 hwy pulling.  We are happy.

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: tabkld93
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2009 at 4:44pm
That sounds similar to the Touareg spec's. I hope our unit is still on schedule. I'm calling Couch's tomorrow.



Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2009 at 2:23am
Except for the trip from Couch's back to NC, I haven't had much opportunity for towing my 171. I towed from Couch's with a 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7 V8 [about 450 miles] and there were no issues with sway, stopping, etc. MPGs were around 10 to 11. I had planned to tow for camping with a 2008 Toyota Highlander V6 [rated to tow 5K] and have towed approximately 20 miles with this vehicle. The computer showed similar MPGs as in the Tundra and no towing issues although a longer tow is required for a better test.
However, reading these posts makes me think that the Tundra would be better for regular towing and it does have lots of storage in the 8 foot bed with the bedrug and undercover for security of stored items. The only drawback is finding parking in town when the 171 is in camp. The Tundra is about the length of a 250/350 4door 6.5 foot bed Ford. Also, around town/sightseeing MPGs is a lot less than the Highlander.
Thoughts??? Thanks.


Posted By: rabuol
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2009 at 4:59pm
Hello,
 
I'm due to pick-up my rpod 171 on 6th of July....does anyone know whether I can pull the unit with my Dodge Grand Caravan, 3.8 motor ?...I don't have the tow pck.....doesn anyone drive around with a similar setup ?
 
I kind of worry....maybe the transmission will give up...what are your thoughts ???
 
 
Lou


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2009 at 5:04pm
Your tranny might over heat.  A lot will depend on if you have to climb any hills.  When you get home check or have someone check to see if the fluid is burnt.  I pull with a 3.7L but I have a tranny cooler.

Terry


Posted By: GregA
Date Posted: 20 Jun 2009 at 10:15pm
 
 Towing w/Toyata Tacoma 2003 4x4 V-6. Works great!
 
 


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Tow; 2001 Toyota Tundra ext'd cab,V-8, 4x4


Posted By: jeff.gerring
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2009 at 3:38am
As long as you are rated to pull 3500 you should be ok - we pull with a similar minivan, and had the Transmission cooler put in.  I highly reccommend it.  They are really quite cheap to put in as well, and gives you good peace of mind.

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______
Jeff and Angela


Posted By: biamaj
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2009 at 10:00am
We are considering a rpod 172 with our 2007 toyota sienna.  I was told to get a class 3 hitch and a transmission cooler and brake controller from UHaul.  Any other suggestions we need to consider? 




Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2009 at 11:34pm
I had an 06 Sienna - it had the tow package which included the tranny cooler - check with your dealer - you may have the coolers already. My 06 only had the 1.25 receiver installed by Toyota but was rated for 3500. I towed a Jayco popup with it with no issues. It did ride a little low so had to be careful. Some Sienna owners have installed air bags to help with the hitch height when towing.


Posted By: 4peas in a Pod
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2009 at 5:24am
We have a 2008 sienna with the Tow Package - check with your dealer to see if you have it (it includes the trans cooler, larger radiator, wiring for lights for sure).  We just bought the 172 and are picking it up Thursday.  The hitch does ride low on it.  I'll let you know how it all goes.


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Evan and Jodie
Rpod 172 coming soon!
Our tow: 2008 Toyota Sienna


Posted By: tompearce
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2009 at 3:23pm
The hybrids are for the most part optimised for fuel economy rather than performance.  The Toyota Highlander hybrid pulls a decent 3500 pounds.  The Ford Escape hybrid however is rated at a measly 1000 pounds!
 
Our 1996 4 cylinder Jeep Cherokee proved not to be up to the task.  We traded it in for a 2006 Jeep Liberty 4wd with a 3.7L V-6 engine and the factory towing package.  It's rated class III, 5000lbs.


Posted By: biamaj
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2009 at 4:44pm
Excited to pick our 172 up hopefully late next week. Will let you all know how it goes. 


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2009 at 6:17pm
Congratulations!!!  It's a great little camper.  We too have the 172.

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: The Pod Couple
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2009 at 5:01pm
Hi were using my ford Ranger six banger.Does the job well.

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Tony & Wanda


Posted By: r-podhonda
Date Posted: 29 Jun 2009 at 7:36am
We have a 2004 Honda Odyssey with tow package (3500lbs) , a sway bar and a Prodigy brake controller.Wink


Posted By: lisarose
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 11:38am
I have been told that our 5 speed, 2007 Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder truck will do fine pulling the R-pod. It is rated at 3500 lbs but after reading the posts, I only see 6 & 8 cylinder vehicles and some of these are talking about some strain. Any insights? We are on our way to the dealership....


Posted By: plantkiller
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2009 at 1:32pm
We pull our 172 with a 2007 Nissan Frontier SE 4x4 V6 with Class III Hitch and Prodigy P3 brake controller.  It's got a 4.0 V6 rated at 265 HP, however, I wish I have a small 4.5L V8 instead.  That, IMO, would be ideal.


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2010 R-POD 172 (version 1.0)
2007 NISSAN FRONTIER SE 4x4 w/ Prodigy P3


Posted By: jadasol
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2009 at 6:19am
We have a Saturn VUE V6 2005. It's doing god. Don't know yet about fuel performance....


Posted By: cnrpod
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 1:04pm
We have a 2005 Ford Escape, and we had no trouble driving ours 300 miles home yesterday!  (It's rated 3500 pounds)  No sway with passing semis or anything.  It did have to work a bit to get up hills, but really no different than when towing our tent trailer in the past.  The most difficult thing for me was getting used to the brake control! 
 
I had to laugh last night.... We had gotten off the freeway to get gas, and a lady in a truck pulled up next to us and yelled, "you're going to need to come see me soon!" I couldn't figure out what she was talking about, and then I realized she had transmission repair on the side of her truck!  I thought it was really funny!  I yelled back that it was only 2300 pounds, and she was shocked! Star


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Chris & Nicole
2005 Ford Escape
2010 R-Pod 175 (Escape Pod!)


Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 4:39pm
REMOVED FOR COPYRIGHT


Posted By: rabuol
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2009 at 4:50pm
Hello fellow rpoders,
 
Just got our rpod 171 about a week ago. I'm pulling with a Mazda 4000 pickup with a 4L engine (same as a Ranger pickup) and I must say that over 55 mph and uphill the small pickup is under considerable strain. The weight of the rpod is not an issue....I think the issue is the wind factor. The fact that the rpod is over 9 feet tall with the AC...there is a lot of drag......I'm looking to buy a bigger pickup like the Ford 150....that will do the trick I'm more than sure.
 
My rpod was built in April and after 2 weeks of tryouts....haven't had any issues yet.
 
I think quality control starts at the manufacture and continues with the dealer...
 
Lou
 
 


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2009 at 5:06pm
Welcome to the forum.  Be sure to post some pic's.

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2009 at 5:21am
We use a 2008 Chevy Siverado 1/2 ton 4WD extended cab, with a 5.3L V8 engine. We tow using overdrive, and don't use the transmission towing mode because according to the manual the Rpod's low weight doesn't require it. Transmission temp is normal during towing, according to the onboard computer. It can be a little tricky keeping the overdrive from kicking out sometimes while on gentle Xway upgrades, but it can usually be done if you keep a light foot on the gas. The truck seems much more "comfortable" going around 65 than 70, so that's what I usually drive. Gas mileage drops from about 17 MPG to around 11 MPG.


Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2009 at 1:31pm

I pulling a 172 with a Nissian 2006 frontier 4 cycler manual trans.  Drove from San Antonio to Junction Texas (which is texas hill country).  I stay about 60  which is about as fast as I wish to go.  I do down shift on steep upgrades and I don't over rev (i think thats the would) the engine I keep it between the 2 and 3 (2.5 mostly).  On the very first trip out I did hit wind, and that kept me at about 45-50. The Next time I hit wind like that I think I'll just pull over.
So far I lovin' It.
Lee


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Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/


Posted By: Bill & Greg
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2009 at 9:43pm
We have a '07 Chev Trailblazer with the 6cyl.  If it is windy out, which seems like it is always, we have problems.  Just made a trip from Iowa to Twin Cities,  the Chevy wants to down shift all the time.  And once it shifts down, it just doesn't go.  It in the Chevy shop now, but they can not find a problem with it.  I love it, but I guess if it will not pull, I will have to purchase something else.  Been looking at Ford F150 with a V8.     Anyone have any suggections on how to fix the Trailblazer?  Bill   


Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2009 at 4:50am
Butter Fly - What MPGs are you getting with the Nissan? Also, does your truck tailgate strike the top of the Pod tongue jack when it is lowered during travel stops?   
I towed a previous FunFinder 189 with my nephew's Toyota Tacoma V6 [4.0 automatic]. The Finder weighed about 1k more than the Pod 171. I got as high as 13.5 mpg towing from Texas to NC, it ran lower when my nephew was driving. The Tacoma towed the larger TT with no problems - plenty of power, interstate speeds, etc. Had I not already owned the Tundra V8, 4x4, longbed, I would have purchased the Tacoma for towing. My Tundra gets a high of 11.something MPGs towing the Pod. I think I could get 14+ with a Tacoma?????


Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2009 at 12:55pm
I got 13.5 from San Antonio to Sonora texas.  I think i would have been better if I have not gone into fifth gear.  During the trip I called and ex-trucker and he told me the highest I should go is 4th,  Much better performance.  ( I'm a real NEWbie).  YESTERDAY AND TODAY i maintain 60 plus miles an hour even on the Hills (for those who not know I was in very hilling area.  Since it's only 4 banger I not go above 3000 (I think) rpm I think thats the right term.

On the tailgate issue, no because I have an easy rider/no sway thing on he hitch so it;s back far enough not to hit.  just have to watch the handle position

we r at carlsbad and going to see the bats..thats all for now.

Lee


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Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/


Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 6:00am
    As a second vehicle we have a 2004 jeep liberty 2.4 4 cylinder. I see the nissan frontier with a 4 cylinder is pulling the Rpod. The horsepower is about the same 2 horsepower difference both have a 5 speed manual. The difference is the nissan has a tow rating, I believe of 3,500 lbs. and the libertys tow rating is 2,000 lbs. I have thought could the liberty  tow the Rpod, without damage to the engine or transmission. Would not be leaving Florida, very few hills and they are not big. Does anyone know, or have any thoughts if the liberty 4 cylinder could tow it.              David and Danette

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SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: Dave
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 7:39am
Picked up my new 171 (and first trailer ever) last Thursday and took it out for the first trip on Friday until yesterday.  I am pulling it with a 2008 Montana SV6  mini van with a 3.9 and no tow package.  I had a Transmission and Rad cooler installed.  Also had weight equalizers and anti sway bar installed.  The trailer towed like a charm.  Hardly knew it was there.  Travelled 78 miles on a 4 lane highway on the way and got crappy milage 8.9 MPG due to the speed.  (110 -120 KPH)  Took 2 lane secondary roads home.  Had a great drive and got 15.9 MPG at the lower and more relaxed speeds.  (80-90 KPH)  I had a lot of fun and I am loking forward to lots of new adventures.

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Dave From Ontario Canada


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 9:33am
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


Posted By: brods365
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 11:01am
I wouldn't pull with less than a 6 cyl. I have a 2004 Aztek with tow package and AWD rated for 3500 lbs. It has to work on the hills, even small upgrades. Sometimes I wish I had an 8 cyl. I feel to be safe it is good to have the extra power.


Posted By: RATZPOD
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 3:31pm


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"...   

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The Rat's (Tim/Laurie)


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 14 Jul 2009 at 5:12pm
IMO you would be replacing a transmission.  We towed a PUP with a MPV mini-van (PUP weight 2700# and MPV towed 3000#) we burned the transmission in just 5 trips out with the PUP.  No hills, mostly level ground.  We ended up stranded on the I system, not able to go anywhere.  It would also be a safety issue for you and everyone on the road.

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2009 at 8:45am
      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. Smile      David and Danette     

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SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: tq5006
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2009 at 8:44am
I asked the dealer if my Odyssey can pull this trailer, he said yes (but wondering if he is just trying to get a sale). on paper it can pull 3500lbs, I have a class II after market hitch on it now (to haul our current 13ft boler, it works great for that!), but no trailer brake set up, which I would think would be necessary based on the weight.
 
Alternately I have a 2007 subaru outback, but it is a 5 spd 4cyl, so thinking this is not a good idea.
 
Comments anyone?
 
Looking forward to see what the Sienna can do.


Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2009 at 10:07am
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


Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2009 at 10:12am
    We have a 2007 saturn vue, as well as a few others pulling the RPods. The honda odysseys , pilots, Acura MDXs, and older saturn vues all have the same engines and transmissions. The saturn vue has plenty of power, keep the transmission in the trailer pulling mode. Not sure of the long term reliabilty of the transmission, hopeing hondas reputation of good quality holds up to be true. Yes you will need the wireing for trailer brakes.      Smile    David and Danette             

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SWFL   171
2010 Jeep Liberty


Posted By: scammc
Date Posted: 07 Aug 2009 at 10:49am
Originally posted by The Pod Couple 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


Posted By: Jackson41
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2009 at 7:53am
In the market for the 171.  We have a jeep Cherokee (1999). 4X4 with 130,000 miles on it.  Original owner, been very well maintained.  Have a class III hitch, will be putting on a transmission cooler, properly wired for trailer and brakes from dealer.  Will use a weight distribution sway prevention hitch that has been recommended by the dealer.

I currently get around 20mpg (+-).  Dealer tells me that with prudent driving with the slower speed of around 55 mph, I should be able to maintain around 14 mpg.  (there about)

My anxiety is that I have been reading different accounts of mileages dropping even to 6.5 mpg.  Is there anyone out there who has a vehicle similar to mine who can share their own experiences with mpg and performance with this vehicle.

The engine in my jeep is a 4.0 liter six cylinder with a 195 HP rating.  My jeep is the Cherokee and not the Grand Cherokee.

Thanks for any suggestions.


Jack Edwards
Nashville, TN


Posted By: jem
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2009 at 5:52pm
Pulling a 172 with our Dodge Nitro.



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Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2009 at 7:05pm
Sweeeeet.....I like your taste in floorplanLOL

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: kotasnana
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2009 at 11:00am
Chrysler Town and Country minivan, but hard on it, Going  to purchase a truck in a few months when the van is paid for, don't want to trade it in. Of course I do live in the mountains which makes a big differenceEmbarrassed.

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Chrysler town and country
Eastern roundup site 10
R-pod 175


Posted By: miatared
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 6:19am
Wondering if anyone knows how a Hyundai Tucson 2.7 V6 4WD would do with the R-Pod ?

It is rated for 2,000...Dead

Regards to all.

Denis


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 7:39am
Denis,
 
Unfortunatly all of the RPods (including the 150's) are going to be beyond the capabilities of the Tucson to tow.   The lightest 150 is 1937lb's unloaded base weight.     And have a feeling that the tongue weight 240lb is going to be way over what the vehicle can handle.
There is no way you are going to be able to tow an R-Pod with a Hyundai Tuscon safely and without doing possible damage to the Tow vehicle.
 
 


Posted By: Rpodluvr
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 7:53am
We're using a Toyota Rav4 (6 cylinder). No problems ....


Posted By: miatared
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 8:18am
When we purchased the Tucson - we never had in mind towing anything, it has been a pure joy to drive and has been ultra reliable.

I was shocked to see that it was rated at 2,000, probably reasonable for a smal 2.7 l. V6

I guess we need new wheels first, R-Pod second.

Considering a Honda Pilot.

Thanks.

Denis


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2009 at 10:51am
There is a lot to consider when figuring how much a tow vehicle can handle.  Not only do you have to consider the weight of the trailer, but also anything you put into it and what you put into your tow vehicle.  Here is a web site that explains GVWR:
http://www.rversonline.org/ArtWtandBal.html


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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: sylviablue
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2009 at 9:38am
SmileWe will be using a RAV4 V6 with factory tow package for our 171.

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In the end there's just a song comes cryin up the night



Posted By: RATZPOD
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2009 at 4:22pm
We bought the POD because it was cute and had so much for a small trailer, but we also didn't want to buy a bigger vehicle, we had a Chrysler Pacifica that was supposed to be able to pull about 3500 lbs. We pulled the 173 twice with it and decided it was just not a good match. The mileage went down to 6.5 miles per gallon and it really struggled on even the smaller hills on the highway. God was good to us and placed a Dodge 2500 Ram Van in our path and we were able to get it at a reasonable price, so now we use a 12 passenger van to pull the Pod and have lots of room for other toys and fun things to take with us. We went out this past weekend to Wichita Falls for the Hotter-than-Hell and had a great time and the van pulled it with ease. The gas mileage was better than the Pacifica but even if it hadn't been, it was better having a V8 with some power to pull our Pod around easily. There may me some V6 vehicles that will pull it well, but I think we will stick with the V8 and feel more secure..... We did have a great time and have yet to see another POD in our travels.....

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The Rat's (Tim/Laurie)


Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2009 at 7:54am
I bought my 171 with my new Toyota Highlander, V6, 4x4, 5k towing in mind. However, I needed to get wiring done on the Highlander and a brake controller so I used my 07 Tundra, 5.7, 4x4 to pick up the 171 and I'm continuing to tow with the Tundra. Its a longbed with ARE topper which provides lots of covered storage space and still has room for as many as 6 people to ride. I'm getting 11 to 12mpg and have plenty of power when needed. Based on readings on this site, I began thinking the Highlander may get no more MPG than the Tundra so why make the change - the only problem is finding parking spaces for the Tundra - its a few inches over 21 feet long making the combination approx 40 feet.


Posted By: Poddie
Date Posted: 11 Sep 2009 at 9:39am
We tow our 171 with a Ford Ranger w/ tow package.  I believe we are rated to pull 4,000 lbs.  The truck has no problems on level ground, but you can definitely tell you're pulling something up long hills. Tachometer goes from 2k rpm to 3k uphill.

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I'd rather be Podding. :)


Posted By: Snooper
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 3:59am
< ="-" ="text/; =utf-8">< name="ProgId" ="Word.">< name="Generator" ="Microsoft Word 11">< name="Originator" ="Microsoft Word 11">

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan/ R-pod 171 review

 

I thought I’d give a little input on towing the RP-171 with our VW Tiguan now that we’ve travelled with it a few weeks. You’ll have to forgive me with the metric and standard conversions. (Being old school I tend to talk in both languages.)

 

When we purchased our Pod in Dieppe New Brunswick, I had to have the vehicle outfitted with a towing package as it didn’t have one at time of purchase. The installation of the class 3 hitch was very straight forward and installed in under and hour. The hitch shop did however have some difficulties installing the brake controller. It had something to with the Electronic Stabilization Program/ anti-lock ABS brake system that VW has on its newer vehicles. However, after making some phone calls the shop finally ended up using a Valley Industries Journey HD 52740 electronic brake controller which solved the problem.

 

Our 2009 Tiguan has the 200 horsepower 2.0 L, 4-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged engine with a 6 speed 4-motion automatic transmission. The vehicle is rated for 998 kilograms or roughly 2200 lbs. so we’re pretty much pushing the limit for what the vehicle is rated when we’re towing the 171.

 

Towing on the four lane at 110 km/hr (70 mph), the vehicle handles the trailer very well, however, fuel consumption goes way up, and you definitely have to switch to manual shifting mode on the transmission. For those of you who have ever been to the Maritimes, you’ll know about our rolling hills (that we call mountains) here in Nova Scotia. The car/trailer handles these very well, and I would recommend staying under 100 km./hr (60 mph), just because the fuel consumption is so much better.

 

Linda and I like to stay on the secondary highways so the speed thing isn’t a problem, and best mileage is obtained at 80 to 90 km. / hr. (50 to 55 mph).  The last trip we made was about two hundred miles and the cars computer showed us averaging 17.8 miles per gallon. This was pulling some pretty heavy hills on the Glooscap Trail.

 

The car is very responsive and passing isn’t an issue with the trailer behind it. I like the narrower design of the trailer, with the fenders outboard of the body, and find that my regular vehicle side mirrors are more than adequate for seeing behind.

 

I like how you can park the trailer in those tight little spots that you would normally have to pass by with a larger trailer.

 

Our last RV was a 32 foot class ‘A’ motor home. While it was very comfortable, we always felt a little conspicuous pulling into a camping spot with smaller tents and tent trailers around. We used to get that “God, I hope he’s not going to park that thing there” gaze as we drove by.

 

The R-pod is a very classy looking little RV that really stands out when you pull it into a campground, yet has the appearance that isn’t intimidating to the campers next door. It’s welcoming size and unique paint scheme compliments just about any vehicle it’s towed behind.

 

You’re all correct about attracting attention. Everyone wants to have a look inside when I tell them there’s a shower, dinette, and a queen size bed in it!



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Snooper


Posted By: geneowens
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 7:52am
Snooper,
Your reported MPGs is the best I've seen for anyone towing a Pod. I guess your math is right, right????? I found my best MPGs with my Tundra was using the manual shift mode as well but that was only 12 to maybe 13.


Posted By: kevang1
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 9:33am
2005 Nissan Crew Cab 4.0 V6.


Posted By: Snooper
Date Posted: 20 Sep 2009 at 11:46am
Hi Gene.
The MPG that I quoted was in Imperial Gallons, so without doing the math, I'd say that would probably work out to about 12 MPG U.S.
 
Doug


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Snooper


Posted By: throttle96
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2009 at 12:26pm

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. 4 liter V-6. Automatic. 2wd. Class 2 hitch. I love our Sport Trac. Half truck , half sport utility. It pulls our RP-175 just fine, even with a load of split wood in the bed.



Posted By: Bigbit
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2009 at 4:12pm
My tow vehicle is a 2009 Buick Enclave CXL FWD with 3.8L V6, tow package.  Here's a pic:
 
 
The two vehicles are well matched.  The R-Pod is comfortably within the tow range of the Enclave (4500 lb), and the weight (4700 lb) and length of the Enclave make it a very stable tow rig.  I've had no need for a sway bar or WDH and I've taken the pair through 60 mph + wind gusts and towed the trailer up to 7200 feet altitude.


-------------
Regards,

Bigbit

2010 Trailmanor Elkmont
Tow Vehicle: 2009 Buick Enclave CXL (Cliffy)


Posted By: gmandual
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2009 at 4:46pm
Just this summer started towing with my 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.   If hybrid computer thing is to be believed. 
12mpg average at 55 on flat road while towing.
18-20mpg when driving 30-40 on back roads.
Got 8mpg climbing a 6% grade and 34mpg coasting down the back side. :)
27-30mpg driving around down when not towing.
 
3.3L engine in hybrid is only 200Hp, which "feels" a bit underpowered.    Tried towing the pod with a neighbors 3.5L non-hybrid and you don't "feel" the trailer load as much at highway speeds.    Unlike the regular highlander, the hybrid is basically a FWD vehicle (gas/electric on front) and electric only to the back (no mechanical connection to engine from back wheels).     Rear axel motors are high torque but generally low RPM, so they help you get going and make you accelerate strong from a stop.  But rear axel/motors doesn't appear to do anything much at highway speed.   So off the line vehicle has about 270HP, but about 40MPH you can feel the drop in power as rear electrics turn off, which is also about the point where the pod starts building its wind resistance.
 
Good handling, starting and stopping.   Regenerative breaking makes driving in hills much less work then pulling with my pickup.   Just downshift to "B" and don't even have to touch brake pedal going down hill.   Would recommend a WDH with this setup, to help make sure you keep good weight on front wheels where the power it put to the road.  Keeps vehicle from getting squirrely on bumpy or ice roads.


Posted By: retired Roxy
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2009 at 6:50am
Just got back from Yosemite last night. I tow my 172 behind a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 5.2 liter engine which came with a tow package and up country suspension and I recently added a trans. oil cooler.
I drove 400 miles in one day to get there
Climbing my computer said I got 5 mpg.
Downhill with the cruise control on was 16-17 or so mpg.
Without the cruise control I took my foot off the excellerator pedal and would hit 30-40 mpg. Cruise control would keep trying to keep me at 55-60 and 'coasting' my milage was great! As soon as I tapped the pedal when I needed a little speed my gas milage DROPPED!
Going I avg. 9 mpg. Haven't checked my coming home amount yet.

I avg 14+ mpg in the jeep, pulling the trailer-9mpg. So would I say "I used 40 % more gasoline, lost 40 %, paid 40% more for gas?

Roxy



Posted By: Sandpiper
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2009 at 7:20am
Roxy
I would conclude from all the data you collected that you 100% enjoyed the trip and 100% enjoyed your r pod .  So the conclusion is, the rest is pretty much irrelevant.
Glad you had a good trip and somewhere down the line I hope to pick your brains about the important aspects of your trip.
Post some details and pictures. Please.



-------------
Sandpiper
Mrs.'Piper
Ford 150-[Mini Lite 2104S]


Posted By: Lissie
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2009 at 7:50am
I am going to use my new Beast (2010 Toyota Sequioa) to pull the r-pod.

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Lissie
Owner of Polly-pod


Posted By: nemebean
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 6:09am
Originally posted by Snooper Snooper wrote:

file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDoug%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml - Our 2009 Tiguan has the 200 horsepower file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDoug%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml - 2.0 L, 4-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged engine with a 6 speed 4-motion automatic transmission. The vehicle is rated for 998 kilograms or roughly 2200 lbs. so we’re pretty much pushing the limit for what the vehicle is rated when we’re towing the 171. file:///C:%5CUsers%5CDoug%5CAppData%5CLocal%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml -

I don't really want to get into this discussion again, but I feel like it needs to be pointed out that with a 2200 lb tow rating you're way over the limit with a 171.  The 2100 and change weight listed for the 171 is the dry weight, which means no water and no propane.  Just adding those puts you around 300 lbs over weight, and that's before you add any gear or extra passengers in the vehicle.  It sounds like you're doing okay anyway, but personally I wouldn't tow that far over the rating.


Posted By: Tusten Traveler
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:06am
Ford F150 for now but will be getting the towing package on our SUV (didn't realize it didn't come with it until we took the plate off at the rpod dealer- boy, not a good surprise when you expect something to be there after driving 600 miles and it's not!) which will then be rated to 5000 lbs.

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John and Linda
One 14 lb Cockapoo
2010 RPod 174


Posted By: pepperpod
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:08am
How wll does the F 150 pull?  What kind of gas mileage do you get?  We are planning to use ours we we get the pod.
Pepperpod


-------------
Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown


Posted By: Tusten Traveler
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:30am
John thinks it pulls really well and throughout every trip says he "hardly knows it's back there" with no change in power or braking. We have no electric brakes on the truck (we did have them placed on the SUV) and no sway bars either. Just hook up and go. Works great and the only reason we are changing to the SUV is so we can secure some of our belongings better.
 
We get about 12 mpg on the open road.


-------------
John and Linda
One 14 lb Cockapoo
2010 RPod 174


Posted By: boldham
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2009 at 10:47am

02 Ford Explorer Sporttrac with V6 4.0 liter with automatic transmission. The truck can barely get out of its own way, so hauling a camper into the mountains (>9000 feet) requires patience. On the flats, it does fine.



Posted By: J233
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 9:54am
Glad to hear about your experience; I have a Saturn Outlook XR AWD with tow package   and wondered how it would tow the Rpod. A few questions:
 
1. Do you use tow/houl button ?
2. If not, do you keep it on D or you use Triptonic option ?
3. What is your overall mileage while towing? When I tow my current TT (21 long, 8 wide) I get 11 mpg.....
 
J233


Posted By: J233
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 9:59am
Apologies...my message was intended as a reply to a message from Bigbit, posted on Oct 04....


Posted By: Bigbit
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2009 at 10:31am
Originally posted by J233 J233 wrote:

Glad to hear about your experience; I have a Saturn Outlook XR AWD with tow package   and wondered how it would tow the Rpod. A few questions:
 
1. Do you use tow/houl button ?
2. If not, do you keep it on D or you use Triptonic option ?
3. What is your overall mileage while towing? When I tow my current TT (21 long, 8 wide) I get 11 mpg.....
 
J233
Saw in your next post that your questions were directed at me.

1. Yes, I use the tow button religiously.

2. Most times I leave the transmission in drive. I downshift into low and control gears manually only when making steep declines.

3. My overall mileage when towing is about 11 to 13 mpg. This compares to 17 mpg city/highway and 22 mpg highway when not towing.

By the way, I do not have AWD, I have FWD only.

I'm pretty happy with my towing experiences so far. I have not found the need for a weight distributing hitch or an anti-sway bar.



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Regards,

Bigbit

2010 Trailmanor Elkmont
Tow Vehicle: 2009 Buick Enclave CXL (Cliffy)



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