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sabian9 View Drop Down
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Joined: 03 Jan 2016
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sabian9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Towing
    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.
Keep on Drumming
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furpod View Drop Down
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Points: 899 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote furpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Jan 2016 at 6:39am
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)
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB
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Peggyquinn View Drop Down
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Points: 1 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Peggyquinn Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Jan 2016 at 2:38pm
Does anybody use a wind deflector on their car to reduce wind drag? Does that improve your gas mileage?
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furpod View Drop Down
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Points: 899 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote furpod Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Jan 2016 at 9:17pm
Originally posted by Peggyquinn Peggyquinn wrote:

Does anybody use a wind deflector on their car to reduce wind drag? Does that improve your gas mileage?


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.
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB
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Lark View Drop Down
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Points: 259 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jan 2016 at 10:06am
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)
Lark
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Tomcamper View Drop Down
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Points: 140 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Tomcamper Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2016 at 9:30am
Does anyone tow with toyota 4Runner and what is experience please. Thanks tomcamper.
Tomcamper
2016 4runner
Dreampod 177

06 GMC Envoy
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sabian9 View Drop Down
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sabian9 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jan 2016 at 12:45am
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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PodChick72 View Drop Down
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Points: 12 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote PodChick72 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 7:07pm
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.  
Kristen

2012 RPod 172
2015 Toyota Tacoma
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Lark View Drop Down
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Points: 259 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Lark Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 8:19pm
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
 
 
Lark
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pjmjunior View Drop Down
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Points: 3 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pjmjunior Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14 Mar 2016 at 1:10pm
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
2014 R-Pod 182G
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