Advice on Towing Vehicles for R-pod 178

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by mike.t

Longer? Interesting. What was it?

Display I use for my hobby. I believe it's 7 ft long.

Have also moved lots of kid's stuff that's taller than the pickup bed, meaning I can't close the tonneau cover. Since I don't have a cap on my Silverado, the Traverse keeps everything out of the weather.

Again, pluses and minuses.

[mncolson]

Lots of options here. I've towed our rp-172T with a 2008 Honda Odyssey, a 2007 diesel VW Touareg, and a 2013 Toyota 4Runner. We've been towing this camper since 2010. The Honda was a fail. Too much tongue weight for comfort. The VW was the best - diesel torque and air suspension made the TT seem like it wasn't there. VW started costing too much to maintain at 120K mile so I traded it for the 4Runner. The ride was great with the camper hooked up but the power was lacking. Tough to compare to that VW diesel. Just traded the 4Runner in on a diesel Chevy Silverado 2500HD. Done messing around. My recommendation: stick with a vehicle built on a truck chassis - 4Runner, Xterra, older Pathfinder, etc. They have the chassis and suspension built for towing. With a camper as light as the R-Pod, you'll be able to skip sway control and weight distribution and the ride will be much better. Also, I'd look for a diesel or V8. Even though the weight is not great, bother the V6 engines I used just didn't make for a very enjoyable tow. I'd be tempted by the new Colorado with the 4 cylinder Duramax diesel. If you're stuck on an SUV, check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel. That's a great engine and you can probably get a good deal on a lease return about now. Also, I believe the jeep comes with an air ride suspension which will compensate for the car chassis. Should be a great ride. The VW Touareg was great but cost so much to maintain I can't recommend it. Good luck!


2010 RP-172T

[Skyliner]

We towed a 6000lb 27 foot camper with our diesel Grand Cherokee that was rated for 7300 lbs tow rating. It did fine but did require airbags in the back and a weight distribution hitch.

The turbo'd diesel engine had plenty of torque to tackle the hills at Colorado altitudes.

My brother has a Liberty CRD (diesel) and it is rated to tow 5000 lbs and he tows a small 13 ft hardshell popup camper.

I think a diesel Grand Cherokee (used) would be a good affordable option that makes for a good daily driver when you aren't camping and towing.

If you are ok with a truck than an F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost is a nice option. Get the max towpackage that will give you flexibility for future expansion.

[jglynn55]

I have a Toyota sienna 2008 rated 3500lbs and pull a rpod 179 2016. I need to get it weighed. I have the towing package and a wdh. One time I had the engine rev up at 70 mph going up a hill so I backed it down and the engine ran normal at 65 mph. I drive at 70 mph normally and back it down when ever I feel the engine rev up a hill and it has worked so far. Trucks do move the van slightly. I tried 75 mph on a flat surface but I could feel the strain. Even when it is flat, the van does not like the cruise control. I miss it. So I am assuming a more powerful TV would allow me to use the cruise control. I do not travel with full water tanks.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by jglynn55

I have a Toyota sienna 2008 rated 3500lbs and pull a rpod 179 2016. I need to get it weighed. I have the towing package and a wdh. One time I had the engine rev up at 70 mph going up a hill so I backed it down and the engine ran normal at 65 mph. I drive at 70 mph normally and back it down when ever I feel the engine rev up a hill and it has worked so far. Trucks do move the van slightly. I tried 75 mph on a flat surface but I could feel the strain. Even when it is flat, the van does not like the cruise control. I miss it. So I am assuming a more powerful TV would allow me to use the cruise control. I do not travel with full water tanks.

Might want to check your trailer tires. MOST are only rated for 65mph. Running them at 75 = not good.

[jking46]

jglynn55...if you load your rpod like most people load, your over weight rating. If you load your mini van heavily, counting tongue weight, you're over weight rating. And then you want to run 70 on tires probably rated for 60...65. It's a disaster waiting to happen.

[jglynn55]

thanks guys. I will get this weighed before my next trip. I am reading other blogs on trailer tires before I make any decisions. I will also call Forest River to get the skinny about the speed rating. Ridgeway sport st 205/75r14. I do want to be safe so thanks again.

[mike.t]

jg.Tire Tech Information - How to Read Speed Rating, Load Index & Service Descriptions

[jlgail4309]

Wow love all the post some of the best seen. The F150 a great choice. One of the small diesels would save some money for sure is your climbing hills. VW great choice for a small trailer. If your going to climb big hills and do a lot of traveling diesel will do the job with a good mpg per mountain.

[mike.t]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Things that an SUV can do, that a 4-door crew cab pickup can't:
1. You already mentioned the 3rd row seating (aka, greater than 5 people)
2. 4 door crew cab pick-up would not fit in my garage. That was a necessity for us.
3. Haul delicate items in a climate controlled environment (like a bunch of flowers for a wedding). We regularly bring our SUV when helping friends move, for things like mirrors, and flat screen TVs, that they dont' want in a pickup for Uhaul.
4. I'm sure there are more.

As far as the benefits of a pickup:
1. Tow capacity (typically). More sheet metal on the same structure/drivetrain usually means less payload & TW capacity.
2. Instant capacity in the bed for dirty stuff. But...I've always been able to get a small open trailer for hauling gravel, mulch, etc. This is easily overcome, but requires planning.
3. Bragging rights on chat sites. :-)
4. I'm sure there are more.

Soccer mom SUVs and trucks are two different animals. I don't mind you liking your van over a truck. I am sure I could list a few things as well that you could do in a truck and never think about doing in a van.

[jlgail4309]

Sure would like this in my drive way

[mike.t]

Cummins 4 cyl? What is it?

[mncolson]

Looks like the new Nissan Titan. 5l V8 Cummins. Sweet rig. Hard to find still. Brand new model.

[jlgail4309]

Nissan Titan. 5l V8 Cummins nice rig