Considering downsizing to a 178, couple questions

[pirategonzo]

Hello everyone. My wife and I are considering downsizing from our Prime Time Avenger 26BH to a 178. We are a family of 4 currently have a 2 year old boy and a 4 month girl.

We are seriously considering downsizing because we want to be able to tow with our 2014 Dodge Caravan and retire my 200,000 mile 2005 Silverado from being the main TV. We also want more options for camping locations, currently the state parks fill up quickly for the larger sized sites where with a shorter trailer we can go at the drop of a hat because there are almost always available spots.

We went to the dealer today and they are offering us a 2017 which seems to have all the options along with the awning for $16,998. They are about the only R-Pod dealer in the area without driving 60+ miles. They are tossing a couple of extra gimmicks in like $200 in store credit and 10% off in the store for life.

Does this sound like a reasonable price? The next closest one to us that I can find is $15998 but I don't think it has an AC unit included.

Also our Caravan doesn't have a tow package on it but I have been looking adding the Hitch, Brake Controller, and Transmission cooler on myself, is there anything else I am missing?

Thanks for any info or pointers!

[rockfordroo]

The GVWR of the 178 is a bit over 3600 lbs. The tow capacity of the Caravan is 3600 lbs "with the tow package." You are right on the ragged edge. Most "experts" recommend a 20% margin. You'll have zero. You don't say where you'll be towing (relatively flat midwest or mountainous Colorado).

That being said, lots of other folks pull beyond their tow capacities all the time. It's your life and your decision.

[bikendan]

Yep, your Caravan only has the 3600lbs tow capacity IF it has the factory tow package AND it only has a 150lb driver in it.
Any passengers and cargo in the van, lowers that 3600 amount.



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[pirategonzo]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

The GVWR of the 178 is a bit over 3600 lbs. The tow capacity of the Caravan is 3600 lbs "with the tow package." You are right on the ragged edge. Most "experts" recommend a 20% margin. You'll have zero. You don't say where you'll be towing (relatively flat midwest or mountainous Colorado).

That being said, lots of other folks pull beyond their tow capacities all the time. It's your life and your decision.

Yes it is my life and my decision but I am trying to be smart about it hence I am asking here before purchasing. I also still have my Silverado and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon so I still have that at a towing option. Our issue is that we have two kids and a dog all the time and then once in a while my mother comes as well so we almost always need seating for 5+. I would be find once the kids are out of their car seats but they take up a lot of room.

I am in Wisconsin and really don't travel far from home most of the time and then once a year we take a 325 mile drive.

I realize the GVWR is 3700lbs but I don't really plan on putting more than a couple hundred lbs of weight in the trailer, we don't carry a lot of extras currently, just your camping basics.

[crazycoyote]

As far as price goes, Look on E-Bay ( R-Pods) and you can get some pricing. I bought a 2017 RP 180 Rpod from Cheyenne Camper Sales in Walcot, Iowa for $14,899 , out the door. I came from Arizona to get it, but I saved about $ 5000.00 , by doing it. 4 nights in Motels, did not cost me that much in savings. And I love my Rpod, BUT, there are only two of us. Just some info to check out for yourself. Good Luck.

[youroo]

I am not going to "Sugar Coat" my answer, "3 adults,2kids,1dog" in a Caravan Trying to Tow a 3600#+ R-Pod! NO!! Youroo!!

[chriscowles]

I've towed a heavy pop-up with a Caravan. Even that was a stretch outside of flat Florida. A travel trailer of any kind? Never.

[Linnemj]

With your situation and the advice given, you may want to consider a good condition used pop up. Those young kids will grow fast and the rPod will get small pretty quick. I think the prices of new tent campers are very high but there are plenty of good used ones out there. It is great you are getting out with your young family and camping. Be safe and enjoy!

[ddbck]

Do NOT tow with the Caravan!

[Walholler]

Something to consider, after getting all of that weight rolling, you have to stop. Since your Caravan was not built with a tow package, your brakes were also not built to stop all of that extra weight.

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Walholler

Something to consider, after getting all of that weight rolling, you have to stop. Since your Caravan was not built with a tow package, your brakes were also not built to stop all of that extra weight.

Though I also don't support the OP towing this trailer with the Caravan, I doubt that the Caravan's brakes are different with or without the factory tow package.
That's what the brake controller is for, to use the trailer's brakes, along with the TV's brakes to stop the combo.

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[DebbieHM]

We pulled our 177 RPod for a couple years with a Chrysler Town and Country. Upgraded to a GMC Acadia - so much better. Check out RPod Owners Forum on Facebook for a lot more info and a for sale section that will help you decide what a fair price is for that model. We LOVE our Pod.

[pirategonzo]

Haha, ok I get it, consensus says not to pull it with a Grand Caravan. Duly noted and I will not pull it with the van. I still have my Silverado and will continue using that full time till it goes to the grave. It is funny because in this area I see a ton of Caravans and Wranglers pulling Pods and bigger campers. If a Caravan shouldn't pull one a Wrangler sure has no business with one behind it. I believe the Dealers are to blame for this, when we stopped in the first thing the salesman said is that it will tow great behind our van.

Even with this slight downer we still are considering the 178. I was actually looking at getting a Wrangler after my truck gets retired but I was also leaning towards the Tacoma and if 3600 lbs isn't enough to pull it, the clear winner will be the Tacoma.

[rmac04401]

In 2007 we had a caravan and I was looking to upgrade from a tent. Even looking at pop ups they were overweight for a caravan. Upgraded to a grand Cherokee and a travel trailer. The Cherokee had a tow package. Now I have a f150. Rpod is quite small for possible 5 people. IMHO

[bikendan]

Another thing not mentioned, minivans have a trailer frontal area limitation.
Any full height TT will exceed it.

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[hdmtnrider]

Most all dealer's care about is your hard earned $$$$$.$$. As long as they can make a sale and think you can pull it off their lot. Until you have better options, you could take both Vehicles. (Much Safer!)

[ProfChuck]

We have a Town and Country and i wouldn't pull anything with it. They are just not built to do towing. Get a Crew Cab to replace your truck and enjoy camping safely. With the crew you have and Mom, I can't see why you would want to downsize the trailer, though. Just make reservations, and use as a basecamp. You can drive to a state park (many of which can take a 35 foot trailer) and then base camp at a private park with full hookups a short distance away. A used truck that is just a couple years old would save a lot of money over a brand new one, too.

[rockfordroo]

I pulled my Coleman Sequioa for 20 years with 3 different Grand Caravans (1987, 1992, 2000). Wife and 2 kids. Of course, it only weighed about 1350 lbs dry. Only problem I ever had was going up I-70 west of Denver with the 1987 version, which didn't have HD cooling. The other two could do it just fine. I had no other problems. That being said, I'd never have pulled a full frontal TT with any of my Caravans.

[pirategonzo]

Yes, I understand and stated that I am not going to pull it with the van thank you for all the input. I don't need anymore information on this subject, I think I have everything I need.

[KDHfan]

Originally Posted by pirategonzo

Yes, I understand and stated that I am not going to pull it with the van thank you for all the input. I don't need anymore information on this subject, I think I have everything I need.

😂😂. A full dose! Good luck on your travels!