What are you towing your R-Pod with

[CO_PILOT]

Now on vacation with our Forest River R-Pod 178. Interior is about the size of a cruise ship cabin (bathroom too), plus the 'Pod has a kitchen.

r-pod Travel Trailers by Forest River

R-Pod 178 Floor Plan

Our Tow Vehicle is a 2012 Honda Pilot 4WD. Engine is a 3.5L (250 hp) with 5-speed automatic. Rated 4,500 lbs GVWR.

The Pilot is an 8-passenger (2+3+3) SUV and has a huge amount of interior storage with 3rd row of seats folded down (makes up for the little storage inside the R-Pod 178).

The Pilot tows the 'Pod with adequate power and fuel economy. It gets 22-24 mpg all the time when not towing and is very comfortable to ride in. Got to be better than any pickup truck.

As you can see, it tows very level without any modifications or load leveler hitch:


It does need an anti-sway bar because the RP-178 seldom tries to waggle. A touch of the manual electric brake quickly brings the rig back into line.

We tow the RP-178 in cruise-control (Drive) mode at about 60 mph all the time. We average 12 mpg under those conditions.

When I see an uphill approaching, I hit the button that locks the xmsn into 3rd gear. That revs the engine to about 4,000 rpms (Honda motors love it) and allows the rig to easily maintain 60 without going thru the 5th to 4th to 3rd dance (losing 5 mph in the process) it would have had to do on its own anyway.

Very pleased with both Pod & Pilot.



Dan Martin
Longmont, CO

[CO_PILOT]

CORRECTION: It does not need an anti-sway bar because the RP-178 seldom tries to waggle.

Sorry for the typo

[SISUNOR]

Towing our 2015 182G with a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. Great tow vehicle for this size trailer.

[blondie]

Pull it with our 2012 Toyota Sienna mini-van. That's one reason we bought the R-Pod, could do it with our current vehicle. Been searching for 5 years.

Took it on a trial run and in a month on a 10 day trip.

Appreciate the tips on this board.

Blondie

[knighj1]

We have a 2015 r-pod 178. We pull it with either our Dodge Ram 1500 (V6) or our Dodge Durango (small V8; not the Hemi)… both vehicles pull it just fine. The V6 feels it a little in headwinds and going up long, steep hills on the interstate… but it gets the job done. The Durango… doesn’t feel it back there.

We use the trailer brakes for the extra stopping power (required & very nice). Also, we use a sway control bar, plus a weight distribution system. The r-pod pulls as straight as an arrow at 70 MPH.

[HongsterRP]

I use my Super crew F150 Plus WD and Sway bar. I'd rather over kill than get killed.

[trinityfly]

We tow our RPod 179 with a 2011 Toyota Tundra v8 4wd



Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

[buxmont]

We tow our 178 with a 03 Chevy Trailblazer (inline 6). There is a little strain with the larger inclines here in PA, but over all not bad. I do have a Reese Mini 350 that I took off my Coleman Mesa, it is weight distribution and anti sway all in one and it works great.

[kymooses]

Originally Posted by buxmont

We tow our 178 with a 03 Chevy Trailblazer (inline 6). There is a little strain with the larger inclines here in PA, but over all not bad. I do have a Reese Mini 350 that I took off my Coleman Mesa, it is weight distribution and anti sway all in one and it works great.

Wonderful photo! Glad to have you out there Podding with us Buxmont.

[CampingDogs]

We were debating on a Toyota Highlander or a Tacoma to tow a new RPod 179.... Highlander 5,000 Tacoma 6,400.... any thoughts? experiences? Recommendations? Suggestions just 2 adults and 2 dogs

[kymooses]

Originally Posted by CampingDogs

We were debating on a Toyota Highlander or a Tacoma to tow a new RPod 179.... Highlander 5,000 Tacoma 6,400.... any thoughts? experiences? Recommendations? Suggestions just 2 adults and 2 dogs

We have owners in our groups using both vehicles pretty regularly. The 179 is one of our heavier models and I'd personally go with the bigger tow. I had a 5000lb tow vehicle in the past and towed the heaviest Rpod, the 181g. And after near 4 years using it I just wasn't happy. Got a new F150 this year and enjoy my drives to camp a lot more now!

[trinityfly]

I agree. If your going to tow get the one with more capability. I tow with a 2011 Tundra small block v8. For The 10% of the time I am pulling my 179 up a mountain I wish I had the big block. But for the 90% of the time that I am not towing I love that small block. Good luck


Joe and Diane, pups Jenny and Tyke
2011 Tundra-2015 RPod 179 (Mr.Toad)
Alive and well, deep in the forests of Northern California

[ragothard]

We're towing the pod with a Toyota Land Cruiser. Using load leveler and anti sway bar. Works fine. 12 - 14 mpg.

[hartlej]

Originally Posted by blondie

Pull it with our 2012 Toyota Sienna mini-van. That's one reason we bought the R-Pod, could do it with our current vehicle. Been searching for 5 years.

Took it on a trial run and in a month on a 10 day trip.

Appreciate the tips on this board.

Blondie

How does the Toyota Minivan tow the R-pod? We have a Honda Odyssey and debating about what comes 1st... a new vehicle or a 176...

[Pod4Two]

2014 GMC

[H2OH]

New to the FR Forum, but I've been reading posts for some time and like the friendly, helpful attitude here.

My wife and I are just getting back into camping as we "semi-retire". I'm thinking seriously about buying the new (not the previous) GMC Canyon, DDOHC direct-injected VVT V6, trailering package, 305 HP, 269 lb-ft, 128" WB, crew cab short bed (since I need it to fit into our garage) - I don't want a fullsize truck or a large SUV - this will also be my "car".

Will probably then buy an rPod 179, after renting one this Spring to see how it feels. Might instead buy the new 14' box T21 hardside. Either would be in the 3000-3600 lb range loaded, I expect. That's about half the Canyon's towing capacity so seems right, especially using the trailer brakes.

If anyone here is towing yet with the new Canyon (or the very similar Colorado), or just driving one until camping season gets rolling, it would be fun to learn about your experience, and what you think about the above combinations.

Also - I see Eastern/Western website selections for Forest River campers, with Colorado showing as Eastern(?), but haven't yet divined what's different about them that matters.

And, I'd like to learn more about winter camping (we live in Colorado) - will an rPod or hardside, water system on, survive a cold night (zero degrees F) without added freeze-protection heaters here and there, skirting, etc.? Just running the furnace on battery, standalone (no hose connection)?

Thanks in advance for your input on any or all of the above - it's nice to be here.

-Bob

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by H2OH

And, I'd like to learn more about winter camping (we live in Colorado) - will an rPod or hardside, water system on, survive a cold night (zero degrees F) without added freeze-protection heaters here and there, skirting, etc.? Just running the furnace on battery, standalone (no hose connection)?

Thanks in advance for your input on any or all of the above - it's nice to be here.

-Bob

A Rpod is not suited to those kind of temps. Neither are most hardsides, unless you get a true 4 season trailer, like Arctic Fox.
if you really want to winter camp in Colorado, you'll need to rethink what to buy.

[H2OH]

Nice camper, but more $ than I can justify until we find out how much we'll actually be using it. Are there light, lower-priced TT's built for cold weather? Maybe a dealer or site that focuses on those?

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by H2OH

Nice camper, but more $ than I can justify until we find out how much we'll actually be using it. Are there light, lower-priced TT's built for cold weather? Maybe a dealer or site that focuses on those?

not that i know of. did find these trailers but i'm sure they aren't cheap:

http://olivertraveltrailers.com/

http://www.bigfootrv.com/bigfoot_rv_...00_series.html

http://www.northwoodmfg.com/index.ph...ndex&make=nash

[furpod]

Originally Posted by H2OH

Nice camper, but more $ than I can justify until we find out how much we'll actually be using it. Are there light, lower-priced TT's built for cold weather? Maybe a dealer or site that focuses on those?

The preparations needed to make a TRUE 4 season camper are not cheap to implement, and the market size insures economy of scale is never going to bring the prices down. Unfortunately.

On topic.. LOL..

We were towing with a '04 Expedition EB, just bought a brand new 2014 model.

I have never heard anyone wish they had "less" tow vehicle.. but many who wish they had "more"..