Towing Vehicle Recommendations

There's no significant impactful change to tongue weight that you can safely do, other than size up your tow vehicle such that it can support a larger tongue weight. Some people advise rear loading, which is a no-no, loading above (and SLIGHTLY) in front of the axles is best practice, as well as towing with dry tanks. Anything you can do to keep weight down will help.

Simple rule of thumb is the look at your (fictional, factory, dry) weights, calculate heaviest your trailer will be (Dry weight + Payload capacity), and then figure a 13% hitch weight from that.

So:

Dry Weight - 2,874 lbs.
Payload Capacity - 902 lbs.
Hitch Weight - 295 lbs.

2,874 + 902 = 3,776 GVWR
3,776 x .13 = 490 max hitch weight (13% of GVWR).

So you should see a MAX of 490# + the weight of your actual hitch riding on the bumper. Lots of mid sized SUVs generally use 10% of max tow (drag) for their hitch weight, so if the TV is rated to tow 5,000, your hitch weight may very well be 500 (which you will be above if you push the R-Pod to its limits).

Good news is that this is a fairly modest trailer, bad news is that - even if you tow under (but AT) the limits of your vehicle - you'll be in for a fatiguing, uncomfortable, and potentially unsafe (eg, less steering authority, potentially susceptible to sway) tow.

So, again, since you're really up against the limits of the mid sized SUV's, AND your mom doesn't want a big/full-sized suv (let alone a truck), it's looking like you might need to move to a dedicated tow vehicle that can accommodate your needs.

Personally, I've been towing a larger trailer with an Audi Q7 (migrated to an F150). The Audi drives small, and is only a tiny bit larger than the Ford Explorer, but is rated to drag 7,700#, has a 770# hitch rating, and a 1,330# payload. But it's not on your list.... so that's a moot point. I also drove it at its limit, and it suffered the same issues discussed (somewhat fatiguing, no weight distribution, reduced steering authority). Plus there's no place for your ebikes.

The Ford Expedition seems to be calling your name, but really a big pickup. Does this mean that maybe YOUR truck gets increased?
Thank you so much for this, it's very helpful in this learning experience!

We haven't considered Audi because there is no dealer here and very few shops that work on imports. We have a BMW and it's been a real pain to have to drive 3+ hours over 2 passes to the nearest dealer for anything much more than an oil change.

I would love for my truck to get upgraded but the problem is that then it would still be my truck that's always with me (and is my daily driver) and my parents would still be without their own towing vehicle if I'm not available. Someday! Just need a few hundred grand to drop from the sky and we can have all the vehicles we need.
 
We're going to test out the Expedition and Tahoe/Suburban later to see how she feels with those, but the price jump on them from the mid-size models is certainly a bit of a sticker shock so we'd be looking at something older to stay in our budget. We really like the Explorer but I'm worried, especially after reading some of these responses, that it's just not quite enough.
Depending on how old you're looking at, the Expedition handily beats the Tahoe/Burbs... at least, that's as far as my research got me. Get REAL far back and you can start considering the Excursion (vs 2500 and 3500 version of the GM twins).

Good luck, amigo!
 
Most Colorado and Rangers probably have 1500 plus in payload unless fully upgraded trim. I think they would work great most likely with more HP and torque than your 2500 did new. I like the 2.7 in my daughters Chevy 1500 but with only 9k on odometer jury still out though I seen good reviews on the 2022 and newer engines. Of course you could take you truck into mechanic shop a good tuneup or freshen up might be cheaper
 
Look into a Ford Ranger with the towing package. Rated at 7500 pounds towing, is MORE than enough for the GVWR of 3776 of the R pod. TW @ 13% max weight is 490 pounds. Leaves plenty of room to add the 2 bikes in the bed. Surprising enough, people who think small cars are the only things they can drive change their minds when getting into a larger vehicle provided they can SEE! It's all about perception that changes things. When properly positioned in the drivers seat, with mirrors properly adjusted, the vision around the vehicle can be far better in a small pickup than in a car. I have too many blind spots driving a Focus that I don't have in my F350.

If it wasn't for the bikes, a Ford Flex would do a great job pulling that around. I pull a horse trailer with mine.

Putting a topper on the Ranger can make it feel like an SUV too, my F150's always felt like an Expedition with a topper on it.

If new is out of the question, look for an older Expedition, there are front mount hitches available for them so you can attach a bike rack to the front.

Ideally though, you would want to pull it with at least an F150 only because of the longer wheelbase for better stability. Whatever you decide on, you will need a WDH. Heres a list of WDH for your particular trailer.
 
As always, it is all about cargo carrying capacity
basic weight numbers

Rpod 2020 R Pod 178
Dry Weight 2,603 lbs.
Payload Capacity 1,165 lbs.
Trailer GVWR 3768 #
example cargo weight calculation
tongue weight at 14% 528#
camp gear in vehicle 150
cab stuff 35
Weight Distribution Hitch 100
three people 550
ebikes weight in truck bed 130
estimated total cargo weight 1,493
so, 1500 pounds cargo weight

That is a lot of cargo weight for most SUV, and pushing the weight limit for most 1500 series pick up trucks
Pulling is not the issue. Any SUV will pull that.
Braking, turning, driving in heavy traffic and or windy conditions, in other words, CONTROL is the issue.
Let us know what you decide.
camp22FBS
 
The fly in the ointment from my perspective are the ebikes. We tow fairly heavy with a Durango. 6300lb TT last time I rolled over a CAT scale (every couple years to check weight on rear axle). We can make this work because it's just wife and I, we tow w/ <150lbs gear in D, and TT tanks are empty. How equipped is really important w/ SUV's. 5.7L Durango w/ tow package can tow 7200lbs; without tow package is 3500lbs. The newer SRT models can tow 8600lbs. 2 ebikes may or may not fit in back of Durango (I think one will, we've layed 2 regular bikes in back w/ all seats layed flat). We tow in MN and deal with wind rather than mountains. My wife also doesn't like stepping up into trucks or full size SUV's :) And since she is the sole driver now that I went on disability (low vision, Glaucoma, public service announcement-get your eyes checked every couple years); she's the boss.
 
Do you really think the trl is pushing the limits of a 150 or did I read wrong
As always, it is all about cargo carrying capacity
basic weight numbers

Rpod 2020 R Pod 178
Dry Weight 2,603 lbs.
Payload Capacity 1,165 lbs.
Trailer GVWR 3768 #
example cargo weight calculation
tongue weight at 14% 528#
camp gear in vehicle 150
cab stuff 35
Weight Distribution Hitch 100
three people 550
ebikes weight in truck bed 130
estimated total cargo weight 1,493
so, 1500 pounds cargo weight

That is a lot of cargo weight for most SUV, and pushing the weight limit for most 1500 series pick up trucks
Pulling is not the issue. Any SUV will pull that.
Braking, turning, driving in heavy traffic and or windy conditions, in other words, CONTROL is the issue.
Let us know what you decide.
camp22FBS
 
Thank you all so much for the feedback. I've learned a lot from your comments and am happy to report we found a solution!

She ended up going the 2 vehicle route and brought an SUV with all the bells and whistles as her daily driver and just bought a F-150 Hybrid for towing. We test drove a LOT of vehicles the last month and a half and found some good ones but they never checked all the boxes, or were way out of budget. I'm unfamiliar with the newer F-150s and even more unfamiliar with the hybrids but apparently they get pretty good reviews for hauling campers. My heart is still with Chevy and GMC, but I'll admit the truck is pretty nice and does have a lot of bells and whistles too and most importantly has the max towing package and setup for 12,000+lbs towing capacity and everything else we need for our camper and gear. I'll still be looking into WDHs as I'm now learning about those too, but I feel so much more comfortable now having this truck to haul and not having to worry about the tow vehicle being not enough!

Looking forward to warmer weather so we can get out there to test it out!
 
The new Tahoe has a diesel option. Diesel makes getting fuel easier. Plus the better milage. They are not as long as a pickup.

The half ton Chevrolet trucks are nice. Diesel again. The DW loves her short bed Ram hd diesel. She is a keeper. My car is a two seater jag.

There are front receivers for Tahoes and trucks. Will handle the e bikes. Putting them in the trailer can be difficult.

Most trailer rear hitches are not a good choice! The issue is the load moving around. Tears the hitch and bikes up. Breaks welds. Trailer frames are not real sturdy!
 
Diesel makes getting fuel easier.
I am DEFINITELY not interested in starting a Gas v. Diesel conversation (argument), but am wondering how you mean this statement, @tomkatb ... since there are more "Fuel stations WITH and WITHOUT Diesel," than there are "Fuel stations WITH Diesel." (Only about two-thirds of retail fuel sites in North America sell diesel, though nearly all NEW retail locations include diesel). Likewise, older/more static infrastructure (eg within cities) more likely to have gas than gas/diesel choice (for those people in urban environments).

Are you citing longer range of diesels, therefore making more fuel stations available for any given tankful for a diesel than a gasser? Curious, more than anything.

My car is a two seater jag.
F-type? = shore is pretty!
 
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I am DEFINITELY not interested in starting a Gas v. Diesel conversation (argument), but am wondering how you mean this statement, Tomkat... since there are more "Fuel stations WITH and WITHOUT Diesel," than there are "Fuel stations WITH Diesel." (Only about two-thirds of retail fuel sites in North America sell diesel, though nearly all NEW retail locations include diesel). Likewise, older/more static infrastructure (eg within cities) more likely to have gas than gas/diesel choice (for those people in urban environments).

Are you citing longer range of diesels, therefore making more fuel stations available for any given tankful for a diesel than a gasser? Curious, more than anything.


F-type? = shore is pretty!

I think he means this in the sense that diesel pumps in truck stops, not car islands, are easier to maneuver through. It was one of the deciding factors I went through when trying to decide if I want the extra cost of the 6.7, or go with the 7.3.

I thought back to when I had the F150 and 28' Coleman and got stuck at the car pumps because some self important idiot decided to park their car and block the turn about area. I had to wait 10 minutes for this fool to do whatever he was doing and get back in the car and move it, all the while people were waiting for the two pumps I was blocking to open up.

That was with an F150 and tag along, a superduty with a 43' 5th wheel would be even more trouble to get in and out of car islands, so finding one with correct flow through or an RV island is more trouble than just pulling through a truck stop to fill.
 
I've had diesels since 1996 (still have a 96!) and finding diesel at a pump is a non-issue. But as they said above, it can be really nice to use the truck stop diesel pumps, especially when you have a huge load. I realize my current setup isn't cumbersome, but my previous RV was a 40' Monaco, and once you put a TOAD or a trailer behind it, it can be a real PITA to get to a car pump. Going through the truck stop lanes is far easier.
 
Looks like you got a TON of replies but I'll add my 2 cents. I had a GeoPro 19FBS - very similar to what you purchased. I have a 2021 Chevy Colorado with a V-6 which does an excellent job of towing. It's rated at 7000 lb. towing capacity. I've approx. 100k and have had no problems. Because of EPA V-6 is no longer available and the current Colorados only have a rating of approximately. 5000 lb. I'm a "pack rat" too and had no problems with hauling kayaks & bikes. I put a cap over the bed so had plenty of room for grill, tools etc in there. GOOD LUCK!
 

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