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abqdan
Newbie
Joined: 10 Oct 2018
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Posts: 3
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Topic: Investigating RVing Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 11:20am |
Hi everyone! We have long been tent campers, but age is creeping up, and we're beginning to get to the point where that all seems a little too rustic! We've looked at pop-ups, but since our aim is to investigate cooler regions of the country, something with cloth sides doesn't appeal.
The R-pod seems to us to be a great option, because we're only going to be using it infrequently, and we don't need much space. We'd also like to see if we can find a towable that our trusty Hyundai Santa Fe Limited can tow - it has a Class 2 hitch, a V6 engine, and according to the specs a 3500 pound towing capacity. I'm hoping to discover if anyone with the same vehicle has towed an R-pod.
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Ben Herman
Senior Member
Joined: 26 Apr 2018
Location: Gr Junction, CO
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 355
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 12:16pm |
Originally posted by abqdan
Hi everyone! We have long been tent campers, but age is creeping up, and we're beginning to get to the point where that all seems a little too rustic! We've looked at pop-ups, but since our aim is to investigate cooler regions of the country, something with cloth sides doesn't appeal.
The R-pod seems to us to be a great option, because we're only going to be using it infrequently, and we don't need much space. We'd also like to see if we can find a towable that our trusty Hyundai Santa Fe Limited can tow - it has a Class 2 hitch, a V6 engine, and according to the specs a 3500 pound towing capacity. I'm hoping to discover if anyone with the same vehicle has towed an R-pod.
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Hi and welcome - you might try an search on this forum, this topic has come up many times and the consensus is that a vehicle with a capacity of 3500# is not up to the task of towing an Rpod. We started our adventures of trailering for the same reason as you did - tenting no longer cut it for our aging bodies. We initially towed with a vehicle with a V6 aqnd closer to 5,000# capacity and it still seemed underpowered. Keep in mind that by the time you load up a trailer with all of your gear, water, food, etc you add considerably to the gross weight. Not sure where you live or wish to travel (i'm in Colorado) so hill-climbing is another factor.
We traded in our vehicle for an older Lexus GX470 with a V8 and much higher towing capacity and its a much better experience all around.
Good luck with your search!
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
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Posts: 3419
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 1:01pm |
abqdan,
I'm sure you know this: Class II hitches are weight carrying (WC) hitches rated up to 3500 lbs. gross trailer weight (GTW) with a maximum trailer tongue weight (TW) of 300 lbs. That would not safely tow a Pod.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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abqdan
Newbie
Joined: 10 Oct 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 2:16pm |
Thanks! We don't have experience with towing anything, so I wasn't sure where to start - the information online is confusing (for me at least). A lot of experienced people assume you know things you don't, so advice I've received before wasn't helpful. Anyway, good to know that what I can't do. Now to figure out what I can!
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abqdan
Newbie
Joined: 10 Oct 2018
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Posts: 3
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 2:20pm |
I'm afraid I didn't - but I do now! I've never towed anything - the vehicle came with the hitch, but I've only used it for a bike rack All the different 'weights' on specs for trailers were confusing, and I asked at a dealership and they acted like I was a moron and shouldn't bother them with questions. Now I know I can't tow with this vehicle, I'll have to find one that can tow. So do I need a class 3 or something else to tow an RV like the Rpod?
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 4:20pm |
I would recommend a Class III hitch, of course there is more than that and many here can advise, you are in the best place to ask with this group. Best to start with success.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4517
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 4:36pm |
Welcome to the group!
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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TheBum
Senior Member
Joined: 26 Feb 2016
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1407
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 5:13pm |
Just because you have a V6 doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't have enough oomph for towing an R-Pod. In addition to the number of cylinders, you need to look at displacement, horsepower, torque, and the transmission. Our 2012 Highlander has a 3.5L V6 rated to around 280 HP and it does an admirable job of towing our 179, even through mountains. It has a tow rating of 5000 lbs though; 3500 would probably suffice for some of the smaller model R-Pods, but I wouldn't want to risk it on the larger ones.
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Alan
2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod"
2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4
Three cats
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crw8sr
Senior Member
Joined: 12 Oct 2017
Location: Omaha Nebraska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 328
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Posted: 10 Oct 2018 at 6:01pm |
We're pulling ours with a 2017 Santa Fe; it's not enough and we're going to replace it. We need more power and I think a longer wheel base will give a better ride. It's just ok on the near by rolling hills but it'll never make it in the mountains.
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Chuck & Lyn
Izzy, Morkie. RIP
Zoe Joy & Gracie, Yorkie
2018 R Pod 190
2019 Traverse
In moments of adversity;when life's a total wreck, I think of those worse off than me and really feel like heck.
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broncoman_2000
Newbie
Joined: 02 Sep 2018
Location: NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 7
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Posted: 11 Oct 2018 at 10:50am |
I have an R-176 and I tow with a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It has a 3.6L V6 and 33 inch tires. The Pod pulls great with only a sway bar attachment. The Santa Fe is close in size, but not in weight to the Wrangler. I'd try pulling a couple trips to see how it tows. If you feel it's not well balanced, you can upgrade the TV.
DWW
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