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dsj123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2021
Location: Eden Prairie, M
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Posts: 4
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Topic: towing advice -- are we crazy? Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 1:06pm |
All --
We're aiming to buy a R-Pod 192 which grosses 4900 lbs. We are also planning on getting a '18 Highlander with a 5000 lb towing capacity.
Although we're (nearly) flatlanders here in Minnesota, we've heard stories about engines being overworked due to the wind resistance of an RV trailer, and we do plan to eventually do some camping in more mountainous areas.
Are we crazy? Looking for your wisdom; thanks much!
David & Barb Twin Cities
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Pod_Geek
Senior Member
Joined: 04 Dec 2019
Location: Colorado
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Posts: 261
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 1:21pm |
You mean a 202?
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2020.5 R-Pod 195 Hood River
2018 RAM 2500 6.4L
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podwerkz
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Mar 2019
Location: Texas
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Posts: 966
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:19pm |
Again, use the 80% rule:
5000 pound towing capacity means look for a trailer UNDER 4000 pounds GVW (80% of 5000)
This will help keep you safe and secure as you tow.
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r・pod 171 gone but not forgotten!
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dsj123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2021
Location: Eden Prairie, M
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:44pm |
Nope -- the weird singular one with the murphy bed!
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dsj123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2021
Location: Eden Prairie, M
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Posts: 4
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 2:46pm |
Thanks much. However, in order not to have to buy a moose of a vehicle to tow more (our biggest current vehicle is an Outback:), we were thinking of going without water in the tanks to get it closer to net weight, 3,449 lbs. Is that doable?
David
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Colt
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Nov 2019
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Posts: 383
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:13pm |
You need to weigh, or have the particular trailer weighed.
There is no reason at all you can't tow well under the max gross weight.
The UVW for my 180 is pretty close, yours likely is, too. But then, I added another ~175 lbs of "stuff" even trying to be careful of adding weight. Aero drag is controlled with speed. Prolly no reason to tow over 60 MPH. My OEM tires had a 65 MPH speed rating.
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John
'16 R-Pod 180
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mjlrpod
Senior Member
Joined: 27 Sep 2016
Location: Massachusetts
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Posts: 1215
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:31pm |
I have a 195, I think the 192 is slightly heavier than the 195. I tow with a frontier rated at 6100 - 6300 pounds. I would tow a 192 with my truck, but I know it would be just enough truck to do the job. I don't really think your 5,000 pound capacity is up to the job.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
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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: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:34pm |
You're not crazy, but personally you're taking some chances that could be life changing. A 5000 lb vehicle is not adequate for a 4900 lb tow.
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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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dsj123
Newbie
Joined: 09 Feb 2021
Location: Eden Prairie, M
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Posts: 4
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:36pm |
Thanks very much, all -- sounds like we should start shopping for a bigger vehicle!
David
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jato
Senior Member
Joined: 23 Feb 2012
Location: Kewadin, MI
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Posts: 3252
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Posted: 09 Feb 2021 at 3:38pm |
The amount of drag you are pulling is greatly increased as your speed increases. Think of it as a huge sail or parachute that is dragging you down and making your engine work that much harder as you travel down the road. Have to agree with mjlrpod above. Now if you just plan to stay around home in Minnesota and Wisconsin and not travel too far, you can probably do it but for longer hauls and highway speeds, personally I would look for a 'stouter' TV with more towing capacity.
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God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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