Another future RPOD owner? |
Post Reply |
Author | |
cathyntim
Newbie Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Location: Southern Califo Online Status: Offline Posts: 3 |
Topic: Another future RPOD owner? Posted: 28 Sep 2012 at 3:04pm |
We just picked up our R-Pod 177 yesterday! We decided to use our Jeep Grand Cherokee with V8 as our tow vehicle - it cost us $1200 getting that set up to tow! We debated using the BMW M3 but that was going to get too close to maxing out the towing capacity (3000 lbs).
SO EXCITED to take our maiden voyage to Malibu on Saturday.
|
|
CatnTim
|
|
techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 4:14pm |
Welcome. I towed for almost two years with a Toyota Sienna with similar stats, 3500 pound tow rating and 210 hp. It only had a 4-speed transmission which made it marginal to tow with. Safe and capable, yes, but the 4-speed forced it to downshift into 2nd gear at highway speeds much more often than I would have liked. As Sean said, with a 6-speed you will probably be ok, I think even at highway speeds. I found I actually did better at 65 than I did at 60. That little extra bit of momentum kept it from downshifting into 3rd as often. I highly recommend you get a weight distribution hitch like the Equalizer or E2, I wish I had installed one much earlier than I did.
|
|
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
|
|
Seanl
Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 2:10pm |
I am on the fence on this one. Your horsepower looks a little low to me at 195. Mine is 210 and it is not to powerful. On the other hand you have a 6 speed trans where I only have a 4 in my Jeep. The six speed transmission and the longer wheelbase of the van lead me to believe that this rig might work as long as you were not looking to tow at high speeds. That would be at speeds much over 60mph. I think there are a couple of people towing with this rig so it will be interesting to see that they say.
The big issue with the Pod is not the weight but the wind resistance caused by larger frontal area than the popup. Thats my two cents worth for what its worth.
btw I looked it up and the 2009 Town and Country is rated at 3800lbs |
|
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
|
|
dmpablo
Newbie Joined: 22 Sep 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 1:26pm |
We have a 2009 that supposedly has all the extra cooling capacities, both radiator and transmission, necessary. I believe it is rated at 3500 lbs. I had no problem towing my sons popup and I think it is around 2100 lb?
|
|
this_is_nascar
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Location: NJ Online Status: Offline Posts: 466 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 1:02pm |
I don't know the answer, but I'm glad you asking here instead of your TV or RV dealer. Someone will hook you up with the proper answer, then we can debate if it will work safely or not. Too many people purchase first, before knowing the right answer as to whether or not their combo will function properly.
|
|
"Ray & Connie"
- 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
|
Seanl
Senior Member Joined: 19 Sep 2011 Location: Fredericton NB Online Status: Offline Posts: 633 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 12:51pm |
What year is your town and country? The newer ones have a higher towing capacity that the older ones.
|
|
Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
|
|
dmpablo
Newbie Joined: 22 Sep 2012 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2 |
Posted: 25 Sep 2012 at 12:23pm |
My wife and I have been looking at RPODS for over a year. We are new to RV camping and traveling. We've day camped with our kids and their pop up camper but stayed at motels at night. Enough to know that we wouldn't like a pop up. My main concern is can our Town and Country with the 3.8 engine safely pull a 177. I've been reading as much as I can on the forum and sure am learning alot prior to buying. Most of our travels are on the northern shores of lake Superior and into the boundry water area north west of Grand Marais.
|
|
Post Reply |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |