new tow vehicle question

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   I think the 3.31 diff. should work fine. The rpod is not that big of a trailer. We have the 3.92 diff. only because we bought ours on the lot, we did not order it that way. If you do a lot of highway driving the 3.31 will give you better gas mileage, I mostly drive city and rural roads where the 3.92 does not make a big difference with the mpg. But if I get on interstate it does make a difference. You can tow a little more weight with a lower gear, but the rpod fully loaded to the max would never reach the limit of your tow capacity. Hope this helps in your decision.   David

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David and Danette Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 24 Nov 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1218	Topic: new tow vehicle question Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 10:35pm
	I think the 3.31 diff. should work fine. The rpod is not that big of a trailer. We have the 3.92 diff. only because we bought ours on the lot, we did not order it that way. If you do a lot of highway driving the 3.31 will give you better gas mileage, I mostly drive city and rural roads where the 3.92 does not make a big difference with the mpg. But if I get on interstate it does make a difference. You can tow a little more weight with a lower gear, but the rpod fully loaded to the max would never reach the limit of your tow capacity. Hope this helps in your decision. David
	2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9062	Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 9:36pm
	Different manufacturers have slightly different axle ratios, but in general they are close to: 3.3-3.4, higher speeds possible, less torque at low speeds, best mpg 3.7, best middle-of-the-road gearing, better low-end torque but still decent mpg 4.1, best torque for heavy loads but worst mpg, very high rpms at highway speed For the heavy duty towing vehicle you describe I would go with the 3.31 for use with the pod, it will only be about 3000 pounds when loaded. My Suburban is similar in specs with the heavy duty towing package, 6 speed tranny, 3.42 rear and I've never wished I had a different ratio. Very happy to get a little better mpg day to day.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Keith-N-Dar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 03 Apr 2011 Location: Mayville, WI Online Status: Offline Posts: 1447	Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 6:28pm
	One of my clients has an Expedition with the heavy duty trailer package. I don't know what ratio the axle is, but I do know that the rear springs are the same as an F250 pickup. It is stout! It may depend on the year, but my F150, 2010, is 3.31 and with the 6 speed auto transmission it is low enough. I turn less than 2000 RPM at 65 and it pulls the pod like it isn't even there.
	Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150

Pod People Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1078	Posted: 27 Mar 2013 at 12:39pm
	we are trying to find a new tow vehicle-a Ford Expedition. I have found one with the heayy duty tow package but it has a 3.31 rear axle ratio instead of the 3.73 ratio. the tow package has a transmission cooler, a heavy duty radiator , the wire harness for brake controller and hitch. We plan on taking the Rpod on long distance, cross country trips-eventually driving from NC to Calif and even to Alaska. What do you think the difference in axle ratios really means?/ Is it power, torque, gas milage, longevity??? Should I continue to search for a TV that has the 3.73 axle or take the 3.31?? Thanks for any input. Vann