Tow vehicle concerns

Hi Ginger

We pull our 179 with a 2012 3.5L V6 Highlander and it does well. It's rated at 5000 pounds towing and we have the tow prep package (bigger alternator, transmission cooler, etc.).

Like Rustler, we also tow with a smaller vehicle with 3,500 lb rating. It is a 2016 Ford Escape SE with 2L Ecoboost engine and factory tow package. Our first major trip after picking up our R-Pod was to take it out west (from North Carolina) to see our daughters and their families. That was Nevada and Arizona. Since, I have towed it to Louisville, KY and two trips to the northeast, including the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondacks of New York. Our trip included western North Carolina (Cherokee) and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Some of the climbs were significant, especially when we left I81 to go to the last segment of the north end of the BRP. That was steep and winding, preventing us from building up any kind of speed. Engine and transmission heat were a problem, but as soon as we got on the BRP, the temperatures dropped to a better level as we were able to run at a speed sufficient to get adequate airflow across the radiator and transmission cooler. Turning the AC off helped also. It was not needed on the BRP as the temperatures were 15-20 degrees lower than they were on I81.

With the smaller vehicle, a good weight distribution hitch with sway control is essential. I wouldn't dream of towing the R-Pod without it. We have the Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch with the 6,000 lb rating. One other thing that has helped was to install a wind deflector. I chose the AeroPlus by PurpleLine. It, together with limiting our top speed to 60 mph, has helped us to get between 14 and 16 mpg probably averaging about 15 mpg. Before we got it, and trying to hit 65 and 70 mph on that first trip, our mileage ranged from 8-14 mpg, mostly around 10-11 mpg.

I would not necessarily recommend our tow vehicle, but it is the one we have and I can't afford to trade it. It will have to serve until we can afford to do so. I would like to get a tow vehicle with a Diesel engine when we do eventually replace our Escape. Meanwhile, I will continue to use the Escape to tow our EscaPOD.

This is incredibly helpful!  Can't thank you enough for the detailed response:).  Researching and purchasing the rPod was stressful enough!  Throwing in this hunt for a new vehicle has me in a tailspin. Really appreciate your input!  

The four wheel drive version of the Honda Pilot is rated at 4500#. we towed a 172 all over the country for a year an a half with little trouble. The Rockies were a slow climb, but we got there. 60 MPH at low altitudes no problem. Very well suited for Florida.