Does anyone know what brand axle is installed on the 2016 RPods and what is the weight rating for them? We have a 2016 176T if that makes a difference. 

I have a lippert axel on our 2010 rp 174. I got the problem fixed my self. The plate that the backing plate bolts to was not welded on properly just had to put some shims in and all is well. My problem was with the brakes, are you haveing  problems with your axel??? If you have abnormal tire wear or some other indications of problems?..don't worry yourself to much about all the stuff you read about here on the forum. Pays to be informed  just keep up your maintenance and enjoy your trailer. Little problems just come and go

Just did a search on line, looks like The newer Pods have a Dexter Torflex axle.

Thanks for the advise.  I have a few things planned for next camping season.  1st is a 200 watt solar panel kit.  2nd is a sway dampner.  3rd will be a brake controller.  I read a few post about controllers when I first bought the trailer but was a bit confused as to which one would work the best and easiest. I've had several trailers, one being a tandem axle car trailer but none of them had brakes. 

I've towed a lot of trailers without brakes too, big, heavy ones, and I still do, and I understand what you're saying about your 5.7L Tundra.  I didn't have a 7-pin connector or a brake controller when I picked up my RPod in Birmingham and towed it back to Nashville.  It's doable, no question.  But the best thing by far I've done since getting the RPod was get a brake controller and hook up the brakes.  Aside from, as Doug says, the law, and the general safety considerations, it takes a whole lot of the stress out of going down the road.

TT