Really want one but, can I tow it?

Add up all the people you propose to carry, along with all their supplies and stuff along with the trailer.  If you are pushing the tow capacity of the TV, then you either have to cut back on cargo, including people, and/or the weight of trailer to stay within the TV capacity or get a TV with more capacity.

Originally posted by megan_hslib I think maybe my question should have been, can anyone share experiences of towing a pod with a mid-size SUV with a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. I think it can work out. I just wanted some info from people with first hand experience. 😊

When we purchased our 177 back in 2011 we had an '08 Explorer with a tow capacity of 5,000 lbs.  Yes, it had the tow package with a transmission cooler and it was only 2 of us.  That being said, we have taken it to some very steep mountain passes in the Rockies on a few occasions as well as the more moderate areas in the Smokies.  A few years ago we upgraded to a '13 Explorer (2 WD) with the same 5,000 lb tow capacity.  In both cases we have been pleased with the ability to travel where we wish to go.  Granted our 177 is probably lighter than most (2440 lbs) but since we normally boondock we carry 2 12volt batteries, 2 20# propane tanks and a full tank of fresh water.  We travel with a anti sway-bar link and have traveled over 25,000 miles with it over the past 8+ years of ownership.  Do we know we are towing it, yes, especially on those long mountain grades in the Rockies.  But, we are not in a race to see who makes it to the top first, take your time, enjoy the glorious scenery and enjoy the camping experience.

Short answer: NO.

And add the weight of a WD hitch (which you WILL need) and the weight of water in the holding tanks (if used) that 6 or 8 people would need for a long weekend...with the weight of all that plus the trailer itself, you will quite likely blow right past the max limits for tongue weight, axle weights, towing weights, and total weights. Then there is the 'frontal area' rating. See if the Santa Fe has a restriction for towed frontal area. Add in fairly steep mountain grades, ascending AND desending, and you will very likely have problems.

Since you can't financially upgrade the tow vehicle, you should downgrade the trailer you attempt to pull with that SUV.

A POSSIBLE option might be that IF your husband drove the SUV and pulled the smallest r-pod with a minimum of supplies, provisions, and water on board, and then you and the kids and any guests loaded up in a car that you rent for the trip, and load up all your provisions in that vehicle, and caravan together, then it might work for a long weekend or a week long trip, a few times a year. On those trips when it is ONLY you and your husband and you pack very light, it MIGHT be doable.

But be sure to check your owners manual and warranty booklet for any chance that warranty coverages on expensive things like engines and transmissions can be denied by towing if there is no factory towing package. Remember, that vehicle is a uni-body construction, it is not a body-on-frame truck.

Consider getting a transmission cooler at some point if you are giong to be traveling in mountains with steep grades.  The after market coolers are easy to install and are not costly.  Your transmission will thank you.