Let's talk MPGs

Originally posted by Outbound Agreed; what's amazing to me is that the mpg's all seem to be about the same, regardless of t.v. engine size (5.3L,4.8 l, 3.8L, etc.). Don't forget, MPGs can be deceptive when they're low.  For example, if one person gets 10 MPG while towing and another gets 12 MPG, the second person gets 20% better gas mileage.

Ditto - misplacedtexan - welcome!  Check in often.  I also agree, your mpg numbers sound about what most average.  But, look at it this way; think of the spg (smiles per gallon) you'll get out of using your Pod.  Happy camping!

Welcome misplacedtexan!  Those mpg's sound about right.

I highly recommend that whatever TV (with auto trans) you use towing your Pod, that you have
an auxillary transmission radiator on your vehicle.
I also have an RV.  The transmission crashed after just 7,000 miles of simply driving the RV at normal speeds and terrain and not towing anything. I always assumed that an auxillary radiator was there for the times when extra towing was occurring or very high outside temps.  But it appears that Ford radiators are not large enough to handle the auto trans heat output. It turned out that the fluid lines to the cooler were pinched at the factory and no fluid had ever gone through the cooler. The trans fluid still was sent to the main radiator for cooling but apparently that was insufficient.  The fluid temp never got hot enough to 'burn' the fluid or send a signal that the transmission was overheating.  But the elevated temps eventually damaged the transmission enough to cause it to finally break down completely.  The transmission had to be replaced along with a new auxillary radiator.  $5,000 dollar replacement...luckily the RV was still under warranty.  But it took three weeks to get it replaced.
So don't assume that your standard radiator will handle the extra heat output from your auto transmission while towing your Pod.

Good news for us. We were concerned that our 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan didn't come with the towing package. We had the dealer install one when we purchased it, but they didn't do any other modifications. I spoke yesterday with the dealer and the parts and service guys at Spring Dodge in Spring, Texas about our towing doubts. They went through the parts catalog with me and showed me where the transmission cooler was located (included in all 2006 Grand Caravans, regardless of whether it has the towing package or not). It is the top portion of the A/C coil and there are two lines that run from the coil to the transmission. Other than the hitch, the only difference between a model with the towing package and one without is the auto leveling suspension. We don't have this on ours, but have reenforced it with suspension helpers (bolt on to the leaf springs to add support). So we are good to tow! No need to buy a new TV.