R-pod Owners Forum Homepage

This site is free to use.
Donations benefit a non-profit Girls Softball organization

Forum Home Forum Home > Non-pod Discussion Forums > General non-pod discussion
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: Towing 2020 R-pod 195
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Calendar   Register Register  Login Login

Topic ClosedTowing 2020 R-pod 195 - Event Date: 21 Jul 2020 - 30 Jul 2020

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
offgrid View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290
Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Towing 2020 R-pod 195
    Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 7:22pm
Congrats on your new tow vehicle, I think it will serve you well. As a 3rd suggestion for a brake controller, I have a Tekonsha P2. Does everything I need it to do and a bit less expensive. Be sure to take your time and set up the brakes properly as per the controller directions, whatever you get. Have fun!
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
Back to Top
Gail View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 21 Jul 2020
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 4:25pm
Ok next project break controller! Then we can load up the frig, pantry, make the bed,pack our bags and hit the road for the next big adventure cross country and back.
Thanks for all the insight and advice. Almost ready 👍🤔
Back to Top
StephenH View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 29 Nov 2015
Location: Wake Forest, NC
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6288
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 3:50pm
I like the Hopkins InSIGHT FlexMount controller. It puts the display in the visual field and the manual control can be put where it is easy to reach. The main unit is under the dash on the firewall out of the way. It is just as easy to install and works well for us. I've used it on a Ford Escape and now a Nissan Frontier.
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
Back to Top
mjlrpod View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 27 Sep 2016
Location: Massachusetts
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1214
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 3:04pm
+1 on the Tekensha P3, It's a good unit that is easy to set up. It's actually illegal to tow without a brake controller. Great decision to get the new tow vehicle. You should not have any trouble now.

2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
Back to Top
mcarter View Drop Down
podders Helping podders - pHp
podders Helping podders - pHp
Avatar

Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 12:46pm
You do need a brake controller, I have a 2016 Colorado with a 3.6, and it did not come with an integrated controller, I had to add. It is very simple, you need a jumper wire from fuse box to controller and a controller, etrailer.com sells both. I recommend a Tekonsha P3.
Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
Back to Top
Gail View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 21 Jul 2020
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 12:31pm
Thanks for your recommendation and experience on tow vehicle selection for the R-pod 195. Yesterday I sold the Acadia SLT and bought A Chevy Colorado 2018 V6 3.6L engine with factory two package with only 34000 miles and still some factory warranty left. It is fated for 7000lb tow capacity. We have a weight distribution/sway hitch from the trailer sales place. I think we are good to go. Just wondering if we need a break controller added to this vehicle, the trailer sales place had us add one to the Acadia. The R-pod 195 is equipped with brakes and the truck we bought has lots of break lift.
Any advice?
Back to Top
Gail View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 21 Jul 2020
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 11:12am
Thanks MJIrpod and off grid. I'm still looking and have set the criteria to a higher tow rating. This is my daily vehicle as well as the tow vehicle, comfort of the ride is also something we are looking for, we have become very accustomed to the creature comforts of the Acadia SLT, my husband just turned 80 and I am a bit younger. We like comfort and to visit beautiful places in America that don't offer lodging or large crowds. In this time of a pandemic the camping travel option is the best and safest as we see it.
Thanks again still hunting for the best TV that we can afford, hope to find it soon this trip is right around the bend. 😅🤑
Back to Top
podwerkz View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 11 Mar 2019
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 966
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 11:04am
I'm noticing a trend here....people are starting to agree with me!

When it comes to choosing a tow vehicle, SIZE MATTERS!

Wink
r・pod 171 gone but not forgotten!
Back to Top
offgrid View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 23 Jul 2018
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5290
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 10:25am
To add to mjlrpod's point, don't think towing with a lighter vehicle will improve your fuel economy. The air drag of the trailer and the speed you tow at will set your fuel use, not the size of the tow vehicle.  You will get around 12-14 mpg, maybe a little more if you drive 55, less in the mountains. 

If, like me, you mostly use your tow vehicle as a daily driver and don't otherwise need a big truck or SUV,  then staying on the smaller side is fine as long as it has a rating of at least 6000 lbs. If you're using it mostly for towing, then a full size truck or equivalent might be give you more flexibility. 
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
Back to Top
mjlrpod View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 27 Sep 2016
Location: Massachusetts
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1214
Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 7:46am
I believe the new Ford Ranger is the best tow rated mid size truck for towing. It also comes with an eco boost engine that handles climbing, and elevation very well. But if you plan on doing a lot of cross country type towing, I would think you would want a full sized truck or s.u.v. Also, I'm of the thought process that I want to be able to bring what ever I want. I pack pretty much whatever I want in my camper or truck, and don't ever question if I should bring it. Buy the vehicle that gives you the freedom. Good Luck with this decision, and camp the heck out of your 195.  Pod on!!
2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195
2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl
I'll be rpodding
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.64
Copyright ©2001-2009 Web Wiz