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Topic ClosedSizing Santa Fe and R-Pod 178
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offgrid View Drop Down
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Sizing Santa Fe and R-Pod 178
    Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 10:34am
I took a look at that discussion. The attachment between the OEM hitch and the Ascent unibody frame does not look like it can transfer the moment loads from a wdh to the frame. And obviously Subaru does not authorize it. So in that I agree with the author, you shouldn't use one. 

However, his next statement, that the Ascent has design features so that it wouldn't benefit from a wdh, simply can't be true. Basic physics is basic physics, the tow vehicle is like a teeter totter pivoting around the rear axle, so without a wdh the load on the front axle will be reduced when a load is applied to the hitch. That is inherently not good, and there is no magic frame and suspension design that can fix that. A wdh does. 

As for antisway, adding sway control might confuse the vehicle's electronic sway control, which is going to be using accelerometers and/or load sensors to adjust braking action at the tow vehicle wheels. However, only friction based antisway or systems that control the brakes on the trailer are going to directly function to keep the trailer behind the tow vehicle once sway starts. So, I'd look into that further before making a decision. Both friction and brake based antisway systems are available separately from wdh. 

We did set my wife up with cushions and that helps, but its not like having a proper office chair. I'm sure you could get a chair through the door by partially disassembling it if it didn't fit. But where to put it? Someone on the forum might have a solution, you could try asking that question specifically on another thread. 
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jbar View Drop Down
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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Sep 2020 at 7:24am
We will be sure to follow the guidelines.  If any Ascent owners need the link discussing WDH https://tinyurl.com/y24rf56d
For home office, I was wondering if chair would fit through the door either that or add some ergonomic cushions and take plenty of stretch (and bed) breaks Smile
Thank you again - Amazing forum
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 7:39pm
To be clear, a wdh doesn't increase a tow vehicle's capacity. So all TV's should be capable of towing their rated load without a wdh. In that sense they are all manufactured to handle it.  But, when a trailer is hung on a hitch the tongue load lifts the front axle of the TV up, and the wdh puts the front axle load back where it was, improving balance, braking, and steering. Up to you if you use one or not of course. 

My wife is a long time remote worker and has used our rPod many times as an office when we travel. You can use the TV as a second monitor which helps keep the interior organized. The biggest drawback is that the ergonomics of sitting in the dinette are terrible and her back would be killing her after awhile. 
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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 10:44am
I did my homework prior to buying. WDH is a big no no. The vehicle was manufactured to handle it. We saw the R-Pod 178 and liked it but my GF wants to check out some other configurations.  The dining area seems to waste some space and in a perfect world, we'd get the dry bath (though not a show stopper).  Her neighbor had a fantastic idea for using the camper at home...........home office.  Her house is crowded and disruptive.  Working from home (due to COVID) can be challenging.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 9:47am
Originally posted by jbar

Yes, 5000 lb. We just need to add the oem tow hitch. Apparently, several of the aftermarket ones don’t have good tongue weight

Check whether Subaru authorizes use of a weight distribution hitch with the OEM receiver. You will prefer the ride and handling towing with a wdh. Some manufacturers allow them, some don't, and some are silent on the issue. 
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Posts: 195 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 9:30am
Originally posted by offgrid

I went back. I got tired of driving around in a big pickup truck all the time. If I was using the vehicle exclusively for towing than sure, a big truck is better, but I, like most people, need my vehicle to serve multiple purposes. A mid sized AWD SUV is comfortable for the family, has lots of enclosed secure space, is easy to maneuver and park, and can go most anywhere I need it to.

Same here.  I love my Xterra's manueverability offroad and in the central business district.  It's just a pain to navigate a big boat in restricted quarters.  But yeah, a big rig definitely would make it easier when towing, but that's only about 10% of my miles.

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Posts: 12 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 9:25am
Yes, 5000 lb. We just need to add the oem tow hitch. Apparently, several of the aftermarket ones don’t have good tongue weight
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 9:09am
Originally posted by john in idaho

Try towing with a full size pickup or Suv sometime.  You will never go back.

I went back. I got tired of driving around in a big pickup truck all the time. If I was using the vehicle exclusively for towing than sure, a big truck is better, but I, like most people, need my vehicle to serve multiple purposes. A mid sized AWD SUV is comfortable for the family, has lots of enclosed secure space, is easy to maneuver and park, and can go most anywhere I need it to. 

I won't be getting a pickup again. In order to have enough room in the cab for a family you either have to get a pickup with a turning radius about the size of a football field or you end up with what I consider to be a vestigial truck bed. I can get longer objects in my SUV than folks can get in those 5 1/2 ft truck beds. And a roof rack is easy on an SUV. I have an old straight load two horse trailer I leave the divider out of that I use for big, tall or dirty stuff, and it keeps the stuff secure and out of the rain too. 
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john in idaho View Drop Down
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Posts: 611 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 7:48am
Try towing with a full size pickup or Suv sometime.  You will never go back.
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Posts: 5290 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 26 Sep 2020 at 7:40am
Hopefully she got the 5000 lb tow rated version..
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