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Topic ClosedChoosing a smaller Truck to Tow

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neptune1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Choosing a smaller Truck to Tow
    Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:10am
Hi, we are going to be buying a Rpod-178 Forest River. We are wanting/needing to buy a smaller truck mostly due to we don't have space to part a full size and my wife is too small to drive one so its not in the cards at all. 

We're looking at the Chevy Colorado, around a 2018. 

There is the V6 2.5L Tow package that has a 5,000 Tow Capacity
     and the  V6 3.6L Tow package that has a 7,000 Tow Capacity

Would either of these be capable to tow the RP-178 ? would the 3.6L be better choice or does it matter much? Gas mileage is also a consideration of ours.

Thanks in advance for your input/thoughts
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Colt View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:33am
Yes, either will do the job, but the larger engine will let you carry more junk in the truck. 

I hope the newer Colorados are better than mine.  It was endless trouble.  After 2 Pontiacs, that Colorado broke me from ever having another GM product. 
John
'16 R-Pod 180
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neptune1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:37am
thanks John!!! can I ask what year was your Colorado?


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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 11:38am
In all actuality I wouldn't worry about gas mileage while towing.  Most on the forum here will get 11-14 mpg regardless of what gasoline powered vehicle is used.  Lower speed=better mileage. 

For 8 of the last 10 years we towed our 177 out west on numerous occasions with either an '08 or '13 Explorer which had engine displacements of 4.0 V6 (5000lb tow capacity) and 3.5 V6 (5500 tow capacity) over 26,000 miles with no issues.  Certainly we didn't win any races going up or down a lot of the grades in the Rockies, but were not in a race either.  Mileage was 12 mpg for both.  Also, a Curt friction bar was utilized on both for sway control and was found adequate for the job. 

I would strongly lean toward the 3.6 engine as you can never have too much power but you can certainly wish you had 'a lot more' when climbing those steep grades in the mountains.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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lostagain View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 12:16pm
The Ford Ranger also offers a 7500 lb. towing capacity when you buy the towing package.

I think that it comes with the 2.7L ecoboost engine.  We have that engine in our F-150 and it has plenty of power, especially at high altitudes. 
Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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neptune1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 1:39pm
what kind of gas mileage do you get with the Ranger? also isn't that a full size truck?

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jato View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:17pm
We have neighbors that have both Rangers and Colorados, both are close to being similar in size.
Website shows Ranger gets up to 21 city and 26 highway.
God's pod
'11 model 177
'17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost
Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake
"...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:45pm
Ranger, Colorado, Canyon, Frontier, and Tacoma are all considered mid-sized these days. I think any of them would be good for pulling most Rpods. I think all of them can be gotten with tow capacity in the 6,000-6,500 range.
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost
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campman View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 2:56pm
Hello Neptune1! Glad to see you have included a visit here as part of informing yourself before making a tow vehicle purchase. I can't give you specific info regarding your search for a midsize truck, but I believe I can safely say whatever vehicle you purchase, try to ensure that it is a model that already is set up with a (heavy duty) tow package. If it has everything tow specific you need, you won't need to install a lot of aftermarket items unless you want to customize something in particular.

A decent heavy duty tow pkg would include a larger radiator for extra cooling and possibly a heavier suspension/shocks. A transmission cooler is usually included as part of the pkg (also a must-have in my books) as well as a higher rated alternator (a trailer increases the load on your electrical system), a trailer brake controller and the 7 pin trailer plug to plug on the TT should also be factory installed as part of the pkg. It might also include tow mirrors that can slide out but if needed, clip on mirrors can be purchased through the interweb or at a local parts store. Not as good as a factory tow mirror but does the job I need them to do.

You may already know all this but I thought it better safe than sorry in mentioning it. Good luck in your search and keep asking questions, we are fortunate to have a lot of people here that are willing to help out where ever possible!
Andy and Laurie
'16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg
'21 RP192
"If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!"
Red-Green
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neptune1 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Apr 2021 at 3:06pm
thanks everyone, great information, I think we are on the right track!!
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