Intro & R-Pod 190 advice

Hello, I'm Chris & new to the forum, and about 90% likely to be buying an R-Pod 190 soon.  I have already found lots of useful info on this forum and bookmarked it!  I have reached out to other RV'ers for advice, but one thing I would like to hear from this group is whether my Highlander Hybrid is adequate (3500# max, 350# tongue) for this R-Pod.  It appears it may be a close call... any thoughts?  Thanks for any insights!

Thanks pHp - I think you are looking at the 2022, the one I was looking at had a dry weight of ~2750#, tongue of ~305#.  I calculated my load to be partial water fill and 2-250#s other, but that is still over your 20% target... I had targeted 10% (2475#), but maybe still too tight...  Also not sure if being 'hybrid' is a positive or negative to consider other than the reduced limits.

Whew... That's good to know!  I thought the attached items like AC, LP tank, and batteries where included in the dry weight... most of the RV dealer reps have given me the thumbs up, so glad I checked here.  I am going to have it weighed to see the actual weight.  I had thought about trading in for an Explorer or non-HY Highlander, but now I'm doubting that too. Sounds like 5000# limit is even questionable. Ugh

Thanks jim & all... this may be a silly question from a newbie and mostly just curious - is it possible to safely reduce the weight of the R-Pod190.  I got the idea looking at some configurations and seeing what looked like lighter custom seating in the back.  Thanks again to all!

I wanted to get a HiHy too but chose a std drivetrain 5000 lb rated Highlander for my 179 instead. The 190 weighs more than the 179, and even with the 5000 rating I was close to the limits with the 179. I carried the minimum in the Highlander and the rpod but I always boondock so water was a necessity.    

Don't forget that the weight in the tow vehicle counts against you, the tow capacities are specified with minimum possible weight in the vehicle.

If you find yourself asking if it is possible to do this or that thing to make something work out then that's a dead giveaway that you're pushing the limits.

Why not swap the HiHy for a std Highlander with tow package? You will have essentislly the identical vehicle. Your fuel economy towing won't be much different, if at all. We all get around 14-15 mpg towing, at best. That is because the air drag of the trailer dominates the power requirements. So the hybrid drivetrain wont be operating under conditions where it will do you much good.

The thing you lose by getting a std drivetrain Highlander is the excellent fuel economy not towing you get with the Toyota hybrid drivetrain. That is the tradeoff you will need to consider. If daily driving not towing is most important, get a smaller trailer like a pop-up or a Tag which can be safely towed by a 3500 lb rated vehicle. If travelling and camping with more space is most important, then swap out the HiHy for a std drivetrain vehicle.

Or, do what I do and have the best of both worlds. My daily driver is a Prius so I get all the hybrid drivetrain benefits for most of my driving, saving the (relatively) gas guzzling non hybrid Highlander for towing and long trips.