pont montana/chev venture as TV for a 177

Same as Paige, we don't need a WDH but the ride quality is much better with it - and so far while I can get 17-19 mpg (depending on season) while commuting, it drops to 9.5 while towing.  I actually could get better mpg with our Sienna, but not always.  Some times it was 12 but with strong head winds I hit 8 one day.

Paige - any interesting new mods?

I was looking to possibly replace our 2005 Chev. Tahoe which has a towing capacity of 6700 lbs.  Did get an anti-sway bar and the pod tracks like its on rails.  I did look at the Honda Pilot and was very impressed.  Honda has a fine reputation as a car builder.  Toyota, lately, not so much.  I believe that the Pilot for 2014 will get a larger engine.  If I replace today the Honda Pilot would be my choice.  Safe Travels.

We bought the 171 over the 177 specifically for the weight variance, considering our TV is only rated for 3500#.  We just towed it 2 weeks ago 180 miles through thunderstorms and 40 mph wind gusts, up & down hills, and while a bit nerve-racking at first everything was fine.  We do have an anti-sway bar on ours, and I wouldn't be without it.

The reason I say I wouldn't be without it is because of the one time I decided to drive it home from where it is stored, which is only 6 miles away, and I didn't put it on.  To say that I could "feel" the difference was an understatement.  Won't ever leave anywhere without it connected again.

Here's my two cents worth. And for full disclosure: I pull my 172 with a 2010 Honda Pilot.

That said, and assuming you are looking at the 4WD models, the Toyota has a 4.0L engine vs Honda's 3.5L. That leads to some increased horsepower, torque, and towing capacity. The Toyota is rated at 5000# towing capacity vs 4500# for the Honda, but 186 pounds of that difference is eaten up by increased curb weight for the Toyota.

When shopping for the RPOD, we chose the 172 specifically to keep the weight down. Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR: Car +Trailer +people +stuff) is the limiting factor. We will spend lots of our camping time at altitude and gasoline engines suffer at altitude. Honda recommends reducing GCWR 2% for each 1000 feet of altitude. Colorado is 8000-10000 feet.

All that being said, the advantage is slight for the Toyota and the choice may come down to personal preference. Drive the two vehicles on the same day, back to back. We did just that and the Honda was the clear winner for us. But then, I'm biased now.

I tow my 172 with a 2500 HD silverado, I am no expert but I would not tow my pod without a WDH with sway controll.