Honda Odessey Towing - Event Date: 06 Mar 2016

If you get a Ford p-up or expedition used be aware of the 5.4 v8. Make sure the spark plugs have been changed to the new one piece plugs. Otherwise it could be costly to replace them.I tow 171 with f150 5.4 v8. I tow at 65-70 mph easy.If I replaced my current truck I would replace with f150 5 liter v8. With tow package for at least 5 k. With my current TV I don't need weight distribution or sway bar.

As to the bridges on the blue ridge Pkwy they handle huge motorhomes & 5th wheels. I have gone the distance on it with the pod with out a problem.

The only parks that have limits on trailers is Glacier national park (road to the sun limits total TV+trailer lengths) & Zion thru tunnel which is width of trailer.If to wide you pay extra for a escort as they close the tunnel to one-way traffic before you can go thru. There may be other parks with restrictions but these are the park I know of.

Originally posted by StephenH David,Thank you for the link to your pictures. That is the kind of traveling I want to do with our R-Pod. I think I'll talk with my wife about a trip up the Blue Ridge parkway first as a warm-up before heading out to the Rockies.

You are very welcome!

Not to hijack the thread but....

I did the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive (Shenandoah N.P.)- I think, back in the fall of 2007. It would be one I believe you would find memorable. I started in Cherokee (South) and drove North - with reservations, about mid-point, at the Linville Falls campground.

Only planning 2 days for the drive was a big mistake. The road is demanding and there is much that could be seen along the way.

At the time, I was pulling a Coleman popup with a 2005 Dodge Caravan. This was no problem but, I seem to recall one or two low underpasses that RVs would have to detour around (due to height clearance).

Anyway, good luck. I think you would like it.

Originally posted by Captiankd I want to thank everyone for your input, it has been very helpful.  I picked up our new r pod 171 Tuesday in Sebring fl and brought it home some 65 mile on flat roads. My 2015 Honda Odyssey with a weight distribution hitch and sway bar brought it home. The only problem is that the transmission ran 70% of the time in a lower gear. Instead of 2000 to 2500 rpm I was running at 3000 to 3500 rams. I could not really stay at 65 mph and the car kept going down to 55 mph. I do have a transmission cooler which I guess helped the transmission. But I are really worried about going out west and into the Rockies. I am going to take a beating if I trade the new Honda for something else. What should I look for? A used Ford Expedition or what. Do you think I can rent some think for a couple of months for towing? Again, I need help.

I'll refer you back to the above post.
My comment that over-rides any other of mine would be: Do what the Honda guy says. With mountains, headwinds and thinner air for the engine (reducing horsepower), I wouldn't plan on any BETTER performance.

Will you make it there and back? My guess is yes. It may not be pretty at times, but you should make it. I made it there and back on less than your Honda's 248 horsepower - and I got the pictures to prove it:

Rocky Mts.

However, if you can survive the drive there, it will be worth it. I found the place truly breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice.

OK, I met with the Honda people today and talked about my trip. My weight will be under 3000 fully loaded. Tranny cooler installed, weight dist. hitch installed, sway bar installed. Will not carry any water, fresh, gray or black. Will use either a AeroPlus or a AeroShield (two different companies.)

Will be doing this trip into the rockies only one time.

They said I would be fine, no problems. Use premium fuel and also use the D4 gear when going up hills which provides added torque. (Do not know if this is new for 2015)

So lets hear from everyone.
Thanks!

Disclaimer! I hate to be a negative influence on your buying decisions, so please keep in mind this is based on my experience only.