Towing Capacity |
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birderdiane526
Senior Member Joined: 08 May 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 320 |
Topic: Towing Capacity Posted: 11 Jan 2017 at 7:43pm |
Excellent, Ron and Sharon! Thanks!
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Diane and Michael
2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
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Blue Highways
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 20 Sep 2016 Location: NC mountains Online Status: Offline Posts: 84 |
Posted: 12 Jan 2017 at 2:26pm |
I appreciated David's "old school" perspective on towing. Wisdom there. Agree, that it's always ideal to have an over-capacity in towing capability despite the modest weight of our typically stocked-up Pod. And, I agree that, in a perfect world, the V-8 is ideal; with diesel being the ultimate.
One thing that I'd add to this thread, is that with many R-Podders, they started with an existing vehicle, or have aimed for one that tows securely, but once unhitched, is easy to live with around town or for trips "to grandma's house" etc. (Plus, the other common drivers may be a wife, daughter or young son).
I'm also thinking that those of us who have skipped the "max-output" full-sized truck V-8s (capable of towing 10K) need something with more cross-purpose: not too long a wheelbase, nor anything that would consume a lot of fuel when not towing. Still, we went with a Tundra V-8. But, if we had picked the highly-chosen (5.7) V-8 to power it, we could have reached that Holy Grail tow rating of 10,000 lbs. Instead, I sought the smaller (4.6) V-8 with tow-package. That stepped us back to 8,500 lbs. towing cap, but kept the original max tongue weight. The 4.6 comes with its own specific transmission, so when we're unhitched, the 6-speed auto drops into a lower r.p.m. final gear, so without trailer, we can run along a mostly level highway keeping at around 20 m.p.g. (instead of never exceeding 17 unladen with the bigger 5.7 engine). Still remain very happy with this 2nd level V-8 in all conditions. I don't have experience with the other full-sized brands yet. Now honestly, 20 m.p.g. HWY is really not something to celebrate as far as the newest full-sized trucks go, but I'm good with our comfortable over-capacity on R-Pod, at 8500#. Also, happy to bypass the commonly-preferred Tundra 5.7 V-8 with it's (non-towing) HWY 17 m.p.g. "best." Not a huge difference, 20 vs. 17, but the difference starts to mount on a long trek without the R-Pod behind. (While towing, I think the difference is 10+ vs. 13+ m.p.g.) Sacrifices with a full-sized truck? For us, that's Tundra's 1) stiffer ride (newer Detroit 3 trucks have improved ride characteristics) 2) poorer (non-towing) fuel economy compared to a SUV or compact truck thats not towing. 3) LONG truck wheelbases: harder for maneuvering around town (back-up cam helps) and though it's a big truck, my wife drives effortlessly on the freeway, ....she just doesn't like parking it in any constrained parking lot around home. So... when our current truck needs to be replaced (or gets rubbed out in a road event), should we survive (LOL) I might look seriously at the best of the compact truck offerings, shooting for a towing wt. rating of 6500 to 7500#s. Or needs could change, and would look at a strong Sportwagen or SUV with around 55-6500#s capacity. I know that a lot of us have been towing fine with a hardy SUV and sidestepping the drawbacks of living with a full-sized truck. But for now, we're doing ok. Brad & Layli "Wonderpod" (179HRE) "BG" (Tundra CM 4.6) Western NC |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Posted: 12 Jan 2017 at 7:44pm |
Well put Brad.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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Leo B
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 13 Jan 2012 Location: Lyndonville, VT Online Status: Offline Posts: 4508 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 5:50am |
+1
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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
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birderdiane526
Senior Member Joined: 08 May 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 320 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 8:51am |
Appreciate all of the excellent recommendations and advice. We have a much better understanding.
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Diane and Michael
2016 179 "PIP" (PODDING IN PARADISE) 2007 Toyota Tundra BLOG:Podding in Paradise, birderdiane526.blogspot.com |
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mjlrpod
Senior Member Joined: 27 Sep 2016 Location: Massachusetts Online Status: Offline Posts: 1214 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 4:19pm |
I fear you fail to count the cargo you carry in the truck as tow weight. The words "tow capacity" dont mean that as long as the weight isnt in the actual trailer being towed, dont count it. Everything you have in the vehicle, or trailer, including you driving, is cargo.
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2017.5 Rp-172
2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 4:41pm |
Thanks, I understand "tow capacity" exactly. No fear.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 5:51pm |
You'll easily hit 1000 pounds with everything you add including a full tank of water, clothes, food, chairs, propane, battery, A/C. The last few things are usually not included in the sticker weight on the pod (the A/C will be included if it was factory installed, but not if it is was added by the dealer). 80% is a good figure, though.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Location: Greenbrier, TN Online Status: Offline Posts: 3419 |
Posted: 13 Jan 2017 at 5:57pm |
I'm tracking tecntrek, point taken.
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Mike Carter
2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
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Neserk
Groupie Joined: 20 Aug 2016 Online Status: Offline Posts: 67 |
Posted: 15 Jan 2017 at 10:52am |
Thanks! |
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