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Topic ClosedNow that Heartland has changed.....
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photog View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2010
Location: Alberta Canada
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Now that Heartland has changed.....
    Posted: 25 Jan 2010 at 4:24pm
......the floor plans on all mpg's it was an easy decision to stay with the Pod. (None of the mpg's have a full stay down bed anymore) http://www.wholesalervclub.com/2010-heartland-rv-mpg-185-OH-i126017 Sofar, unless someone changes our mind it will be the 171. It is the lightest of all and since we will be towing it long distance with a Ford Escape we need to keep the weight as low as possible.
We are going to the RV show in Calgary next Friday and will either buy or order one.
Heinrich and Elly
2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
2010 Prime Time Tracer 205M
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podders Helping podders - pHp
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2010 at 8:17pm
photog, I've got a 2008 Mazda Tribute (which is a re-badged Escape) and a 171.  I thought I'd share my tow experience:

I love my Tribute, and its ok for towing on relatively flat ground, but I wouldn't suggest it in the mountains.  On flat land, keeping speed at or above 100km/h is pushing things too far - 90 km/h seems to be in the zone for this combo.  7-degree+ hills are tough and I have to drop speed in order to keep the revs high in second gear.

Yes, I know that the 171 is well within tow spec for the Tribute/Escape.  The real-world experience has, however, has been a bit disappointing.  That said, I've only experienced a 25%-30% drop in gas mileage while towing.  Others, with other 3500lb tow vehicles are saying that they're coming at at a 50% drop.
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photog View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2010
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Posts: 80 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2010 at 9:09pm
Originally posted by Outbound

photog, I've got a 2008 Mazda Tribute (which is a re-badged Escape) and a 171.  I thought I'd share my tow experience:

I love my Tribute, and its ok for towing on relatively flat ground, but I wouldn't suggest it in the mountains.  On flat land, keeping speed at or above 100km/h is pushing things too far - 90 km/h seems to be in the zone for this combo.  7-degree+ hills are tough and I have to drop speed in order to keep the revs high in second gear.

Yes, I know that the 171 is well within tow spec for the Tribute/Escape.  The real-world experience has, however, has been a bit disappointing.  That said, I've only experienced a 25%-30% drop in gas mileage while towing.  Others, with other 3500lb tow vehicles are saying that they're coming at at a 50% drop.
 
Thank you Outbound, your comments are appreciated. Our Escape is a 2009 with the 240 HP engine and 6 speed auto transmission and I HOPE that it will make a difference. I used to drive our daughters 2008 Escape and I was less than impressed.
 
Getting another Tow vehicle is not an option and the 171 is the lightest trailer with a stay down bed that we have found, so somehow we will make it work. 
Heinrich and Elly
2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab
2010 Prime Time Tracer 205M
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podders Helping podders - pHp
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Jan 2010 at 10:13pm
Originally posted by photog

Our Escape is a 2009 with the 240 HP engine and 6 speed auto transmission and I HOPE that it will make a difference.

Ah... I think that will make all the difference in the world Smile
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Joined: 26 Nov 2009
Location: Reading, Pa
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Posts: 3990 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Jan 2010 at 8:20pm
I'm hoping to see the MPG's come out with a Queen Bed Model with out a slide out.  I personally do not want the slide out just tow the camper in and plug in and camp.  
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Joined: 07 Jan 2010
Location: Costa Rica
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Posts: 152 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Jan 2010 at 8:43am
No slide outs for me either.  Keep it simple.  Smile
four peas
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