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Topic ClosedReally want one but, can I tow it?

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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Really want one but, can I tow it?
    Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 7:28pm
From everything I've read here and my own experience with a V6 FJ Cruiser with a 5000 lb towing capacity, you should be fine.  I've been from Florida to Cape Breton and the Outer Banks to beyond Rocky Mountain NP, not to mention the Smokies many, many times.  My FJ only has an idiot light for transmission fluid temperature so I added a ScanGuage to monitor it.  After watching the temp for a while I added an auxiliary cooler, which in my case was pretty much essential.

With the cargo/people capacity of your vehicle you could overload it without a lot of trouble but you should be fine if you watch it.

TT
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dr2428 View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Apr 2019 at 10:48pm
Obviously you'll get yes and no answers so let me give you my opinion as someone who towed a 179 for nearly 3 yrs with a 2016 Santa Fe. Mine did have the tow pkg, and an aftermarket hitch and brake controller and it was a great tv for the 179. We since upgraded to a Chevy Colorado as I felt we were wrecking the interior of the Santa Fe with firewood and other outdoor items so then felt we could have more camper.

I will say that the Santa Fe is a great tv but would urge you to heed the advice here about the overall weights, I think you could reach the GVWR of the Rpod but don't exceed that of the overall gross combined. I would also hope you would add a transmission cooler if you don't already have one. I would also recommend the Andersen sway control hitch, it is the easiest to set up and it is awesome towing my 5052lb UVW camper.

If you cannot change the tv I would suggest you moderate the weight, if that means downsizing the Rpod then consider it, or reduce your gear.

 I loved my Santa Fe, just had the cash and wanted a truck. Make it work, it's worth it.
2017 RPod 179
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 May 2019 at 5:19pm
You should have no problem. 
I pulled my 18' Rpod with a 2015 Ford Escape with the 2.0 Eco boost engine. Tow capacity was 3500 lbs. Even before I installed a 7-pin socket, electric brake controller and a weight distribution hitch I had no problems at all. 
The electric brake is required in most states and it just makes sense to have it. You might be the best driver in the world but if another driver screws up and puts you in a position to stand down on the brakes you'll be darn happy you have it! 
The weight distribution will eliminate the possibility of "the tail wagging the dog". A very frightening experience I assure you!
If you chose to install the brake controller yourself consider the following: follow the manufactures in structions and install 2 30 amp fused relays. One for the controller and one to power the refrigerator in you trailer when towing. Otherwise your on board battery may go flat by the time you get to your destination. Same with using propane.
I'm rather fussy and took the time to route all wires up through the interior of the car. Placed the fuses on the radiator support crossmember near the battery. Then followed instructions and adjusted the brake bias untill the brakes locked up, then backed off a notch.
The weight distribution system was a bit more physical labor and I had a RV Dealer thighten the hitch ball to the recommended 250ft lbs.
Happy camping!
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 May 2019 at 9:42am
We tow with a Sport Trac V6 (5000 # towing capacity) and it has been great.  We have a weight distribution hitch plus an Anti sway bar.  This makes for a very comfortable tow.  Having said that, I must tell you that it is just the wife and myself traveling.

With the V6 you are not going to win any races up any moderate to steep inclines but I don"t mind that.  It is actually a nice break to follow a big slow truck up these grades and not have to worry about slowing other people up.

I would take seriously the suggestions contained here that you install a transmission cooler as well and brake control.

Have a GREAT time!!
Swampfox
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