Input/Advice

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   We own a 2010 Ford Escape with the larger engine and tires and we are looking at towing an r-pod.  We really like the RP-177 and it has been pointed out to us that by limiting the GVRW of the RP-177 to the 3500 pounds our car can tow, we would get a trailer with greater cargo carrying capacity than the RP-171 and we would probably have a safer haul because the trailer wouldn't be loaded to capacity and it may also have improved axle or tires to accommodate the difference in weight and length over the RP-171.   (The RP-171 has a cargo capacity of 1070 and the RP-177 has a cargo capacity of 1447 if loaded to it's full GVRW.  If only loaded to 3500 pounds, the RP-177 would give a cargo capacity of 1215 pounds - that 145 pounds more than the RP-171.)

We would appreciate the input/advice of anyone who tows a RP-177 with a Ford Escape or the opinions of anyone who thinks we are barking up the wrong tree.  Our biggest concer is whether the Escape is up to towing either the RP-171 or the RP-177.

We do not yet have our tow package installed so would appreciate any recommendations in that department as well!

Thanks and happy camping - we're jealous!

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Yankee Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Mar 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Topic: Input/Advice Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 5:40pm
	We own a 2010 Ford Escape with the larger engine and tires and we are looking at towing an r-pod. We really like the RP-177 and it has been pointed out to us that by limiting the GVRW of the RP-177 to the 3500 pounds our car can tow, we would get a trailer with greater cargo carrying capacity than the RP-171 and we would probably have a safer haul because the trailer wouldn't be loaded to capacity and it may also have improved axle or tires to accommodate the difference in weight and length over the RP-171. (The RP-171 has a cargo capacity of 1070 and the RP-177 has a cargo capacity of 1447 if loaded to it's full GVRW. If only loaded to 3500 pounds, the RP-177 would give a cargo capacity of 1215 pounds - that 145 pounds more than the RP-171.) We would appreciate the input/advice of anyone who tows a RP-177 with a Ford Escape or the opinions of anyone who thinks we are barking up the wrong tree. Our biggest concer is whether the Escape is up to towing either the RP-171 or the RP-177. We do not yet have our tow package installed so would appreciate any recommendations in that department as well! Thanks and happy camping - we're jealous!

Outbound Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List podders Helping podders - pHp Joined: 19 Nov 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Online Status: Offline Posts: 767	Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 6:30pm
	I have a 2008 Mazda Tribute with factory tow package, which I'm sure that you know is a rebadged Ford Escape. Mine has the 3 litre engine producing 200 HP, which is 40 HP less than yours. I also have a four speed transmission with overdrive-lockout vs your six-speed tranny. To accommodate trailering, I've replaced the transmission fluid with full synthetic as advised in the owner's manual (about a $120 cost for fluid plus 30 minutes labour for a flush). I've also added an aftermarket transmission cooler (very reasonably priced at $80 for parts plus an hour's labour), which makes quite a difference during long, hot hauls. The RP-177 has a beefier 4" frame to accommodate the slideout, compared to the RP-171's 3" frame. So, yes, it is capable of handling more weight. I'm not sure what type of cargo you're talking about carrying in your trailer. We've got just under 300 pounds of gear that we carry, in addition to the A/C, microwave, battery and propane that aren't included in the trailer's dry weight. Speaking about calculating weights, don't forget about fresh water & waste water. We usually run with 10-20 US gallons of fresh water in the tank. Although many people drain their fresh tank before heading on the road, we find carrying a bit of water very convenient for washing dishes after a picnic stop while travelling, simply using the loo, or showering after stopping at a beach. And there are times when its necessary to travel with 10-15 US gallons of black water because a campground didn't have a dumpstation (e.g. dispersed camping/boondocking), or because we stayed didn't stay at a campground at all (e.g. WalMart, family's/friends' driveways, open field during a concert/event). I like to have at least 300 pounds of leeway for water & waste on these occasions. Tongue weight was a major concern when I purchased our 2009 RP-171. The dry tongue weight on an RP-171 is 181 pounds - fully loaded ours comes in at 225 pounds. The RP-177's dry tongue weight is 232 pounds. By the time you load up the trailer and add a battery and propane, it'll be topping 260 pounds. I know that the Tribute/Escape lists the tongue weight at 350 pounds, but you also have to give some consideration to weight you're carrying in the back of the vehicle. IMHO, you will likely need weight distribution if you choose an RP-177; this means you'll also need to install a class III hitch in order to support the WDH. I do have a friction sway bar installed on my trailer and class II drawbar. But, the proof is in the pudding as granny used to say. We travel at 55 MPH, but are able to speed up to 65-70 for passing. Anything above 55 MPH is clearly working the engine/transmission and makes me feel uncomfortable. Gas mileage is in the 10-12 MPG range, which seems to be typical with other r-pod owners and their various vehicles. However, with all that positive stuff I've said above, I've always maintained that I don't recommend towing an r-pod with a Tribute/Escape. Its just too underpowered. The vehicle's performance is just barely acceptable while towing an r-pod at 55 MPH. A vehicle with a 5000 pound tow rating would be much more appropriate for an r-pod.
	Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150

iamsmonk Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Online Status: Offline Posts: 114	Posted: 25 Mar 2011 at 10:56pm
	Yankee, I'm currently pulling my RP-177 with a 1998 Ford Ranger Super Cab. 2 wheel drive, 5 speed manual transmission, 4.0 V6 engine with 245,000 miles on it. I'm pulling the pod in the piedmont and foothills of the North Carolina mountains. I do not carry water in any of the tanks. I have one battery and one propane tank. My truck does fine. Would I like to have more power? Sure, who wouldn't. But a larger tow vehicle is not in my budget at this time. I have been doing research on a new tow vehicle and notice that the new Rangers have more torque and more horsepower than my 1998 has and when I do upgrade, I will most likely get another Ranger. I LOVE my truck and it has been a good one. But until the economy improves and my work hours increase my current truck will do just fine. I don't pull the pod very far. My closest campground is 30 minutes away and the farthest is 2 hours. I hope this helps you a bit. Happy podding!
	Sherrie & Carol, Henri, Jay & Tanner 2004 Dodge Dakota w/4.7 V8 2011 r-pod 177 Let's go camping!

Pawpod Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 10 Jan 2011 Location: Regina Sask Online Status: Offline Posts: 137	Posted: 26 Mar 2011 at 12:40am
	Deffenetly a tranny cooler. I had one vehicle that I had to replace the tranny in. The transmission shop told me the tranny was burnt out from pulling a trailer. Interesting since we had no trailer and only owned the car for 6 months. Don't take long to burn one out as I learned from multiple sources. For $300 compared to $3500 for a new tranny, cheap! And IMO yes, go class III for a hitch. Cost is very close, and the 2 inch receiver is better for a hidden hitch. Usually easier to remove if it rusts a bit
	Ready to pod around!

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 26 Mar 2011 at 12:44pm
	I second the recommendation of getting a weight distribution hitch. Ignoring the handling and safety benefits, it just makes the ride going down the road much more comfortable.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual

Yankee Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 25 Mar 2011 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Posted: 27 Mar 2011 at 7:22pm
	Thanks so much for your comments! Our "cargo" would consist of personal/household items as well as TV, microwave, propane, batteries and water (all colors) and we were planning to stay under the 3,500 pound limit. We were hoping to take several trips to "gunkhole" our way across Canada and the States on mainly backroads so speed is not an issue but certainly safely is! It looks like synthetic transmission fluid, a transmission cooler, weight distribution and a Class III trailer hitch (thought because of the 3,500 pounds towing capacity of the Escape that we are limited to a Class II hitch?) that we might be able to overcome some of the concerns but your last paragraph really makes us stop and re-think our plan. We will cautiously proceed, in light of your comments, but I suspect we will probably reach the same conclusions you have! Many thanks for taking the time to respond!

techntrek Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059	Posted: 28 Mar 2011 at 9:24am
	You can put a class III on, it still has a 2" draw bar. If you are willing to install it yourself you can get a WDH for around $450. It isn't hard to install, just very time consuming as you have to readjust several times to get it right.
	Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual