SUV Tow Vehicles
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11818
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 7:33pm
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Topic: SUV Tow Vehicles
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Subject: SUV Tow Vehicles
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 9:21am
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Hi Everyone, I am in the market for a new car! I have a 2018 Rpod 178. I am looking for an SUV that can tow her from Indiana to Oregon to see family, to state campgrounds in the midwest, southwest, but also be used around town as my daily vehicle. I would love to hear your recommendations! Heather ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Replies:
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 11:10am
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We have a 2012 Toyota Highlander V6 we use as a tow vehicle and it has handled everything we've thrown at it pretty well. The only real downside has been the front wheel drive, which makes it more prone to get stuck when boondocking. We'll probably go to a Dodge Durango for our next one. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 12:30pm
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If you go for an SUV, make sure it has 4WD or AWD. FWD will work, but as Alan said, it is much less than ideal since weight is removed from your front wheels which provide not only steering, but traction. When we were using the Ford Escape, it was really easy to spin the front wheels, even on dry pavement and with a WD hitch. I wouldn't have dared take it on a dirt road that had any significant hills. If Ihad to stop on an uphill slope, I might not have gotten started again.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 2:45pm
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Prepare to get deluged with responses, I'm surprised that more haven't responded up to this point. My 2 cents - ANY SUV with a minimum of around 4500 towing capacity and a tow package will meet your need. I personally wouldn't go lower than around that, but a lot of people do, and many people recommend a higher tow capacity, it really depends on how high the mountains are that you want to encounter. I use a Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 2:57pm
Did you mean to say "4WD or RWD"? In the vast majority of cases, you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in handling between 4WD and RWD. 4WD will allow you to handle off-road grades a little better and will be better in slick conditions. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 3:19pm
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I would agree that the minimum tow capacity would be at least 4500 - 5000 lbs. Maybe not necessary if you are only going to travel short distances and stay out of the mountains but if you decide on doing the Rockies a lot, which we do, 5000 would be the bare bones minimum. Even with that there are some steep grades where our V-6 Explorer is working pretty hard to get us up and over the top.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Ben Herman
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 3:55pm
| Out here in the west, the most popular TV seems to be a Toyota 4Runner w/ V8 engine. |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 9:11pm
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If you know the distances and elevation changes for the kind of towing you're going to do, then a V6 or V8 SUV with at least a 5000 pound tow capacity is what you're looking for.
If I was in the market, I would look at the new Durango(5.7 V8) , or a slightly used Lexus GX460 (V8), they are nice SUV's. I already have my towing overkill, 2013 VW Touareg TDI (diesel). The VW Touareg is not for everyone, and I would NOT have bought it unless it had a huge powertrain warranty (it came with 10yr/100K). I wouldn't risk a used one unless it had a great dealership and warranty. Someone already mentioned the older(2003-2007??) Toyota 4Runner V8. That was a sweet combo, but I think it was axed because it was competing with the Lexus GX470. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2018 at 9:22pm
 ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Ghosthawk
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 7:07am
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After looking long and hard we went with a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory trailer package. Factory channels for roof racks (for the kayaks) Listed tow capability was 5500 lbs. It is a darker red color so I call it "big red" and people stay out of my way. Have not towed with it yet, but in town it is getting about 25 mpg. Inside it is the most comfortable vehicle I have owned, bar none. Seats feel awesome. Controls are nicely laid out. We paid 19,000 $ for ours with 90,000 miles on her. And then I bought the best possible extended warranty for the next 4 years. Your mileage may vary, but thus far big red works for us. But we are still waiting on our pod.
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Posted By: NickLPod
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 8:24am
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We have a 2011 Audi Q5 quattro with the 3.2 litre V6 as the TV for our 2016 R-Pod 180. We bought the Q5 used (it had been a 4 year lease car in Montreal) in 2015 with only 42,000 km driven. It is very comfortable, extremely quiet (hardly any engine, road, tire noise at all) & pulls the Pod well (the big mirrors on the Audi are great to see either side of the trailer). We like to have a solid SUV for Canadian winter driving when the Pod is in storage & we can dream of summer camping trips ... ------------- 2016 R-Pod 180 2011 Audi Q5 3.2 V6 Wife Carole Dog Corra |
Posted By: Capt Kidd
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:04pm
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I have a 2016 Dodge Durango with the V6 engine and all wheel drive. on the flat level highways towing at 55 mph I get 15 mpg. I just drove from Chico, CA to Roseburg, OR and had the cruise set at 55 and averaged 14 mpg. It goes over the hills with no effort at all but does down shift going up hill. Car has an 8 speed auto and usually runs in 6th gear which is 1to1. Sometimes it will go along in 7th gear and only gets in 8th down hill. ------------- The Pirate's Pod |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:24pm
Great to know. I'm looking at a Durango V6 also, but purchase will probably have to wait until next year. I'm hoping the 2019s will offer wireless CarPlay in their radios; I know the 2018s finally got support for wired CarPlay. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:47pm
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Thank you for your feedback. What engine does your Jeep Grand Cherokee have? That one is on my list... ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:49pm
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Hi TheBum, Is the Dodge Durango on your wish list a V6 or a V8? ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:52pm
Thank you, I think the Dodge is one of my top runners. I am struggling with V-6 versus V-8 so I appreciate your feedback... ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:53pm
Is the Dodge on your wish list a V6 or a V8? ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:55pm
Got it! No, FWD! ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 1:57pm
What engine is in your Jeep? ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 3:51pm
V6. It will likely be an everyday vehicle too, so I'd prefer the better fuel economy of a V6. However, realistically, if a dealer could put me in a V8 Hemi for the price of a V6, with all else being equal, I'd probably take the Hemi. ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2018 at 2:02pm
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So I am looking at the Hyundai Santa Fe new, a 2015 Grand Cherokee with a V6, and a 2016 Ford Explorer with the ecoboost V6. The Ford has the most horsepower and torque, the Jeep has the highest tow rating at 7200, but I really like the Hyundai the best. Any thoughts on my choices? Thanks everyone for the great feedback! ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2018 at 3:07pm
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I didn't look at the Jeep, as I am fairly negative on FCA for the last year or two. The Hyundai Santa Fe and the Ford Explorer are real similar in most respects. Similar power and such. The Explorer is a little bit bigger in most dimensions, and also has significantly more cargo room. The Explorer also is better across the board as far as crash and safety ratings are concerned. I think the Santa Fe looks a bit spiffier, but I'd give the nod to the Explorer as far as specs and ratings go. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: dr2428
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2018 at 9:09am
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I have to chime in as a Santa Fe fan, we looked for ours specifically because our lifestyle would not accommodate a truckso we needed an SUV. The Santa Fe is rated to pull 5000lbs but will need a WD hitch. Pulls our 179 beautifully, I have pulled up large hills on I80 in Iowa and could maintain 65mph if I wished. I'm convinced it would do a little better than just ok in the mountains but not truck like. Though I would highly recommend the Santa Fe with it's new great powertrain warranty you should consider the Ford, despite whatever horsepower rating it may have it will have exceptional torque which is a better measure of how it will pull. The Ecoboost engines pull much like a diesel, if mountains are in your future the Ford may be a better option. I'd compare cost, and warranty coverage. ------------- 2017 RPod 179 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 4x4 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2018 at 7:53pm
Thank you for responding! The Santa Fe is my favorite I was just worried about it going through the mountains and didn’t want to be creeping uphill at 30mph. We also looked at a Nissan Pathfinder today; I was intriqued since it is rated to tow 6000# it may be a better option to have more wiggle room (but I really like the Santa Fe, the best = )). ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2018 at 7:55pm
Thank you for responding! The Santa Fe is my favorite but I was worried about it going through the mountains. We looked at a Nissan Pathfinder today since it is rated to tow a bit higher #6000; I am wondering if having more wiggle room over the 3800# of the 178 is a good idea? But really, the Santa Fe is my favorite. ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: Kup-Pod
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 6:02pm
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Just to add to the mix, we tow with a Santa Fe XL (the 7 seater, not the smaller Santa Fe Sport), with the 3.3l v6 and it pulls the 178 well, It will need the weight distribution hitch tho ------------- 2017 RP-178 2021 F150 5.0l "Lead me on a level path" |
Posted By: LuvToCamp
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 9:11pm
Thank you!!! ------------- Rpod 180 2018 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 9:52pm
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"I am wondering if having more wiggle room over the 3800# of the 178 is a good idea? " I have never heard anyone say they wished they had less capacity. My F150 had the heavy duty tow package that allows me to tow over 11,000 pounds. it gets 14 mpg if I keep it under 65, not a hint of sway, and is quiet and comfortable. It is much harder to parallel park than my Smart car, but the Smart doesn't pull the Pod as well.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Sariian
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 6:55am
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I tow a 176T with a 2017 Pilot, 9 speed. I think its a good compromise between a tow vehicle and an every day driver (I have no use for a pickup truck). Its rated for 5000lbs and like with any vehicle this size you will want a WDH for towing an Rpod. Will be heading out in a couple weeks on a 4000km journey with the family of 4 and 4 bikes on the roof. I do this all the time but longest trip so far had been 1000km round trip.
------------- Ian 2018 RPod 176T 2017 Honda Pilot Touring Anderson WDH Sudbury, Ontario |
Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 11:15am
Please explain this. I have a 4500 # rated tow vehicle and often get along just fine without even a sway control, but do put it on IF there is some side-wind or twisty parts on the road. Personally, with r-pods and a reasonable tow vehicle, I believe a wdh is not necessary, but that's just me.
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 11:42am
Several vehicles fall into that category: Toyota Highlander (our TV), Nissan Pathfinder, Chevy Traverse, and Ford Explorer to name a few. Then you have the ones that are a step up from that, but still good MPG for everyday use (e.g. Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee). ------------- Alan 2022 R-Pod 196 "RaptoRPod" 2022 Ram 1500 Lone Star 4x4 Three cats |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 4:13pm
You're not wrong. The right tow vehicle and the R-Pod loaded correctly, the WD Hitch isn't necessary. I towed for almost 4 years without a WD hitch, and had zero towing issues. But I installed the Andersen WD hitch to reduce porpoising (bounce) and a good towing experience got a lot better. It was worth it for me. I towed the Pod almost 2000 miles a year. This year will be even more. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |