Towing 2020 R-pod 195
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13808
Printed Date: 04 May 2024 at 8:01pm
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Topic: Towing 2020 R-pod 195
Posted By: Gail
Subject: Towing 2020 R-pod 195
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2020 at 3:42pm
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We bought a 2020 R-pod 195 dry weight 3687lb hitch weight 362 lb(weight distribution/sway hitch). We currently have a 2009 GMC Acadia SLT FWD with factory tow package/tow mode rated for 4500 lb tow capacity and installed a break controller ( where we bought the trailer) we have 122,000 miles on the GMC and are thinking about buying a 2016 Nissan Pathfinder 4wheeldrive with factory two package rated for 5000lb two capacity with less than 35,000 miles. Is this enough vehicle to safely/comfortably tow the R-pod 195?
We have gotten mixed messages from trailer dealer about the Acadia abilities to tow this trailer and not sure about going for Nissan Pathfinder. Any experience out there that can help??🙄 We are towing across country and back for a month long road trip this fall. |
Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2020 at 4:08pm
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Welcome. Neither tow vehicle is really going to be adequate. Forget the trailer empty weight, no trailers actually hit the road at that weight. When selecting a TV look at the gross trailer weight, which is 4762, Then consider that the tow ratings are based on an empty tow vehicle with just the driver in it. You'll want a TV with a tow rating around 6000-7000 lbs for that trailer. That will give you some capacity to carry gear and people in the TV, have a reasonable amount of stuff in the trailer, and not be right on the edge of your max tow ratings all the time. I have a Highlander which also has a 5000 lb rating and I consider it the minimum to tow my 179 with, which weighs about 1000 lbs less than the 195. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2020 at 6:25pm
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I agree with neither vehicle being adequate to tow, especially cross country. I tow my 195 with a Nissan Frontier with 6100-6500 tow capacity (depending on who you ask) and it can tow it, but long steep climbs work it. I think if your going thru some of those western mountains, it would be a little touchy. Having a 5000 pound tow cap will be really tough. Can you find a 2017 or newer pathfinder, they have a 6000 pound tow cap now. At least that gives you a good fighting chance. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Gail
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2020 at 6:43pm
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Thank you off grid. I'm assuming the 4762lb gross TT weight you used Is the TT loaded with food,dishes, bedding, clothes and the like. Other wise the trailer weighs 3587 and hitch weighs 362 which includes propane tanks which equals 3949lb.
So that would be assuming 813 lb of cargo for the trailer? Between myself and my husband we add at least 390lb to the TV and any other gear we might add maybe around 300lb. Looks like we need a vehicle with more tow capacity, maybe Chevy Colorado v6 3.5L with factory tow package?? Or something like that. Lesson learned don't trust the Travel Trailer sales person to tell you your vehicle is adequate to tow the trailer you are buying do lots of research to make sure first!! 😳😐 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 21 Jul 2020 at 7:05pm
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800 lbs isn't that much. Your batteries aren't included in the dry weight. If you plan on boondocking you should get two, 6V golf cart batteries are best. That would add over 120 lbs. Dry weight doesn't include the water in the water heater, 50 lbs. If you fill your fresh water tank because you don't have water where you;re camping that's 250 lbs. You probably will want a better mattress, that will add 30 lbs or so. And we haven't even gotten to food, beverages, and clothing etc.... A Colorado with a tow package would be fine, but if you like SUV's (it sounds like you do) there are plenty of choices there too. Here's what my dad always warned me about salespeople: Are they in sales? Is their mouth moving? Then they are lying. It's always served me well. You can't really blame them, that's their livelihood... Sounds like you bought the trailer you wanted and were already planning to upgrade your TV, And you've come to the right place for unbiased advice. So, you're doing good! ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Gail
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 12:13am
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Was not planning on TV upgrade until we discovered that we were maxed out or over the limits on our weights for towing the 195. Oh well, the learning curve.
Thanks for the reality check. |
Posted By: Gail
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 12:19am
| Thanks for your input it is helpful and I'm looking for vehicles with better tow rate now, looks like we will spend more to get what we need. Lesson learned. Looking forward to getting on the road with safe vehicle and enjoying the country. |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 7:46am
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I believe the new Ford Ranger is the best tow rated mid size truck for towing. It also comes with an eco boost engine that handles climbing, and elevation very well. But if you plan on doing a lot of cross country type towing, I would think you would want a full sized truck or s.u.v. Also, I'm of the thought process that I want to be able to bring what ever I want. I pack pretty much whatever I want in my camper or truck, and don't ever question if I should bring it. Buy the vehicle that gives you the freedom. Good Luck with this decision, and camp the heck out of your 195. Pod on!! ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 10:25am
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To add to mjlrpod's point, don't think towing with a lighter vehicle will improve your fuel economy. The air drag of the trailer and the speed you tow at will set your fuel use, not the size of the tow vehicle. You will get around 12-14 mpg, maybe a little more if you drive 55, less in the mountains. If, like me, you mostly use your tow vehicle as a daily driver and don't otherwise need a big truck or SUV, then staying on the smaller side is fine as long as it has a rating of at least 6000 lbs. If you're using it mostly for towing, then a full size truck or equivalent might be give you more flexibility. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 11:04am
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I'm noticing a trend here....people are starting to agree with me! When it comes to choosing a tow vehicle, SIZE MATTERS!  ------------- r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten! |
Posted By: Gail
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2020 at 11:12am
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Thanks MJIrpod and off grid. I'm still looking and have set the criteria to a higher tow rating. This is my daily vehicle as well as the tow vehicle, comfort of the ride is also something we are looking for, we have become very accustomed to the creature comforts of the Acadia SLT, my husband just turned 80 and I am a bit younger. We like comfort and to visit beautiful places in America that don't offer lodging or large crowds. In this time of a pandemic the camping travel option is the best and safest as we see it.
Thanks again still hunting for the best TV that we can afford, hope to find it soon this trip is right around the bend. 😅🤑 |
Posted By: Gail
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 12:31pm
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Thanks for your recommendation and experience on tow vehicle selection for the R-pod 195. Yesterday I sold the Acadia SLT and bought A Chevy Colorado 2018 V6 3.6L engine with factory two package with only 34000 miles and still some factory warranty left. It is fated for 7000lb tow capacity. We have a weight distribution/sway hitch from the trailer sales place. I think we are good to go. Just wondering if we need a break controller added to this vehicle, the trailer sales place had us add one to the Acadia. The R-pod 195 is equipped with brakes and the truck we bought has lots of break lift.
Any advice? |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 12:46pm
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You do need a brake controller, I have a 2016 Colorado with a 3.6, and it did not come with an integrated controller, I had to add. It is very simple, you need a jumper wire from fuse box to controller and a controller, etrailer.com sells both. I recommend a Tekonsha P3. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 3:04pm
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+1 on the Tekensha P3, It's a good unit that is easy to set up. It's actually illegal to tow without a brake controller. Great decision to get the new tow vehicle. You should not have any trouble now. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 3:50pm
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I like the Hopkins InSIGHT FlexMount controller. It puts the display in the visual field and the manual control can be put where it is easy to reach. The main unit is under the dash on the firewall out of the way. It is just as easy to install and works well for us. I've used it on a Ford Escape and now a Nissan Frontier.
------------- 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: Gail
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 4:25pm
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Ok next project break controller! Then we can load up the frig, pantry, make the bed,pack our bags and hit the road for the next big adventure cross country and back.
Thanks for all the insight and advice. Almost ready 👍🤔 |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2020 at 7:22pm
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Congrats on your new tow vehicle, I think it will serve you well. As a 3rd suggestion for a brake controller, I have a Tekonsha P2. Does everything I need it to do and a bit less expensive. Be sure to take your time and set up the brakes properly as per the controller directions, whatever you get. Have fun! ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |