New Tow Vehicle
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Wish List
Forum Discription: Tell Forest River what you would like to see in the r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3527
Printed Date: 01 May 2024 at 11:00pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New Tow Vehicle
Posted By: JACKPOD
Subject: New Tow Vehicle
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 11:23am
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We have been towing our 176 with a Buick Rendezvous rated at 3500 lbs. Installed a tranny cooler, etc. and it tows okay on the flat. However, we know we're underpowered for the extensive traveling we want to do in the next couple of years so are considering a new tv. We've narrowed it down to a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder or a GMC Acadia. Just wondering if any of our podding friends have experience with either vehicle. Thanks for your input. Pam and Jack
------------- Pam and Jack Abby the Bichon RP 176 towed with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Replies:
Posted By: Anthony Valenzano
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 11:46am
| All other things being equal, I'd stick to a rear wheel drive based SUV. I towed with both and the rear wheel drive pulls a lot better. Front wheel drive based vehicles (AWD or not, expect Subaru) tend to thrust left or right when pushed hard while towing, due to most of the power going to one of the front wheels. The new pathfinder is FWD-based, probably the Acadia as well, but I'm not sure. Unfortunately they are making everything this way these days. How about a toyota four runner or Jeep Grand Cherokee? |
Posted By: JACKPOD
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 2:53pm
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Hi Anthony - As we are a one car family and plan to keep the next car for many years, I really want something that has a few more style points than the Toyota or Jeep. Guess it's a girl thing!! and my very wise hubby goes along with it for me.
Cheers, Pam ------------- Pam and Jack Abby the Bichon RP 176 towed with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 5:41pm
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Pam, have you looked at the Jeep Grand Cherokee? It would do the job with ease. Especially in the 4X4 version. Actually, any real 4X4, not AWD, has a higher tow rating than the 2WD version. Plus the Jeep is a very good looking vehicle. Another reason for a 4X4 is exploring off road or very ruff forest trails. Terry (Do you think that if Jeep reads this they would give me a good discount?)  ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 24 May 2013 at 9:13pm
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I agree with what has been said ,I would search for a rear wheel drive vehicle. And the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has won a lot of awards. If one of you have served in the military you will get a $500.00 discount. There are not to many rear wheel drive vehicles other than trucks the Grand Cherokee is one of the few. Not trying to sell a Jeep but its a good choice out of just a few rear wheel drive vehicles. I would like to add if you decide you would like a truck Chevy is coming out with some very good trucks to be on the car lots soon. David
------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Anthony Valenzano
Date Posted: 26 May 2013 at 3:51pm
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Infinity makes a few high style SUV's that are RWD-based, big bucks tho. Here is a full list of RWD based SUVs: http://autos.aol.com/car-finder/style-suv/rear-wheel-drive/ If someone had a FWD SUV there'd be no reason to sell it to tow, but when thinking about buying it really should be given serious consideration. My other suggestion for someone with a FWD SUV would be sure to tow with the draw bar low, get the ball below the center of the rear axle, that way when lots of force is applied to the hitch, it's not working to lift the front tires. Of course that conflicts with getting the TT level. |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 27 May 2013 at 10:05am
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I agree with Terry, Jeep is good looking. It's not brand new but it does do the job well and at 7700 pound towing cap., I could pull two POD's hooked together like a set of doubles and still have room to spare. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 27 May 2013 at 11:06am
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Buy a Chevy Tahoe 4WD V8. Lots of pulling power, comfort, etc. we get between 10 - 12 MPG towing which is consistent with the 6 cylinder TV's. As far as I'm concerned the more towing capacity, the better. Lots will disagree, but I'm sticking with that. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 27 May 2013 at 12:19pm
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Each of us is going to recommend the brand we've had good luck with, but if you're going to tow seriously then listen closely to Anthony V. and Camper Bob. It's really easy to err on the small side for a tow vehicle. You can not err on the big side. You just have to weigh the towing abilities v/s the mileage, parking difficulties, and town driving problems of a big rig. That being said, then RWD and something on the high side of 6000 lbs tow rating is best. Less than that, and if you tow any distance and/or elevation, then you will find times that will stress you and your tow rig. It's amazing reading here daily, how many of us have had to either move up the tow rig ladder or dump the Pod in disappointment. Good luck making a choice that works for you. ------------- '10 RP 175-Replaced by 2014 Kodiak 173 QBSL '12 Toyota Tundra '05 Sportster (half a Harley) Retired-We're on Beach Time! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 27 May 2013 at 12:56pm
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Kickstart. You said it better than I did. Looking at a barely capable TV is not only dangerous, but going to be very frustrating on those long hill climbs, when you have the pedal floored and trying to maintain 35 MPH. Or, buying something with a short wheelbase and all the problems that you could face with that vehicle. As was told to me many years ago, "You can either cry now, or cry later." Spend less now and not be happy, or buy what you really need with extra towing capacity, and be very satisfied as well as being safer. Ask Techntrek why he upgraded or I believe Thad who had an accident with his tow vehicle, and moved up to a much larger TV. Not trying to sell you anything, just giving you some sound advice. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 27 May 2013 at 9:48pm
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Yes it is better to have the tow vehicle in complete control than the chance of having the trailer in control. You feel a lot more at ease with a larger tow vehicle. We have had a lite weight tow vehicle and our current tow vehicle a Ram 1500 a big difference. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 9:33am
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Jackpod, we are in the same place as you are. Our Veracruz has a 3500# capacity and does just fine around here as well as handling the Appalachian hills, as long as we are driving and towing within it's limits. We haven't gone more than 4 hours away from home, keep it at or below 60 mph, and just basically take it easy. But knowing that we want to start taking longer trips next year has got us already talking about getting a new TV that will better handle the hauling, and it was M who actually started the conversation (a first for her 'cause she never talks about vehicles!).
Some good info for us to keep in mind that ya'll have posted here. We know we want something with no less than 5000# capacity and are trying to figure out if we want to go with another SUV or change over to a pickup. Hadn't thought of the rear vs front wheel drive aspect until now, which may sway us some. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: hogone
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 9:49am
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You can't go wrong with a pick-up (Ford rocks!!), they are so functional. ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Anthony Valenzano
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 10:23am
| I don't want to drive this to the point where we are telling everyone that they need a diesel F-350 to tow a pod - that would be silly. I've seen people tow excavators with F-350's. I myself tow a tractor, with backhoe and the works with my 2008 Pathfinder. That's around 6000 lbs, tows easily. Really we are obsessed with weight, and that has very little to do with it. It's really the frontal area. You need something that can handle the weight indeed, but most SUV's can handle 2500#. Tongue weight it the next myth that we talk about, these r-pods have tongue weights of about 250#. You can have someone that weighs more than that in your back seat. So it's not about tongue weight. It's about the aerodynamics of the pod - or lack thereof. It's about getting the pod to 65mph when you are trying to keep up with traffic. My opinion is that you need two things - horsepower and traction. You could have 500Hp, but if it's in a FWD platform, you can't get that power to the ground due to the way the forces load the vehicle. You can have RWD but if you only have 150HP, you won't get that pod above 50MPH. So I recommend RWD based platform (preferable with a frame) and at least 250Hp. I bet that you'd be better off towing with a Camero than an FWD SUV, (okay maybe that's a little bit of Reductio ad absurdum). -- Someone try this and report back :-) |
Posted By: Anthony Valenzano
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 10:59am
| One other thought on vehicle - I wish I had a bigger gas tank. I only have 21 gallons, which means when I'm towing I'm stopping for gas 3-4 times a day. That kind of stinks, as I end up searching for little out-of-the-way gas stations locations rather than convenient truck stops. I'm thinking of carrying an extra 5 gallons, as at some point I'm going to run out. |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 1:06pm
Anthony I think you gave the best explanation of a good tow vehicle. David------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 2:07pm
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I am posting this just for fun. I would not recommend this because it would not be stable and if you did it all the time you would destroy the car. But it is fun to watch. Take a look at this video. http://www.canamrv.ca/towing/car-videos/jetta-towing-visa/ - http://www.canamrv.ca/towing/car-videos/jetta-towing-visa/ ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 4:41pm
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Add "get a long wheel base" to the list. Not sure if that was mentioned yet on this thread. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Anthony Valenzano
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 5:17pm
| Can you define a long wheel base? The r-pod is short is compared to a lot of 30' trailers, and a F-150 or Suburban is fine for those, so if an F-150 is fine for a 30' TT, what does the wheel base need to be for a r-pod? I can see a RAV4 or wrangler being on the too short side. |
Posted By: JACKPOD
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 5:27pm
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There sure has been some great information shared since we asked the question about tow vehicles. We are not new to towing - had a 30' Alpenlite Fifth Wheel for several years that we went all over the country with, and a Chevy truck that towed it. We also love to get out and drive - taking the back roads as much as possible - and don't mind doing it slowly if needed. So some of you may be yelling at us, but we've purchased the Nissan Pathfinder. Did a lot of research and had some great conversations with a Pathfinder owner here on the boards before we made up our minds. It'll be the correct and only vehicle for us for many years to come and the fact that it's loaded with everything except a kitchen sink is great. But won't need the kitchen sink because it'll be behind us!
So, watch for a red Nissan Pathfinder in front of a 2011 176 - Abby the Bichon on her special foam cushion between us. Hope we see lots of podders this summer and at the r-pod village at the rally in August. Thanks again for all your terrific information. ------------- Pam and Jack Abby the Bichon RP 176 towed with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 6:10pm
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Jackpod, Which engine did you get in the Pathfinder? ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: JACKPOD
Date Posted: 28 May 2013 at 6:39pm
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Charlie - it's a 3.6L 260 hp, V-6. ------------- Pam and Jack Abby the Bichon RP 176 towed with 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 7:51am
Hard to say what number is the cutoff between short and long, but most truck chassis come in short and long versions. The longer the wheelbase the more stability you get when towing, because the trailer is less able to push the TV around. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Seanl
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 9:03am
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One thing that contributes to sway with the Rpod is that it is a short single axle trailer. The trailer rotates on the axle with little resistance. With a tandom axle trailer there is some rotational resistance caused by the fact that the wheels follow different arcs creating reistance to turning. Thats why an F150 can tow a 30 footer but will get sway with an Rpod. The distance that the trailer wheels are from the TV also makes a difference. It's all geometry and physics. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition
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Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 11:28am
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I was told if the trailer is able to rock from side to side that could lead to sway. That is a good reason to have tires designed for trailers with stiffer sidewalls. And the RPods having the wheels on the outside helps in keeping it stable from rocking. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 29 May 2013 at 10:17pm
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Which is also why the pod's tires should be filled to their max sidewall rating.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Colorado Travler
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2013 at 11:03am
We just towed our new 178 over 1800 miles including Colorado mountain passes at 45 mph and long stretches of interstate at 65 to 70 mph. Although the 6 cylinder Wrangler has a towing capacity of 3500, it is slightly under powered unless shifting often (we have a 6 speed manual) but with a stabilizer/anti sway hitch all is good. It certainly tracks well, even in high wind conditions. We do intend to add the axle riser to get another 3 inches of clearance to help in steeper campsites.  ------------- Colorado Travler |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2013 at 12:39pm
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Welcome. You can definitely see the extra length of the 178 in your shot. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2013 at 12:49pm
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I like the idea of the storage front and rear with outside hatches. How is that working for you? ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Colorado Travler
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2013 at 1:36pm
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There is a bit more room under the R Pod than I expected and it is very cool to have access from both sides in the rear and the door side in the front as well as from under the front seats inside. I actually opened the front inside access hinged panels under the side seats, removed them and cut off about 1.25 inches on the side toward the front cushion. I then placed in an additional wooden cross brace for the support under the cut off portion and replaced the panels. It made it easy to open the side seat panels while the front one is still in place and not scrape against the front cushion. ------------- Colorado Travler |