Stoltzfus in Adamstown PA
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5441
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Topic: Stoltzfus in Adamstown PA
Posted By: MES Pod
Subject: Stoltzfus in Adamstown PA
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 9:18pm
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On vacation in July we meet Lee, we had a 09 ranger 4cyl we thought we could use to tow a model 171, but Lee said that after adding propane, battery, etc. that the 171 could be around 3,000 lbs , the 09 would tow only about 2,000. (we later found out from Ford that Lee was correct) We went on to explain what we wanted to do and he directed us towards a model 178 and we would need a new TV. Lee spent about 2 hours with us talking about RV's & towing. I traded for a 2011 Ranger 6cyl and it is rated for 5,800 lbs, we priced around and then talked to Lee and he beat all other offers. we bought in September. Lee is a rare and caring salesperson I would recommend to anyone. they took the time to show us everything in the Pod, removing the cover and showing us the water tank and heater, under the sink how to winterize the unit, installed hitch and brake controller, took us on a test drive and set controller. showed us all the features on the outside and how to operate the appliances inside. We could not be any happier with this dealership and its people. It is a 3 hour trip home and thanks to Lee advice, the Ranger did a great job of towing this 2015 178 and we had a great ride home. This is our first camper of any kind. we would highly recommend this dealership. ------------- Ricky & Barbara 2021 Ford F-150, 2018 Pod 180 |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:06pm
Congratulations!!! We basically have the same set up and it's working good here as well.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:44pm
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So what kind of mileage numbers are y'all seeing towing the 178s?
------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 10:58pm
I'm getting an average of 12 MPG. What's the Tundra MPH? About the same? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: MES Pod
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:00pm
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I was really surprised, I knew I would take a hit, maybe loosing 5 mpg but went from 25mpg to 12 towing the 178. ------------- Ricky & Barbara 2021 Ford F-150, 2018 Pod 180 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:04pm
I wonder if there is an after market bolt on turbo charger available? Good thing the price of gas is going down.  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 17 Oct 2014 at 11:45pm
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On the Tundra, I'm still trying different combinations of speeds & gears to see what works best. So far, it's been in the 11-13 mpg range. Truck has the small v8 (4.6 L), 6 spd tranny and towing pkg (which includes 4.10 rear end) and a "tow/haul" switch. It's rated to tow up to 8,000 and tows the 171 just fine. But .. Very unpleasant to drive if I leave it in full automatic; downshifts/upshifts/downshifts if there's even a hint of a change in grade. Kinda wish I'd opted for the 5.7 L motor. Mileage likely wouldn't be a bit better but it might not hunt constantly for a different gear. But, maybe I just haven't found the driving combo it's happiest with. Only have about 1,200 miles of towing with it so probably will learn some driving practices that work better. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 4:17am
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Ricky and Barbara, it sounds like Lee at Stoltzfus RV was very helpful and honest to tell you you needed a different TV. It sounds like all has worked out well for you and you have found a good dealer to work with that will help you just in case you have problems down the road. Enjoy your new camper! ------------- 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: hogone
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 7:49am
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i have the 4.6 in my f150 as well (i think mine is a 4 speed). mpg ranges from 10-13 depending on conditions. i always tow with od off and rarely get gear shifting. honestly, i wish i would of opted for the bigger engine as well. overall though, quite happy with the tow. hogone ------------- Jon & Pam 2013 RP177 2010 F150 2017 HD Streetglide 2009 HD Lowrider CHEESEHEAD |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 8:37am
My last truck prior to myF150 was a Ranger similar to yours, and I would not recommend towing a Pod with one. To each their own, but the gas mileage hit is the least of your potential concerns with using that light and short a TV. FWIW I get 15 MPG with my F150 towing and have no sway problems at all. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 12:29pm
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Everyone compares mileage, I have a good friend (engineer) who reminds me: "There is only so much energy in a gallon of fuel, and it doesn't care who's name is on the grill." Kinda explains why most of us get 10-12 mpg, I guess we must share similar driving habits. (BTW, don't compare gasoline engine mileage with diesel mileage, there is more energy in a gallon of diesel fuel.) Case in point: I replaced my '08 5 speed Nissan Frontier with a '13 5.7 Grand Cherokee, there couldn't be any two TV that were more different. They had much different drive train and body designs, one a pickup with a "ladder" frame, the other a unibody SUV. One a OHC, 4 valve V6 with a 5 speed manual, the other a large pushrod V8 with an automatic. The only thing they have in common is the weight, both were about 5000#. The Jeep required a WDH to maintain the ride, I suppose the IRS is the reason, the Nissan had rear leaf springs and a live axle, it's ride wasn't affected, in fact it actually improved with the 'pod attached. The point is, I got the same mileage on both, but the Jeep is much quieter, never slows on a hill, or requires me to downshift, and that was the only change in my driving habits. In fact I got the same mileage on both when they are solo too. My driving habits; I drive with the cruise control on at 55-65 mph, I travel with empty black & gray tanks and 10 gallons in the fresh tank. I load everything, including the "kitchen sink" in the 'pod and I'm near the weight limit Forest River suggests. The best mileage I ever got: 13 in the Nissan and 12.9 in the Jeep. Worst: 9 , in the Jeep traveling at 75 mph. (speed limit, I was in a real hurry  )------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: Kickstart
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 12:47pm
It seems like I have the same truck/engine combo as you. I towed our Pod for over two years with ours, and am now towing a Kodiak that is about 1500 lbs more than the Pod. We've towed about 12,000 miles with the little engined Tundra and can give you an idea of what has worked for us. Towing in tow/haul never worked for us, as this engine is small enough to not have enough torque to hold in 6th and sometimes 5th, which are both overdrives. This would then cause excessive shifting which would also indicate excessive transmission temps (according to my Scan/Gauge). We tow exclusively in S Mode 5th and S Mode 4th when it's hilly/windy. This stops so much towing in overdrive and really controls the trans temps. When pulling hard, this method bumps you up into the torque peak area of our engines which starts at about 2800 RPM, and helps minimize the shifting. We recently returned from an extended trip to the SW (Utah, Arizona, Colorado). There were many tough pulls, and we spent additional time in S Mode 4th. The truck did great. Worst tank was 9.6 mpg and best was 12.8. Big engines? We don't need no stinkin' big engines! Good luck with your Pod and Tundra. Even towing the extra weight of the Kodiak, I'm well satisfied with the job our truck does. ------------- '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: Budward
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 5:35pm
I agree! My dad loves to tell about the guy in his motorhome club who always claimed he got 12mpg when all the other members were getting 9 or less! So- one time on a long trip they were all stopping for gas together as a group. Guess what- he put just as much gas in as everyone else!  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: MES Pod
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 6:25pm
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David and Danette,
Yea, he saved us a lot of problems, he really took the time to explaine rv and towing to us, it's a shame they are 3 hrs away. The electric line to the truck from the pod came loose and didn't notice it for a while and it ground down pretty bad, I called lee when we got home and a couple phone calls later because of the distance he wanted us to have the whole cable replaced at the box under the pod and send him the bill, that's customer service up and beyond in my book. We sure are looking towards next weekend when we can shake it down all by ourselves. ------------- Ricky & Barbara 2021 Ford F-150, 2018 Pod 180 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 8:27pm
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MES Pod, congrats on the new pod. Several of us on the forum have purchased from Stoltzfus. I was happy with my purchase, and for several years with their service. However, you may want to consider using someone else for service. See this thread: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=979&PN=1&title=stoltzfus-rv-in-adamstown-pa - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=979&PN=1&title=stoltzfus-rv-in-adamstown-pa ------------- 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: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 18 Oct 2014 at 11:02pm
Steve (& Jon) .. Thanks for the feedback. I think you're right on staying out of o/d. Plus, I'll probably try to spend a little more time in the 55-60 mph range. Slower usually translates to a little better mpg. And, after all, we didn't buy trailers (or trucks) with the idea that mpg is top priority. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: Cankicker
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2014 at 10:22am
My 2013 Pathfinder (new model) has a CVT tranny, and I have been pleasantly surprised at how smooth it is. It is rated at 5000 lbs. with factory tow package. I added a WDH with anti-sway, and believe that allows for an increased tongue weight from 500 to 750 lbs (I read this somewhere.....) I was at first a bit worried because like any CVT, it is a bit slower from a standstill to pickup speed, but it does just fine and there is no up/downshifting; just a smooth highway ride. The V6 engine struggles a bit on hills, but that was to be expected. On another note, I am glad you had such a good experience with Stolz. The salesperson I worked with would not negotiate very much below the MSRP and I had to travel to Ohio from MD to buy my TT (I saved over $5,000 purchasing wholesale). I figure if anything goes wrong, I'll remove/repair/replace it myself after the mfg warranty expires. |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 19 Oct 2014 at 11:05am
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Just to throw my 2 cents worth about Stoltzfus... Today marks our one year anniversary with our 2014 178 purchased from Stoltzfus. I can't speak about their service department other than the Reese WDH and brake controller setup. We haven't had it back for any service issues. Our purchasing and walkthrough experience was pleasant and thorough. We were novice RV purchases although I do have pretty extensive boat/yacht buying/surveying experience which maybe helps a little. I presented Stoltzfus with a quote from Couch's. They countered with a competitive quote and are considerably closer. Subsequent and recent conversations with Stoltzfus regarding purchase of 6 year extended warranty were also pleasant and professional. We've had a pretty good year of use from the Pod (about 10K miles) and have made a number of mods (see link in signature). The only thing I may have done differently when purchasing was to ask for Prodigy P3 brake controller vs. the Voyager installed and perhaps negotiated a credit for the battery, which I quickly replaced with dual 6 volt EGCs. I do wish their was a close FR authorized service center if/when I need it. I'm not 100% confident with brakes/bearing inspection and repacking yet and wouldn't mind some professional guidance. Maybe I'll just do it when you all are around and upload pics as I do it. I am confident in the expertise of this group! fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 2:25pm
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We had a good purchasing experience also with Stolzfus and Lee. We travelled from Connecticut to Pennsylvania for a 2015 RP-178. They offered a very competitive price, and we were taken good care of when we went to purchase the trailer and have the car prepped for towing. I have a lot of respecect for Lee, he is a professional and clearly likes what he is doing and is looking out for the customers interests. I would recommend them.
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:09pm
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Just find a local dealer to do your service. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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