Author: texman
Subject: Pushing The Limits On Tow Vehicles
Posted: 16 Jan 2017 at 10:32am
just 2 cents to the topic that will never be settled:
Subject: Pushing The Limits On Tow Vehicles
Posted: 16 Jan 2017 at 10:32am
just 2 cents to the topic that will never be settled:
As i read through all the post in this forum, the general message that i glean is that V6 mid size TVs are the norm for Rpods. I think that is because the Rpod represents itself as a lightweight trailer and the thinking is my midsize will tow the Rpod. From this discussion, that is true, the V6 midsize will tow it. The other theme i see in this discussion is the need to modify these midsize TVs with transmission coolers, modification of driving by downshifting, getting comfortable with higher RPMs while towing, anti-sway bars, etc. etc. I have owned V6 midsize vehicles: Ford Ranger 4.0 ltr, Toyota FJ, Ford Explorer. Yes, they will tow. Yes they get marginally better mpg than a full-size. Not enough mpg gain IMO. They are lighter, smaller and less power and will do the job but require a bit of finesse to keep temps in check and require screaming rpms on climbs and more braking or downshifting on declines and have less room for stuff. If you are the pod owner that only takes short trips and does not encounter challenging travel conditions (grades, wind, off-road, etc) then these mid-sizes will serve you well, as long as you are patient and understand the what they have to offer.
What puzzles me about this, is why the full size V8s vehicles are less considered? I have a Tundra 5.7l 4x4 and have owned many 1/2 ton vehicles. F150, chevy, sequoia, expedition, and this is my 3rd Tundra. I have towed small trailers and the pod with only the 1/2 ton class. The price difference IMO is negligible when looking at total cost of ownership including residual values. (just my judgement from 20yrs as a CPA)
There are many situations where even these full sized TVs are tested a bit. Headwinds, climbs, declines, rough pavement and off road. The two main conditions are Headwinds and climbs. And, honestly, the headwind is the most challenging. You cant overcome it comfortably and the gusts causes swerves and turns the minutes to days. Rough pavement can cause any trailer to literally bounce and depend on the TV to realign its path. Heavier TV better here or lower speeds or both. Off Road to that favorite spot is usually not paved, rough, narrow, and subject to rain and snow making it worse. Nothing worse than being stuck boon docking and trying to find help.
Another problem is the sidewind. Especially side-wind on Rvs in general. You see them turned over all the time in my part of the world. Sidewind also causes fishtailing and accidents. The heavier full-size TV has a definite advantage here. The engineers here could tell you what the force of a 50+mph gust to the broad side of an Rpod is. It is enough to make the butt eat the seat, i know that.
My Tundra, even with a 10k tow rating, works hard in the headwind and climb situations. I remember a strong headwind of 25+mph that i could only maintain 60 mph comfortably without running at 4k+ rpms for hours. I don't think 4k rpm is acceptable for hours. Climbs challenge every TV, just normal, but more horsepower and more torque win here as well.
Declines and braking capacity is important as well. The mid-sized are lighter and require more attention here resulting in shorter brake life and more transmission stress.
To wrap up, Both Full and Mid vehicles will get you there. I think the folks that are new to towing, need to consider more that just towing capacity when looking for a TV. Consider you plans for the POD and are you a weekend 100 mile warrior or heading from California to Texas to Florida to Alaska, boondocking, mountain passes, sloppy muddy roads, sand, etc. Tho more miles that you travel, the more situations that you will encounter that challenge your choice of equipment and your resulting pleasure or displeasure. The Rpod is definitely a light weight RV. But, it still weighs aprox. 3k #s. And it has a taller profile than your TV and a broad side profile as well. Smaller TVs are better when not towing. But when Towing, the Full size is much more comfortable. By comfortable i mean the following: driver comfort for surprise road conditions, for braking, climbing, interior room, and more space for stuff. I prefer them as a day to day driving vehicle as well. So the decision is easy for me.
Texman