Towing Rpod 179 trailer?

Has anyone tried towing an Rpod 179 trailer with the 2016 Tacoma? My hubby and I like the florplan of the rpod 179, but are concerned with wieght and the lack of power in the 2016 engine changes in the Taco. Technically the Tacoma should pull the trailer just fine, but wanted to know if anyone out there are tried this specific combo.

 

Hi Tina. New member here, been lurking for awhile and just registered so I can answer your question since I have the exact same setup. If you have the 3.5 the answer is yes without a doubt. We just recently purchased an Rpod 179 w/ ac and microwave (they are options and add slightly to the weight) several months ago. I have towed it a total of 3 times with no issues. I do have a weight distributing hitch and a brake controller and would highly recommend both to you. Longest trip was to the mountains of NC and had the experience of going up and down several 8% grades with the Rpod in tow, 3 adults in the cab, and the bed of the truck full of gear. Tow with it in S4 if you have an automatic with ECT engaged and it will get the job done fine. On grades it will downshift and the engine will rev, but you will be fine. All vehicles I have ever had, have done this to some degree in the same situation. FYI, on one of the 7% grades on I-40 when going up I was passing several loaded tractor trailers that could not maintain the posted speed limit. My wife and I love the 179.

 

Sweet! We have the 3.5, brake control and are going to get the weight dist. hitch after we get the trailer tomorrow. I'm so glad to hear you don't have any issues. Thanks for the tow tips! I'm super excited to pick up our 179 and start traveling. I'm a new member too and joined hoping someone out ther had the same set up. So glad you registered and had an answer for me!! Happy Camping!!

 

I've been towing our 182G all summer and haven't had any issues. I typically shift between 4th and 5th. I haven't felt the need for any sway control yet.. keep it under 70 and all is good!

One thing I did do is add a set of Sumo Springs in the rear because there was a decent amount of sag, despite the pretty low tongue weight on the trailer.

 

Great to hear another successful tow story! My husband put the springs in preparation of the trailer purchase because he worried about the sag. So I guess we're set! Thanks for the info!!

 

I was thinking about an Rpod myself. Anyone with one wish they bought bigger?

 

How does the Truck ride without the trailer and the Sumo springs on it?

 

Yes and no. Our previous camper was bigger and we actually wanted smaller. Bigger would be nice if you set it up in a park and left it there for extended intervals, but smaller sure is nice if you travel with it. Also the Rpods are extremely efficient with their layout. We also have the Rdome (basically a tent wo floor) that we can attach to the side for extra sheltered space.

 

It rides a little stiffer but still a good ride. My husband had an FJ prior and nothing rides as rough as that!

 

I had a 2013 FJ but didn't feel the ride was bad at all, but it was the Trail Teams edition so maybe different setup. Pulled my 4500lb Boat with it easy peasy.

Marked001, do you have a weight distribution system installed? I see no sway control, but you can have one without the other.

 

I've got a sport like you which naturally has stiffer springs than the OR. I put sumosprings on mine to help with sag on our Rockwood A122S. It have a fairly heavy tongue weight and even worse when you put stuff in the front storage. Without the trailer, it is stiffer. Is it unbearable? I wouldn't say so, but I can definitely tell a difference.

 

Even with the 2.7 in the new truck you won't have an issue. I have the 2.7l in the gen 2 and pull a 3500lbs trailer without issue so it should be a breeze with the 3.5. The 2.7 in the gen 3 gets a 6 speed auto which would help.

 

Winnebago makes a similar unit

 

We looked at the rpod 179 as well and really liked the layout. Jayco makes the Hummingbird which is a copy of the 179 but has the advantage of a upright storage area for the table. I also liked the outside colours of the Hummingbird better. The one thing I hated about both of these trailers is the very small washrooms. I decided to buy a Jayco Skylark. The Skylark has more room inside being 21' long and is also wider. Also has a full bathroom with a separate shower stall. The trailer is aluminum framed. The dry weight was within 200 lbs of the Rpod. The Skylark also has a torsion axle like the Rpod. Unfortunately the Skylark was only made for two years (2011, 2012). It was believed the trailer was dropped by Jaco because if was quite expensive to produce which resulted in a high sale price.

 

We have towed our 178 many miles without any issues! We also love the trailer...

 

Have you looked at the StarCraft satellite 18ds? If you laid both floor plans next to each other you would not a able to tell which is the 179. If you get a chance you should read the TW thread "the towing bible". It gives great info on properly setting up your truck before towing. Prior to reading it I would have never thought about transmission temps and larger tranny coolers, brake controllers, types of leveling devices, etc. I think it is a must read if for nothing else but to keep you and the family safe and the truck working in top condition. Buy a scanguage II to monitor your trucks vitals.

 

Rpod might be in my future

 

My other camper

 

I know
Two campers !!
Truck camper great for road trips
Tent trailer great for summer and spreading out to staying a while

 

I have this exact trailer I tow with my 4runner. I'm trying to decide between a Long bed and Short bed Tacoma and was curious about your setup. what length and drop tow ball mount are you running and is your vehicle stock height stock tires? are you able to lower the tailgate with it hooked up or will it hit the trailer tongue jack/crank. I've found some 16" length ball mounts and curious if those would allow the tailgate to drop and possibly tow that way. I know its not the best idea but really looking for options to make the short bed work for my situation.