2011 Tacoma pulling a R-Pod 171 bottom line

X2 to this. Example. In 2009, my wife and I bought a leftover 2008 18' Grey Wolf TT by Forest River from a local dealer. Same people as your Rpod. This was brand new. Never slept in. It listed for $18500 and we negotiated to $12500 including all taxes and fees. One year later we found the summer property we wanted to buy. $9000 was the best we could sell it for. I had it listed all over and took tons of calls. So, a 2008 bought in 09, used 3 timed, sold for HALF of sticker in spring 2010.
Buy used, don't be in a hurry, offer "cash today" and don't be afraid to offer a LOT less

 

...for three reasons:
1. I loved my old Taco pulling our Rpod.
2. I love our Rpod.
3. I can't wait to pull the Rpod with the new Taco!

To the OP: If my old '99 4-banger can pull our 182G (heaviest tongue-weight of all the pods), then the 2nd gen's should be just fine (with only a little moddin')

 

I just towed the Rpod 177 to the north rim of the Grand Canyon for a 5 day trip. There are some serious grades to tow and although the Tacoma did okay it did not like it. Down to 3rd in some spots. I wouldn't want to tow it cross country but for occasional trips it worked. I got around 11.5 mpg. Luckily we store our trailer up in the mountains near where we camp so it's only a 30 minute pull to a camp.
On another note, the Rpod did really well off road. We had to go 22 miles of gravel road to get to the rim. No issues.

 

Does your Rpod have the Hood River Edition Package? With the risers for ground clearance, diamond plating in spots, and the mean-lookin' M/T tires (a little bit of overkill, but I love the way they look )? Just wondered if those upgrades were what helped it handle the rough stuff. We bought our 182G with that package.

 

Yes, I have the Hood River package. It definitely helped me. Especially the diamond plate, with the rocks kicked up by the truck. And the axle risers helped me get into a camp site. The tires may be a little overkill but worked great.

 

You will have absolutely no problem. This camper weighs about 4700 lbs loaded, and I have no problems. I have weight distribution bars and an anti-sway bar. I really think it pulls just as well as my '05 F-150 did, and honestly the F-150 drank just as much gas pulling the camper, and about twice as much around town.

 

You'll just wish you had a 5.7 Tundra when you're in the Rockies.

 

Gonna be driving to Aspen with the Pod on Labor Day, probably with just a brake controller and airbags on the rear. Either Wolf Creek/Poncha/Independence Passes, or Molas/Red Mt/McClure Passes. Pretty good acid test for the towing capability of the new rig, IMO.

 

Keep us posted.

 

Thread Resurrection Time:

So I am looking at the same set up. Wondering if there has been any updated info from current owners of this combo. I have a 2013 TRD with a TRD exhaust and a Volant CAI. Looking at a Rpod 171. Found this article (http://www.trailerlife.com/reviews/...t-river-r•pod-downsizing-without-downgrading/) and this thread, which is leading me to believe I should be golden with my Taco & Rpod. I have looked at Rpod's for a year and their value stays pretty steady as demand seems to be well established for them...Thoughts?

 

Zombie- I had nearly forgotten about this thread! My DCLB towing the pod is phenomenal. I did end up installing the RideRites, I've got a brake controller, and I've never had a major issue with it. Short list of places I've taken the 'pod:

-Over multiple 10k+ ft mountain passes in Colorado (Wolf Creek, Laveta, Lizard Head, more), not fast but never having to slow down due to engine lugging.
-New Mexico to NYC. Two week road trip, only sketchy freeway surface in Kansas that made us vibrate.
-Moved to Oregon. Wife drive it via California in a blizzard. Never once was nervous (so she says)

Gas mileage: only complaint. In all, I honesty think it's just about the perfect combo. Not to say a bigger truck wouldn't be fine, but I don't need a bigger truck.
-Tyaker

 

Thank you for the quick reply tyaker.

Best- Zombie

 

I just towed my RP171, 2500 miles, 3000lbs loaded with my 2011 4.0 liter v6 Taco and got 9-10 mpg going 60 to 65 mph.

 

Yikes! I will do the same distance, same weight in my 2012 4.0 next week