Thanks again Matt! I was getting so many requests for this type of information that I felt I owed it to the viewers to give them the straight-up facts. Happy camping!
DV-8 Off-road has some great rear bumpers with built in Class 3 hitches( unto 1,000 Lbs.) that gets you over the 350 Lb. tongue weight issues. I bought the RS-10 with included back up lights and shackle mounts and love it.
We just got a 2022 R-Pod 190 weighing in dry at around 2900 lbs. We also bought the Anderson anti-sway weight distribution hitch which we love. Our Jeep Rubicon JLU has the turbo 4-cylinder motor and it pulls and drives great with this setup. The weight distribution hitch is a must as, without it, the front end comes up too high.
Thanks Steve! We have a 2018 JL Rubicon with the 4 cylinder turbo and have been looking at trailers and really wondered how our 4cylinder would do. It looks promising!
We have a 2019 4-cylinder turbo unlimited and just bought a R-pod 180c. I'm curious as to how it's been towing your trailer and if you still feel the same after you've put on more miles.
Very helpful. Just bought a Jeep and want to also buy a couple dirt bikes for my son and I, but wasn't sure how well the Jeep would pull a trailer. My Jeep is a manual, and I added some bigger tires and a lift kit. Sounds like the weight shouldn't be a problem, as the trailer and bikes are probably only just over 1000 pounds. Thank you! Oh, that Rpod is beautiful! I have got to look in to those! WOW!
Thanks! Yeah, pulling a small trailer with a couple of dirt bikes shouldn't be much of an issue as long as you are mindful of your Jeep's maximum hitch weight (mine was a paltry 350lbs). The Rpod is a very niche trailer and has something of a cult following! Enjoy and Happy Wheeling.
I also tow a R Pod with a Wrangler (2013 Rubicon 2 door) with no issues. I have seen folks trying to tow camp trailers with out a load leveling hitch and sway control, they are accidents waiting to happen.
I would agree with you; I think any bumper pull RV trailer needs sway control at the very least (depending on the size/capability of the tow vehicle), and most also need weight distribution help.
We are towing 3200 lbs dry wight rv trailer with our 4 doors jl. We are using brack controler and wight distribution hitch. I can tell you that the jl towing this with easy, no risk whats so ever.
Oh I have no doubt that the JL does a find job towing much more than the official rating. That said, I have discovered that lightly loaded for camping in the trailer, and two batteries and full propane in my trailer, the hitch was near 400lbs - way above the max rating. I think that'll likely be the biggest issue with the JL.
Great video. Very detailed & informative. I’m in the market for just such a trailer for the same applications. I’m getting my new Ford Bronco in August and am anxious to get out. Keep the great videos coming, and I really like your Jeep & trailer.
Thanks for doing this video. I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that's has a 3.5" lift on 37's. We are looking to get an Australian off road Travel Trailer called the AOR Odyssey which comes in at 3100LBS. I know the Jeep can pull the trailer on flat land but the thing that worries me is going up the mountain from here in Las Vegas to California and back. My plan is to just pull it dry and fill it with water once we get close to where we are going and then empty it for the drive back home.
The JLUR had no issues with traveling to/from SoCal and Vegas, over the hills. We always tried to not travel with full water/waste to save weight, and preferred to stay at RV parks, or fill water close to our campsite (and dump on departure). We found the true weakness with the Jeep to be the very light rating on the hitch - that's why we moved on from this setup.
Pulling a Wildwood FSX 167RB in my 2019 Jeep JLU. Around 3k lbs. It pulls really well. Probably will add some beefy bumpstops or the airbag upgrade. It does sag down a bit.
Same, as you can see in the video, it does sag somewhat. That said, I opted for the heavy duty springs in my lift kit and that along with the weight distributing hitch, I'm comfortable with the ride and probably won't go with airbags. Thanks for watching!
@@4LowRocks We tow a 2900 lb trailer with our Cherokee Trailhawk V6. The way the dealer set up our WD hitch, the trailer is pitched up in the front, so our Jeep sits pretty level. I thought it looked weird, so I dropped the hitch head down one notch. It caused the Jeep's steering to wobble whenever we hit bumps with the trailer. So I put it back up a notch and it tows much better. Our Jeep is rated for 4500. You gotta keep in mind all the stuff you add inside your trailer and if you fill any tanks, that adds a bunch of weight. At least the Wrangler has a frame and is RWD. Former IC2/E5 1989-1995
Great review. We have a 2017 JKU and are looking at campers for our retirement (2-4 years down the road). The R-Pod is on our watch list as we've seen a number of them during our trip to Moab for the Easter jeep Safari last year. Your review is spot on and will help us as we close in on the right camper for our needs. Safe Travels and God Bless!
@@crv20051 Thanks for watching! The Jeep site for the UK shows the 4-door version (regardless of engine) rated for 2,495Kg towing which calculates out to 5,500lbs! Engines usually don't have much impact on towing capacity for fully-framed vehicles - it is more related the frame strength and braking capabilities. In this case, from everything I've been able to find, it boils down to different certification authorities and liability concerns. That said, after towing my Rpod on the open road many times, I'd seriously hesitate to tow 5,000+lbs with the JLUR for any distance other than across a parking lot!
Hi and thanks for watching. I have another video on the installation of the CB and antenna tuning. I used a Midland all-in-one model so I didn't have a large unit to mount inside the Jeep.
Awesome and thanks for the info. We have a JLUR 2021 and are now looking at the R-Pod 171. Your info helps answer some questions. See ya in Moab sometime.
Good review on the r pod an on your Jeep awesome setup you no I said it before I absolutely love your r pod good seeing ya again great informative video as always be safe 👍
Great Video, I own a Tesla Model Y with the tow hitch package and the Tow capacity is also 3500Lbs, with a tongue weight around 285. The RPod-171 seems to be the right fit and it has everything we like in it. We live in Imperial Beach, not far from Silver Stand state beach. Would like to meet one day so you can see if the Model Y has any limitations if any. Thanks, Fred San Diego Ca
Hi Fred, I've seen a few channels and blogs about people pulling Rpods with Teslas. One of the most interesting is on TFL Truck or Offroad (not sure which), where they tow an off-road camping trailer from Denver to Seattle - or attempt to anyway. They experienced unmanageable power drain and had to recharge often. Good luck with your experience!
I have a 2018 Cherokee KL with the Tow Pkg and 3.2L V6. Hitch wght is 450 lbs and GVR 4500 lbs. This should be an ez trailer to tow. I am looking at the RP171.
Great video. Very helpful and very informative. We're looking at options for our JLU and JT to tow and this type of trailer is exactly the type we're considering.
Thanks Jeff. Of course, the JT is much more capable on paper than the JLU and you might even have many more options with the towing capacity of the JT. That said, I have no experience with the payload capability range on the JT, but I do know the JLU is limited in payload capacity (my JLUR off the assembly line was a paltry 840lbs). I'm also not familiar with a hitch weight maximum for the JT (I saw in a forum a claim of either 400lbs or 765lbs depending on engine and tow package). I understand the JR Rubicon has the least towing capacities. Remember that mods to your Jeeps like winches, bigger wheels/tires, lift kits, bumpers, roof racks, etc., and packing gear and tools take away from that payload, and packing gear and mods into your trailer increase both its on-the-road weight and can impact tongue weight (increasing or decreasing depending on location). In my specific case, as you'll see in the videos, adding mods to the Jeep was making it quite heavy and the more I used the trailer, the more I was becoming concerned about payload limits when connecting that trailer.
@@4LowRocks You're correct in that the JT is better on paper than the JLU (mine's a Willys edition). The JT's rated towing capacity is 6000 lbs. Also, our JT has a towing package on it and our JLU doesn't. Plans are to get a towing system installed, but in the meantime we'd be towing it with the JT. We're also considering a little smaller 15' trailer that's a slight bit lighter, so that will be in our favor as well. I'm definitley not looking forward to the hit on the gas mileage though. :)
@Jeff Kodysz Ah yes, gas mileage! My JLUR, though, with all the mods and the trailer behind it was getting a consistent 12.5MPG, as compared to about 18MPG around town. I'm now towing the trailer with a half-ton truck for comparison, and it's getting around 16Mpg with the trailer, but that's only been on a few short pulls.
We have, thanks! Funny story - at Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton, we were sandwiched between a 40-ft diesel pusher on one side, and a 45-ft fiver toy hauler on the other. The RPod looked tiny indeed!
@@4LowRocks My wife and I got to Camp Pendleton in 1988 as her first duty station and loved Del Mar, but San Onofre was at that time only 200 yards from the base trailer park. Many fun times with many enlisted folks. We did our renewal if vows there a few years back. Back then the dance hall was still open. Love the tiny Commissary there and the exchange has lots of sporting goods... And the SONIC!
We're looking at a sonic lite that's dry weight is 3540. It's just the 2 of us & we have very little in the weigh of gear. Like you said, you're often "pushing weight" -- we're trying to figure out how we could knock 40 lbs off & travel with our gear in the Jeep... Wanted your thoughts? Seems everything on the market is just a little too heavy... Well, unless you get into some of the crazy expensive units...
I'm assuming, Stacy, you're talking about pulling with a Wrangler Unlimited (4-door) - correct? If I'm not mistaken, they are all rated at 3,500lbs max towing capacity (unless you're in Europe!). I would recommend checking out some RV towing information on the various weights you need to understand when towing a trailer (I've not done that video yet). Most will recommend a dry weight no greater than 80% of your max rated weight on the tow vehicle. Then there's the total payload of the towing vehicle to be concerned with. Starting off 40lbs overweight, then adding the battery (65-80lbs), a full tank of propane (~40lbs), water (300+ lbs depending on tank size), food and drinking water, kitchen equipment, linens, pillows, bathroom stuff, hoses, sewer hose, electric cable and surge suppressor, leveling blocks, tire chocks, tools, etc., and you're going to be seriously overweight. The Jeep can certainly handle it, but you'll be on the wrong side of the law if something does happen - I'm sorry to say. Good luck to you!
Great video I have a cherroke trail hawk which has 4500 towing capacity and this is one of the closest i have seen ...one question were did you get that little trailer behind you
Hi Paulo, 4500lbs is better than the Wrangler! I got the trailer from a RV dealer in Lake Elsinore, CA. It's a really common trailer made by Forest River, Inc.
Great learning video about towing for the newbie. I have recently bought 2 door willy JL 2020 wrangler with the factory tow trailer package and wonder if i can tow Rpod. Its confusing on the towing capacity as some dealer says 2000 lbs while others says 3500 lbs with the trailer two package. Somebody can throw light on it.
Everything I've found shows the 2-door, no matter what package it has, is limited to 2,000lbs towing. Unfortunately, that's not going to help with even the lightest Rpod, sorry. It is more a matter of wheelbase than it is the strength of the frame or the engine as the long trailer, under some situations, will want to trade places with the much shorter Jeep. Thanks for watching!
It’s mostly because the 90s and early 2000s jeeps head higher tow ratings of 5,000 pounds with just a 4 speed transmission! People used to just Pull five or 6000 pounds with them!! The US has become Sue happy!!
Great insight, thank you...are you towing the trailer on 37” with a 2.5” lift? I’m asking, since I’m considering towing the RPOD with my Eco diesel using the combination mentioned above...and so, if it dies it for you, it will probably do it for me..thanks again and all the best!!
Hi Bernd, thanks for watching and for the good question. I'm actually running 35's on the Rubicon, not 37's, and am still using the stock 4.10 gears. My 2.5" lift actually nets about 3.25 of real lift, but I'm not having any issues with the U-joints and drive shafts (at least not yet). The system works well with that arrangement and I have no issues towing the Rpod at all, but if I go to 37's on the wheels, I will certainly re-gear the axles. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your quick feedback, the Diesel comes with a stock 3.73 gear ratio and I’m willing to learn how that goes. I will definitely take your experience as great advice going with 35”. Again, thank you for your very helpful insights and all the best!!
@@berndweber7959 I have that same diesel in my Ram 1500 and it is a torque monster for it's size. If I had your situation, I too would want to see how it handles the Rpod even with 37's before considering re-gearing. I would think it would do a fine job, but watch the trans temp. Rpod on!
I never did. Heard horror stories about leaks after doing that. Plus I didn’t have the storage space for the. That said, so many people do remove the top and doors that it is probably not an issue. There are good videos on how to perform the process.
@@4LowRocks I was just wondering what towing would be like. I remove them in the summer. Probably leave the doors on when towing to a campground. I wouldn't want to interrupt some wildlife that may set up residence in the Jeep with the doors off.
@@chodson65 No I never tried that. I would think, logically, removing those items would make the Jeep lighter and give you more payload. But I don't think the Jeep's certification allows for that variation in max payload, so legally I don't know if it makes any difference or not. You have a point on wildlife deciding to use your open Jeep has a place to bed down! I know of a person who had their Cherokee molested by a bear in the middle of the night as they slept in their RV!
@@4LowRocks Oh boy a bear. I was thinking Racoons, but a bear would definitely make the trip back hard. Too funny...I will be hitting the limits, but traveling empty 1.5 hours away from home. Close to hospitals for my 82 year old Covid live in mother in law. Retirement for my wife and I turned into Happy Trails Nursing home for way ward Nans.
I did not regear the Jeep as I went with 35's for that very reason. Having had actual experience, the set up works well with the 35's, but if I step up to 37's I'd definitely regear the Jeep as I really only see 8th gear on long flat stretches. Good luck!
@@zachsheffee8458 Mathematically, I wouldn't think so. The closer the gear ratios are to each other going up and down the range, the better the ability to keep the engine within a smaller RPM band that supplies the right amount of power for the conditions. Pulling up some pretty good grades, I was very happy to have that 8-speed drop down as low as 4th to keep it at 50-55Mph.
How do you account for cargo? There is no mention of how much weight the cargo you add to the trailer impacts the Jeep while towing, including the weight of you and your passengers. I’ve been told all that counts towards towing weight.
You are correct, everything put in and on the Jeep takes away from payload. The only way to determine the impact, is to put the setup on a CAT scale - which I never did. We packed lightly, preferring to pick up supplies at or near our destination and not carrying tanks of water nor waste. But, the real weak point with the Jeep is its paltry hitch rating - that's why we changed.
Great video. I pick up our RPod 189 next week. Any change you could post the height of your trailer coupler for the WDH ball so that I can set mine up prior?
Congratulations and thanks for watching David! Every hitch set up is going to be different and can only be set up with your trailer and tow vehicle at hand. You can find many videos showing you how to measure and set up specific tow hitches and I'd advise checking some of those out. I had mine set up by my dealer at time of delivery and that is probably the best route to take as they do a lot of set-ups for customers. Good luck!
I’ve set them up before, I was just wanting the height of the coupler when the trailer was level. This gives me a good starting point for how high to set the ball in the receiver. No need to pay someone to do it.
I have a 2020 Jeep Wrangler JLU Sahara with factory installed Mopar tow package. I also have the Mopar brake controller. My WDH is a Hensley Cub. No trailer yet lol. So for further upgrades I am thinking Bilstein 5100 rear shocks. Debating Timberens or air bags which I am reluctant on doing because of severe cold weather her. Your thoughts?
Any suspension upgrade is good in my opinion, but it doesn’t change the tow rating. I had heavy duty springs and shocks for towing purposes to help level the Jeep. I am running Timbrens on my Ram truck for the same purpose but may go with airbags. Recommend checking with the manufacturers for use in extreme cold - I don’t have that issue in Southern California! ;-)
@@4LowRocks Great video, I must have watched it several times for reference. I'm retired and I guess research and being prepared is an occasional hazard. It's tricky finding a trailer to meet specs and needs. Thank you for the quick response.
Given your experience, do you think a 2019 Jeep JLU Wrangler MOAB would also be able to safely pull a NuCamp TAB 400? It has similar specs to your RPod but people seem to think I'm crazy wanting to do this. Thanks! I've watched all your videos and enjoy them.
Ask the internet a question about towing, and you'll likely wind up with a million different opinions! In this case, while I"m not super familiar with the TAB 400, I did look up its specs and it's not light. Fill the tanks, add some propane, and you'll be over max towing weight, and likely right up against max payload and GCWR for your Jeep. I don't know what engine/trans combo you have, but the 3.6 Pentastar with the 8-speed trans in my Jeep pulled our trailer w/o any issues, but the braking action was sketchy. Note that we no longer have this towing set up and have moved to a new setup primarily due to the scary stopping ability and our desire for a larger travel trailer. Good luck!
@@lindaamundsen6708 you are correct - we not longer have the RPod. The more we used it, the more we started wanting a bigger trailer to do more and more traveling. So we also sold the Jeep and purchased a truck and a 28-ft Lance travel trailer (much to large/heavy to tow with the Jeep) in the middle of the pandemic. We both agreed that we really enjoyed the RV lifestyle and that's what drove our decision.
Why is a diesel JL towing capacity the same as a gas? I think with a diesel you’d have a higher towing capacity like you do in the 3/4 ton trucks. I’ve been looking at the JL diesel and wonder if it’s worth the added cost.
Hi Blake, thanks for watching. Towing capacity isn't always a simple matter of engine power, it is more often a function of the chassis design and strength, axle capacities, and wheelbase. Comparing a 1/2-ton to 3/4-ton truck and you'll often find a longer wheelbase, much beefier chassis, stronger axles (most often solid front axle), and heavier duty suspension. And in 3/4-ton trucks, the weight of the big diesel engines often means less payload is available when compared to the big gas V-8s. The JL is the same platform regardless of the engine stuffed under the hood.
How much does the back of the Jeep drop when towing? My trailer drops my JLUS about 1.5" in the back. I'm debating on adding an air bag to level it back when towing.
Scott, thanks for watching. I get a little drop, about an inch, but I think my Fastway E2 hitch helps to keep it as level as it can be - my dealer set it up well. And, I have the heavy duty springs on my lift kit and those help to reduce sag.
Thanks for watching. Mileage all depends on conditions. I got 13Mpg on a round trip San Diego to Las Vegas towing it; conditions were good. On another trip to Ballarat Ghost Town in CA., the return trip dropped to 7-8Mpg due to very high winds over about half of the trip. But yeah 12-13 is probably a good number to estimate with.
Thanks for watching! Jeep's 4WD system does not allow use of 4H (or 4L) on paved nor concrete surfaces. The only time I've used 4H to tow the trailer was one time I took it a few miles off road to reach a campsite and felt 4H was appropriate for the soft road surfaces.
Unless your JLU has SelecTrac, you should always use 2WD on dry pavement, whether towing or not. With a SelecTrac JLU, consult your Owner Manual. On wet pavement, you may prefer the stability of AWD (4H Full-Time) if the Owner Manual doesn't warn against it. Be mindful that braking/steering capability, not accelerating capability, is of utmost concern when towing. I've used 4WD Low for towing up slick boat ramps and muddy trails though, when maximum torque and traction were needed.
I’m about to embark on a new journey. I have a 2020 Jeep Wrangler eco diesel and I’m about to purchase a RV trailer to actually live in for at least a year maybe more. Going through a divorce and a complete life change. Would the weight of the rpod be something you would recommend for a full timer? I’m about to pull the trigger on buying a trailer about this size. I’d really like to get more information. Thanks for making these videos.
Robert, so many answers to your questions. First, Forest River does not recommend full timing in their products (many/most manufacturers do the same) for many reasons. Insurance is also an issue for full timers (from what I hear). The Wranger, regardless of engine, is limited in tongue and max towing weights - these are going to impact your decision and ability to pack for full timing. I wish I had better news, but it'll be challenging no matter how you look at it. Best of luck with your life's situation.
Average speed is difficult as I've not kept track of the highs and lows. But in California, and many states, towing is limited to 55Mph, so we keep it there and try to never exceed 62Mph.
@@4LowRocks Thanks! Good to know! I just finished a 1000 mile trip, towing a rented 2021 Braxton Creek FreeSolo FAM , with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xE. On the way out I ran into an error with my rear locker which was probably caused by the rear diff overheating. Until then I was averaging 65-70mph (speed limit on Texas rural interstates is 80mph and some cases, 85). The 4xE has 375 hp and 470 lb ft of torque, so reaching those speeds pulling a 2500lb travel trailer, loaded with gear, and the Jeep loaded as well with both gear and passengers, was relatively easy but I think this still put a lot of strain on the rear differential. After pulling over to the side of the road to let everything rest, I fired it back up and the error code was gone. I reduced my travel speeds to between 60 and 65mph and never saw the error code or had any issues the remainder of the trip. The R-Pod looks great and one that I'd consider getting against the FreeSolo as it appears to be slightly roomier, albeit a bit heavier. I'm surprised you say the Pentastar V6 pulls it so well! Thanks!
We have a JGC and are planning to plug an 17ft Rpod around the PNW in a few weeks. Do you think we would need to get the extra trailer brake control in the jeep to better control the Rpod brakes going down hill?
Congratulations! Yes, you will need a brake controller not only for downhill needs and just regular stopping, but also to control sway should you get into that situation. Recommend checking laws in your area - it is probably legally mandatory that you use the trailer brakes for towing.
We have the Rpod 180 model; full bath and dining booth on the camp-side of the trailer. The hitch is the Fastway E2 Weight distribution unit: amzn.to/3pck8PH Thanks for watching!
Scott, thanks for watching. The hitch receiver is a standard part made for the JLUR - MOPAR makes one as do other companies. It simply bolts on to the frame as the frame is designed for it. Etrailer.com is a good source . I have the Fastway E2 6,000lbs rated weight distribution hitch with sway control - and you can find that also on ETrailer and Amazon, or at nearly any RV supply store. It is a very popular set up because you don't have to disconnect the sway control to back-up. Lastly, the drop hitch and ball are common parts - you may or may not need the drop hitch depending on your bumper height.
No talk of max payload, I imagine it is well over max payload. Not to mention the fact you are so close to max trailer, the wear and tear has got to be incredible. Towing using cruise control... Bad idea
I don't understand why only in the RV world do we worry about hitting max capacities of our tow vehicles. Trucks don't do that, motorhome drivers don't do that, we load airplanes, boats, ships, etc., right up to max limits, etc., but for some reason there is a self-imposed limitation on tow vehicles at some 60-80% "rule of thumb." Seems like one needs a F450 to haul anything these days. You'll note that I did not recommend the combo in the video! That said, I'm not disagreeing with you - I found out I was over on tongue weight (when carrying water), but still within payload limits depending on loading and that's why we've departed company with the set up. There are many other Jeepers out there successfully using this combo and not having issues.
Thanks! The wheels are 17x9" Mambas running 35" BFG KO2s running on a JKS 2.5" lift (see the installation video on the lift). The set up works nicely for rock crawling as well as towing the RPod.
@@MikeJordanUnCamplicated Hi Mike - great question. No, I stayed with the stock 4.10's on the JLUR running the 35's (which on the BFG KO2's is really more like 34" - actually measured). Pulling the the RPOD is had done fine even in mountainous areas due to the 8-speed transmission. That said, if I stepped up to 37's, I would definitely regear.
@@4LowRocks nice video. Quick question, i have a jlur 2020 4 cylinder 2.0l turbo. Do you think there will be any difference in towing an rpod like yours being that my jlur is only 4 cylinders? Thanks in advance.
@@rmbproductions1243 Hi, you have a very valid question there. I don't have any experience with the new 4-pot turbo engine, but it is smaller displacement with similar power numbers which by definition must work harder to produce the power it is putting out. I would expect it to run higher RPMs under a load such as with the RPod. You might check out the Jeep JK/JL RPOD group on Facebook and ask others the same question - its a great resource to lean on actual owner experience.
Good info on this. I’m considering downsizing from a class C to a similar setup as you have. Would you consider traveling cross country with the Jeep and rpod? Speed limits in other states are quite a bit higher than here in Ca. Would you feel safe driving at higher speeds, provided it’s normal dry and non windy conditions? Thanks!
Hi Mike, thanks for watching. We've taken it as far as San Diego to Las Vegas and back, and yeah I don't think I'd have much issue with longer cross-country trips in the set up. Regardless of the posted speed limits, trailer tires are not rated for those speeds. I keep it down to about 62Mph, with 65 at the max. My only real concern might be to encounter icy road conditions, and maybe in super high-wind conditions (and in both cases, I'd just stay in a campground until conditions improve. Good luck!
@@JeepinBailey Hi Mike, well we did have a few issues with it. A/C unit wasn't tightened down at the factory causing water leaks (killed a LED puck light), the electric side of the fridge stopped heating so it would only cool on propane, a trim piece came off, shower drain cracked (another water leak), but all were fixed under warranty. It probably has most/all the bugs worked out of it now. My opinion - it's Forest River and if you understand that, you know what your dollars are getting you. We sold the trailer this past August and have moved to a larger set up.
@@4LowRocks I’m curious, you sold the r-pod (your model is the same model I want to tow with my JLU eco diesel) and went with a bigger set up. What set up did you get? Are you still towing it with your JLU? Also, what wheels are you running? Love the bronze pattern
The wheels are Mamba M23’s - they’ve done pretty good at rock crawling but have endured some scars. We now have a larger Lance 2375 and use a pickup to tow it. While the Rpod worked well with the Jeep, there is no way the JL would handle the 7,000lb-class Lance (tongue weight is over 900lbs). Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video! I just purchased an Airstream Basecamp, so similar size and weight. It was good to get someone else opinion of the trailer and towing. One thing you have me thinking about is coming down grade. We go (or want to go) to colorado a lot. I've always worried about going up, but maybe should be more worried about coming down. One question for you... have you re-geared the jeep? If so, what gears are you running and any other upgrades like chromoly axles? If not, do you have any plan to re-gear? Thanks.
Hi Michael, thanks for the comment. I have not changed the Jeep's gear ratio - it is still running the stock 4.10s. Since I tow with it, I don't plan to go to larger tires and therefore with the 4.10s and the stock 8-speed transmission, I'm happy with the performance and don't plan to change the gears. Now, if I was towing the Jeep behind a motorhome, I'd probably change my plans.
Heavy actually cat scaled it with batteries propane water food weight distribution sway control and all gear 3100-3200 pounds I think you might be at max or over for Tongue weight rating Of your vehicle and forget about taking any water What about a generator any tools for Emergencies
I agree, it probably is over that 350lbs tongue weight limit and that's why I did not recommend the combination in the video. I never did take it to a CAT scale (nothing near me), and I was happy with the way the Jeep pulled it, but not so much with the stopping power. We didn't use a generator, but always had a tool kit in the Jeep. Thanks.
Thanks for the great question. No, no upgrades to the gears - they remain stock. When pulling the trailer, except on very flat roads, 7th gear is the highest it will shift, but it does see 8th from time to time. Regearing will help with that for sure.
@@4LowRocks we have a JL with 37” and planning to setup trailer for moving and later doing camping as well. Looking into regearing option for more power.
Thanks for watching, Stacy! Towing with a manual transmission is not unusual at all but it does take different skills. Some time ago, the only vehicles strong enough to do much towing at all were equipped with manual transmissions, and most of the 18-wheelers on the road today are manual also. As for your second question, I use a Fastway E2 hitch setup that includes sway control. I would not tow a single axle trailer without some form of sway control. I have another video that shows how to hook-up the Rpod and it shows that hitch set up.
I am very close to buying an RPOD inspired by your review. My JLUR is stock As far as suspension and on 33s. I put on a haul trailer hitch and plan to have them install the wiring harness. Also have the metal cloak skids on for added weight. As it stands looking at the 2019 RPOD 189 Dry weight at 2889. Do you feel we are good here if I get the same stabilizer as you and did you negotiate that with your dealer ur RPOD.
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, I did negotiate the weight distribution hitch setup, brake controller, and wiring harness into the purchase price of the Rpod. I did that as they offered a price for that package that was less than a Jeep dealer quoted for installing the MOPAR wiring harness. That said, I have become concerned with how "fat" my Jeep was becoming with all the added parts which subtract from the payload capability listed on the door sticker. My payload is a paltry 840lbs. Take a hitch weight of 350lbs (max rated), add a full tank of gas, some camping supplies in the Jeep, my wife and I and our two dogs, the tools and recovery gear I usually carry, the added weight of a lift kit, bigger wheels/tires, winch and base plate, rock sliders, skid plates, etc., and I'm sure that payload weight is totally used up. I'd recommend checking your sticker and doing the math to ensure you're within legal limits for liability purposes.
Safely? Well without evaluating safety against a standard (is there such a thing?), then any answer to that question is subjective at best. Legally is probably the better question - since the Wrangler max tow is 3,5000lbs, then legally one can't tow anything above that limit. Good luck.
@@craigschleppi2573 yes, in fact I have a video on the install of the JKS lift. It was advertised as a 2.5" lift, but it netted about 3 1/4" of total lift. But, heavier wheels, tires, lift kit, winch, etc., etc., all subtract from the payload capacity.
Thanks for the video. I am looking at getting a travel trailer and the R Pod's are high on my list of favorites. I have a 2012 Rubi JKU with 33" tires and have the tire size affects towing capacity. Not sure how true that is. Have you heard of anyone having issues with the 2012's towing these? I am also having a hard finding accurate dry weights and GVWR on the R Pod 180's, any suggestions?
Marty, thanks for watching. For the JK's, I'd recommend going to the JK/JL-RPOD group on Facebook and inquiring of other owners. I do know that taller tires tend to lower the gear ratio which impacts the engine/trans combo to deal with heavier pulling loads. My 180 weighs 2,839 dry, but when I shopped around, I saw a few that were over 3,000! That's some variation, but it probably all comes down to the materials available when they were built. GVWR is something I'll have to check next time I'm at the storage site.
@@4LowRocks thanks 4Low! That helps me a ton. I found an R Pod owner group somewhere. They all have big trucks and are not recommending I get one. Lots of Jeepers have them so I am encouraged. As long as I do it safely I feel good about it.
One other question I thought of while I was watching your hooking up video... have you gone through a scale yet and weighed your axles? I got an initial measurement but my trailer isn't long enough to get on all 3 scales at once. I weighed my front axle and the rear and trailer axle combined. I need to go back and get the trailer axle on its own scale. I'm just really curious your weight distribution if you end up doing it. It was very informative for me. After I re-weigh, I'll share my results with you if you want.
Hi Mike, I have not yet weighed it. There is only one CAT scale near my home, and it is in the opposite direction from my storage site to any of our favorite campsites. I know I should weigh it, and someday I will. Until then, as I explained in the video, we keep a very close eye on what we pack in it and work hard to keep the weight down. I would be interested your weight figures. Thanks!
so being a trucker i have a trick for you. When you pull onto the scale tell them you want to do a spread axle weigh. the scales have 3 pads. usally pad 1 is for steer weight, pad 2 is for drives and pad 3 is for trailer axle. So what you do is tell them you want a spread axle weight, and tell them you want pads 1 and 2. park the jeep so its sitting on 1 with the front tires and 2 for the back tires. The person will tell you that they have your weights and then tell them you will pull forward and want pad 1. pull forward and park with the trailer on pad 1. then go in and it will have the pads broken down showing the weight for the axles.
I consistently get about 12.5Mpg when towing long distance. That includes a trip where we pulled it all the way to Las Vegas and back to our home near San Diego. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching. Your opinion has some validity as any tow vehicle with nearly any travel trailer or 5th wheel has a wheelbase miss-match issue. Search around, you'll find all sizes of trucks being handled violently by their trailers in bad situations. I too have see a video of a small two-door blue Jeep pulling a sizable trailer get into sway and flip shortly after merging onto a highway - I do not endorse pulling anything with a two-door Jeep! Double or triple axle trailers are inherently more stable than single axle as in the Rpod series (even though the one in the video was a double axle, it was far too much for that two-door Jeep). That said, you'll note in my video that I did not recommend the Jeep/Rpod 180 combo and said that is a choice that one has to personally make - assessing the risk. Hundreds/thousands of Jeep owners tow this size travel trailer all the time w/o incident, as do other towed RV owners. But occasionally, things go bad and that's when we see videos like the one you referenced. Thanks for contributing to the conversation.
Another great video. Many of the answers I was wondering about from the R-Pod video.
Thanks again Matt! I was getting so many requests for this type of information that I felt I owed it to the viewers to give them the straight-up facts. Happy camping!
Thanks for this video. I am curious and have been considering options. This is very detailed but easy to understand.
Thanks for watching! I hope the video helps you with your considerations.
Excellent post 👍
DV-8 Off-road has some great rear bumpers with built in Class 3 hitches( unto 1,000 Lbs.) that gets you over the 350 Lb. tongue weight issues. I bought the RS-10 with included back up lights and shackle mounts and love it.
We just got a 2022 R-Pod 190 weighing in dry at around 2900 lbs. We also bought the Anderson anti-sway weight distribution hitch which we love. Our Jeep Rubicon JLU has the turbo 4-cylinder motor and it pulls and drives great with this setup. The weight distribution hitch is a must as, without it, the front end comes up too high.
Congratulations! Happy camping and safe travels.
Thanks Steve! We have a 2018 JL Rubicon with the 4 cylinder turbo and have been looking at trailers and really wondered how our 4cylinder would do. It looks promising!
We have a 2019 4-cylinder turbo unlimited and just bought a R-pod 180c. I'm curious as to how it's been towing your trailer and if you still feel the same after you've put on more miles.
Great video. We have the 2020 Jeep JLU Sahara Altitude 3.6. Picked up a Hensley Cub now looking for a Travel trailer.
Very helpful. Just bought a Jeep and want to also buy a couple dirt bikes for my son and I, but wasn't sure how well the Jeep would pull a trailer. My Jeep is a manual, and I added some bigger tires and a lift kit. Sounds like the weight shouldn't be a problem, as the trailer and bikes are probably only just over 1000 pounds. Thank you! Oh, that Rpod is beautiful! I have got to look in to those! WOW!
Thanks! Yeah, pulling a small trailer with a couple of dirt bikes shouldn't be much of an issue as long as you are mindful of your Jeep's maximum hitch weight (mine was a paltry 350lbs). The Rpod is a very niche trailer and has something of a cult following! Enjoy and Happy Wheeling.
I also tow a R Pod with a Wrangler (2013 Rubicon 2 door) with no issues. I have seen folks trying to tow camp trailers with out a load leveling hitch and sway control, they are accidents waiting to happen.
I would agree with you; I think any bumper pull RV trailer needs sway control at the very least (depending on the size/capability of the tow vehicle), and most also need weight distribution help.
Excellent analysis and review. Thx!
Thanks for watching and for the compliment!
We are towing 3200 lbs dry wight rv trailer with our 4 doors jl. We are using brack controler and wight distribution hitch. I can tell you that the jl towing this with easy, no risk whats so ever.
Oh I have no doubt that the JL does a find job towing much more than the official rating. That said, I have discovered that lightly loaded for camping in the trailer, and two batteries and full propane in my trailer, the hitch was near 400lbs - way above the max rating. I think that'll likely be the biggest issue with the JL.
Excellent review!
Great video. Very detailed & informative. I’m in the market for just such a trailer for the same applications. I’m getting my new Ford Bronco in August and am anxious to get out. Keep the great videos coming, and I really like your Jeep & trailer.
Thanks Joe! Good luck, happy wheeling and camping!
Nice video, I need to get a jeep into my life
Caution: highly addictive and not friendly on the wallet! Oh wait, you're also a Harley rider, so you know the addiction!
Thanks for the video.
Im looking at a JL towing a GeoPro15 and its similar to your set up.
Best luck and happy camping!
Solid video
Thanks for watching and for the compliment.
Glad your cranking more videos out I’ve been waiting 👍🏻
Thanks Chase! More coming. Apologies for my absence but had a few life issues that had to be taken care of.
Subscribed!
Thanks for doing this video. I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara that's has a 3.5" lift on 37's. We are looking to get an Australian off road Travel Trailer called the AOR Odyssey which comes in at 3100LBS. I know the Jeep can pull the trailer on flat land but the thing that worries me is going up the mountain from here in Las Vegas to California and back. My plan is to just pull it dry and fill it with water once we get close to where we are going and then empty it for the drive back home.
The JLUR had no issues with traveling to/from SoCal and Vegas, over the hills. We always tried to not travel with full water/waste to save weight, and preferred to stay at RV parks, or fill water close to our campsite (and dump on departure). We found the true weakness with the Jeep to be the very light rating on the hitch - that's why we moved on from this setup.
Pulling a Wildwood FSX 167RB in my 2019 Jeep JLU. Around 3k lbs. It pulls really well. Probably will add some beefy bumpstops or the airbag upgrade. It does sag down a bit.
Same, as you can see in the video, it does sag somewhat. That said, I opted for the heavy duty springs in my lift kit and that along with the weight distributing hitch, I'm comfortable with the ride and probably won't go with airbags. Thanks for watching!
@@4LowRocks We tow a 2900 lb trailer with our Cherokee Trailhawk V6. The way the dealer set up our WD hitch, the trailer is pitched up in the front, so our Jeep sits pretty level. I thought it looked weird, so I dropped the hitch head down one notch. It caused the Jeep's steering to wobble whenever we hit bumps with the trailer. So I put it back up a notch and it tows much better. Our Jeep is rated for 4500. You gotta keep in mind all the stuff you add inside your trailer and if you fill any tanks, that adds a bunch of weight. At least the Wrangler has a frame and is RWD. Former IC2/E5 1989-1995
Great Info Mike! Happy camping.
Great review. We have a 2017 JKU and are looking at campers for our retirement (2-4 years down the road). The R-Pod is on our watch list as we've seen a number of them during our trip to Moab for the Easter jeep Safari last year. Your review is spot on and will help us as we close in on the right camper for our needs. Safe Travels and God Bless!
Thanks and good luck with your search for the right trailer for you!
very informative Mike Thank you for making this video. Interesting that the European tow rating is 5000 pounds compared to our poultry 3500 pounds
Thanks for watching! It is a very limiting constraint but I’m not sure how I’d feel about putting 5,000lbs on the back of my JLUR!
@@4LowRocks I think the Euro jeep is using the diesel engine, yes? I think that is what accounts for the different pull capacity.
@@crv20051 Thanks for watching! The Jeep site for the UK shows the 4-door version (regardless of engine) rated for 2,495Kg towing which calculates out to 5,500lbs! Engines usually don't have much impact on towing capacity for fully-framed vehicles - it is more related the frame strength and braking capabilities. In this case, from everything I've been able to find, it boils down to different certification authorities and liability concerns. That said, after towing my Rpod on the open road many times, I'd seriously hesitate to tow 5,000+lbs with the JLUR for any distance other than across a parking lot!
@@4LowRocks Why?
Great info. I just purchased my first Jeep and has the V6 auto. As a retired Trucker were did you locate your CB.
Hi and thanks for watching. I have another video on the installation of the CB and antenna tuning. I used a Midland all-in-one model so I didn't have a large unit to mount inside the Jeep.
Awesome and thanks for the info. We have a JLUR 2021 and are now looking at the R-Pod 171. Your info helps answer some questions. See ya in Moab sometime.
Thanks for watching! Good luck in finding your Rpod!
Thanks for this video! I have a Jeep JK and I am looking at an Rpod 180.
Thanks for watching, and good hunting!
Good review on the r pod an on your Jeep awesome setup you no I said it before I absolutely love your r pod good seeing ya again great informative video as always be safe 👍
Thanks for the positive support Steve! Merry Christmas!
Great Video, I own a Tesla Model Y with the tow hitch package and the Tow capacity is also 3500Lbs, with a tongue weight around 285. The RPod-171 seems to be the right fit and it has everything we like in it. We live in Imperial Beach, not far from Silver Stand state beach. Would like to meet one day so you can see if the Model Y has any limitations if any. Thanks, Fred San Diego Ca
Hi Fred, I've seen a few channels and blogs about people pulling Rpods with Teslas. One of the most interesting is on TFL Truck or Offroad (not sure which), where they tow an off-road camping trailer from Denver to Seattle - or attempt to anyway. They experienced unmanageable power drain and had to recharge often. Good luck with your experience!
@@4LowRocks thanks for the quick reply & info. Fred
I have a 2018 Cherokee KL with the Tow Pkg and 3.2L V6. Hitch wght is 450 lbs and GVR 4500 lbs. This should be an ez trailer to tow. I am looking at the RP171.
Very good informative video.
Thanks for watching and for the compliment!
Great video. Very helpful and very informative. We're looking at options for our JLU and JT to tow and this type of trailer is exactly the type we're considering.
Thanks Jeff. Of course, the JT is much more capable on paper than the JLU and you might even have many more options with the towing capacity of the JT. That said, I have no experience with the payload capability range on the JT, but I do know the JLU is limited in payload capacity (my JLUR off the assembly line was a paltry 840lbs). I'm also not familiar with a hitch weight maximum for the JT (I saw in a forum a claim of either 400lbs or 765lbs depending on engine and tow package). I understand the JR Rubicon has the least towing capacities. Remember that mods to your Jeeps like winches, bigger wheels/tires, lift kits, bumpers, roof racks, etc., and packing gear and tools take away from that payload, and packing gear and mods into your trailer increase both its on-the-road weight and can impact tongue weight (increasing or decreasing depending on location). In my specific case, as you'll see in the videos, adding mods to the Jeep was making it quite heavy and the more I used the trailer, the more I was becoming concerned about payload limits when connecting that trailer.
@@4LowRocks You're correct in that the JT is better on paper than the JLU (mine's a Willys edition). The JT's rated towing capacity is 6000 lbs. Also, our JT has a towing package on it and our JLU doesn't. Plans are to get a towing system installed, but in the meantime we'd be towing it with the JT. We're also considering a little smaller 15' trailer that's a slight bit lighter, so that will be in our favor as well. I'm definitley not looking forward to the hit on the gas mileage though. :)
@Jeff Kodysz Ah yes, gas mileage! My JLUR, though, with all the mods and the trailer behind it was getting a consistent 12.5MPG, as compared to about 18MPG around town. I'm now towing the trailer with a half-ton truck for comparison, and it's getting around 16Mpg with the trailer, but that's only been on a few short pulls.
Try San Onofre on Camp Pendleton....
We have, thanks! Funny story - at Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton, we were sandwiched between a 40-ft diesel pusher on one side, and a 45-ft fiver toy hauler on the other. The RPod looked tiny indeed!
@@4LowRocks My wife and I got to Camp Pendleton in 1988 as her first duty station and loved Del Mar, but San Onofre was at that time only 200 yards from the base trailer park. Many fun times with many enlisted folks. We did our renewal if vows there a few years back. Back then the dance hall was still open. Love the tiny Commissary there and the exchange has lots of sporting goods... And the SONIC!
We're looking at a sonic lite that's dry weight is 3540. It's just the 2 of us & we have very little in the weigh of gear. Like you said, you're often "pushing weight" -- we're trying to figure out how we could knock 40 lbs off & travel with our gear in the Jeep... Wanted your thoughts? Seems everything on the market is just a little too heavy... Well, unless you get into some of the crazy expensive units...
I'm assuming, Stacy, you're talking about pulling with a Wrangler Unlimited (4-door) - correct? If I'm not mistaken, they are all rated at 3,500lbs max towing capacity (unless you're in Europe!). I would recommend checking out some RV towing information on the various weights you need to understand when towing a trailer (I've not done that video yet). Most will recommend a dry weight no greater than 80% of your max rated weight on the tow vehicle. Then there's the total payload of the towing vehicle to be concerned with. Starting off 40lbs overweight, then adding the battery (65-80lbs), a full tank of propane (~40lbs), water (300+ lbs depending on tank size), food and drinking water, kitchen equipment, linens, pillows, bathroom stuff, hoses, sewer hose, electric cable and surge suppressor, leveling blocks, tire chocks, tools, etc., and you're going to be seriously overweight. The Jeep can certainly handle it, but you'll be on the wrong side of the law if something does happen - I'm sorry to say. Good luck to you!
Thanks for the info, really appreciate the review.
Thank you!
Excellent video and looking great!!!
Thanks for watching!
Great info as always. Merry Christmas!
Thanks much and Merry Christmas to you also!
Great video I have a cherroke trail hawk which has 4500 towing capacity and this is one of the closest i have seen ...one question were did you get that little trailer behind you
Hi Paulo, 4500lbs is better than the Wrangler! I got the trailer from a RV dealer in Lake Elsinore, CA. It's a really common trailer made by Forest River, Inc.
@@4LowRocks thanks...lol I actually the toy trailer behind you .
How does your Cherokee Trailhawk tow this trailer, any issues?
Great learning video about towing for the newbie. I have recently bought 2 door willy JL 2020 wrangler with the factory tow trailer package and wonder if i can tow Rpod. Its confusing on the towing capacity as some dealer says 2000 lbs while others says 3500 lbs with the trailer two package. Somebody can throw light on it.
Everything I've found shows the 2-door, no matter what package it has, is limited to 2,000lbs towing. Unfortunately, that's not going to help with even the lightest Rpod, sorry. It is more a matter of wheelbase than it is the strength of the frame or the engine as the long trailer, under some situations, will want to trade places with the much shorter Jeep. Thanks for watching!
@@4LowRocks I’ve towed about 4K with a 2 door 😂
No doubt any Jeep will pull 4K.
It’s mostly because the 90s and early 2000s jeeps head higher tow ratings of 5,000 pounds with just a 4 speed transmission! People used to just Pull five or 6000 pounds with them!!
The US has become Sue happy!!
We live in a very litigious society and that drives all kinds of manufacturers and certifying agencies to be super conservative.
Great insight, thank you...are you towing the trailer on 37” with a 2.5” lift? I’m asking, since I’m considering towing the RPOD with my Eco diesel using the combination mentioned above...and so, if it dies it for you, it will probably do it for me..thanks again and all the best!!
Hi Bernd, thanks for watching and for the good question. I'm actually running 35's on the Rubicon, not 37's, and am still using the stock 4.10 gears. My 2.5" lift actually nets about 3.25 of real lift, but I'm not having any issues with the U-joints and drive shafts (at least not yet). The system works well with that arrangement and I have no issues towing the Rpod at all, but if I go to 37's on the wheels, I will certainly re-gear the axles. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for your quick feedback, the Diesel comes with a stock 3.73 gear ratio and I’m willing to learn how that goes. I will definitely take your experience as great advice going with 35”. Again, thank you for your very helpful insights and all the best!!
@@berndweber7959 I have that same diesel in my Ram 1500 and it is a torque monster for it's size. If I had your situation, I too would want to see how it handles the Rpod even with 37's before considering re-gearing. I would think it would do a fine job, but watch the trans temp. Rpod on!
How do you think the weight distribution hitch would work on a 2 door towing around 2500lbs?
Probably an absolute necessity as I understand that all 2-doors have a max towing capability of 2,500lbs.
Have you taken your hard top off and doors? How did it tow if you did?.
I never did. Heard horror stories about leaks after doing that. Plus I didn’t have the storage space for the. That said, so many people do remove the top and doors that it is probably not an issue. There are good videos on how to perform the process.
@@4LowRocks I was just wondering what towing would be like. I remove them in the summer. Probably leave the doors on when towing to a campground. I wouldn't want to interrupt some wildlife that may set up residence in the Jeep with the doors off.
@@chodson65 No I never tried that. I would think, logically, removing those items would make the Jeep lighter and give you more payload. But I don't think the Jeep's certification allows for that variation in max payload, so legally I don't know if it makes any difference or not. You have a point on wildlife deciding to use your open Jeep has a place to bed down! I know of a person who had their Cherokee molested by a bear in the middle of the night as they slept in their RV!
@@4LowRocks Oh boy a bear. I was thinking Racoons, but a bear would definitely make the trip back hard. Too funny...I will be hitting the limits, but traveling empty 1.5 hours away from home. Close to hospitals for my 82 year old Covid live in mother in law. Retirement for my wife and I turned into Happy Trails Nursing home for way ward Nans.
Enjoy!
will the Jeep shift into 8th ? mine will not get out of 6th on flat ground .
Yes but only on flat stretches of road; any incline and it drops to 7th. Probably should consider re-gearing the diffs.
Good video. Very well explained. Good information.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback!
How long is the R POD.
Dan, it's about 20ft in length.
Did you regear? I’m thinking of the same setup with 37’s and pulling an Rpod but trying to figure out what gearing to go with.
I did not regear the Jeep as I went with 35's for that very reason. Having had actual experience, the set up works well with the 35's, but if I step up to 37's I'd definitely regear the Jeep as I really only see 8th gear on long flat stretches. Good luck!
@@4LowRocks Isn’t three & 4 speed better for towing?
@@zachsheffee8458 Mathematically, I wouldn't think so. The closer the gear ratios are to each other going up and down the range, the better the ability to keep the engine within a smaller RPM band that supplies the right amount of power for the conditions. Pulling up some pretty good grades, I was very happy to have that 8-speed drop down as low as 4th to keep it at 50-55Mph.
Great Video, what model R-Pod do you have?
Hi Greg, thanks for watching. The RPod is a model 180 floor plan.
How do you account for cargo? There is no mention of how much weight the cargo you add to the trailer impacts the Jeep while towing, including the weight of you and your passengers. I’ve been told all that counts towards towing weight.
You are correct, everything put in and on the Jeep takes away from payload. The only way to determine the impact, is to put the setup on a CAT scale - which I never did. We packed lightly, preferring to pick up supplies at or near our destination and not carrying tanks of water nor waste. But, the real weak point with the Jeep is its paltry hitch rating - that's why we changed.
Great video. I pick up our RPod 189 next week. Any change you could post the height of your trailer coupler for the WDH ball so that I can set mine up prior?
Congratulations and thanks for watching David! Every hitch set up is going to be different and can only be set up with your trailer and tow vehicle at hand. You can find many videos showing you how to measure and set up specific tow hitches and I'd advise checking some of those out. I had mine set up by my dealer at time of delivery and that is probably the best route to take as they do a lot of set-ups for customers. Good luck!
I’ve set them up before, I was just wanting the height of the coupler when the trailer was level. This gives me a good starting point for how high to set the ball in the receiver. No need to pay someone to do it.
Sorry David, I would give you that info but unfortunately I don’t have the Jeep nor the Rpod any longer. Apologies.
I have a 2020 Jeep Wrangler JLU Sahara with factory installed Mopar tow package. I also have the Mopar brake controller. My WDH is a Hensley Cub. No trailer yet lol. So for further upgrades I am thinking Bilstein 5100 rear shocks. Debating Timberens or air bags which I am reluctant on doing because of severe cold weather her. Your thoughts?
Any suspension upgrade is good in my opinion, but it doesn’t change the tow rating. I had heavy duty springs and shocks for towing purposes to help level the Jeep. I am running Timbrens on my Ram truck for the same purpose but may go with airbags. Recommend checking with the manufacturers for use in extreme cold - I don’t have that issue in Southern California! ;-)
@@4LowRocks Great video, I must have watched it several times for reference. I'm retired and I guess research and being prepared is an occasional hazard. It's tricky finding a trailer to meet specs and needs. Thank you for the quick response.
Good luck!
Given your experience, do you think a 2019 Jeep JLU Wrangler MOAB would also be able to safely pull a NuCamp TAB 400? It has similar specs to your RPod but people seem to think I'm crazy wanting to do this. Thanks! I've watched all your videos and enjoy them.
Ask the internet a question about towing, and you'll likely wind up with a million different opinions! In this case, while I"m not super familiar with the TAB 400, I did look up its specs and it's not light. Fill the tanks, add some propane, and you'll be over max towing weight, and likely right up against max payload and GCWR for your Jeep. I don't know what engine/trans combo you have, but the 3.6 Pentastar with the 8-speed trans in my Jeep pulled our trailer w/o any issues, but the braking action was sketchy. Note that we no longer have this towing set up and have moved to a new setup primarily due to the scary stopping ability and our desire for a larger travel trailer. Good luck!
@@4LowRocks so you no longer have the R pod? What setup did you move onto and are you still towing it with your jeep?
@@lindaamundsen6708 you are correct - we not longer have the RPod. The more we used it, the more we started wanting a bigger trailer to do more and more traveling. So we also sold the Jeep and purchased a truck and a 28-ft Lance travel trailer (much to large/heavy to tow with the Jeep) in the middle of the pandemic. We both agreed that we really enjoyed the RV lifestyle and that's what drove our decision.
Why is a diesel JL towing capacity the same as a gas? I think with a diesel you’d have a higher towing capacity like you do in the 3/4 ton trucks. I’ve been looking at the JL diesel and wonder if it’s worth the added cost.
Hi Blake, thanks for watching. Towing capacity isn't always a simple matter of engine power, it is more often a function of the chassis design and strength, axle capacities, and wheelbase. Comparing a 1/2-ton to 3/4-ton truck and you'll often find a longer wheelbase, much beefier chassis, stronger axles (most often solid front axle), and heavier duty suspension. And in 3/4-ton trucks, the weight of the big diesel engines often means less payload is available when compared to the big gas V-8s. The JL is the same platform regardless of the engine stuffed under the hood.
4LowRocks Excellent explanation, thank you!
Great video! Is that the 180 Rpod??
Thank you, yes it is the 180 model. I have an introduction video on the trailer.
How much does the back of the Jeep drop when towing? My trailer drops my JLUS about 1.5" in the back. I'm debating on adding an air bag to level it back when towing.
Scott, thanks for watching. I get a little drop, about an inch, but I think my Fastway E2 hitch helps to keep it as level as it can be - my dealer set it up well. And, I have the heavy duty springs on my lift kit and those help to reduce sag.
If you add air bags , they might take weight off your steering axles. Weight distribution is better.
Not sure if i missed it in the video but whats the total length on the rpod? TIA
According to ForestRiver, it is 20ft total length but I don't know if that includes the tongue and spare tire on the rear.
When towing. Do you use the 4 Wheel Drive on the Jeep or no
No! Jeep does not allow 4WD on dry road surfaces! Now, on a dirt road or in snowy conditions, I might use it if necessary.
Great video!, I may have missed this in the video, but did you mention the gas mileage you are getting when towing? Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Mileage all depends on conditions. I got 13Mpg on a round trip San Diego to Las Vegas towing it; conditions were good. On another trip to Ballarat Ghost Town in CA., the return trip dropped to 7-8Mpg due to very high winds over about half of the trip. But yeah 12-13 is probably a good number to estimate with.
@@4LowRocks Thank you so much for sharing this with me!
Jeep Cherokee is a rated to tow about 5000 pounds.
great video, when you tow use 2H or 4H?
Thanks for watching! Jeep's 4WD system does not allow use of 4H (or 4L) on paved nor concrete surfaces. The only time I've used 4H to tow the trailer was one time I took it a few miles off road to reach a campsite and felt 4H was appropriate for the soft road surfaces.
Unless your JLU has SelecTrac, you should always use 2WD on dry pavement, whether towing or not.
With a SelecTrac JLU, consult your Owner Manual. On wet pavement, you may prefer the stability of AWD (4H Full-Time) if the Owner Manual doesn't warn against it. Be mindful that braking/steering capability, not accelerating capability, is of utmost concern when towing.
I've used 4WD Low for towing up slick boat ramps and muddy trails though, when maximum torque and traction were needed.
I’m about to embark on a new journey. I have a 2020 Jeep Wrangler eco diesel and I’m about to purchase a RV trailer to actually live in for at least a year maybe more. Going through a divorce and a complete life change. Would the weight of the rpod be something you would recommend for a full timer? I’m about to pull the trigger on buying a trailer about this size. I’d really like to get more information. Thanks for making these videos.
Robert, so many answers to your questions. First, Forest River does not recommend full timing in their products (many/most manufacturers do the same) for many reasons. Insurance is also an issue for full timers (from what I hear). The Wranger, regardless of engine, is limited in tongue and max towing weights - these are going to impact your decision and ability to pack for full timing. I wish I had better news, but it'll be challenging no matter how you look at it. Best of luck with your life's situation.
@@4LowRocks thanks for answering so fast! I’m nervous as hell. Unfortunately I don’t know if I have a choice. Going to do the best I can.
And that’s cool … I’m sure you’ll find a way to make the arrangement work. I wish you the best.
What's your average speed when towing the R-Pod on the highway?
Average speed is difficult as I've not kept track of the highs and lows. But in California, and many states, towing is limited to 55Mph, so we keep it there and try to never exceed 62Mph.
@@4LowRocks Thanks! Good to know! I just finished a 1000 mile trip, towing a rented 2021 Braxton Creek FreeSolo FAM , with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xE. On the way out I ran into an error with my rear locker which was probably caused by the rear diff overheating. Until then I was averaging 65-70mph (speed limit on Texas rural interstates is 80mph and some cases, 85). The 4xE has 375 hp and 470 lb ft of torque, so reaching those speeds pulling a 2500lb travel trailer, loaded with gear, and the Jeep loaded as well with both gear and passengers, was relatively easy but I think this still put a lot of strain on the rear differential. After pulling over to the side of the road to let everything rest, I fired it back up and the error code was gone. I reduced my travel speeds to between 60 and 65mph and never saw the error code or had any issues the remainder of the trip. The R-Pod looks great and one that I'd consider getting against the FreeSolo as it appears to be slightly roomier, albeit a bit heavier. I'm surprised you say the Pentastar V6 pulls it so well! Thanks!
We have a JGC and are planning to plug an 17ft Rpod around the PNW in a few weeks. Do you think we would need to get the extra trailer brake control in the jeep to better control the Rpod brakes going down hill?
Congratulations! Yes, you will need a brake controller not only for downhill needs and just regular stopping, but also to control sway should you get into that situation. Recommend checking laws in your area - it is probably legally mandatory that you use the trailer brakes for towing.
What model rpod do you have? Also, can you link the hitch that you mentioned?
We have the Rpod 180 model; full bath and dining booth on the camp-side of the trailer. The hitch is the Fastway E2 Weight distribution unit: amzn.to/3pck8PH
Thanks for watching!
I have a 2020 JLUR as well and about to purchase a camper. Can you let me know the hitch adapter brand and the information on the sway bars and such.
Scott, thanks for watching. The hitch receiver is a standard part made for the JLUR - MOPAR makes one as do other companies. It simply bolts on to the frame as the frame is designed for it. Etrailer.com is a good source . I have the Fastway E2 6,000lbs rated weight distribution hitch with sway control - and you can find that also on ETrailer and Amazon, or at nearly any RV supply store. It is a very popular set up because you don't have to disconnect the sway control to back-up. Lastly, the drop hitch and ball are common parts - you may or may not need the drop hitch depending on your bumper height.
do you have the link for Amazon?
No talk of max payload, I imagine it is well over max payload. Not to mention the fact you are so close to max trailer, the wear and tear has got to be incredible.
Towing using cruise control... Bad idea
I don't understand why only in the RV world do we worry about hitting max capacities of our tow vehicles. Trucks don't do that, motorhome drivers don't do that, we load airplanes, boats, ships, etc., right up to max limits, etc., but for some reason there is a self-imposed limitation on tow vehicles at some 60-80% "rule of thumb." Seems like one needs a F450 to haul anything these days. You'll note that I did not recommend the combo in the video! That said, I'm not disagreeing with you - I found out I was over on tongue weight (when carrying water), but still within payload limits depending on loading and that's why we've departed company with the set up. There are many other Jeepers out there successfully using this combo and not having issues.
When the jeep starts to get old..it will start throwing cam codes when towing it just having too much weight in the vehicle.
Sorry if I missed this, but what model Rpod is it?
No worries, Chris, it is the model 180. Nice for a couple; not so much for a small family.
@@4LowRocks Thanks for making the video! Great information!
Great vid
Love the Jeep. What lift and rim/tire size are you running? Looks great!
Thanks! The wheels are 17x9" Mambas running 35" BFG KO2s running on a JKS 2.5" lift (see the installation video on the lift). The set up works nicely for rock crawling as well as towing the RPod.
@@4LowRocks I had the same tire size question that got answered. How about axle gear ratio? What is the number? Did you change it from factory?
@@MikeJordanUnCamplicated Hi Mike - great question. No, I stayed with the stock 4.10's on the JLUR running the 35's (which on the BFG KO2's is really more like 34" - actually measured). Pulling the the RPOD is had done fine even in mountainous areas due to the 8-speed transmission. That said, if I stepped up to 37's, I would definitely regear.
@@4LowRocks nice video. Quick question, i have a jlur 2020 4 cylinder 2.0l turbo. Do you think there will be any difference in towing an rpod like yours being that my jlur is only 4 cylinders? Thanks in advance.
@@rmbproductions1243 Hi, you have a very valid question there. I don't have any experience with the new 4-pot turbo engine, but it is smaller displacement with similar power numbers which by definition must work harder to produce the power it is putting out. I would expect it to run higher RPMs under a load such as with the RPod. You might check out the Jeep JK/JL RPOD group on Facebook and ask others the same question - its a great resource to lean on actual owner experience.
Good info on this. I’m considering downsizing from a class C to a similar setup as you have.
Would you consider traveling cross country with the Jeep and rpod? Speed limits in other states are quite a bit higher than here in Ca. Would you feel safe driving at higher speeds, provided it’s normal dry and non windy conditions?
Thanks!
Hi Mike, thanks for watching. We've taken it as far as San Diego to Las Vegas and back, and yeah I don't think I'd have much issue with longer cross-country trips in the set up. Regardless of the posted speed limits, trailer tires are not rated for those speeds. I keep it down to about 62Mph, with 65 at the max. My only real concern might be to encounter icy road conditions, and maybe in super high-wind conditions (and in both cases, I'd just stay in a campground until conditions improve. Good luck!
@@4LowRocks
Thanks for those details!!
I’m interested to hear how the trailer has held up and an update to your opinions on it.
@@JeepinBailey Hi Mike, well we did have a few issues with it. A/C unit wasn't tightened down at the factory causing water leaks (killed a LED puck light), the electric side of the fridge stopped heating so it would only cool on propane, a trim piece came off, shower drain cracked (another water leak), but all were fixed under warranty. It probably has most/all the bugs worked out of it now. My opinion - it's Forest River and if you understand that, you know what your dollars are getting you. We sold the trailer this past August and have moved to a larger set up.
@@4LowRocks I’m curious, you sold the r-pod (your model is the same model I want to tow with my JLU eco diesel) and went with a bigger set up. What set up did you get? Are you still towing it with your JLU? Also, what wheels are you running? Love the bronze pattern
The wheels are Mamba M23’s - they’ve done pretty good at rock crawling but have endured some scars. We now have a larger Lance 2375 and use a pickup to tow it. While the Rpod worked well with the Jeep, there is no way the JL would handle the 7,000lb-class Lance (tongue weight is over 900lbs). Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video! I just purchased an Airstream Basecamp, so similar size and weight. It was good to get someone else opinion of the trailer and towing. One thing you have me thinking about is coming down grade. We go (or want to go) to colorado a lot. I've always worried about going up, but maybe should be more worried about coming down. One question for you... have you re-geared the jeep? If so, what gears are you running and any other upgrades like chromoly axles? If not, do you have any plan to re-gear? Thanks.
Hi Michael, thanks for the comment. I have not changed the Jeep's gear ratio - it is still running the stock 4.10s. Since I tow with it, I don't plan to go to larger tires and therefore with the 4.10s and the stock 8-speed transmission, I'm happy with the performance and don't plan to change the gears. Now, if I was towing the Jeep behind a motorhome, I'd probably change my plans.
Heavy actually cat scaled it with batteries propane water food weight distribution sway control and all gear 3100-3200 pounds I think you might be at max or over for Tongue weight rating Of your vehicle and forget about taking any water What about a generator any tools for Emergencies
I agree, it probably is over that 350lbs tongue weight limit and that's why I did not recommend the combination in the video. I never did take it to a CAT scale (nothing near me), and I was happy with the way the Jeep pulled it, but not so much with the stopping power. We didn't use a generator, but always had a tool kit in the Jeep. Thanks.
Is your JL gear ratio still stock? Did you upgrade to 5.13?
Thanks for the great question. No, no upgrades to the gears - they remain stock. When pulling the trailer, except on very flat roads, 7th gear is the highest it will shift, but it does see 8th from time to time. Regearing will help with that for sure.
@@4LowRocks we have a JL with 37” and planning to setup trailer for moving and later doing camping as well. Looking into regearing option for more power.
Yeah I stayed with 35’s for that reason - gearing. From what I’ve seen, new gears are necessary for 37s and bigger. Good luck!
What about towing with a stick? Also, did you add sway bars?
Thanks for watching, Stacy! Towing with a manual transmission is not unusual at all but it does take different skills. Some time ago, the only vehicles strong enough to do much towing at all were equipped with manual transmissions, and most of the 18-wheelers on the road today are manual also. As for your second question, I use a Fastway E2 hitch setup that includes sway control. I would not tow a single axle trailer without some form of sway control. I have another video that shows how to hook-up the Rpod and it shows that hitch set up.
I am very close to buying an RPOD inspired by your review. My JLUR is stock As far as suspension and on 33s. I put on a haul trailer hitch and plan to have them install the wiring harness. Also have the metal cloak skids on for added weight. As it stands looking at the 2019 RPOD 189 Dry weight at 2889. Do you feel we are good here if I get the same stabilizer as you and did you negotiate that with your dealer ur RPOD.
Hi, thanks for watching. Yes, I did negotiate the weight distribution hitch setup, brake controller, and wiring harness into the purchase price of the Rpod. I did that as they offered a price for that package that was less than a Jeep dealer quoted for installing the MOPAR wiring harness. That said, I have become concerned with how "fat" my Jeep was becoming with all the added parts which subtract from the payload capability listed on the door sticker. My payload is a paltry 840lbs. Take a hitch weight of 350lbs (max rated), add a full tank of gas, some camping supplies in the Jeep, my wife and I and our two dogs, the tools and recovery gear I usually carry, the added weight of a lift kit, bigger wheels/tires, winch and base plate, rock sliders, skid plates, etc., and I'm sure that payload weight is totally used up. I'd recommend checking your sticker and doing the math to ensure you're within legal limits for liability purposes.
So if they have a 5000lb towing capacity, then I can safely tow 4000lbs?
Safely? Well without evaluating safety against a standard (is there such a thing?), then any answer to that question is subjective at best. Legally is probably the better question - since the Wrangler max tow is 3,5000lbs, then legally one can't tow anything above that limit. Good luck.
What gear are you running in your axles, with your 37” tires? We have a JLUR with 35” tires and are running the stock 4.10 gears.
Same here, Craig - stock 4.10's in the Rubi.
What size are your tires?
They’re 35’s
Great that’s the same as us! Do you have a lift? We have a 2.5” lift.
@@craigschleppi2573 yes, in fact I have a video on the install of the JKS lift. It was advertised as a 2.5" lift, but it netted about 3 1/4" of total lift. But, heavier wheels, tires, lift kit, winch, etc., etc., all subtract from the payload capacity.
GOOD VIDEO
Thanks for the compliment!
So this jeep can't maintain 75mph on the highway when towing?
I'm sure it can, but I won't do that; 62 is where I keep it outside of CA; CA limits towing to 55Mph.
Thanks for the video. I am looking at getting a travel trailer and the R Pod's are high on my list of favorites. I have a 2012 Rubi JKU with 33" tires and have the tire size affects towing capacity. Not sure how true that is. Have you heard of anyone having issues with the 2012's towing these? I am also having a hard finding accurate dry weights and GVWR on the R Pod 180's, any suggestions?
Marty, thanks for watching. For the JK's, I'd recommend going to the JK/JL-RPOD group on Facebook and inquiring of other owners. I do know that taller tires tend to lower the gear ratio which impacts the engine/trans combo to deal with heavier pulling loads. My 180 weighs 2,839 dry, but when I shopped around, I saw a few that were over 3,000! That's some variation, but it probably all comes down to the materials available when they were built. GVWR is something I'll have to check next time I'm at the storage site.
Checked on my Rpod yesterday; the GVWR is 3889lbs.
@@4LowRocks thanks 4Low! That helps me a ton. I found an R Pod owner group somewhere. They all have big trucks and are not recommending I get one. Lots of Jeepers have them so I am encouraged. As long as I do it safely I feel good about it.
Good luck Marty! Stay safe and happy camping!
One other question I thought of while I was watching your hooking up video... have you gone through a scale yet and weighed your axles? I got an initial measurement but my trailer isn't long enough to get on all 3 scales at once. I weighed my front axle and the rear and trailer axle combined. I need to go back and get the trailer axle on its own scale. I'm just really curious your weight distribution if you end up doing it. It was very informative for me. After I re-weigh, I'll share my results with you if you want.
Hi Mike, I have not yet weighed it. There is only one CAT scale near my home, and it is in the opposite direction from my storage site to any of our favorite campsites. I know I should weigh it, and someday I will. Until then, as I explained in the video, we keep a very close eye on what we pack in it and work hard to keep the weight down. I would be interested your weight figures. Thanks!
so being a trucker i have a trick for you. When you pull onto the scale tell them you want to do a spread axle weigh. the scales have 3 pads. usally pad 1 is for steer weight, pad 2 is for drives and pad 3 is for trailer axle. So what you do is tell them you want a spread axle weight, and tell them you want pads 1 and 2. park the jeep so its sitting on 1 with the front tires and 2 for the back tires. The person will tell you that they have your weights and then tell them you will pull forward and want pad 1. pull forward and park with the trailer on pad 1. then go in and it will have the pads broken down showing the weight for the axles.
What kind of gas mileage do you get when towing the Rpod with the Wrangler?
I consistently get about 12.5Mpg when towing long distance. That includes a trip where we pulled it all the way to Las Vegas and back to our home near San Diego. Thanks for watching!
👍
What model Rpod do you have?
It is the 180 model.
Why in the world would you tow with a Jeep? Anything but a Jeep please
Why climb the mountain? Why tackle the Rubicon trail?
Wow , really bad info. Btw this was recommended after watching a jeep wipe out towing a trailer. Short wheel base is all im gonna say
Thanks for watching. Your opinion has some validity as any tow vehicle with nearly any travel trailer or 5th wheel has a wheelbase miss-match issue. Search around, you'll find all sizes of trucks being handled violently by their trailers in bad situations. I too have see a video of a small two-door blue Jeep pulling a sizable trailer get into sway and flip shortly after merging onto a highway - I do not endorse pulling anything with a two-door Jeep! Double or triple axle trailers are inherently more stable than single axle as in the Rpod series (even though the one in the video was a double axle, it was far too much for that two-door Jeep). That said, you'll note in my video that I did not recommend the Jeep/Rpod 180 combo and said that is a choice that one has to personally make - assessing the risk. Hundreds/thousands of Jeep owners tow this size travel trailer all the time w/o incident, as do other towed RV owners. But occasionally, things go bad and that's when we see videos like the one you referenced. Thanks for contributing to the conversation.
Just a quick FYI- you talk about locations and your destinations as if you assume all viewers know where you live.
It doesn't take long poking around the various videos to quickly discover that the locations are all in and around San Diego.