vedo13

The wife and I have been looking at the R Pods (Forest River), the MPG (Heartland), and the Fun Finder (forgot who made that) as an alternative to pop ups. Anyone have any experience with these--particularly towing a trailer like these. They're all rated 2600-2800 "dry weight." I was wondering if how realistic that is for a Unlimited with the tow package and 3.73 gears? Decisions....decisions....!!

BudMan5

I'll let you know.

We bought a JayCo 17 EX-port whih has a 2900 pound dry weight/3500 wet which puts it right at the limit foir our 2010 Sahara Unlimited with the tow package. I have installed a weight distributing hitch but the first 'ride' with it from the dealer was 30 miles straight into a 30 mph wind.

Not fun. Trailer rode fine without any problems but my best speed was 50 miles an hour with the OD off. We do have the trailer package with the 3.73 gear, I have added a 7 pin trailer electrical hookup with brake controller.

I ordered and installed a SuperChips flashpag desperately hoping I don't have to add a RIPP supercharger but have not had a chance to try the trailer with the SuperChip. I am impressed, actually amazed, at the difference with the SuperChip on the 87 octane tune. I am hoping the tow tune will help out.

This week I am adding a B&M tranny cooler and also coil rite air helper springs.

Once I actually do a trip I'll write a "lessons learned- after action" post.

DucMan

I had a older fiberglass boat that was around the 3500 pound mark. Never fun we trailering. The new boat is listed at about 200o pounds and can be difficult to trailer and mai tain highway speeds running the hills in Northern New York. MPG was never really an issue, got around 14 while towing the newer boat across NYS

Four Low

The JKU with 3:73 gearing may be rated for 3500lbs, but that's on the flats,with no headwinds or realistic driving.Considering the weight of the vehicle & the hp,half the rated tow weight is more realistic for hills .I have towed 3200lbs & it is a workout for the poor beast. 1750-2000lbs tows nice with the auto.But then,we have Hills here...

bristol2010jk

Just bought a Rpod 179. I have a 2010JK unlimited 3.73 gears 2.5 lift 32" tires. I had the RV dealer include a w/d hitch. I installed a brake controller and 7 pin harness. I have the Superchips Flaspaq and used the towing flash when I picked up the trailer. Coming home I have to come up a hill that picks up around 600 feet in elevation. Hit the bottom of the hill at 62 and topped out at 57 mph. I did have O/D off. We are taking our first trip next weekend thru some more mountains so I will update after that.

vtwin-racing

Looking at R-POD 171 ourselves, enough tent trailers for us.
IF 2200lbs lugs JKU`s too much scamp is second option.
Cant wait to hear report on 179 in mountains, as i live in PNW.

bristol2010jk

We are heading out Friday just for the weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

tae73

If your not in the market for new, look for a coleman/fleetwood cobalt or E1 pop up. The cobalt is very lightweight 1200 dry, but doesnt have a lot of creature comforts like shower or toilet. I have a cobalt and pull behind a 2DR, I believe the E1 has toilet/shower and weighs in around 2300 pounds which would be perfect for a unlimited.

William

2013 17' Casita tows like a dream.

Michel347

I tow the equivalent of the Scamp 13, weights in between 1800 - 1900 lbs loaded. Our 2012 2dr manual 6 with 3:73 doesn't struggle at all, getting around 17mpg with it.