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Topic ClosedHitching up the Rpod- how long can it stay hitched
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dogsintow View Drop Down
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Joined: 30 Sep 2015
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Hitching up the Rpod- how long can it stay hitched
    Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 2:16pm
So there are many times where I want to hitch up my Rpod to my Tahoe the evening before I am leaving on my trip rather than doing it in the morning. Is it safe for the Rpod and the TV for me to do that? (of course leaving the electrical unplugged). I am still learning the ropes of what is practical and what I should avoid. thanks.
2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe
2 happy dogs
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 2:30pm
No problem leaving the Pod hitched overnight. If you can, connect the shore power line to keep fridge and battery up. However there is some doubt as to whether GMs properly disconnect the TV battery so, until you confirm, best to disco the 7 pin Bargman. Also, if not connected to shore power, you should run fridge on propane to keep it cold. Do not run fridge on DC. 
Charlie
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OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 4:29pm
I've done it many times, leaving it plugged in to the house like Charlie describes for the fridge.  I leave the Bargeman plugged in, the converter will just top off the TV battery.  Make sure to level the pod for the fridge.  If the tongue is low you can lift it with the tongue jack while it is still attached.  If I do that I leave a note on my seat so I don't forget to put it up.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 5:03pm
Originally posted by techntrek

If the tongue is low you can lift it with the tongue jack while it is still attached.  If I do that I leave a note on my seat so I don't forget to put it up.


Doug, you're a wuss. Live on the edge! LOL
Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 8:43pm
Motorcycle Cop:  Poor little guy. Probably kept up with you for a mile or so.  Tough little mutt...
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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68LC View Drop Down
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Feb 2016 at 9:14pm
Techntrek -
Nice esoteric quote.  I'll guess you're old enough (or sick enough) to have enjoyed the not-PG magazine version well before the movie came out. 

Dogsintow -
As for the actual topic, I've done it either way with no problems.  It's all how you want to use your trailer, man.  I'm going on my 2nd year of a 181g, and I've found that as long as the thing doesn't catch fire along the way, they pretty much work just as advertised when you reach your destination.

Now where did I leave those tales of the Adelphinian Lodge........
You give peace a chance. I'll stay back here and cover you, in case things don't work out.
V/r;
68LC
2014 181g, now a 2017 180
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2016 at 3:56am
I agree with all of the others. I've been doing it for years without a problem. It is nice to not have to fool around with hitching up (especially) in the pre-dawn hours, if leaving early. As mentioned, I get everything done, except the electrical plug to the tow vehicle.

If I'm just staying one night (sometimes two) and I don't need to drive anywhere, I often don't bother with unhitching. This is what I refer to as "work" - which is a four letter word, in my vocabulary!   
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2016 at 12:28pm
The only caution I'll throw in is that: if your fridge is running for several hours while your trailer is not moving, the trailer should be reasonably level.  Otherwise, the boiler may run hot and crystals may form and block the internal piping; cooling efficiency will drop and eventually the fridge won't satisfactorily cool.  There's no fix for this, and you'll have to replace it.

Note: While the trailer is being towed, the constant rocking and bumping about will keep this from happening.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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dogsintow View Drop Down
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Posts: 31 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Feb 2016 at 12:43pm
thank you all for the most helpful advice! I appreciate it! 
2011 R-Pod 177 aka The Pawd Pad
2002 Chevy Tahoe
2 happy dogs
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