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Topic ClosedFirst trip with my new Rpod 178-a few questions
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: First trip with my new Rpod 178-a few questions
    Posted: 25 May 2015 at 7:07pm
Originally posted by codycountry

 
Brake issue--I just had my wheel bearings packed by a mechanic who is also a rv'er.    My brakes were set too tight and rubbing on the shoes it turned out.    The brakes adjust when backing and foot pedal brake is applied.  He suggested unplugging the camper plug in when backing up a lot, or turning the brake control to zero so you don't adjust your brakes by accident when backing.  Makes sense to me.

I'm sorry, but I think this is really, really bad advice. The brakes should work fine, all the time, in any situation without driver intervention.

That's my opinion.

Fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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codycountry View Drop Down
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Posts: 168 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 6:59pm
TP --Plastic Folgers or other brand small size coffee container with snap on lid is a recycle cost saver solution and can just sit on the shower floor until needed.  Zip lock bag is entry level. 
Brake issue--I just had my wheel bearings packed by a mechanic who is also a rv'er.    My brakes were set too tight and rubbing on the shoes it turned out.    The brakes adjust when backing and foot pedal brake is applied.  He suggested unplugging the camper plug in when backing up a lot, or turning the brake control to zero so you don't adjust your brakes by accident when backing.  Makes sense to me.
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 6:55pm
Good observation Podster and I should have explained. I did close that adjuster. It was about 4 or 5 turns out and I adjusted it to "just a bit of drag" when I put the wheel back on. I was messing with the adjuster to see how it worked. Great observation! 

$52.00. Wow! That's pretty amazing! I'm gonna see how Protective comes through first, though.

Thanks!

fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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Podster View Drop Down
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 6:47pm
Fred, that auto adjuster in the pic doesn't look like it have every moved. Some folks are going this way. 
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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fwunder View Drop Down
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 5:32pm
Here's a few pics I took when I pulled the drums a couple of weeks ago. Dexter Nev-R-Adjust.
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 5:08pm
Podster, I don't have a lot of experience with auto adjusting brakes and my last experience messing with drum brakes was on my 68 Dodge Dart.

That said, I like taking things apart and trying to figure out how they work.  The whole self adjusting mechanism looks a little funky to me. I did watch a ton of You Tube videos and stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, so I figure I'm a espert now! Wink

Not ready to put disk brakes on the pod just yet until the water rises a lot more. If you did have to replace assembly and drums, my guess is you would go for the non auto adjusting assembly?

Maybe we should move this discussion?

fred

Edited to add: Don't want to alarm anyone. Especially new buyers. My Pod has performed wonderfully and taken us all over the US. We probably have an unusual number of miles on ours for a 2014. Just trying to keep it going for another unusual number of miles!
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 2:55pm
I don't recall auto adjusting brakes working very well during the drum brake years on cars. I don't think anything has changed...a good reason to check and adjust POD brakes annually. 
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Posts: 1676 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 11:47am
Hi Fett and welcome!

Your's may be different, but my 2014 178 came with Dexter Nev-R-Adjust brakes:


It's a bit of a pain to loosen them if they were over adjusted as the self adjusting mechanism needs to be disengaged with a separate tool or small screw driver. If you are not comfortable doing it, I would suggest taking advantage of your warranty.

When I took delivery of my 2014 178 in the fall of 2013, I was completely unfamiliar with trailer brakes and brake controllers. I believe my brakes were too tight to begin with and my unfamiliarity with the (Voyager) brake controller did lead to some premature wear of the brake shoes, magnet and drums. I did swap out for a Prodigy P3 controller, which is much more intuitive.

I recently pulled the drums, repacked bearings and inspected everything, noting some pretty radical uneven magnet and drum wear from magnet. After putting everything back together and test driving, the brakes felt fine, temperatures were good (measured with IR) and figured I was good for another season.

Upon returning from a recent 400 mile round trip, as soon as I got out of my TV at home, I smelled that tell tale hot smell. I grabbed my IR and noted that my driver side drum was @ 185. Passenger side @ 120. Arghhh! I had already decided if I had a problem I would just replace the brake and drum assembly. The parts are surprisingly cheap @ about $110.00 per wheel.

Here's a good twist...

Just for grins I called Protective. I have the Protective XtraRide platinum 6 year extended warranty. Wish I would have thought of this a while ago! They said the brakes and all associated parts are all covered under my plan. They told me where to take it pretty close by. I'm taking it there tomorrow. The shop owner said no problem, they have worked with Protective before and they will take care of any problem. Cool! I don't have to get greasy again!

That's a lot more than you asked for, but I wouldn't mess around with your brakes. If you're not sure, take them to a reputable shop and have them checked.

Have fun!

Fred
2014 RPod 178 => MyMods and Buying Habits
2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6
Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks!
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Goose View Drop Down
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Posts: 672 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 10:30am
Welcome.
Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posts: 1108 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 May 2015 at 9:31am
I have a 2015 - 178.
1.  The brakes are easy to adjust...do you have old school brake drum and shoe experience? If so, it's the same. Spin the wheel till it drags, then back it off. 
2. The porch light switch is right next to the slide switch. If it's not coming on, then you have another issue. 
3. Depends specifically where you are mounting it. Some areas use hollow core anchors and some 3/4".
4. We have installed a water proof toilet paper holder. Suction Cup Waterproof Roll Holder / Toilet Paper Holder 
5. I'm ok with the outside speakers and of the two blue tooth components for paring, one must be smart or active. Trying to pair the Jensen stereo and your speaker = trying to pair a set of passive devices. 
Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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