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Topic ClosedWeight distribution and brake control

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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Direct Link To This Post Topic: Weight distribution and brake control
    Posted: 22 Dec 2016 at 2:47pm
If your TV ends up with a 12 gauge line already installed, you can always run another one from one end to the other, in parallel with the original one. Two 12 gauge lines together equals about a 10 gauge line. 10 and 12 gauge together is around 8-9 gauge.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2016 at 7:44am
I towed in Florida, Louisiana, Colorado, and Wisconsin, with 2012 Tacoma PreRunner V6 with tow package and NO sway bar or any other extras. I bought the sway bar but never needed to use it, even in windy conditions or on Interstates. I do drive carefully, always in the right-hand lane and never over 60. Don't think expensive extras are necessary with the Tacoma if it's tow-ready and has a good brake controller. Easy unit to tow! Just bought a 2017 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 with tow package -- hope it tows as nicely! I needed the 4x4 up here in Door County WI where snow plows are in scarce supply! Smile 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Dec 2016 at 1:31am
Thanks for your input Frog. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Dec 2016 at 10:16pm
You want the front of the pod slightly lower than the back, or dead level when towing.  Perhaps the dealer can tell you the height for the pod ball when level?   I needed a 6 inch drop on the ball for my Tacoma pickup truck.  My son got a hitch for his minivan to tow the pod and it needed about a six inch rise.  When the trailer is connected, the weight brings the back of the truck down a little.  He bought an adjustable one...I believe in one inch increments.  We measured and then had to drop it an inch so the adjustable feature came in handy.  Misplaced my ball and hitch and even used his upside down to tow it for fifty miles once.  Had to do the wiring for the 7 wire plugs and the brake controllers for both vehicles.  We got everything from etrailer.com....they put together packages with just what you need and prices are also very reasonable. The adjustable height hitches tend to "bang" around some.  I guess it doesn't hurt anything, but they also have an extra clamp that you can get to tighten it up and stop the banging for a couple extra bucks. If you do the wiring for the plug, make sure you get a bigger wire for the trailer charging line.  I believe 10 gauge is what is recommended.  Mine was done with 12 gauge wire, as I didn't know better at the time.  
Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier
2010 Rpod 171
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Dec 2016 at 9:36pm
We tow a 2010 RPOD 171 with a Tacoma TRD Full cab with the V6.  Also have a sway bar and use a Tekonsha brake controller.  The sway bar works well but doesn't prevent the uncomfortable "porpoising" effect.  I understand that the WDH will help with that.  I bought the truck and pod used and the receiver hitch was already on the truck and the pod came with the sway bar.  If starting from scratch, I think WDH is the way to go.  I really like the tekonsha prodigy controller, but I heard there is a new one....cannot remember the name....that works just as well but splits it up into different pieces to allow for better mounting possibilities.  Perhaps someone else can chime in that has experience with this new controller. 
Leo and Tami
with Coltrane the Jack Russell Terrier
2010 Rpod 171
2003 Toyota Tacoma TRD
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 19 Dec 2016 at 5:31pm
I just bought a 2017 179 and ordered an e2 and p3. I haven't picked it up yet but does anyone know the exact measurement from the ground to the coupler when the trailer is level? Assuming normally loaded  I need this info for the install and can't get to it to measure it. I know the ground to my receiver is 18.5. Thanks. 
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 1:33pm
Actually that makes sense. Thanks for the diagram. So a negative to a positive to connect the two in series. Think I got it. Thanks again. Maybe I'll just go this route. 
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 12:59pm
Originally posted by cjscinta

Any trick to wiring them in parallel?

Let me clear up some confusion. Two 12V batteries are wired in parallel; two 6V batteries are wired in series. In the diagram below the parallel  connection is circled in blue; the series connection is circled in red. In parallel you add the AH capacity but the voltage stays the same. In series you add the voltage but the AH capacity stays the same. Two 6V GC2s in series yields 12V at 220+ AH. Clear as espresso? Wink


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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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 12:43pm
Any trick to wiring them in parallel?
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Dec 2016 at 12:01pm
Originally posted by CharlieM

The best solution is a pair of 6V GC2 golf cart batteries wired in series. The only issue might be the size of the rack on the 179. It used to be OK for the pair of GC2s in boxes but I don't know what's rolling off the factory floor now. Either way it's an easy fix if needed. Electrical hookup is the same as the 12V battery but gives you about 2.5 times as much stored energy.



As of 2016, two GC2 batteries with cases will fit fine on the rack. The lids barely make contact with the rock guard.
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