![]() |
|
Post Reply ![]() |
Page <123> |
Author | |
ToolmanJohn ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451 |
![]() Posted: 28 Feb 2017 at 9:31pm |
If you take the voltage measurement at the battery and the voltmeter measures 12.80 volts, then check a 12VDC power jack like the one in the overhead cabinet over the bed ( on an R-Pod 177 for example), and it measures 12.80 volts, then rest assured there's nothing wrong with taking an accurate measurement that way. This is an easy test to determine if there are any losses from wiring, my Pod had none. Voltage is the same through the camper. Likely due to being such a short run of wires from the batteries.
it's true that after fully charging a battery if will have a false high float on it, and does not represent it's "resting" capacity. Wait a few hours after charging for true readings, however this can be difficult unless you are at home and a trip is not imminent. I also own an OTC 3181 130 amp load tester. It is for 12 volt automotive batteries. A simple heater wire device with a meter and a trigger, and two battery clamps, positive and negative. Connect to a fully charged battery and pull the trigger for 10 seconds, the meter should remain in the good zone. It it falls into the "not good" zone then the battery is not able to take a full charge, and is either sulfated because of loss of electrolyte over time, or it's just worn out and tired. I do this test each spring before the first trip, as long as the batteries check good, I recharge them after the test to top off before installing them in the R-Pod. Check fluid level several times a year, and top of with distilled water as necessary.
|
|
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
|
![]() |
|
Steve 911 ![]() Groupie ![]() ![]() Joined: 09 Sep 2016 Location: Northern Ca. Online Status: Offline Posts: 92 |
![]() |
Thanks for your comments. I have a 179, and if I have a 12 volt receptacle somewhere, I haven't found it. Having one would make things a lot easier..
I guess I will have to add one..
|
|
Firefighter Steve (retired)
2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
|
![]() |
|
StephenH ![]() podders Helping podders - pHp ![]() ![]() Joined: 29 Nov 2015 Location: Wake Forest, NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 6417 |
![]() |
You are correct that the R-Pods do not come with any 12V outlets (unless there has been a change in the latest models). I added a triple outlet (2 12V power socket type and 1 USB charger) next to the 110V outlet at the base of the bed. I added a second 12V power socket and a USB charger outlet mounted individually near the television. I mounted a 12V digital meter next to the indicator panel. I added the 12V sockets so I can run my CPAP machine and the USB outlets so we can charge our phones.
|
|
StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
|
![]() |
|
Steve 911 ![]() Groupie ![]() ![]() Joined: 09 Sep 2016 Location: Northern Ca. Online Status: Offline Posts: 92 |
![]() |
Thanks,
I think I'm going to add a couple of 12v outlets and USB ports as well. I want to change out the 110v television, that came with my new 179, to a 12v television. I'm just not sure exactly where to tap into 12v wires.
|
|
Firefighter Steve (retired)
2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
|
![]() |
|
TheBum ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 26 Feb 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 1407 |
![]() |
The one I have stays on and I think it's definitely a concern. You can easily fix it by going to Radio Shack and getting a momentary normally-open pushbutton to wire in series. |
|
![]() |
|
TheBum ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 26 Feb 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 1407 |
![]() |
There's at least one extra fuse slot in the power panel. I used one of those to power a 12V outlet, some USB ports, and a 400W inverter, which allows us to watch the 110VAC television while running on battery. |
|
![]() |
|
Lear111 ![]() Groupie ![]() Joined: 20 Oct 2016 Location: Montgomery, tx Online Status: Offline Posts: 66 |
![]() |
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4cfKqzVuRp
If link did not go through. Google rv voltmeter install. You tube video will show absolutely the easiest way to do it. $10 dollars from Amazon and anyone with a Phillips head screwdriver can do it. |
|
Steve
Lexus GX460 R-pod 180 2017 1 black lab |
|
![]() |
|
Steve 911 ![]() Groupie ![]() ![]() Joined: 09 Sep 2016 Location: Northern Ca. Online Status: Offline Posts: 92 |
![]() |
I watched that youtube video. could not be any easier..
Thanks
|
|
Firefighter Steve (retired)
2017.5 Rpod 179 (Reepod) 2016 Highlander AWD w/tow pkg. E2 wdh, prodigy RF brake controller. |
|
![]() |
|
ToolmanJohn ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 23 Apr 2014 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 451 |
![]() |
I recommend you instead install a small inverter and get it wired to provide power to the TV instead. I installed a 400 watt inverter under the dinette bench where the converter is. It has an on/off switch, cost $40, and has a USB charge port also for my phone (which is 99.9% of why I have it). My LED TV is a Wal-Mart whatsit brand I bought for $60 about 4 years ago. It has a max power consumption of 22 watts. If you really want to run a DVD player too, that would use a few more watts. What I'm saying is, a regular small 120 VAC TV is better than any 12 volt TV by a long shot.
|
|
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
|
![]() |
|
TheBum ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 26 Feb 2016 Location: Texas Online Status: Offline Posts: 1407 |
![]() |
Yep. There aren't nearly as many options in 12VDC TVs as there are in 110VAC TVs. |
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
Page <123> |
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |