Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Converting to surge brakes (for rental purposes)

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Converting to surge brakes (for rental purposes)

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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10045
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Topic: Converting to surge brakes (for rental purposes)

Posted By: aclark414
Subject: Converting to surge brakes (for rental purposes)
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 5:23pm

Does anyone have any thoughts on the idea of converting the RPOD electric brakes to surge brakes? The reason I'm doing this is because we're renting it out quite a bit, and most renters don't have a brake controller. I've thought about renting my brake controller with the RPOD, but it's a pain trying to figure out what wiring harness is needed for every vehicle, if it's even pre-wired with a tow package, etc. Also, does anyone have any experience with renting their RPOD?

Replies:

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 6:04pm

I had a utility trailer years ago that had surge brakes. Forgot every thing I ever knew about them. I think it would be a fairly big deal. You probably ought to check with your insurance carrier.

TT

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 6:45pm

Personally, I think you are making a mistake. Surge brakes are good for trailers, like a boat trailer not for campers. I believe JAYCO used surge brakes at one time then upgraded to electronic brakes. Surge brakes run on inertia and generate heat (excessive). I have owned them, had a Bayliner Cierra with them. The other thing that would make me lose sleep, is you are renting this trailer and have modified the brakes, when things go south, guess who is liable? Ask your attorney. Nobody in the rental business at a high level (UHaul/Penske)rents to people who don't have the capability to move their stuff with their tow vehicle. They always ask what you are towing then inspect you TV to see if it is adequate. Plus modifying brakes puts them on the highway with me. And if I was involved in this, and survived, I darn sure would find an attorney. Sorry but I think modifying a rental for ease in renting is bad juju.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: marked001
Date Posted: 30 May 2017 at 9:28am

They make wireless brake controllers now..that would solve all your problems as you just need a 12v socket in the tow vehicle. Everything else is mounted on the trailer permanently.

https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90250.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKEAjwsLTJBRCvibaW9bGLtUESJAC4wKw1PIkJITrWLpnnWl1OhGu8h1MvjL-Ru5GD9KCtFknO7xoCU8vw_wcB - https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90250.html?feed=npn&gclid=CjwKEAjwsLTJBRCvibaW9bGLtUESJAC4wKw1PIkJITrWLpnnWl1OhGu8h1MvjL-Ru5GD9KCtFknO7xoCU8vw_wcB

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2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5
2017 Rpod 182G

Posted By: aclark414
Date Posted: 30 May 2017 at 9:04pm

This is EXACTLY what I need. Thank you!!!!!!

Posted By: aclark414
Date Posted: 07 Jun 2017 at 11:06pm

Bought one and it works great. Thanks again!

Originally posted by marked001

They make wireless brake controllers now..that would solve all your problems as you just need a 12v socket in the tow vehicle. Everything else is mounted on the trailer permanently.

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2017 at 7:44am

I would be interested to hear how the renting is going, what you have seen in the way of clients, and how your insurance is handled, if you don't mind.. And I understand if you do..

I know some dealers rent RVs, and I know of at least one owner who rented a couple times from the air base he was stationed at before buying his own pod..

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Posted By: marked001
Date Posted: 08 Jun 2017 at 9:51am

Originally posted by aclark414

Bought one and it works great. Thanks again!

That's great!!

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2016 Toyota Tacoma SR5
2017 Rpod 182G