removing battery to charge
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Same as podmods, just... not for pods
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10760
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 6:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: removing battery to charge
Posted By: PodBarb
Subject: removing battery to charge
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 9:55pm
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Need to remove batter to charge and not sure if using a wrench to disconnect the connections is safe. ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Replies:
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 10:22pm
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Yes, sure, you can use a wrench. Disconnect the negative terminal first and be careful. Is your pod in storage or somewhere you can't leave it plugged in? The on-board charger-converter does a great job of keeping the battery topped off if you have shore power. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 11:15pm
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Hi, thanks for the support - feel a bit foolish. Yes, it is in storage as I can't park it where I live. It's been about 3 weeks and it measures at 11.75. I'm camping nearby next week for 3 days, which might rev it up, so waffling on the charging. ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 7:24am
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If you can't plug in where stored, and intend to leave the battery in when stored, adding a battery disconnect switch is a very good idea.
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Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 11:04am
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Yes, I was looking into that. What type of battery disconnect is best. For now, I have only one battery and would prefer something on the outside of the battery case and protected from weather. ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 11:11am
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We used this one. Attached it to the top of the battery box, no issues. http://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-002843011-Rating-Battery-Master/dp/B0000AYAFE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1507306011&sr=8-1&keywords=hella+battery+disconnect+switch - Switch Looked like this, installed... https://postimages.org/">  ------------- |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 11:34am
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We should also remind you that batteries will "self discharge", even when disconnected from everything. We keep our R-pod in storage when we're not using it, and can not guarantee that we will be back to it to top up the batteries. So after every trip, we remove the batteries and keep them in the garage where we can top them up once a month or so. How long you can go without topping up batteries will probably vary according to battery age and local temperatures. However, I wouldn't go beyond 2-3 months between charges. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 12:04pm
 I use a different style battery cut-off switch. It does not have a removable key. It is okay in moist environments. The picture also shows the battery lock-down bar I made. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 9:25pm
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Your setup is impressive. My wisdom has yet to arrive it seems. I just found out I have a bigger problem than the battery. I have lost the key to the coupler lock and no electricity available for cutting it off or drilling it out. Boy, do I feel so frustrated with all the newbie things! Got to get through them, however, because I went to go! Thanks for the picture - that really helps. ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 9:28pm
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Sending picture helps. I think it looks workable. Thanks ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 06 Oct 2017 at 9:50pm
Maybe you know someone with a cordless drill or side grinder. Depending on the kind of lock, bolt cutters might do the job. And there are you tube videos on how just about any coupler lock can be defeated in under two minutes. Good luck! TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 1:17am
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Thanks, working on it. Just another learning curve... ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 7:38am
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Big hammer and a pry bar will open most coupler locks in short order, some in seconds.
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Posted By: Live2Camp
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 10:22am
I sure hope you're giving yourself credit for your tenacity and effort, because I sure am (giving you credit, that is  ). You've accomplished so much already by getting your trailer, finding storage, working on things that need to be worked on and so on. Like others here I'm grateful to and for this forum, a great way to learn and connect for all of us. We're get to the San Jose area from time to time so maybe we'll see you out there some time. Keep at it and have fun, and please let us know how your camping trip goes!------------- 2017 R-Pod 179 HRE (the green one) His:Ford F150 double cab 4WD; Hers/mine:Tacoma V6 double cab 4WD Still love rugged, diggin' comfy too |
Posted By: PodBarb
Date Posted: 07 Oct 2017 at 8:49pm
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Yes, this is a great forum and everyone has offered such good ideas. I am looking forward to the time, however, when everything isn't a list of things to check off so I can enjoy the surroundings and a quiet moment! Thanks for your kind and support words. Good to know other Californians - haven't seen many on the various trailer forums. ------------- 2017 RPod 171 2017 Kia Sorento SX |