**power question***
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11010
Printed Date: 29 Jun 2025 at 5:21am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: **power question***
Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Subject: **power question***
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 2:35pm
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Sorry if this is in the wrong thread. Just a question hoping someone knows. We have Family who are going to stay a few nights in our rpod over Xmas. As we do every winter the batteries have been pulled and placed on trickle charger. Can we just plug the R pod in? Or do the batteries have to be hooked up?
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Replies:
Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 2:40pm
Plug your power cable into the house (shore) power and see if things work. I suspect they will.
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Teddy
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Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 3:01pm
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We were going to try just plugging in. But then i thought i would ask here 1st to see if anyone knows.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 3:22pm
The converter will supply 12V power. However, having at least a small 12V battery connected, such as a cheap 12V lawn tractor battery available at Walmart, will smooth out the power from the converter. It will also carry over if there should happen to be a brief power outage. However, don't expect it to last like the regular battery. If the regular batteries you mention are dual 6V, then this is a light weight way to install a battery that avoids having to manhandle the 6V batteries into place.
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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
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 6:01pm
Personally I think the reason for having a battery is to maintain the break away brake capability. I think you can put shore power to Pod and use the Pod for overnight stays. Granted battery is a plus but for what you are trying to do, you'll be fine.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 6:52pm
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Thanks all! For the helpful and timley reply’s! Happy Holidays 🎄 🎅 to everyone!
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 7:34pm
A) make sure the battery connections are NOT touching or grounded.
B) plug in to shore power.
C) use Pod as normal.
Our Airstream has been plugged in with no battery for years. No issues.
NOTE.. if you have the ability to plug in at home, you can just leave the Pod plugged in, and battery(ies) mounted and connected, all winter, no issues. The Pods 3 stage charger will keep them happy, and charged, just fine.
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Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 8:43pm
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Thanks!! We have had our rpod for two years but in the winter we have taken advantage of the free steerage offered from dealer... however that is up next year. Someone informed us that when keeping rpod at home they the winter we could leave plugged in and heater on low and not winterize. This person seemed to think this was a better option than paying to have winterized. I should mention we are in Montana so it’s pretty cold.. do you have any thoughts on this?
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Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 8:44pm
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Lol. Please excuse my tothis form isn’t really “phone” friendly.
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 9:19pm
Originally posted by Jamie&Nicole
Thanks!! We have had our rpod for two years but in the winter we have taken advantage of the free steerage offered from dealer... however that is up next year. Someone informed us that when keeping rpod at home they the winter we could leave plugged in and heater on low and not winterize. This person seemed to think this was a better option than paying to have winterized. I should mention we are in Montana so it’s pretty cold.. do you have any thoughts on this? |
I ABSOLUTELY DISAGREE WITH THAT ADVICE!
The R-Pods are not 4-season campers. The tanks (water, gray, black) are neither insulated nor heated. The pick-up water line to the water pump is also not insulated. Neither are the gray and black water drains. If you were only talking about inside lines, that might be possible, but it would burn up a lot of propane or cost a small fortune in electricity to provide sufficient heat to keep interior lines from freezing in Montana weather. If the heat went out, you risk broken water lines and broken toilet and sink valves not to mention a broken water pump.
Bottom line: Winterizing is absolutely necessary unless the whole R-Pod is stored in a heated building. If you were in the deep south where only occasional overnight freezing temperatures occur you might be able to skip winterizing. We were in Wyoming last December. It got really cold (low single digits) and stays below freezing for long periods. Go ahead and winterize. It does not take much time or effort to do so and it avoids the needs for expensive repairs.
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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
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Posted By: Jamie&Nicole
Date Posted: 17 Dec 2017 at 10:18pm
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Thanks again for all your help!!
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 7:58am
Totally agree with Stephen H.. winterize.
NOW, that said.. why are you paying to winterize? Unless they are only charging, like, $10.... there is NO reason not to do it yourself.The pod has all the valves and bypasses in place, you need exactly 1 tool, (to drain the WH) and it takes less then 2 gallons of anti freeze, ($2 a gallon or less)... Time wise, maybe 10 minutes.
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Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 18 Dec 2017 at 6:00pm
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We discovered that our 179 can stand a few consecutive days of 20s in enclosed, unheated storage without freezing. The air barrier between the Pod and the walls/door takes quite a while to cool off. If we lived up north, we would definitely either have heated storage or winterize.
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