Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Move camper with no battery??

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Move camper with no battery??

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=15942
Printed Date: 02 May 2025 at 12:34pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Move camper with no battery??

Posted By: JoeSaint
Subject: Move camper with no battery??
Date Posted: 18 Mar 2024 at 9:38pm

Hi, I need to move my camper a few blocks to get new tires installed and I wanted to know if I need the battery in for nay reason? Thanks

Replies:

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2024 at 9:53am

The only reason you would need it to tow is for ballast on the tongue. If it's empty, you're probably OK. The brake lights and marker lights come from the tow vehicle.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 19 Mar 2024 at 7:07pm

The battery operates the brakes in the case of a breakaway. I'd probably risk not having a battery for a few blocks, but technically, it might not be legal.

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2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: JoeSaint
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2024 at 8:42pm

thanks

Posted By: JR
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2024 at 9:48pm

Also I think the trailer's tongue jack is powered from the battery. But you manually bypass that with a 3/4" socket and wrench.

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Jay

179/2019

Posted By: DonRP180
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2025 at 12:35pm

I believe the positive battery cable in the battery box is "hot" when the trailer is plugged into the tow vehicle. Be careful it doesn't touch the negative cable or anything grounded!

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Don
2018 RP180

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2025 at 2:04pm

You can use a small battery such as that from Walmart that fits a lawn tractor as long as it is 12V. That will provide (limited) power for the breakaway system and will keep the battery cable ends away from trouble.

If you have an electric jack, just plug the connector cable to the tow vehicle and let the vehicle's bigger battery run the jack.

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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

Posted By: gpokluda
Date Posted: 14 Apr 2025 at 2:47pm

We bought a lithium jumper pack last summer. They're compact, inexpensive and stay charged for months and months. We used it in Zion in February when a couple in a ran their engine battery on their adventure van flat. It would be a convenient power source for your camper when it doesn't have a battery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HJH1S41?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

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Gpokluda
2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023)
2022 Escape 5.0TA
2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB
Kawasaki KLR650