What do you wish...
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=4701
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 3:31am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: What do you wish...
Posted By: TriumphRider
Subject: What do you wish...
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 1:05am
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You had asked your dealer? Or what would you have done differently?
We will be picking up a 179 in the next few days and I was wondering if there was anything you wished you had known from the start, or were there any mods you would have had the dealer complete before you picked up your prize? A dual battery set up, perhaps, or... Any other hints for a Pod newbie would be appreciated! 
Thanks, TriumphRider |
Replies:
Posted By: RandD
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 1:15am
| We upgraded to 2 6volt batteries, and LED interior and exterior lights. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 8:11am
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We later had an http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2009 - outside shower added (we used the one we had on our popup a lot), and a http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3321 - set of "3rd" brake lights , like you see on cars and trucks. The factory brake lights are too small and too low to be seen by anyone other than the person right behind you. I should have had these 2 things added right away. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 8:35am
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I wish I would have asked for a Tekonsha P3 brake controller instead of the Voyager. I upgraded myself. Big improvement for me. Got a barely used Voyager if anybody is interested. A gift certificate for 600 gallons of gasoline to cover our summer trip!  fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CasaJack
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 9:28am
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Have them install an on off battery switch on the trailer near the batteries this way you won't have to disconnect them when you are not using your Pod. Congratulation on your purchase. ------------- Jackdaddy |
Posted By: TriumphRider
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 11:32am
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 11:34am
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Both excellent suggestions. I've considered eventually getting the Tekonsha Prodigy RF (the wireless one). Only catch for me is I tow the pod and a utility trailer so there would be more "fiddle factor" moving the control box from trailer to trailer. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TriumphRider
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 11:46am
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All, Thanks for the replies! I will ask the dealer to install a dual battery setup as I hope to be doing some dry camping if I can get the Boss to go along on a "roughing it" trip or two.  I will be sure to add a battery disconnect myself as soon as I get the Pod home. The outside shower seems like a good idea too, as I feel that the less moisture one introduces into a trailer the better. That will definitely be one my list of future enhancements! Thanks again, and keep 'em coming! TriumphRider
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 2:27pm
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Be sure to ask for a dual 6 volt battery setup instead of a dual 12 volt setup. There are several reasons why it is better. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 2:59pm
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Knowing what I know now, thanks to this group, I would have asked for a small discount on no battery and done it myself. I do have a spare 12v. car battery I could have brought for delivery. I recently swapped out my newish 12 volt for two 230 amp hour GC8's: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-egc2/prod3590220.ip?navAction=push - http://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-egc2/prod3590220.ip?navAction=push On a recent cold two night outing, we decided to not conserve at all - furnace a lot, lights, TV and computer w/inverter for movie and my CPAP for two nights. Oh, hot showers too. Just showing off. Power was not an issue and my voltmeter, never saw the batteries below 11.8v. (although I really didn't test at rest. We were always running something). One caveat - they don't fit a regular battery box. They are taller and heavier. I modified a couple of boxes to fit, thanks to shroomer for the suggestion: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4626&KW=duracell&PID=45000&title=batteries-somebody-stop-me#45000 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4626&KW=duracell&PID=45000&title=batteries-somebody-stop-me#45000 - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4626&KW=duracell&PID=45000&title=batteries-somebody-stop-me#45000 fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Newsguy12
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 3:27pm
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I've seen a couple of references to dual 6 volts instead of dual 12 volts. Why are they better? ------------- Ram 1500 5.7L V-8 Hemi 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 3:33pm
Doug, why would you consider the RF if you already got a P3? Just curious and I haven't looked at it. Also, I'm curious if you remember what your power setting is on your P3 (if you remember) and if you, or anybody, has done a back-up-brake-adjustment and recalibration. The P3 seems and feels like a great unit. I'm just interested in tweaks before or during next week's shakedown. Thanks! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 3:44pm
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Hi Newsguy12, There are those more learned than me on the subject, but it comes down to abuse! What I do know is bigger and heavier is better! More Lead, more acid, more electrons living longer! Forget short term cranking power (there are fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Newsguy12
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 3:50pm
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Thanks, Fred ------------- Ram 1500 5.7L V-8 Hemi 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 4:35pm
First reason is batteries in parallel can have issues charging and discharging equally, so putting the two 6 volt batteries in series gets around this problem. Second is the deep cycle 6 volt batteries tend to be more robust than 12 volt deep cycle batteries - especially if you get 12 volt marine deep cycle batts, which aren't entirely deep cycle. Another is there is a specific way to wire up 2 batteries in parallel and many people don't do it right, which amplifies problem #1, above. The image below is the wrong way to do it, you must use the negative post on one battery, and the positive post of the other battery, to power the load.  ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 4:46pm
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Good post , Doug, but you need to explain the 6V series vs 12V parallel issue. Your diagram shows 2 six volt batteries in parallel.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 5:29pm
I have an earlier Prodigy, but basically the same thing. I think the setting is around 6.3. I'm just thinking about the future, I've had my current controller for about 7 years so if it fails (or I get a new TV) I would probably get the RF. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 5:29pm
Not sure what you mean, I thought I explained that 2 posts above? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 6:20pm
You did, but I didn't want a newcomer to go away with the impression that two six volt batteries in parallel was the way to go on a trailer from the diagram. Just a caution on my part. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: Newsguy12
Date Posted: 09 May 2014 at 6:26pm
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Thanks Doug and Charlie. I knew the diagram showed two batteries in parallel--not in series. I've never considered two 6V batteries before...but will be looking at that possibility now. Thanks again. ------------- Ram 1500 5.7L V-8 Hemi 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: NormanHill
Date Posted: 13 May 2014 at 12:04am
| Discuss the extended warranty options, Good Sam, or whatever. Not much leverage on this once the check is in their hands. |
Posted By: TriumphRider
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 11:01am
Thanks, hadn't thought about extended warrenties. I read the thread about the pros and cons and would consider one on the fridge depending on the cost. The dealer didn't even mention them when we were setting up the deal, so maybe they don't offer them or else we will get the hard sell when we go for orientation and pick up.
Sounds like we will be getting the dual 12v batteries. Later down the road I can swap them out for 6v's if the need is there.
Getting excited (and nervous!) about picking it up on Monday! I have a Logbook/Journal ready to take notes in when we do the walk around and orientation. Hopefully it will eventually be filled with remembrances of all the fun trips we had in our new Pod!
 TriumphRider
ETA: We did end up getting a Good Sam membership since there is a Camper World so close to our home base. We picked up some things that I thought were necessary, i.e., chocks and leveling blocks, locks for the trailer hitch, etc. Does everyone agree that a surge supressor is needed? We didn't use one when we had our 23' Terry trailer many years ago, but then it didn't have any electronics to speak of at all! What else trailer related will we need to get right off the bat?
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 11:32am
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Personally I don't bother with surge suppressors or water pressure regulators for our camper. I have the later and tried it once or twice but it always dropped the pressure too much for our shower. The PEX systems in the pods can take more pressure than some may believe, and it is very rare for a commercial hookup to supply more than a safe level. Surge suppressors are a little more useful, but my only goal in-camp is to monitor the voltage level to make sure it is between 108 and 132 (-/+ 10%), which I do with a Kill-A-Watt I keep plugged in where I see it every time I come in the door. I will also verify the ground connection with a voltmeter when I get into camp. I discovered my 30 amp extension cord was NOT grounding the pod last year when I got a shock after my kids washed it and the ground was soaked. They were in bare feet and that could have been lethal for them. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TriumphRider
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 3:26pm
Yikes! Thanks for the heads-up! It never occured to me to check that! So do you just do a continuity check from the far end of the cable to a clean point on the frame, or...?
The surge protector I'm looking at does provide some diagnostics of the incoming power such as reverse polarity and an open ground at the box, and it was only $100, so fairly inexpensive insurance.
The dealer is providing 'free of charge'
 a small water pressure regulator. If it does inhibit flow too much I'll just rig up a gauge that will connect to the hose bib and test the pressure when we are setting up and determine if regulation is necessary.TriumphRider
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Posted By: Boomertype
Date Posted: 16 May 2014 at 4:59pm
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On the water pressure thing, I know one park we will be staying at this summer has a water pressure of 150psi. Valterra does make a high-flow pressure regulator that keeps the pressure up around 60psi, while their standard may drop it to 40psi. About the same price too. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003YJJHI0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003YJJHI0&linkCode=as2&tag=fielschoiexpl-20&linkId=X2UQDP345YH2ZZBF - Valterra A01-1122VP Lead-Free High Flow Water Regulator |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 May 2014 at 10:59pm
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I meant to post this info back then but it slipped my mind when things got busy over the summer. Check out these links, especially the article at the first link, which explains the right way to test for ground issues. The 2nd link explains how voltmeters, plug- in testers, and intelligent surge protectors can report on some faults - but not all. I haven't purchased the Non Contact Voltage Tester he describes, which detects the final problem, yet. http://www.noshockzone.org/rv-electrical-safety-part-iv-–-hot-skin/ - http://www.noshockzone.org/rv-electrical-safety-part-iv-–-hot-skin/ http://www.noshockzone.org/are-little-shocks-ok/ - http://www.noshockzone.org/are-little-shocks-ok/ http://www.noshockzone.org/category/rv-safety/ - http://www.noshockzone.org/category/rv-safety/ ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: TriumphRider
Date Posted: 21 May 2014 at 6:00pm
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Wow, great articles! Now I have another step to add to my routine when setting up camp!
Thanks,
TriumphRider
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Posted By: GlobeTrotter
Date Posted: 27 May 2014 at 9:43am
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Dual battery. Power Jack. Dual Propane stand and regulator. E2 weight distribution hitch. Several DC plugs. ------------- Podding from Montana and loving it! |
Posted By: ahefner
Date Posted: 27 May 2014 at 3:57pm
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Easy access hatch for the hot water bypass and a hatch for the pump bypass also. Easy enough to add but would have been nice if it was already there. ------------- 2014 rPod 178 2014 Toyota Tundra 5.7 |