Need Help with trailer hitch 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=4752
Printed Date: 09 Jun 2025 at 1:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Need Help with trailer hitch question
Posted By: Julia1961
Subject: Need Help with trailer hitch question
Date Posted: 21 May 2014 at 10:43pm
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I was hooking up my chains to the back of my SUV and noticed one of the clasps has the catch broken off. I will be taking my maiden voyage Friday to Suwannee River From Jax and wonder if it will be ok to wait fix it un till after vacation as long as towbar is Locked with bolt? Need advice as soon as I can. Thanks so much. Julia ------------- The Vintage Glamper Lilly Pod |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 21 May 2014 at 10:49pm
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If I understand what you are saying you could tie the hook to keep it from being detached. If I am right in understanding your problem wire or a heavy line could be used. If the hooks are kept in place I would think you would be safe for your trip. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Julia1961
Date Posted: 21 May 2014 at 11:22pm
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Thank you, my friend said I could use a tie wrap. I think I will use wire as you suggested, I am dropping RPod off at dealership on way back from Swannee to add risers so I will have them fix it then. Thanks for the help, I'm a Help. I was so stressed when I saw this as I was practicing hooking it up, and since I have had it doing Mods for a while and not taken it out you can imagine how my blood pressure went up. I'll post pictures from my trip Allong with Mods once I set everything up. Please keep me I. Your prayers. Julia ------------- The Vintage Glamper Lilly Pod |
Posted By: Julia1961
Date Posted: 21 May 2014 at 11:23pm
In.....oops ------------- The Vintage Glamper Lilly Pod |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 May 2014 at 12:52pm
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I agree with above, as long as the added wire keeps the hook at the end of the chains attached, you are fine. ------------- 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: David and Danette
Date Posted: 22 May 2014 at 3:20pm
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Duck tape may also work, don't worry it will all work out fine some how. Hope you have a safe trip and a good time. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Julia1961
Date Posted: 22 May 2014 at 11:59pm
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Thank you for the good information! I got wire today and am going to use that. I have another question, I am leaving midday tomorrow and wanted to know if I can put the fridge in battery mode will it stay on while I am driving? My trip will only take an house and 1/2 to get there. I know this sounds like a silly question but I really don't know?i have two batteries and electric brakes. Thanks for all the feedback ------------- The Vintage Glamper Lilly Pod |
Posted By: Julia1961
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 12:00am
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Oops hour... Rats ------------- The Vintage Glamper Lilly Pod |
Posted By: jan demarinis
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 12:07am
| If the umbilical is plugged in, the fridge will run off the car electric. |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 5:44am
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The tow vehicle can supply charging current to the rv if it is wired to do so..that isn't a given. Even so it is difficult to supply as much as the fridge draws through typically undersized wiring. So yes the tow vehicle can help with 12V fridge operation while driving but on long enough trips it may be a losing battle. IOW if you are using 10 amps but only supplying 8 amps then you have a net loss of 2 amps, so when you arrive somewhere to dry camp you are already starting with partially drained batteries.... If you have hookups then the built in charger will put it back. In your trip of 90 minutes you'll be fine- but if doing 1000 mile/16 hour days like I've done it can be an issue! Personally- I've never hesitated to use the LP system while driving, only issue I've ever had is sometimes the flame blows out. In the past I've added baffles or automatic reignitors to fix that. The fridges in the rpod have the reignitor built in. One tip- I use a wireless thermometer to keep an eye on fridge temps while driving- you can pick one up for about $10 at WalMart or other places. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Accurite-Digital-Wireless-Thermometer/16888916 ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 May 2014 at 7:54am
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You can edit a post if you notice a misspelled word, look at the Post Options at the top-right of your posts. I agree with Budward that TVs aren't always set up from the factory (or correctly set up) to supply the electric needed to run the fridge, and recharge the battery. Both can be very large loads. I also usually use LP on the road, to prevent any problems. That leaves all of the supplied amps for the battery, if it is low. It is also one less step to worry about when boondocking - when I get there I'm already in "boondocking mode". Good tip on the thermometer. That is how I discovered our fridge wasn't working properly on day 2 of a 25 day trip, several hours after we got on the road that 2nd day. Glad I packed a cooler as a backup, although it was pain. ------------- 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: 23 May 2014 at 7:56am
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Oh, and make sure you never use the 12 volt mode when you are boondocking, unless you are running a generator the whole time (and in that case you should use the AC mode). 12 volt mode will drain your battery in a few hours. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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