Question from a new owner
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6087
Printed Date: 20 May 2025 at 1:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Question from a new owner
Posted By: Steve
Subject: Question from a new owner
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2015 at 12:54pm
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Hello everyone: After taking a couple of months to deliberate, my wife and I found a 2013 182G (used) for a solid price and took the plunge. My first question as a newbie involves electronic braking systems. I drive a 02' Tundra with a V8 4.7L engine. I know my new baby (182G) is plenty light for my rig, but is there a genuine need for the EBS system? One thing to consider is we live near Seattle and do plan on going over several mountain passes. I have identified Tekonsha as the EBS system of choice if we need to go that route: -http:// http://www.tekonsha.com/products/brake-controllers/proportional-controllers/p3-/TzaIxkVx1cI5XOy!osRB55TR19SXShj4 - www.tekonsha.com/products/brake-controllers/proportional-controllers/p3-/TzaIxkVx1cI5XOy!osRB55TR19SXShj4 Thanks for any input and advice! Steve  |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2015 at 2:09pm
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Welcome. The Tekonsha Prodigy is the choice of many here, including myself. I've used it with 3 campers, and my utility trailer. In many states you are required to have operating brakes above 2000 pounds. Just from a sway control and stopping safety standpoint I would never tow w/o a brake controller. The only time I do is when I'm towing the utility trailer empty. ------------- 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: 16 Apr 2015 at 2:29pm
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+1 on Techntrek' comments. Trailer brakes are not optional. They are required by law and for good reason. The Tekonshas are top of the line. My preference is the P3.
------------- 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: Steve
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2015 at 3:01pm
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Thanks! I ordered the Tekonsha P3. In Washington, the law is for anything over 3000 lbs. States vary by weight: -http:// http://www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws - www.brakebuddy.com/towing-laws Appreciate the responses  !!!Steve
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2015 at 3:15pm
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Interesting link. I've heard so many times that the baseline for most states was 2000 pounds, but according to that map it is 3000 for the majority. However, even that weight covers most pods when loaded and even many popups. ------------- 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: 16 Apr 2015 at 3:35pm
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Also note: I believe the requirements are GVWR of the trailer, not the actual weight we may think we have. Actual weight or claimed weight would be a nightmare to administer.
------------- 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: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 16 Apr 2015 at 8:53pm
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Aside from probably being a legal requirement, I think you will really enjoy the electric brakes. The peace of mind they provide can make a trip a whole lot less stressful, not to mention safer. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: Steve
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2015 at 2:23am
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Love this site. Great input and advice... Thanks to all! Steve
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Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 17 Apr 2015 at 3:47am
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I just love the smell of hot brakes, don't you? Seriously, as others have mentioned, you'll really appreciate having your trailer brakes do some of the work. Our pods aren't "heavy" as trailers go, but without trailer brakes, you'd know it's there when heading downhill & wanting to slow down. ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |