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=6517
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 6:10pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Battery ?
Posted By: alanebell
Subject: Battery ?
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 4:31pm
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I am planning or replacing the battery on my used RP172 with a new one. This one is pretty much toast. It's about to split on the side.
Question for you all. When I am not using my Rpod should I keep it plugged into my house in order to keep the battery topped off? Or should I buy a separate charger for the battery and not have the Pod charged via my home electric? Warm Regards Alan Bell |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 4:34pm
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If you have the ability to plug in the pod, that's the best thing to do. The pod has a pretty good 3 stage charger/maintainer.
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Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 4:53pm
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+1 on Furpod's comments. Another option is a cheap trickle charger and light extension cord back to the house. The advantage is only economic in that you're saving the expensive OEM cord from exposure and the onboard converter from continual use. All electronics have some life expectancy, accelerated by heat. A second option is to completely disconnect the battery and recharge it every 1-2 months with the onboard converter. Some economic advantage here, but also some hassle. Of course there is always the solar option, but $$. ------------- 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: Leo B
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 5:39pm
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Agreed! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: alanebell
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 6:01pm
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Thanks
Hopefully I will be using the Rpod at least once a month. I may just go for the trickle charger to avoid having the onboard electronics doing work 24/7. Thanks for your opinions. So far really loving the Rpod (slept in it with my 6 year old last night (first night we have had it). I put in a Wireless Rearview Camera yesterday. Hooked it up to the running lights spoiler. Seems to work well. Glad I did that cause the caulking around the spoiler was very warn and had many gaps. Also the screws were rusted in places so I am glad I replaced and sealed those. No obvious damage to the inside of the trailer. Thankfully. Alan |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:42pm
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My Kill-a-Watt says the converter costs about $.22 a month to run. As far as life span.. the converter in our Airstream is 35 years old, been plugged in most of it's life is my guess since it was full timed for 20 years before we got it, still fine. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2015 at 7:54pm
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I would modify the charge schedule slightly if you don't stay plugged in, to overnight every 30 days, plus before and after each trip. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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