Bolt on 2" receiver
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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=9351
Printed Date: 23 May 2025 at 11:07pm
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Topic: Bolt on 2" receiver
Posted By: Tobinism
Subject: Bolt on 2" receiver
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2017 at 4:55pm
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Hello! I will be picking up my R-pod 179 From the dealership in a few weeks and I am looking at adding a 2" receiver to the rear of the pod in order fit a bike rack that can support 4 bikes.
Weight break down: Bike rack-52lbs Bikes- 27-36 lbs each Maximum weight would be just shy 200lbs if all bikes were 36lbs The receiver would be bolted directly to the frame. The model I'm looking at supports a 500lb toungue weight. http://www.canadianhitches.ca/curt-rv-receiver-hitch-13702/ Has anybody else utilized a bolt on 2" receiver system? I plan on using a hitch tightener system in order to eliminate any slopping and flopping and also balancing out my cargo to maintain a proper toungue weight |
Replies:
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2017 at 5:11pm
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I would wait till you get some feedback here before doing that. My understanding is that it will not support much weight in the back. I believe you would have to have some extra support welded on. Forest river says dont even use any bike carrier except theirs, and IT only carries 2 bikes. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Tobinism
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2017 at 5:36pm
| Absolutely. I could also add in extra reinforment. But I just think if they say it's okay for 150lbs in the stock receiver. Then bolting a 2" receiver to the frame (not using the 1 1/4") will have no problem supporting the weight. |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 5:20pm
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Forest River won't like it. It will almost certainly void your warranty. There is probably a way to reinforce the frame so you'll never have any trouble but with a new RPod you might want to talk directly to Forest River before you go too far. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:22pm
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Since it's only 2 bikes.. why not use the FR approved 2 bike carrier and avoid finding out about cancelled warranties..
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:30pm
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Good advice!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tobinism
Date Posted: 19 Feb 2017 at 8:41pm
| Sorry, still 4 bikes on the back ranging in weights from 27-36lbs. |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2017 at 7:34pm
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You will need to have a welder make a much more robust attachment for a 2 inch receiver. The standard cross member at the rear of the frame is not extraordinarily strong. I would recommend 2 new larger cross members and a long square piece of 2 inch receiver tube welded to both. And it should be gusseted at the rearmost cross member for additional strength . If you decide to do it, go for overkill and make it strong. You don't want to lose the bikes, and you do not want to be responsible for a crash either if the carrier came of due to poor welds or design. My solution for a 2 bike carrier was to buy a 1upUSA adaptable bike carrier. I can use it in the standard 1-1/4" receiver. I installed to D-Ring tie downs next to the rear window on each side. I made sure the carriage bolts penetrating through the fiberglass and wall are watertight and use large fender washers to distribute the load. I use the D-rings to run a strap around the bike frame closest to the R-Pod, and cinch it a bit so the bike rack cannot bounce. The receiver takes all the weight and the strap just prevents it from bouncing. No worries about the weld breaking. I inspect on each Journey. 4 years on and no issues. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Tobinism
Date Posted: 31 Mar 2017 at 8:18pm
| Well I finished the hitch install. After removing the stock receiver I wouldn't trust it even with just the spare tire back there. New hitch is bolted to the frame with 5- 1/2" bolts on each side. It is very robust added approx 50 lbs to the overall weight with the upgrade. I can't figure out how to attach pictures to this on my phone but I can attach some later for whoever is interested. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2017 at 10:46am
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Tobinism, I would like to see Pictures, Like toolmanJohn said, The rear main cross member is so small and thin. And just welded on the ends, How did you beef it up? Not that I would Hang a ton of weight off the back, But they hung the spare there so it can't be to bad. rgds John ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 01 Apr 2017 at 2:25pm
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We also added a 2" receiver and added additional 2"x2" cross member. we added triangle gussets above and below the new 2" receiver. It has worked well in several cross country trips. another important aspect of stopping the motion of the bikes and racks is to stop the front to back and side to side motion. We use a hitch quietener and also 2 nylon cam straps to each corner of the pod. there are pictures in our mod page. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:07pm
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I want put a cargo rack on the back of my 2017 177 that I bought last summer to carry a 3500 watt generator, 2-5 gallon gas cans, spare propane tank and the spare tire. I tried a 1 1/4 to 2 inch receiver adapter, but it sags low and bounces. I decided to look I into replacing the 1 1/4 inch receiver with a 2 inch.
A link to any pictures of your 2 inch receiver setup would be helpful. |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:32pm
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Welding additional gussets and reinforcing will be a necessity for this to work successfully. Best go to a welding shop that will guarantee their work. As has been previously stated FR will void any warranty you may have once this modification has been performed. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 4:55pm
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If you add that much weight at the rear you risk bending the frame back at the axle attachment point. That is the weakest point on an rpod frame, because when you go over a bump or hit a pothole the weight on the rear and the torque from the torsion axle are additive and place a lot of bending force at that location. So there is a very good reason for FR to void the warranty if you do that.
Here's the second reason that adding all that weight at the rear is unadvisable. You need to keep at least 10-11% of the total trailer weight on the tongue at all times. Otherwise you can get sway. It's going to be difficult to keep the weight on the tongue high enough. Both s ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 6:14pm
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That's a lot of stuff to put on the back of an rPod 177. With all the stuff you describe you'll be getting pretty close to 300 lbs. that will have to be counter balanced forward of the axle. I'll leave it to the engineers to figure out how to balance the load, but I doubt any of them would recommend that kind of weight at the rear. Take a look at this famous video on what happens when you have too much weight aft of the axle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2fkOVHAC8Q - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2fkOVHAC8Q ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 6:35pm
Maybe put 400# weight on the tongue?  ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 07 Feb 2022 at 7:54pm
| Thanks for the feedback. Sound like I'm better off loading the generator I to the trailer or cargo area of my Highlander and just put the 2 gas cans, spare tire and tank on the cargo rack. That would be just over 100 pounds plus the weight of the cargo rack. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 5:18am
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Still too much I think. With a Highlander you are limited by both tongue weight and rear axle weight as well as trailer weight and fore aft balance, and bending stress on the trailer frame. Also CGVWR. All those factors come together to make your weight carrying options pretty limited.
In general, loading everything as far forward as possible in the combined rig is the way to go. I towed with a Highlander and ended up with a Honda 2K converted to propane and an extra cylinder both of which I loaded as far forward as possible just behind the seats in the Highlander. I highly recommend converting your generator to propane, especially when towing with an SUV. Also you can run everything with a 2 or 2.2k Genny if you install an Easy Start on the a/c. Saves a lot of weight. I also had dual batteries and carried water (you have to account for water you will be carrying which might be in any of the three tanks at some point). Only the spare on the back. I was right at 500 lbs on the tongue with full fresh water and at 11% tongue weight with full gray water. My rig weight was about 10% under the Highlanders CGVWR which is about as high as anyone should go IMO. I used a wdh of course. I suggest you load up everything and everybody and weigh your rig at a scale and use a towing calculator to see what you have (if you search my posts I have described how to do that and provided a link to a good calculator). Once you have a set of baseline actual weight numbers you can see what happens if you move load around without re-weighing. Think of the trailer as a teeter totter, weight in front of the axle increases tongue weight, load aft of the axle decreases it. So, say you add 100 lbs weight on the rear of the trailer. The effect of that on tongue weight is: old tongue weight - 100 x (distance in inches from axle to weight/distance from axle to ball). So you can try a variety of combinations and run them through the calculator before making your mods. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 5:29am
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I agree you need to think about your tongue weight. I thought of a bike rack on the back of our camper but decided against it because of it's affect on reducing the tongue weight. ------------- 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: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 10:06am
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Once again thank you. Your information is convincing me to sell the generator and forget about doing any hot weather lotdocking at truck stops and to find a campground for the night. The reason I got the generator was so I could power the A/C when lotdocking or doing some boondocking.
Did anyone install an inverter in their R-Pod? I didn't realize or discover that my 2017, 177 didn't have a 12v outlet like my previous trailer until I was on the way home from the Illinois dealer to Michigan. I bought an inverter but haven't gotten it installed as every RV service (dealer or just service) I've talked to has a 6 to 8 week wait before they can get it in to work on and you have to leave it with them for the wait. 20+ years ago with my 1st trailer, I drilled a hole through the front wall of the trailer near the floor to put the wires through and connect to the battery. I stopped doing things myself on my vehicles years ago getting them professionally done. |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 1:06pm
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My wife and I returned home a few weeks ago from camping about five weeks in the Ocala National Forest located in central Florida. We camped at three Federal campgrounds that had no electric they did have very nice clean well kept bath houses that had hot water and a room for washing dishes. We kept our generator in the Truck and let down the tail gate when we used it we do have a fiberglass cap so we could lock everything up when not using the generator. We also used a 140 watt solar panel everything worked out fine and had a great time. I did see several solar panels in use and several generators. One camper had a platform welded above his propane tanks for his duel fuel generator that looked like a good idea if your camper and tow vehicle can handle the extra tongue weight. ------------- 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: offgrid
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 5:37pm
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If you don't need to run an a/c or the microwave then by all means dispense with the generator. If you do want to use either appliance you can do that with a sub 50 lb 2kw generator. You would need an Easy Start device installed in your a/c. Works well by reducing the startup load on the compressor motor so the 2kw inverter can run it.
If you're thinking about running either the a/c or the microwave from an inverter, don't consider it. You don't have enough energy storage in your battery for that. Well possibly for the microwave but only for a few minutes at most, and you'd need about a 2kw inverter. If you just want to run a few small electronic devices then you can use a small portable inverter or run the devices directly on 12V. For example, you can get a dual voltage TV that will automatically select 120Vac if it's available and 12Vdc if it's not. Not expensive and more efficient than the inverter option. You can tap off a 12V supply to provide the power for either the devices or the inverter. Where you tap depends on the trailer model and where you want the 12V receptacle to be. In my 179 I tapped the supply to the stereo and ran it through the closet wall to the receptacle. The receptacle had a couple USB ports on it too. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 08 Feb 2022 at 9:02pm
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The inverter is to power my CPAP when sleeping and my laptop when awake and not traveling. I've been using 150 watt inverter in my car for at least 10 years to power them. I would pull into truck stops to cat nap on road trips to save on loging expenses.
Although I haven't taken the trailer on the road as I've been working on getting things setup to haul a 120 lbs (empty) along with gas cans and spare propane tank so I could continue to use truck stops until I got to the area I wanted to explore. I've done searchs on Amazon for hoists/cranes that can be installed on my 2021 Highlander Hybrid Limited and found one that use a 2" receiver for a mount with a 300 lbs capacity to lift the generator into the cargo area of the Highlander. Of course to use the one below, I would have to unhitch and remove the weight distribution/anti sway head to use the hoist. I also looked at ramps as a way to load the generator into the Highlander. The ramp option may require use of a block and tackle or similar pull to pull the generator up the ramp as the generator with fuel & oil will be around 160 to 170 lbs. Thanks being a dedicated farmer providing food for us all. (Viking Solutions VS-VSL001 Game Processing Multi, One Size by Amazon.com Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXURFSG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_44P32WK7S62738F34E75) |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 3:44am
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150 watt inverter sounds like a good way to go. You just need a 12V power port somewhere to connect it to. You can get them on Amazon inexpensively. If you get one with a usb port then your phone or other device can be charged that way, more efficient than going through the inverter. You can also get them with a voltmeter which does a much better job than the crummy battery level lights.
This is an easy DIY job, you just need to find a place to tap 12V, like the power to the stereo. If you tap the main battery line be sure to add an inline fuse at that point. 15 amps for 14 gauge, 20A for 12 gauge. 14 gauge will be fine for a 150 watt inverter. A hitch crane sounds like way too much work not to mention the additional weight. Seriously, if you do later decide you need a generator get a Honda 2.2 or equivalent and an Easy start. Easy to lift and carry around without breaking your back. That's what I used. Propane operation is also much better than gasoline if you're keeping the generator and/or the fuel in the SUV. No fumes or fuel leaks. As for farming, you are giving me too much credit. I'm retired and we just have a small hobby farm. Other than friends and family we're not in the ag production business. Keeps us active though and we get lots of exercise. But it does ground you at home, other than a rare occasional overnight trip we can't travel, farm animals need attention every day. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 4:53am
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Memories, memories, I haven't forgotten going out to the corals as a kid on my parents 10 acare ranch in Arizona putting feed in the animal feeders and breaking ice up in the water tubs on winter mornings. That was nearly 60 years ago.
I've decided to sell my current generator and getting one under 50 lbs. I've been looking at the Champion 2500 watt duel fuel. Long Long Honeymoon reviewed and tested it by powering the A/C and microwave in their Air Stream trailer with the generator powered by gas and propane. What got from their YouTube video is that it could power both, one at a time, but took several pulls of the starter cord when connected to propane before it started. It's rated at 1800 watts normal and 2500 watts peak. I've run my R-Pod's A/C on a 15 amp connection and I don't have the easy start installed on my A/C. Had to turn the A/C off to us the microwave. Doing the math, 1800 watts at 120 volts is 15 amps. I would eventually get one of those devices installed on my A/C if I could find a place to do it without having to wait 6 or more weeks before they could do the work. I'm not about to get on the roof myself to do the install. |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 5:15am
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We have a Champion generator that weighs about a hundred pounds to heavy for me to lift. The generator has wheels and I use ramps to load generator up into the truck then leave ramps at home. When operating generator I roll it onto the tailgate and point the exhaust out back of truck not to fill the fiberglass cap with exhaust fumes. If I were to buy another generator I would chose a lighter weight generator one that I could lift. ------------- 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: lostagain
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 5:37am
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We have a Champion 3100W duel fuel generator that we use with an Easy Start. We use propane and it works fine. It weighs just under 100 pounds and I've had no trouble lifting in and out of the back of our truck. But if you have back issues, it'd probably be too heavy, unless you had a partner to help. It's quiet enough that it could be run while sitting on in the bed of the truck with the camper shell/cap/topper open and the tailgate open. If I had it to do over again, which I don't, I'd have bought a smaller duel fuel unit. ------------- Never leave footprints behind. Fred & Maria Kearney Sonoma 167RB Our Pod 172 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost |
Posted By: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 8:11am
I bought a GENMAX 3200-Watt Inverter Generator. It is a made in China gen set but a large number of the gen sets are made in China. It's running output is 2800 watts and so far has been able to run my AC with no easy start and it weighs 47.3 lbs which is why I bought it. I rarely use a gen set so I figured it was worth taking a chance on and so far no issues. I can't whole heartedly recommend it because I haven't used it enough. |
Posted By: Dahuntsr
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 8:22am
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I was also looking at the Genmax 3200, but I like the idea of carrying spare propane tanks than 5 gallon gas cans.
A 3rd model I was looking at is the Hudson Motors 3300 watt generator. Weight is an important issue with me as I can't lift much. I was going to put that 160 lbs (with fuel) on the rack and never take it off. So I've been focusing on the under 50 lbs generators. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 10:01am
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Just remember that the lighter weight ones may not have the ability to start the AC reliably. You will definitely need to install a https://www.microair.net/collections/easystart-soft-starters - Micro-Air EasyStart on the AC in order to have a chance to get it to work. Also, on the web page, there is a bonding plug. You can build one very easily by purchasing a plug from your local big-box hardware store and connecting the ground and neutral (ground is usually green and is for the U shaped terminal and neutral which is usually a silver colored screw), leaving the brass color screw unconnected. This is because most generators have a floating neutral. Circuit analyzers consider this a fault. Bonding the ground and neutral will satisfy the circuit analyzer. This is one area where you don't want to cheap-out on the generator. You could consider getting a pair of smaller, lighter weight generators and running them in parallel. Then you would not have to lift so much at once, but still have the power available when you need it. ------------- 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: pedwards2932
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 3:32pm
| Again I won't whole heartedly endorse but the GenMax has started my AC every time I have used it.... if it fails I will definitely let everyone know but it has worked with no issues. |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 09 Feb 2022 at 5:55pm
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Recall all that Dahunter has a Highlander SUV tow vehicle. So, no running the Genny sitting on a tailgate, and weight is a real issue, as are gasoline fumes. Hence the recommendation for a smaller lighter propane generator.
Regardless of the brand a small under 3kw-ish generator won't run both the a/c and micro at the same time (not a big deal, just turn the a/c off for a few minutes while running the micro) but also might not start the a/c on a hot day (a big deal). It's the second or third start in a hot day that taxes the generator the most because the a/c compressor builds up back pressure when it runs and has the highest pressure differential to overcome when it's hot. So you can always try it without the Easystart and then add it if the Genny labors too much starting the a/c. Just don't do that kind of laboring start too many times, it's not good for either one. It's not a difficult DIY project to install the Easystart, takes maybe an hour at most. The install instructions are good, the Easystart folks are nice and helpful if you have questions. You can lay a piece of plywood on the roof to spread the load, set the stabilizing jacks, and you don't need to stand up on top to do it. If that doesn't appeal then you dont really need an RV shop to install it, pretty much anyone who can turn a screwdriver and connect a couple of wires up can do it. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: gerry demers
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2024 at 7:50am
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will the Easystart help for a power pack made of a LIPO4 and a inverter for the AC? ------------- Gerry r pod 192 2024 Toyota tacoma 2017 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2024 at 10:03am
There was a video from Gone With the Winns that detailed what they needed to do to get solar powered AC. It would take more panel space than is available in the RPod and a huge battery bank (yes, even LiFePO4) to get that to work for any length of time. ------------- 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 |