Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: 20 Amp Home Service

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20 Amp Home Service

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=9683
Printed Date: 28 Jun 2025 at 8:40am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 20 Amp Home Service

Posted By: Dasein
Subject: 20 Amp Home Service
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 6:38pm

We just bought our 179 a few weeks ago. I went into it and found the battery drained, even though we have not been in the camper for two weeks. Nothing had been turned on inside the r-pod but the Radio had a glowing light that I was unable to shut off. I have two questions. Is a kill switch on the battery a worthwhile fix to prevent this? Secondly, can I plug the r-pod into my home 20 amp outlet as long as I don't ruin the microwave (13 amps) or the A/C (13 amps), both of which, along with the converter (8 amps) would exceed the 20 amp circuit. Let me say now that electricity, in my mind, is magic and dangerous. I don't want to destroy my new toys before I have a chance to use them. Thank you for any help Dasein

Replies:

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 7:10pm

Yes a battery cut off would prevent this.

Yes you can plug into a 20A service. And in fact if you do, you CAN run the a/c or microwave, just not at the same time. The charger/converter is only going to pull 8A when charging heavy.

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Posted By: cjscinta
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 7:23pm

I'm fairly new here myself but I think the battery disconnect is definitely worth it. I bought one and installed it myself. Took me about 30 min. Runs about 10 or 15 bucks on amazon. There are things on the pod that drain the battery. Propane detector, microwave etc.

I have just a 15 amp breaker at home and have had no problems. Don't run the microwave and the Ac at the same time. Make sure you have a good quality surge protector and a dog bone to reduce to fit your outlet at home. Good luck.

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2017 R-pod 179

Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 8:46pm

Also, in addition to the above run your refrigerator on propane always unless you are plugged in to shore power. That alone will drain your battery to 0% in less than 8 hours.

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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: john in idaho
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 9:03pm

It sounds like you need a book from Amazon called "The 12 volt Bible for boats". You will learn about DC batteries and other useful things. $15.

Posted By: rynosurf
Date Posted: 11 Apr 2017 at 9:42pm

There is a shut off on the radio for the light, I figured it out but can't remember off the top of my head how to do it. The light was so bright it was driving me nuts.

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2016 179 Hood River Edition
2006 4x4 Tacoma DC short bed

Posted By: Dasein
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 11:34am

Thank you ALL! So, I need a surge protector. I'll install the cut off switch. The book sounds interesting. This forum is excellent.

Posted By: cjscinta
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 1:05pm

https://www.amazon.com/Technology-Research/b/ref=bl_dp_s_mw_9421485011?ie=UTF8&node=9421485011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Technology+Research

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2017 R-pod 179

Posted By: Wood River Pod
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2017 at 2:15pm

I installed the hardwired this Progressive Industries unit four weeks ago. Customer Service was phenonminal with questions. The unit is easy to install and completely protects the pod. They also make a model that is not hardwired as well.

Thanks

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-Hard-Wired-Electrical-Management/dp/B002UC6RSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492024320&sr=1-1&keywords=Progressive+Industries+EMS-HW30C - https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Industries-Hard-Wired-Electrical-Management/dp/B002UC6RSA/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1492024320&sr=1-1&keywords=Progressive+Industries+EMS-HW30C

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Smith's in Hailey
Early 2017 179 HRE

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9134&PN=1&title=wood-river-179-mods - Wood River Mods