R-pod Owners Forum : Trailer lights plug https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : Trailer lights plug Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 13:36:53 +0000 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:20:13 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=13887 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Trailer lights plug : And then there is the dirt... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135493#135493 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13887
Posted: 20 Aug 2020 at 5:20pm

And then there is the dirt simple and dirt cheap Tekonsha Pod.

"Pod"... Coincidence? Maybe, and it works fine on the r-pod. 

Simple, cheap, and not much to go wrong.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/39523.html

Mine has been working great for about 3 years now.


]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:20:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135493#135493 Trailer lights plug : Both are good brake controllers,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135492#135492 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 20 Aug 2020 at 5:01pm

Both are good brake controllers, I have a P3 in my last vehicle without an integrated brake controller. The P2 is a great, simple to use, easy to mount entry level brake controller, works fine with a Pod.]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2020 17:01:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135492#135492 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by CharlieMIt's... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135479#135479 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13887
Posted: 20 Aug 2020 at 5:18am

Originally posted by CharlieM

 

 It's a few bucks more than its little brother, the P2, but so much easier to use. The display uses actual English words instead of cryptic symbols. It's also a true inertial device which is good.

Disagree, The P2 is significantly cheaper, smaller, and does all the same functions as the P3, and is also inertial. The display is just fine. It says "nc" when its not connected, "c" when its connected, and when in use gives the voltage that its sending to the trailer brakes. It's not at all hard to understand.

I gather that if you tow multiple trailers with electric brakes the P3 has some nice functions allowing you to switch between them, but if you don''t then I don't see the point. My utility trailer has surge brakes so I only use the P2 for the rPod. 
]]> Thu, 20 Aug 2020 05:18:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135479#135479 Trailer lights plug : There may not be much room to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135477#135477 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 10:51pm

There may not be much room to install one of those, but there are several good ones with remote display and control, where the main unit mounts under the seat or up under the dash, out of sight and out of the way. 

Then there are the wireless bluetooth units. 

So, Julie, if you dont really have a good place to mount one, then keep in mind there are alternatives that will fit, one way or another. 
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:51:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135477#135477 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by EchoGaleMy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135476#135476 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 10:30pm

Originally posted by EchoGale


My SUV and the pod are at a great truck and trailer place I found not too far away.  The guy is so thorough, which I appreciate.  He had heard of computer built-in controllers and was willing to trace down the computer settings and various wires in my BMW to figure out for sure.  He determined (as many of you thought) I do not have one (I'm shocked really).  I'll be adding it by the end of the week (while also replacing the electrical plug I destroyed.)

Thanks for all the help.


My two cents worth and a recommendation. Get your repair guy to install a Tekonsha P3 brake controller:
https://www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90195-Electronic-Brake-Control/dp/B000P17NXQ/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1U5HHYV4GB1XG&dchild=1&keywords=tekonsha+p3+brake+controller&qid=1597893609&sprefix=tekonsha+%2Caps%2C266&sr=8-2
It's very good and very popular with RVers. It's a few bucks more than its little brother, the P2, but so much easier to use. The display uses actual English words instead of cryptic symbols. It's also a true inertial device which is good.
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 22:30:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135476#135476 Trailer lights plug : Happening Friday. I was always... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135475#135475 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 9:02pm

Happening Friday. I was always a speed demon in a fast six speed til I got the precious little camper. Now I drive like an old lady so I don't hurt it.]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 21:02:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135475#135475 Trailer lights plug : Julie, I'm glad you never... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135473#135473 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 8:43pm

Julie, I'm glad you never drove faster than your guardian angel could fly. 

Get a brake controller installed, get used to the new quicker stops, and enjoy!
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:43:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135473#135473 Trailer lights plug : Ms Julie, you are making headway.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135470#135470 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 5:52pm

Ms Julie, you are making headway. Things will be better. :)]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 17:52:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135470#135470 Trailer lights plug : will do https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135469#135469 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 2:54pm

will do]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:54:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135469#135469 Trailer lights plug : Well that's good news. You... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135467#135467 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 2:16pm

Well that's good news. You have found a problem before it found you!

If he hasn't already done so, I would ask your guy to also check the wear on your SUV brakes as that might have been a little excessive over the time you've been towing. That's particularly true of the rear TV wheels which tend to carry the most load while towing. 

The good news is you have zero wear on your rPod brakes. Big smile
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 14:16:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135467#135467 Trailer lights plug : Hi everyone...a little update... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135464#135464 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 19 Aug 2020 at 1:05pm

Hi everyone...a little update here.

First, I am not in Florida right now. I made my annual summer trip home (with the pod) to Maine and just stayed here.  I'm teaching online this term and don't need to be Florida for the heat and the virus. Yay!

My SUV and the pod are at a great truck and trailer place I found not too far away.  The guy is so thorough, which I appreciate.  He had heard of computer built-in controllers and was willing to trace down the computer settings and various wires in my BMW to figure out for sure.  He determined (as many of you thought) I do not have one (I'm shocked really).  I'll be adding it by the end of the week (while also replacing the electrical plug I destroyed.)

Thanks for all the help.
]]> Wed, 19 Aug 2020 13:05:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135464#135464 Trailer lights plug : Miss Julie,Are you still in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135130#135130 Author: Colt
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 5:53pm

Miss Julie,

Are you still in FL?  There are 11 Gander/Campingworld stores in Florida, plus 6 BigTex Trailer dealers.  Surely one is close enough to be practical.  Anybody that sells commercial trailers, like flat-bed or horse trailers can fix it. 

A brake controller will always have an adjustment button/knob to set the trailer brakes for the trailer's weight.  Here is one from BMW.


I have a Redarc inertial controller.  It only has one 5/8" knob sticking out of the dash. 
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 17:53:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135130#135130 Trailer lights plug : +2 The only way it would have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135126#135126 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 4:23pm

+2
The only way it would have one is if you purchased it used and the previous owner added it. It does not come with one from the factory.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:23:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135126#135126 Trailer lights plug : +1 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135122#135122 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:44pm

+1]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:44:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135122#135122 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by EchoGaleI... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135121#135121 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:40pm

Originally posted by EchoGale

I will. 

But I can't believe I don't have brakes. I've towed over 8k miles at this point. Up and down mountains (albeit Eastern ones), small windey roads and bumper to bumper on the NJ turnpike. I am careful about speed but I've never felt trouble stopping. Moreover, when I first got the trailer the emergency brake release had corroded and broke loose, and the brakes engaged.

But I don't mess around with safety stuff. :)

The emergency breakaway system works independently from the TV brakes so that wouldn't prove anything one way or the other. 

I'm pretty sure you don't have a brake controller either, a quick scan of the BMW forums suggests that folks are adding them after purchase. 
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:40:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135121#135121 Trailer lights plug : Sweet. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135120#135120 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:37pm

Sweet.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:37:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135120#135120 Trailer lights plug : absolutely. :) https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135119#135119 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:34pm

absolutely. :)]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:34:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135119#135119 Trailer lights plug : I have faith in you. Just get... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135118#135118 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:33pm

I have faith in you. Just get it checked, we all know when our brakes are working or not working, so asking concerned me. Plus I've never seen a controller that doesn't have a manual mode, I could be in left field, but better safe than sorry.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:33:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135118#135118 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by podwerkz Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135116#135116 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:31pm

Originally posted by podwerkz

Originally posted by offgrid


Podwerks, you are right that you have to be careful when wiring up a connector. But, as long as you don't get the ground connection screwed up nothing bad will happen. 


Wrong.

The ground connection shorting to some other wire IS a bad thing that could happen. Fuses can blow, lights wont work...maybe even a scorched wiring harness or a blown computer. This is what I was referring to. 

Also, if things are not wired correctly, 12 volts from the brake light circuit, for example, might be applied directly to the brake magnets..full power to the brakes with no 'modulation'..just locked up trailer wheels the first time the brake pedal is touched.

Or, the brake circuit might end up powering the AUX connection to the trailer battery...oops...I bet the vehicle ECM wont like that...not at all, especially if the polarity got reversed.

Or, the trailer turn signals could end up reversed...maybe even cause an accident when you 'zig' and the other vehicles in that intersection expect you to 'zag'.

All I'm saying is....it HAS to be done correctly, or, NOT AT ALL. Guessing about the wire positions during replacement, and hoping it is OK, is NOT AN OPTION.
 

s
Nope, not wrong. That's why I said you have to get the ground right, so the polarity is not reversed. Nothing bad means no arcs and sparks, not that you don't have to go through and be sure everything is connected right. Of course you do. Trial an error is sometimes necessary and can be done safely as long as you get the polarity right to start with, which can be verified with a multimeter. 
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:31:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135116#135116 Trailer lights plug : I will.But I can't believe... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135115#135115 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:28pm

I will. 

But I can't believe I don't have brakes. I've towed over 8k miles at this point. Up and down mountains (albeit Eastern ones), small windey roads and bumper to bumper on the NJ turnpike. I am careful about speed but I've never felt trouble stopping. Moreover, when I first got the trailer the emergency brake release had corroded and broke loose, and the brakes engaged.

But I don't mess around with safety stuff. :)
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:28:55 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135115#135115 Trailer lights plug : +1. Brake controllers are a must.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135114#135114 Author: offgrid
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:15pm

+1. Brake controllers are a must. ]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:15:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135114#135114 Trailer lights plug : Another reason to go to a repair... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135113#135113 Author: mcarter
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 3:11pm

Another reason to go to a repair shop, the brake controller issue concerns me. You need a brake controller.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 15:11:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135113#135113 Trailer lights plug : I will look unto this further.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135111#135111 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 2:35pm

I will look unto this further. ]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:35:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135111#135111 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by EchoGaleThanks... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135109#135109 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 2:08pm

Originally posted by EchoGale

Thanks for all the help.
The plastic covering on the plug is worn away exposing the metal of the plug. The cord itself is fine.

My tow vehicle is a 2016 BMW X3 with a factory tow package. There is no separate brake controller device. The computer knows when the trailer is plugged in. I bought this used from a non-BMW dealership so they couldn't tell me much about it.  What I know is from the BMW forum.

You likely do not have a brake controller. Etrailer sells brake controllers that say they are for the BMW X3. If etrailer sells them, then it is likely that one is not included. Every brake controller I have seen has had some form of manual control. If you don't have one, then please get it checked out and get one installed. You would not be towing legally in many states without one. You really do need the trailer brakes to help you stop. That is a lot of additional weight back there.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 14:08:21 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135109#135109 Trailer lights plug : Thanks...I've found two places... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135099#135099 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 11:54am

Thanks...I've found two places to try now.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:54:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135099#135099 Trailer lights plug : There is a guy who advertises... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135098#135098 Author: Pete Brayton
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 11:19am

There is a guy who advertises remote rv repairs on my local Craigslist. You might check your local listings to see if someone does that.]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:19:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135098#135098 Trailer lights plug : Originally posted by offgridPodwerks,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135097#135097 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 11:09am

Originally posted by offgrid


Podwerks, you are right that you have to be careful when wiring up a connector. But, as long as you don't get the ground connection screwed up nothing bad will happen. 


Wrong.

The ground connection shorting to some other wire IS a bad thing that could happen. Fuses can blow, lights wont work...maybe even a scorched wiring harness or a blown computer. This is what I was referring to. 

Also, if things are not wired correctly, 12 volts from the brake light circuit, for example, might be applied directly to the brake magnets..full power to the brakes with no 'modulation'..just locked up trailer wheels the first time the brake pedal is touched.

Or, the brake circuit might end up powering the AUX connection to the trailer battery...oops...I bet the vehicle ECM wont like that...not at all, especially if the polarity got reversed.

Or, the trailer turn signals could end up reversed...maybe even cause an accident when you 'zig' and the other vehicles in that intersection expect you to 'zag'.

All I'm saying is....it HAS to be done correctly, or, NOT AT ALL. Guessing about the wire positions during replacement, and hoping it is OK, is NOT AN OPTION.
 

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 11:09:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135097#135097 Trailer lights plug : Sounds to me like there is no... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135096#135096 Author: podwerkz
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 10:59am

Sounds to me like there is no brake controller present, only a computer that's able to detect that a trailer is hooked up...and possibly switching automatically to 'tow/haul' mode.

Hmmm.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 10:59:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135096#135096 Trailer lights plug : Thanks for all the help.The plastic... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135090#135090 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 8:35am

Thanks for all the help.
The plastic covering on the plug is worn away exposing the metal of the plug. The cord itself is fine.

My tow vehicle is a 2016 BMW X3 with a factory tow package. There is no separate brake controller device. The computer knows when the trailer is plugged in. I bought this used from a non-BMW dealership so they couldn't tell me much about it.  What I know is from the BMW forum.

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:35:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135090#135090 Trailer lights plug : If the rubber on the cable itself... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135089#135089 Author: StephenH
Subject: 13887
Posted: 10 Aug 2020 at 8:00am

If the rubber on the cable itself is what is worn, then it is very likely that the whole cable will need to be replaced. In that case, the wiring of the plug is moot since a new cable will come with a new plug already attached. Then it becomes a matter of going underneath to the junction where the cable ties into the rest of the wiring.

If you feel uncomfortable doing this, then by all means find someone local who can do this for you. Don't wait on a dealer. Do a search for RV repair and see if there is an independent shop near you which can get to it quicker.
]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2020 08:00:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13887&PID=135089#135089