R-pod Owners Forum : Newbie R-Pod R-178 http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Newbie R-Pod R-178 Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 17:07:27 +0000 Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:52:40 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14470 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Newbie R-Pod R-178 : +1 to stephenH’s suggestion... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141063#141063 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14470
Posted: 25 Mar 2021 at 2:52am

+1 to stephenH’s suggestion to check out the videos on Etrailer. They also have install kits for various vehicles you can get which make life easier.

The 4 wires to the controller are battery +12V (which needs to have a second circuit breaker, 20A is fine), ground, output to the 7 way for the trailer, and a stop light connection (so the controller knows when you use the Tundras brakes). That and the color codes should all be documented on the install sheet for the controller. On Tekonsha controllers the coding is blk +12V , wht gnd, blu output, red stop lights. That should be standard for all of them but no guarantees, check the instructions.




]]> Thu, 25 Mar 2021 02:52:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141063#141063 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Go to eTrailer.com. They have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141061#141061 Author: StephenH
Subject: 14470
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 9:50pm

Go to eTrailer.com. They have lots of helpful videos that can walk you though the process. You may find a video to help you there.]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:50:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141061#141061 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Ok, I am going to run 2 wires... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141058#141058 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 8:55pm

Ok, I am going to run 2 wires power and brake using 10 gauge wire. My new question is what 4 wires plug into the controller under the dash?

Everyone is sooo helpful on this board. 
Thanks to everyone!!
]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:55:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141058#141058 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Since your Tundra only came with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141055#141055 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14470
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 6:47pm

Since your Tundra only came with a flat 4 (rt turn/stop, lft turn/stop, tail, ground) you will need to add the wire from the brake controller and power from the battery. The center pin is for backup lights which is unused on rpods. My Highlander was like that, the worst part was drilling the hole in the firewall to get the brake controller wire out.,]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:47:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141055#141055 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Thanks, I was wondering what the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141054#141054 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 6:17pm

Thanks, I was wondering what the power lead was for. Apparently my truck was not wired for the 7 wire plug. The hitch is there and a 4 wire plug. The bracket is located but there are no wires for the 7 way plug. 

Mike
]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 18:17:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141054#141054 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : If you have a flat 4 you’ll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141040#141040 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14470
Posted: 24 Mar 2021 at 3:04pm

If you have a flat 4 you’ll also want to run a 12v supply from the battery back to the 7 way so you can charge the rpod battery while towing. That should be 10 gauge and have a 30A breaker located at the tow vehicle battery. ]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:04:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141040#141040 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Thank you so much for the offer.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141013#141013 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 5:31pm

Thank you so much for the offer. I have purchased the adapter but I can not locate the plug under the dash. I purchased the truck used and it has the heavy duty hitch bolted to the frame and a 4 way wired under the frame. There is a bracket for the 7 way plug. 
I have purchased a 7 way that utilizes the 4 plug with 3 wires to connect. Also purchased the plug for under the dash, but I can’t locate the factory wiring. I think i am going to try once again.
Thanks for your help. 
Have a great trip!
]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:31:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141013#141013 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : If your Tundra has the factory... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141005#141005 Author: RJN1750
Subject: 14470
Posted: 23 Mar 2021 at 9:15am

If your Tundra has the factory tow package( receiver & 7 pin plug) you have a plug in for the brake controller under the drivers side kick panel. Usually taped to some wires, white plug. I have the OEM plug from my 06 tundra that I never used,
with instructions to connect to whatever brake controller you have. Be glad or send it to you. Makes the job a lot easier.]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2021 09:15:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141005#141005 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Thanks, my wife and I are excited... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141001#141001 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 22 Mar 2021 at 7:25pm

Thanks, my wife and I are excited to take a trip on the Natchez Trace soon. We had a 35’ trailer in the 80’s, but we had a 3/4 ton van to haul it. That was for work, the R Pod is for pleasure. We are both retired so we have to use what we have, the Tundra. I am confident it will do good. 

The 178 is in great condition, just getting ready, we are still recovering from the October  hurricane. 
Maybe we will see ya on the road.
Have a great day!

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:25:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=141001#141001 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Welcome to the forum Mike. Indeed... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140997#140997 Author: jato
Subject: 14470
Posted: 22 Mar 2021 at 5:57pm

Welcome to the forum Mike.  Indeed your Tundra will be plenty of truck to handle the 178.  For 8 of the last 10 years we towed our 177 with a pair of Explorers, and '08 with a 4.0L V-6 and a '13 with a 3.5L V-6.  In both cases we felt it was adequate even when going through the Rockies although they didn't break any speed records going up some of the steeper runs.  We did utilize a Curt anti-sway bar or as some call it friction bar to reduce or eliminate sway.  Worked very nicely for us.
]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:57:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140997#140997 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Yes sir, you are correct. I didn’t... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140994#140994 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 22 Mar 2021 at 4:20pm

Yes sir, you are correct. I didn’t explain that properly. 

I am trying to wire the brake controller. That does seem to be a little challenging, but I will figure it out.

Thanks 
Mike

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:20:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140994#140994 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Mike, just to clarify, a weight... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140991#140991 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14470
Posted: 22 Mar 2021 at 2:45pm

Mike, just to clarify, a weight distribution hitch (wdh) does not require any wiring, it’s mechanical device. You do also need a brake controller, which does require wiring, unless you get the Bluetooth variety which goes inline between your Tundra’s 7 way trailer receptacle and the 7 way connector on the trailer. Of course, if you don’t have a 7 way on the Tundra then you need to install that in any case. It can be confusing the first time, any trailer or RV shop should be able to do it for you ]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 14:45:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140991#140991 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Thanks, I did order a WDS to help.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140989#140989 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 22 Mar 2021 at 12:57pm

Thanks, I did order a WDS to help. My truck does not seem to be wired, although it is a SR5.

I am trying to wire it myself. May just take it to dealership.

Mike
]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2021 12:57:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140989#140989 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Welcome. Your Tundra is a fine... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140875#140875 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14470
Posted: 17 Mar 2021 at 6:27am

Welcome.

Your Tundra is a fine tow vehicle for your 178. You should have no problems, flatlands or mountains.

Not really needed with the Tundra, but you might want to consider getting a weight distribution hitch, many folks prefer the ride and handling with one. They generally also come with antisway features which gives you an extra margin of safety from trailer sway. Many wdh options are available and everyone here on the forum has their personal favorite. They all provide more or less the same function. If you do a search you will find lots of posts on the topic.

Enjoy your rpod! ]]> Wed, 17 Mar 2021 06:27:53 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140875#140875 Newbie R-Pod R-178 : Purchased our R-178 (new to us)... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140867#140867 Author: Themmorris
Subject: 14470
Posted: 16 Mar 2021 at 9:38pm

Purchased our R-178 (new to us) Saturday, we love it. It is in excellent condition with many extras. Looking forward to our first trip. TV is 06 Tundra with 4.7 engine, I hope it is not to small to handle the 178. Live on the MS Gulf Coast, mostly flat roads. Thanks for allowing us on this forum.]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2021 21:38:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14470&PID=140867#140867