R-pod Owners Forum : I went left it went right https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Camping Adventures : I went left it went right Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 05 Sep 2026 13:12:44 +0000 Sat, 13 Jul 2013 00:39:01 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1970 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ I went left it went right : I was told this a rites-of-passage... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35575#35575 Author: Zag
Subject: 1970
Posted: 13 Jul 2013 at 12:39am

I was told this a rites-of-passage for many new RV owners. It just happened to me on my 2nd outing and I'm now in the process of replacing my jack Embarrassed.

...wish I had found this post before then!
]]> Sat, 13 Jul 2013 00:39:01 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35575#35575 I went left it went right : Same thing happened to us on the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35491#35491 Author: The Principal
Subject: 1970
Posted: 10 Jul 2013 at 10:50am

Same thing happened to us on the Little River road in the Smokies.
We had just left Elkmont Campground. I always do the lift the tow vehicle test now every time I hitch up. That was our maiden trip with our R-Pod. Had to pull over in Townsend to do a little recollecting and taking deep breaths. The emergency brake kept us out of Little River.]]> Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:50:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35491#35491 I went left it went right : I always use a hitch pin/lock... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35443#35443 Author: danthoman
Subject: 1970
Posted: 08 Jul 2013 at 10:12pm

I always use a hitch pin/lock and I always feel under the coupler to make sure it's over the ball, even with the WDH.   I had the electric plug come loose once. I noticed it very quickly because the brake controller no longer showed it was engaging. I now use a bungee cord to secure it.]]> Mon, 08 Jul 2013 22:12:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35443#35443 I went left it went right : I lost my fear of losing my trailer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35018#35018 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 1970
Posted: 27 Jun 2013 at 11:05pm

I lost my fear of losing my trailer about 20 years ago when I started using weight-distributing hitches. To attached the bars, you have to jack the trailer (and the car) rather high to attach the bars.  Use a WDH and the problem is automatically minimized because proper seating of the hitch is tested during the process of installing the bars.  I use a lock not only for safety but also for security, which I assume most of us also do.  Many people also fail to secure their distribution bars by failing to positively lock their bar brackets with detent pins, clips, small bolts and nuts, etc. 

My only fear is that my trailer's electrical plug might come loose from the TV connector.  In theory, the spring-loaded cover on the TV will maintain a secure connection.  I use a heavy rubber band around the cover and the plug, just in case the cover spring should fail. 
]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2013 23:05:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35018#35018 I went left it went right : I ALWAYS put a lock through the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35014#35014 Author: Psyberbilly
Subject: 1970
Posted: 27 Jun 2013 at 9:57pm

I ALWAYS put a lock through the hole in the latch , whether I am going one mile , or a thousand . It gives me peace of mind that unless something breaks or something extremely drastic happens , it won't come loose . No worries of tampering . It takes mere seconds . I can't see a single reason NOT to lock the latch . If you have ever seen a trailer roll sideways down the shoulder of an interstate, I think you would agree !]]> Thu, 27 Jun 2013 21:57:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=35014#35014 I went left it went right : The " jack up the trailer"... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=28092#28092 Author: anchorout
Subject: 1970
Posted: 27 Sep 2012 at 10:01pm

The " jack up the trailer" routine is the best way to assure you are hooked up.  Also, remember, there is a tab on the hitch that captures the ball.  It is adjustible by a nut underneath and inside the hitch itself.  If this loosens up, the hitch can rise off of the ball.  This should be adjusted snug to slightly loose, never tight.
I read on another forum about someone loosing their new Pod while taking it home from the dealer.  The ball had never been properly ajusted.]]> Thu, 27 Sep 2012 22:01:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=28092#28092 I went left it went right : Sometimes we have trouble getting... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19119#19119 Author: Hawkeyes
Subject: 1970
Posted: 28 Aug 2011 at 1:26pm

Sometimes we have trouble getting the hitch on the ball.  I have to look everytime to see it hooked around the ball now.  ]]> Sun, 28 Aug 2011 13:26:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19119#19119 I went left it went right : I think that's pretty much... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19038#19038 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Aug 2011 at 6:23am

I think that's pretty much what happened to us. We do the "lift the tv test" every time now. ]]> Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:23:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19038#19038 I went left it went right : I had ours come un hitched as... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19034#19034 Author: bobthrash
Subject: 1970
Posted: 22 Aug 2011 at 8:32pm

I had ours come un hitched as we were leaving our driveway fortunately no damage.   From now on after we latch the hitch we crank the trailer tongue back up till we see the back of the truck lifts then we know it is latched properly.  Sometimes if you back to far back into the ball pocket it will give the appearance of being latched and will not be.  ]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:32:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=19034#19034 I went left it went right : My husband kept losing the lock... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18824#18824 Author: Jerry & Sandy
Subject: 1970
Posted: 15 Aug 2011 at 8:59pm

My husband kept losing the lock bolt so he uses wire ties!!  They work great.]]> Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:59:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18824#18824 I went left it went right : Chuck, I lost ¡Podtástic! on... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18160#18160 Author: tpierce220
Subject: 1970
Posted: 26 Jul 2011 at 11:33am

Chuck, I lost ¡Podtástic! on some railroad tracks the first time I took her out.  It was the start of a very stressful weekend to be sure.  

I now keep a lock on it just to be sure whenever we take it out even though all of our trips are less than 3 hours as week keep to northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.  It's just one more safety precaution to provide peace of mind.  

Tim
]]> Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:33:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18160#18160 I went left it went right : Thanks. I think I'll start... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18098#18098 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 1970
Posted: 25 Jul 2011 at 9:06am

Thanks.  I think I'll start doing that as part of my hook-up process.
]]> Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:06:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18098#18098 I went left it went right : Same...saves me from having to... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18090#18090 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 10:35pm

Same...saves me from having to keep track of the lock.]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 22:35:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18090#18090 I went left it went right : Originally posted by David Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18077#18077 Author: kymooses
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 8:56pm

Originally posted by David

Originally posted by this_is_nascar

 
Do you folks, after latching down the hitch, sit a lock-pin or a lock thru the hole of the latch?  If we're only going someplace that's an hour or so away, I do not.  Maybe I should start doing that all the time.
 
 
I always do...even if just driving around the block; if for no other reason than my own peace of mind knowing that I have taken every precaution.  I have a lock that I keep in the hole that I must remove to to hitch up anyway.  It's already in my hand, so I figure "why not?".
 
Same here, easiest place to put the lock is back in the hole that you just took it out of when you hitch up.  Makes me feel .1% better thinking it's there.  As you said, "why not?"
 
Smile
]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:56:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18077#18077 I went left it went right : +1 on what David said. https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18075#18075 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 2:42pm

+1 on what David said.]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:42:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18075#18075 I went left it went right : Originally posted by this_is_nascar Do... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18072#18072 Author: Guests
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 11:40am

Originally posted by this_is_nascar

 
Do you folks, after latching down the hitch, sit a lock-pin or a lock thru the hole of the latch?  If we're only going someplace that's an hour or so away, I do not.  Maybe I should start doing that all the time.
 
 
I always do...even if just driving around the block; if for no other reason than my own peace of mind knowing that I have taken every precaution.  I have a lock that I keep in the hole that I must remove to to hitch up anyway.  It's already in my hand, so I figure "why not?".
]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:40:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18072#18072 I went left it went right : I feel like I'm the wrong... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18068#18068 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 9:14am

I feel like I'm the wrong person to be giving safety tips but I put my Lock pin in the latch no matter what. You know I have this morbid fear of the trailer coming unhitched. Oh well. For what it's worth. ]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 09:14:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18068#18068 I went left it went right : Glad everything worked out OK... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18065#18065 Author: this_is_nascar
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 9:03am

Glad everything worked out OK in the long run.  You  learned what you  did wrong and how to negate it going forward.  Best of all, no one was injured.  To tag onto this safety thread, I think another similar question is in order.
 
Do you folks, after latching down the hitch, sit a lock-pin or a lock thru the hole of the latch?  If we're only going someplace that's an hour or so away, I do not.  Maybe I should start doing that all the time.
 
]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 09:03:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18065#18065 I went left it went right : Glade that your home and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18063#18063 Author: Goose
Subject: 1970
Posted: 24 Jul 2011 at 1:43am

    Glade that your home and that all went well after the little mishap.Thumbs Up   Have a GREAT rest of the weekend.   Goose]]> Sun, 24 Jul 2011 01:43:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18063#18063 I went left it went right : Yes, make sure you crank it back... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18057#18057 Author: techntrek
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 11:19pm

Yes, make sure you crank it back up after latching the hitch to be sure it raises the rear of your TV.  That is the only way to be sure it is latched correctly.

Also, never pull the brake pin on the tongue while it is hooked to your TV.  That pushes a full 12 volts back into your brake controller and I've seen more than one controller that says that will damage it.

]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 23:19:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18057#18057 I went left it went right : Well we're home safely and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18053#18053 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 9:22pm

Well we're home safely and the Z Pod's safe and snug. If nothing else I think I've learned to check for a good hook up. Life's lessons continue. ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:22:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18053#18053 I went left it went right : I always check that tab. Stick... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18052#18052 Author: Iteach5th
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 8:29pm

I always check that tab. Stick my finger in there after it's all locked down to make sure I feel it in the right spot.

]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:29:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18052#18052 I went left it went right : Holy sh*t batman. That is terrifying... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18041#18041 Author: secretbard
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 7:07pm

Holy sh*t batman.  That is terrifying to say the least.  I'm glad to hear everything worked out, and safely.  Every time I've lowered the hitch onto the ball, I feel and see it seat, but I've often wondered.  I do make sure the latch is pulled completely forward before pushing it back over the ball to lock it, but I've never cranked the Pod back up to check it.  ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 19:07:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18041#18041 I went left it went right : Been there done that, I lost mine... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18040#18040 Author: cane2
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 6:48pm

Been there done that, I lost mine on a railroad track at about 40 mph. Nothing happened at all, hooked backed up and put pin back in brake and changed shorts and drove off. NOW i crank the pod back up to make sure every thing is where it should be.]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:48:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18040#18040 I went left it went right : I always push the latching... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18039#18039 Author: harleyguy1
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 6:28pm

I always push the latching lever on the trailer hitch forward as I lower it onto the ball, this will assure you it is open all of the way.]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 18:28:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18039#18039 I went left it went right : Chuck's post kind of scares... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18035#18035 Author: Hodge-PODge
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 2:18pm

Chuck's post kind of scares me.  I didn't realize the locking tab COULD ride on the top of the ball!]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:18:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18035#18035 I went left it went right : Wow, I'm getting old. I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18033#18033 Author: Bigbit
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 2:07pm

Wow, I'm getting old. I missed the second part of Goose's post and recommended the same crank-up procedure.

At least our advice is consistent!    ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:07:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18033#18033 I went left it went right : I can't answer that one... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18032#18032 Author: Goose
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 2:06pm

I can't answer that one as this is the first trailer that I have pulled with electric brakes, they are still new to me too.   ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:06:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18032#18032 I went left it went right : The best way to tell that you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18031#18031 Author: Bigbit
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 2:04pm

The best way to tell that you put things back correctly is to hook up the trailer to your TV, and drive down a quiet side street. If you toggle the manual engagement switch on the electric brake controller, you should feel the trailer brakes engage when you engage the brake switch and release when you let go. If the trailer brakes are on all the time, your emergency switch is still engaged.

As for the ball hitch, I do the same thing as Goose. If you want to double check things, after you think you've connected the ball hitch, crank the trailer hitch jack to lift the trailer a good bit. If the jack lifts both the trailer and the butt end of your TV, you're probably hitched correctly. Visually check everything as Goose recommends, too.
]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 14:04:45 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18031#18031 I went left it went right : On a related subject. After I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18020#18020 Author: Chuck
Subject: 1970
Posted: 23 Jul 2011 at 11:37am

On a related subject. After I rehooked, I was concerned that the emergency brake may have been engaged and in checking it, I pulled the plastic piece out of the connection and just pushed it back in until it seated. Was this correct? ]]> Sat, 23 Jul 2011 11:37:28 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1970&PID=18020#18020