R-pod Owners Forum : Run away Pod http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Warranty, Service and Recall Bulletins : Run away Pod Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 07:17:15 +0000 Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:42:38 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=2438 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Run away Pod : Warning - I've read many... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24914#24914 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 9:42pm

Warning - I've read many places that pulling the emergency break-away while connected to a brake controller will destroy the brake controller.]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 21:42:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24914#24914 Run away Pod : Thanks for the comments. If... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24907#24907 Author: Bill-GA
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 8:01pm

Thanks for the comments. If my hitch popped off, would I have the "cool" to reach down and "feather" the brakes using my controller lever for a nice controlled stop .... Hmmmmmmm.  I think I would do a panic brake apply ... and without thinking my Brake controller would (hopefully) do the rest. If I was going down a 3 mile grade maybe I'd have enough time to think to use the lever but it would probably take me 2-3 secs to react. (Actually, I forgot I had a lever until you mentioned it Cry)

Using the controller auto or manual with lever would I think always be the best.

I think I'll just keep my 'break away' cable nice and long in case it really does break away - then its on it's own anyway!
]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 20:01:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24907#24907 Run away Pod : You would want the cable to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24906#24906 Author: LunaPod
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 7:33pm

You would want the cable to pull the emergency pin if the unit comes off the ball. I previously was of the opinion that when the pin is pulled the brakes fully engge, but found out differently they do not lock the wheels instead it applies a slowing force. I'm not sure this is with all controllers, I did try pulling the pin and pulling forward while hitched up yesterday and there was resistance but not a full lockup. Interestingly when the pin was pulled the regular brake controller in the vehicle no longer worked. Apparently when the emergency pin is out it breaks the circuit??]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:33:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24906#24906 Run away Pod : Theoretically it should be short... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24883#24883 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 3:14pm

Theoretically it should be short enough to engage once it pops off of the ball but before the chains can reach their maximum length.  I've seen other arguments that it should be longer than the chains so it only engages once its become completely detached.  I lean towards the later - once I know it is off the ball I would like the ability to regulate how much braking force I need on the trailer to bring it to a safe stop.  If it engages full-blast right away you've lost some control you could otherwise have.]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 15:14:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24883#24883 Run away Pod : Here's a question. Should... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24879#24879 Author: Bill-GA
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 12:51pm

Here's a question.  Should the emergency electric brake cable be adjusted such that the elec brakes engage ( via the cable pin ) if the hitch pops off the ball? Or is this a "last resort" if everything breaks loose? ]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:51:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24879#24879 Run away Pod : Originally posted by LunaPodAfter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24873#24873 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 2438
Posted: 05 Jun 2012 at 8:24am

Originally posted by LunaPod

After you have lowered down the hitch onto the ball the hitch lever should be a little difficult to close about halfway down and then should loosen up some the rest of the way. If this isn't happening you can tighten the lock nut on the underside of the hitch until you close the gap. Leave enough play for the hitch to move freely on the ball.

Good info.

Glad no damage was done. I had that happen with a small boat trailer on I-75 many years ago. Not fun.
]]> Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:24:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24873#24873 Run away Pod : Memorial weekend coming back... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24852#24852 Author: LunaPod
Subject: 2438
Posted: 04 Jun 2012 at 7:49pm

Memorial weekend coming back from Lathrop State Park LunaPod separated from the mothership as we crossed a set of RR tracks in Walsenburg, CO. Chains were crossed and hitch was locked down. Luckily at just 20mph we were able to pull to the side and rehitch. We drove the rest of the way home (70miles) very carefully.
I have since taken LunaPod to a local trailer sales (they sell all types of trailers horse trailer to triple axle equipment) they determined that the factory did not correctly adjust the hitch for a two inch ball. They readjusted to closer tolerances and I'm confident there will be no further problems.
According to the experts, if the hitch lever closes too easily it is probably too loose and needs adjusting.
After you have lowered down the hitch onto the ball the hitch lever should be a little difficult to close about halfway down and then should loosen up some the rest of the way. If this isn't happening you can tighten the lock nut on the underside of the hitch until you close the gap. Leave enough play for the hitch to move freely on the ball.
 
]]> Mon, 04 Jun 2012 19:49:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=24852#24852 Run away Pod : Last Labor daythat happened... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23624#23624 Author: The Principal
Subject: 2438
Posted: 16 Apr 2012 at 6:05pm

Last Labor day that happened to the Fish pod. We had left Elkmont Campground in The Smokie Mountains National Park. We were on the very narrow winding Little River road. All the safety equipment worked for us or we would have been in Little River. I always check my hookup now by making sure the jack lifts
the back of thr truck after hitching the trailer.
]]> Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:05:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23624#23624 Run away Pod : Welcome, czardastx. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23467#23467 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2438
Posted: 10 Apr 2012 at 8:25am

Welcome, czardastx.]]> Tue, 10 Apr 2012 08:25:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23467#23467 Run away Pod : czar, good common sense post,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23454#23454 Author: dsmiths
Subject: 2438
Posted: 09 Apr 2012 at 8:35pm

czar, good common sense post, common sense is what keeps us alive. welcome aboard.]]> Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:35:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23454#23454 Run away Pod : In TX it is a legal requirement... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23452#23452 Author: czardastx
Subject: 2438
Posted: 09 Apr 2012 at 8:18pm

In TX it is a legal requirement to cross the chains. I know some of my co-workers have written tickets to people who didn't have crossed chains. It is a safety issue, it makes it safer for you and everyone else on the road to have crossed chains.
]]> Mon, 09 Apr 2012 20:18:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23452#23452 Run away Pod : Some people grease the ball and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23434#23434 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2438
Posted: 08 Apr 2012 at 7:41pm

Some people grease the ball and coupler to stop them from grinding, so you could try that.]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2012 19:41:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23434#23434 Run away Pod : I have noticed on my new trailer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23432#23432 Author: Gunga
Subject: 2438
Posted: 08 Apr 2012 at 11:49am

I have noticed on my new trailer that the coupler sticks in the "up" position. When hooking up I have had to raise the tongue back up and physically pull the coupler down. Should I just spray it with WD40?]]> Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:49:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23432#23432 Run away Pod : Originally posted by Iteach5thAlways... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23428#23428 Author: Butterfly_Lee
Subject: 2438
Posted: 07 Apr 2012 at 7:43pm

Originally posted by Iteach5th

Always jack the pod up and watch to see if the rear end of your tow vehicle goes up too. It may look hooked up and may feel hooked up nut always check.  Yes, cross those chains, then double check everything.

If distracted during hooking up, start over.

Good idea..  I always check to make sure the ball is in the socket so to speak.   Just feeling with your finger will tell you.  Secondly I have a EZ equalizer that requires a lift of the tow vehicle by the hitch to insert the WHD rods.  
I have had a utility trailer pop off the ball (lucky we were still in the parking lot and the chains held.  VERY Scary.

I also walk around the Podterfly and check underneath before pulling out.

leeStar
]]> Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:43:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23428#23428 Run away Pod : And make sure they cross UNDER... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23057#23057 Author: techntrek
Subject: 2438
Posted: 19 Mar 2012 at 1:19pm

And make sure they cross UNDER the hitch.  Theoretically that configuration will catch the coupler in a cradle if it comes off.]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:19:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23057#23057 Run away Pod : Crossing the chains means that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23049#23049 Author: tpierce220
Subject: 2438
Posted: 19 Mar 2012 at 9:52am

Crossing the chains means that the chain from the left side of the trailer gets hooked up to the right side of the TV and vice version so that the chains in essence cross each other into an X pattern.  It will provide more stability to the trailer in case it does become unhitched.  ]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:52:34 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23049#23049 Run away Pod : Crossing the chains? Anyone... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23047#23047 Author: kymooses
Subject: 2438
Posted: 19 Mar 2012 at 9:47am

Crossing the chains?  Anyone care to elaborate on what I'm sure is an obvious answer, I've never heard of it though!]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:47:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23047#23047 Run away Pod : Yeah, had done all of the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23038#23038 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 1:46pm

Yeah, had done all of the standard stuff that we do...

Class 3 hitch
2" ball.....(don't use a1 7/8" to pull an R Pod)
Electronic brake module

Put trailer on hitch, lock coupler
Raise to make sure it's coupled securely
Cross safety chains
Plug in trailer to truck
.....................................

I also check to make sure the gas is off to, but thatsme.

Didn't help in this case.  (shrug)

I'll replace the tounge jack stand as well since it got a little chewed up.

I do plan to take the coupler apart and inspect every thing and possibly replace all the parts.  I'm going to have to find out what the torque on that nut is and use some red locktite to help make sure it stays.
]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:46:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23038#23038 Run away Pod : Originally posted by Snowbound Wow!... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23036#23036 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 1:05pm

Originally posted by Snowbound

Wow! So glad you are OK and thanks for the reminder to check our hitches carefully.


+1!  Great and timely safety topic.
]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 13:05:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23036#23036 Run away Pod : Always jack the pod up and watch... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23035#23035 Author: Iteach5th
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 11:21am

Always jack the pod up and watch to see if the rear end of your tow vehicle goes up too. It may look hooked up and may feel hooked up nut always check.  Yes, cross those chains, then double check everything.

If distracted during hooking up, start over.
]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:21:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23035#23035 Run away Pod : Wow! So glad you are OK and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23029#23029 Author: Snowbound
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 8:53am

Wow! So glad you are OK and thanks for the reminder to check our hitches carefully.]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 08:53:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23029#23029 Run away Pod : YIKES! That's scary.I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23024#23024 Author: Guests
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 5:48am

YIKES!  That's scary.
 
I assume you are using a 2" ball (not too small).  There is a nut underneath the coupler that could have come (or been) too loose.  I don't know how to desribe it but, it holds a piece of metal that "grabs" the lower portion of the ball when the lever is pushed down.  If this nut is too tight, one can't get hitched up.  If it is too loose, there is a danger of the trailer coming loose.
 
Maybe this is loose or broken????? 
]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 05:48:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23024#23024 Run away Pod : Yep...always lock the coupler,and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23020#23020 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 12:29am

Yep...always lock the coupler,and cross the chains.  ]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:29:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23020#23020 Run away Pod : Just wondering if you lock your... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23018#23018 Author: Pawpod
Subject: 2438
Posted: 18 Mar 2012 at 12:16am

Just wondering if you lock your coupler when it's on your hitch ball? This summer I seen a few people who didn't. Also some who did not cross their chains eather. We lock our coupler and cross the chains all the time. ]]> Sun, 18 Mar 2012 00:16:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23018#23018 Run away Pod : Sounds like Eddy the Escape... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23009#23009 Author: 2Peas-n-Rpod
Subject: 2438
Posted: 17 Mar 2012 at 7:09pm

Sounds like Eddy the Escape Pod was just trying to live up to his name! LOL
Glad to hear everything turned out alright, though!
]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 19:09:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23009#23009 Run away Pod : Yeah, have had that too, but I... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23007#23007 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 2438
Posted: 17 Mar 2012 at 6:38pm

Yeah, have had that too, but I had checked before we pulled out of the campground.  It was seated properly...we had already gone over 300 miles before it came off...that included in and out of parking lots, stop and go traffic, up and down a few fairly steep/high hills and bridges.

If it was just sitting on top of the ball, it should have come off long before that.
]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:38:16 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23007#23007 Run away Pod : I have been fooled with couplers... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23005#23005 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 2438
Posted: 17 Mar 2012 at 6:04pm

I have been fooled with couplers before where they were not really open and were sitting on top of the ball.  With my boat I can lift the hitch enough to see if it is locked.  With the POD I can't so I use the jack to make sure that I am lifting the truck up and not just the trailer.

Good job keeping things under control.  Must have been a hairy experience.
]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 18:04:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23005#23005 Run away Pod : We were comming back from La.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23002#23002 Author: Folornhope
Subject: 2438
Posted: 17 Mar 2012 at 5:00pm

We were comming back from La. With Eddy when he decieded that he wanted to run away.

So about 300 miles after we pulled out of the RV park he comes off my hitch.  Safety chains did their job, electronic brakes did their job, and I did mine (got us onto the shoulder fast).  Checked the hitch, no problems noted, checked the coupler, padlock was still in place, still locked.  Locking lever is now loose and will rotate about 1/2" from side to side.

I don't know what caused him to come off the hitch...I suspect something with the coupler.

Anyone have something similar happen or know of a likely cause?
]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:00:41 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2438&PID=23002#23002