R-pod Owners Forum : towing http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : towing Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 01 May 2026 08:05:04 +0000 Mon, 02 Sep 2013 20:21:22 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=3813 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ towing : The rule is to keep the black... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37560#37560 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3813
Posted: 02 Sep 2013 at 8:21pm

The rule is to keep the black tank shut, you can keep the gray tank open until you get close to the time to dump the black tank.  Then get a few showers into the gray tank with it closed and use that to flush the tube after dumping the black tank.  Otherwise you would fill the gray tank every 2 days while the black tank can take up to a week, so you would have to dump the gray multiple times.  No worries with sludge building up by keeping the gray tank open.]]> Mon, 02 Sep 2013 20:21:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37560#37560 towing : "Just remember, if you have... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37552#37552 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3813
Posted: 02 Sep 2013 at 1:48am

"Just remember, if you have full hookups, keep your valves SHUT! Then dump black, followed by gray. You cannot just leave it all open and not have "piles' in the tank.

You never get that advice in a walk through."

We did when we got our walk through. I bet it depends on the dealer. We have a great dealer who helped quite a bit. The big trouble was me remembering it all.
]]> Mon, 02 Sep 2013 01:48:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37552#37552 towing : Originally posted by wingnut2312Ok... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37547#37547 Author: Thinker
Subject: 3813
Posted: 01 Sep 2013 at 10:16pm

Originally posted by wingnut2312

Ok pod owners...how important is the walkthrough? I ask because the place I bought it was a wholesaler and is 2.5 hours away. I can go to another dealer that is much closer and feign interest. I'm sure I can get a semi formal walkthrough there.
To clarify, I am getting a 2014 rpod 182G. It seems the main difference is a convection oven and a grill.
I know this is petty and dumb, but it's Labor day weekend. I would only like to know if the walkthrough when purchasing is awe inspiringly different than asking good questions at a local dealer.
Let me know what your experiences were and the significance of them. Yes, this is a very selfish reason. Lol


Skip the walk through, save your money. If you cannot figure something out, leave it alone and ask this list. These guys and gals know everything.

Just remember, if you have full hookups, keep your valves SHUT! Then dump black, followed by gray. You cannot just leave it all open and not have "piles' in the tank.

You never get that advice in a walk through.

]]> Sun, 01 Sep 2013 22:16:27 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37547#37547 towing : Originally posted by wingnut2312Dingo-... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37522#37522 Author: Kickstart
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 12:32pm

Originally posted by wingnut2312

Dingo- Thanks. That's the kind of story I was hoping for. We are going with the full size truck option. Started looking yesterday. Hopefully we'll find something soon and then no prpblems. Thanks again for sharing!
From someone who has wrecked a trailer, you're making the most prudent, albeit, most expensive decision. With the financial commitment you're making, I hope the Pod and tow rig are a great fit for your lifestyle! Best of luck. ]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 12:32:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37522#37522 towing : Originally posted by Sleepless Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37521#37521 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 11:15am

Originally posted by Sleepless

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Thanks. I see it applies to travel trailers and 5th wheels. I see lots of boat trailers without brakes, and bunches of small utility trailers too that have no brakes. That includes my boat and both trailers. I don't know if the law excludes them or if LE ignores this unless they need o stop a vehicle. I know some cops and can find out.

How about the dollys that go underneath car wheels? My neighbor has one and it has no brakes. He has had big cars on that! I wouldn't want that much weight behind my truck without brakes!


Good points!  My boat is small, and I only tow it to the nearby Indian River and the boat ramps at Port Canaveral.  The entire outfit is probably under 2000# which is not a problem here in Florida.  I never thought about it, but it might be illegal in other states???  I have noticed that all of the larger boat trailers around here have surge brakes, as do all the rental trailers.

For several years I towed my Honda on a dolly behind my motor home. I normally traveled between Indiana and Florida, and was never stopped.  Maybe it is because the presence or absence of electric trailer brakes are hard to detect by law enforcement.

Off the subject, but in June I lost the license plate on my trailer in the strong cross-winds while I was entering Nevada.  I reported the loss to the North Las Vegas police department to document the lost plate.  On our way home, about 2500 miles away, we were never stopped for having no plate although several state,county and local police passed us on the road.  We were even stopped by Homeland Security at one of their check points and nothing was said about not having a plate on the trailer. 

Sometimes I think the police don't want to bother with petty infractions.

Bob



You bring back a a lot of memories Bob.  We lived in Port St. John from 79-81.  At the time it was still very undeveloped, in fact people used to drive down the paved roads in the back of the development while they were hunting.  I ran the 7-Eleven stores in Brevard County in "another life".
]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 11:15:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37521#37521 towing : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarThanks.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37520#37520 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 11:00am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Thanks. I see it applies to travel trailers and 5th wheels. I see lots of boat trailers without brakes, and bunches of small utility trailers too that have no brakes. That includes my boat and both trailers. I don't know if the law excludes them or if LE ignores this unless they need o stop a vehicle. I know some cops and can find out.

How about the dollys that go underneath car wheels? My neighbor has one and it has no brakes. He has had big cars on that! I wouldn't want that much weight behind my truck without brakes!


Good points!  My boat is small, and I only tow it to the nearby Indian River and the boat ramps at Port Canaveral.  The entire outfit is probably under 2000# which is not a problem here in Florida.  I never thought about it, but it might be illegal in other states???  I have noticed that all of the larger boat trailers around here have surge brakes, as do all the rental trailers.

For several years I towed my Honda on a dolly behind my motor home. I normally traveled between Indiana and Florida, and was never stopped.  Maybe it is because the presence or absence of electric trailer brakes are hard to detect by law enforcement.

Off the subject, but in June I lost the license plate on my trailer in the strong cross-winds while I was entering Nevada.  I reported the loss to the North Las Vegas police department to document the lost plate.  On our way home, about 2500 miles away, we were never stopped for having no plate although several state,county and local police passed us on the road.  We were even stopped by Homeland Security at one of their check points and nothing was said about not having a plate on the trailer. 

Sometimes I think the police don't want to bother with petty infractions.

Bob


]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 11:00:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37520#37520 towing : Originally posted by Sleepless Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37517#37517 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 10:42am

Originally posted by Sleepless

Originally posted by Pod-a-terre

Sleepless; It is my understanding that as long as you are legal in the state you are licensed in and tagged in the you are ok  in the other states. Just like if you had a class A that required a modified CDL in your state you would be legal to drive it in the rest of the country. That is my understanding otherwise you would be basically state bound to your state.


My expertise in in Federal law, so I based my comment only on a limited experience with state laws.  Normally if you are outside your home state, the laws, ordinances, etc. of the state you are entering apply.  Examples are speed limits, load limits, making right turns on a red traffic signal, and so forth.  It stands to reason (this is only my opinion) that the same applies to trailer requirements such as safety chains, break-away switches, fenders, working brakes, license plate lights and other similar items.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states on carrying firearms and other non-vehicular matters, but I am not aware of any states having reciprocal agreements regarding trailer requirements.

Again, this is only my personal opinion, based on my limited knowledge and experience in the issue.  I do know that once when I lost a fender on a small utility trailer, I received a warning notice from a local municipality in another state.  In that instance, local jurisdiction had the authority even though several other states at the time did not require fenders on small trailers. 

Personally, I believe that most new travel trailers meet the safety standards of all the states, but not always.  One exception that we are all aware of is the exterior light recall of our older R-Pods.  Technically, I am breaking the law by towing my pod until the lights are installed.  But that is another story.

Bob


Bob, 

Not sure about honoring trailer licensing, but the law is very clear about concealed gun permits and whether a state will honor the one you were issued.  Below is an interactive link where you can actually click on the state that issued you your permit and then it will indicate which states will honor that permit.  Good info to know if you are "packing" and traveling.

http://www.usacarry.com/concealed_carry_permit_reciprocity_maps.html

]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 10:42:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37517#37517 towing : Originally posted by Pod-a-terreSleepless;... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37516#37516 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 10:29am

Originally posted by Pod-a-terre

Sleepless; It is my understanding that as long as you are legal in the state you are licensed in and tagged in the you are ok  in the other states. Just like if you had a class A that required a modified CDL in your state you would be legal to drive it in the rest of the country. That is my understanding otherwise you would be basically state bound to your state.


My expertise in in Federal law, so I based my comment only on a limited experience with state laws.  Normally if you are outside your home state, the laws, ordinances, etc. of the state you are entering apply.  Examples are speed limits, load limits, making right turns on a red traffic signal, and so forth.  It stands to reason (this is only my opinion) that the same applies to trailer requirements such as safety chains, break-away switches, fenders, working brakes, license plate lights and other similar items.

Some states have reciprocal agreements with neighboring states on carrying firearms and other non-vehicular matters, but I am not aware of any states having reciprocal agreements regarding trailer requirements.

Again, this is only my personal opinion, based on my limited knowledge and experience in the issue.  I do know that once when I lost a fender on a small utility trailer, I received a warning notice from a local municipality in another state.  In that instance, local jurisdiction had the authority even though several other states at the time did not require fenders on small trailers. 

Personally, I believe that most new travel trailers meet the safety standards of all the states, but not always.  One exception that we are all aware of is the exterior light recall of our older R-Pods.  Technically, I am breaking the law by towing my pod until the lights are installed.  But that is another story.

Bob
]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 10:29:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37516#37516 towing : Thanks. I see it applies to travel... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37515#37515 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 10:28am

Thanks. I see it applies to travel trailers and 5th wheels. I see lots of boat trailers without brakes, and bunches of small utility trailers too that have no brakes. That includes my boat and both trailers. I don't know if the law excludes them or if LE ignores this unless they need o stop a vehicle. I know some cops and can find out.

How about the dollys that go underneath car wheels? My neighbor has one and it has no brakes. He has had big cars on that! I wouldn't want that much weight behind my truck without brakes!]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 10:28:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37515#37515 towing : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarMost... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37514#37514 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 9:57am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Most small boat, snowmobile, and utility trailers don't have brakes here. There must be a weight limit.

I must be blind. I went through this thread post by post and can't find any reference except Michigan. Can you point me to it please? I want to make sure I am kosher.


No problem.  It blends in with the rest of the post.  Here it is, but you will have to copy and paste it.  I am sure there are several more sites with the same information, but this is the first one I saw.
http://www.boatwheels.biz/brakelaws.pdf

Bob
]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 09:57:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37514#37514 towing : Dingo- Thanks. That's the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37513#37513 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 7:08am

Dingo- Thanks. That's the kind of story I was hoping for. We are going with the full size truck option. Started looking yesterday. Hopefully we'll find something soon and then no prpblems. Thanks again for sharing!]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 07:08:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37513#37513 towing : Pod a terre you are correct.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37512#37512 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 7:07am

Pod a terre you are correct. Legal is fine, civil is a different story. ]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 07:07:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37512#37512 towing : Sleepless; It is my understanding... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37511#37511 Author: Pod-a-terre
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 4:14am

Sleepless; It is my understanding that as long as you are legal in the state you are licensed in and tagged in the you are ok  in the other states. Just like if you had a class A that required a modified CDL in your state you would be legal to drive it in the rest of the country. That is my understanding otherwise you would be basically state bound to your state.]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 04:14:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37511#37511 towing : Sorry I'm coming late to... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37509#37509 Author: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 1:09am

Sorry I'm coming late to this party. Yes, I towed my 181G short a distance with a 2002 Jeep TJ (3300#), I was in a bind and had to bring it home, a distance of 80 miles. I Planned to travel on secondary roads, travel at about 30 mph and depend on my towing experience, not my best decision. I installed an old brake controller (turned all the way up, nonadjustable from the driver's seat) that had worked fine with an even heavier trailer towed by a 1973 Jeep CJ with a V8. (but that's another story)

No fun, two "white knuckle" stops, you see, I didn't plan on dealing with careless drivers that day. Started off in a light rain, the TJ pulled OK for 190 hp, we were going slow, but it felt "uncomfortable" during a medium to hard stop, seemed to "wander" slightly. The r.pod was new so it was completely empty, at about 2750#, and it still "manhandled" my TJ. On the two hard stops, it didn't "overwhelm" the brakes, but the front tires. The tires were Goodyear Wranglers, one size oversize and they had plenty of tread, so that wasn't the problem. The Jeep's front wheels would lock up just a split second after if I applied them, if I was too "aggressive". I guess as the trailer brakes were applied it shifted additional tongue weight on the Jeep's hitch. The additional tongue weight would then unload the front axle allowing the wheels to lock up, obviously a marginal condition existed even without the brakes applied. I think it would have been worse if the Jeep wasn't a manual transmission or had a longer ball mount. I have come to the conclusion that it's not just the trailer weight or tongue weight we need to be concerned about, but how our particular vehicle handles the change in tongue weight during a stop without a WDH.

Newer Jeep two doors, JKs, weigh about 500# more, have a longer wheelbase, and disc brakes on the rear too, but are still rated at the same 2000#. After my experience with "short wheelbase" vehicles, I'm not sure I would feel entirely comfortable towing my 181G with the even the longer wheelbase, Wrangler Unlimited 4 door.    ]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 01:09:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37509#37509 towing : Ok pod owners...how important... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37508#37508 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 12:18am

Ok pod owners...how important is the walkthrough? I ask because the place I bought it was a wholesaler and is 2.5 hours away. I can go to another dealer that is much closer and feign interest. I'm sure I can get a semi formal walkthrough there.
To clarify, I am getting a 2014 rpod 182G. It seems the main difference is a convection oven and a grill.
I know this is petty and dumb, but it's Labor day weekend. I would only like to know if the walkthrough when purchasing is awe inspiringly different than asking good questions at a local dealer.
Let me know what your experiences were and the significance of them. Yes, this is a very selfish reason. Lol]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 00:18:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37508#37508 towing : Most small boat, snowmobile, and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37507#37507 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3813
Posted: 31 Aug 2013 at 12:03am

Most small boat, snowmobile, and utility trailers don't have brakes here. There must be a weight limit.

I must be blind. I went through this thread post by post and can't find any reference except Michigan. Can you point me to it please? I want to make sure I am kosher.]]> Sat, 31 Aug 2013 00:03:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37507#37507 towing : They are cited in the link I gave... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37505#37505 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 10:42pm

They are cited in the link I gave in a post earlier in this thread.  Basically, in Wisconsin  all trailers must have brakes except for folding camping trailers weighing under 3000#. 

Bob


]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 22:42:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37505#37505 towing : Originally posted by Sleeplessdon't... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37504#37504 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 9:44pm

Originally posted by Sleepless

don't even think about taking your pod to your neighboring state of Wisconsin.


What are those rules?]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 21:44:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37504#37504 towing : We are and thanks! I understand... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37501#37501 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 8:49pm

We are and thanks! I understand that most are safety conscience. I just didnt want to buy another vehicle unless it was necessary, which it is. The Jeep might cut it, but not wnough to keep us all safe. Thanks for the info!]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 20:49:02 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37501#37501 towing : Originally posted by wingnut2312So... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37495#37495 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 7:48pm

Originally posted by wingnut2312

So you've missed the section on we're going to rent a vehicle instead of using the Jeep? I stated that I believe the Jeep isn't going to work and we will be looking for a proper TV. I also stated that it's not worth risking it with the kids. The brake controller would not be necessary when towing it with a full size F-150 is what the dealer said.
In the future, please read the entire thread before questioning a persons intelligence. It's probably easier to realize that there is a lot of bad informationn out there clouding up the good. Asking questions is the way people wade through the b.s. and make the best decision.
Thanks for the help everyone!


  I have read the entire thread, but did not realize it was a done deal that you will only pull the pod with an F-150, and when you said the dealer said brakes weren't necessary you didn't indicate which dealer or on what. 

  An F-150 vs a Wrangler makes a difference regarding brakes, but I think most people would still recommend a brake controller, even with an F-150, regardless of the legal requirement.

  Also, I did not question anyone's intelligence.  You can have an IQ of 187 and still not know the difference between towing capacity and tongue weight.  These are very basic and important concepts to understand when choosing a trailer and tow vehicle combination.  I'm sure you understand them now, but first indications were that maybe you didn't.  I went on to infer that you are somewhat new to towing in general. 

  Sorry if I offended.  Congrats on the 182G if you go through with it.

  TT
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 19:48:38 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37495#37495 towing : Thanks! Feel free to let me know... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37491#37491 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 6:28pm

Thanks! Feel free to let me know anything that could make it more fun! ]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:28:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37491#37491 towing : Originally posted by wingnut2312Well... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37490#37490 Author: GA_RPOD_178
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 4:40pm

Originally posted by wingnut2312

Well we were just approved today for our rpod 182G! You are both correct on the brakes. You are responsible to know and abide by the state you are in's laws and regs. MI does require, so I'll have to check on the uhaul.
Thank you all for the info. It helps to have a place to go when you are uninformed.

Congrats and "officially" welcome to Rpoding!
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:40:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37490#37490 towing : Well we were just approved today... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37481#37481 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 2:14pm

Well we were just approved today for our rpod 182G! You are both correct on the brakes. You are responsible to know and abide by the state you are in's laws and regs. MI does require, so I'll have to check on the uhaul.
Thank you all for the info. It helps to have a place to go when you are uninformed. ]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:14:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37481#37481 towing : Charlie, I was towing when I lived... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37480#37480 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 2:05pm

Charlie, I was towing when I lived in Michigan and the common understanding there was that an electric brake controller was acceptable because it is applied by the operator pressing the brake pedal, the same as the vehicle's brakes are applied by the operator when he or she depresses the brake pedal.  It is also my understanding that if you tow a trailer through a state that has more stringent trailer brake requirements, you are bound by them as long as you are within that state.  Here is a link to the requirements in every state.

http://www.boatwheels.biz/brakelaws.pdf

Bob
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:05:33 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37480#37480 towing : Bob,Interesting input on the MI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37477#37477 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 1:33pm

Bob,

Interesting input on the MI regs. I have seen that 40% in other states too. It really doesn't help us since, taking my Honda for example, 6100# GVWR, a brakeless trailer could not exceed 2440# GVWR. Take away your "stuff" and you don't have much left for the empty trailer.

The last sentence is interesting: "Trailers 5,000 pounds and over shall be equipped with brakes designed to be applied by driver of towing vehicle."I guess that eliminates hydraulic surge brakes, but does it allow electric operation by the brake pedal or does it force a manual overide like we have on our Prodigy controllers?
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 13:33:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37477#37477 towing : Seems like we are all guessing... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37471#37471 Author: Sleepless
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 11:42am

Seems like we are all guessing about if the U-Haul pickup trucks have a 7-pin Bargman connector and an electric brake controller.  A call to your local U-Haul dealer should give you the answers.

CharlieM is absolutely right about the trailer brake requirements in Michigan.  However, the law is even more stringent it you look at the exception I have pasted below.  And, without electric brakes, don't even think about taking your pod to your neighboring state of Wisconsin.

These comments are offered as constructive, and I hope you accept them as such. 

MICHIGAN
257.705.28.1479
Sec. 5.79
3, 000 All n/s
Trailers less than 3,000 pounds gross weight need
not be equipped with brakes if gross weight of
trailer and load do not exceed 40% of gross
weight of towing vehicle. Trailers 5,000 pounds
and over shall be equipped with brakes designed
to be applied by driver of towing vehicle.

Bob

]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 11:42:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37471#37471 towing : My F150(2010) has integral brake... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37468#37468 Author: wallawallaron
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 10:20am

My F150(2010) has integral brake controller along with 7 pin and 4pin set ups factory tow package.
WWR
 
When you say the U-hauls are "equipped", do you mean with an integral brake controller as mentioned above?  If so, they must have a 7-pin Bargeman on the back and not a 4-pin connection.  No 7-pin, no brakes, even if the controller is in the dash.
[/QUOTE]
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 10:20:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37468#37468 towing : The wireless Prodigy is the only... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37465#37465 Author: techntrek
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 10:10am

The wireless Prodigy is the only one that would not modify the truck, if done as I suggested.  All the rest require 3 wires to be run to the brake controller and then it outputs 1 wire which must be run back to the 7-pin Bargeman.  Two of the 3 wires could be taken from a lighter/outlet, but the tricky one is the connection to the brake light wiring and there's no way to do that without finding the right wire and splicing into it.  You can't even tap that signal at the 4-pin connector at the back of the truck because that output also includes turn signals.  You would end up activating the brakes any time you made a left or right turn.  Confused
 
When you say the U-hauls are "equipped", do you mean with an integral brake controller as mentioned above?  If so, they must have a 7-pin Bargeman on the back and not a 4-pin connection.  No 7-pin, no brakes, even if the controller is in the dash.
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 10:10:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37465#37465 towing : Lol, hopefully more without than... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37463#37463 Author: wingnut2312
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 9:38am

Lol, hopefully more without than with. I have found that I can use a non-modifying brake controller. The Uhaul F-150's are "supposed" to be equipped. We shall see!!]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 09:38:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37463#37463 towing : Wingnut2312:Let me say I commend... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37462#37462 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 3813
Posted: 30 Aug 2013 at 9:29am

Wingnut2312:
Let me say I commend you for asking questions and seeking the advice of those who have been there. It's the way I learned and, probably, most others too. As you can see many of our opinions are strongly and loudly professed. Please credit this to enthusiasm, not animus. We all think we have the answer, some of us really do.

After following your conversations with your dealer I'm alarmed to see him in the business. From what I see he's gotten everything wrong and dangerously so. I'd suggest an immediate dealer transplant. BTW, MI requires independant brakes on trailers 3000# or greater Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the sum of the empty trailer plus total allowable load. All versions of RPODs exceed this threshold.

Welcome to the forum and and I look forward to hearing of your adventures, with or without the orange UHaul. Smile
]]> Fri, 30 Aug 2013 09:29:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3813&PID=37462#37462