R-pod Owners Forum : New Tow Vehicle http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : New Tow Vehicle Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 04 May 2026 05:46:54 +0000 Mon, 07 Mar 2016 10:07:52 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7511 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ New Tow Vehicle : Look on eTrailer.com. That is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70837#70837 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7511
Posted: 07 Mar 2016 at 10:07am

Look on eTrailer.com. That is a good source for information about controllers. I did a quick lookup for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and you will need to get the ETB7 kit, and possibly a 4 way connector if your Jeep does not already have one. See the web site linked below. As for installation, if you do not feel confident to do it yourself, you would need to take it somewhere like an RV dealer's service department or your favorite mechanic. It is not too difficult. The hardest parts are getting underneath to mount the connector and run the wire from back to front and getting under the dash to hook up the connector. You might consider going to the dealer from which you purchased your R-Pod and have them install the controller. They might be reluctant though since you purchased it from Amazon and not from them. If that is the case, your favorite mechanic (or shade tree mechanic) might be the better bet.

http://www.etrailer.com/bc-2016_Jeep_Wrangler+Unlimited.htm

On my 2016 Ford Escape SE (with factory tow package), I had to use the ETB7 kit also. I installed it my self.
]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2016 10:07:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70837#70837 New Tow Vehicle : Hello! I've just purchased... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70829#70829 Author: ladykay64
Subject: 7511
Posted: 07 Mar 2016 at 3:36am

Hello!
I've just purchased the Tekonsha P3 from Amazon, but I don't know which wiring harness to get. I am also unsure of who to have install it for me. I'm open to suggestions...   My tow vehicle is a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, for my 2016 R Pod 180. ]]> Mon, 07 Mar 2016 03:36:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70829#70829 New Tow Vehicle : Instead of the Tekonsha, consider... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70799#70799 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7511
Posted: 06 Mar 2016 at 3:43pm

Instead of the Tekonsha, consider the Hopkins inSIGHT Flex-Mount Trailer Brake Controller. The advantages are that one can place the parts in places that make sense, having the display visible, the manual control reachable, and the control box out of the way. This is a link to a description:

http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Hopkins/HM47297.html?feed=npn&gclid=CILMyI_0rMsCFUQjgQodcS0C0w

If you look under Photos, (you may need to select the "more photos" option), you will see a picture of the installed controller in our 2016 Ford Escape SE. Unfortunately, while the Escape came with factory tow, there was no wiring harness connector, so I had to use the generic package. Your vehicle is more likely to have a specific wiring harness available, which would greatly simplify and speed up installation.
]]> Sun, 06 Mar 2016 15:43:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70799#70799 New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by johnmaci Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70768#70768 Author: TheBum
Subject: 7511
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 10:37pm

Originally posted by johnmaci

Originally posted by TheBum

I haven't filled mine with water yet, but I'm getting a WDH anyway. With an empty tank, the back end of my 2012 Highlander sags. However, I'm moving from the dealer-supplied 12V deep cycle to two 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries to get a lot more capacity and adding a Stromberg-Carlson CC-255 platform over the propane tank to place my two Ryobi 2200W generators on, so I'm sure the WDH will be a big help. I thought about putting the generators in the 'Pod, but I'm afraid they'd stink up everything.


Be careful with your tongue weight....I assume it is around 500 lbs total for a Highlander.
The two batteries should weigh around 65 each x 2=130 lbs, the CC-285 another 90, the two generators about 65 each x2=130 lbs, propane tank another +-50 lbs, thats already close to 400 lbs!

I'll definitely weigh the trailer at the tongue jack with everything loaded before I decide whether the generators need to move back. The one thing about the batteries is they're fairly far back, so the hitch won't feel their full weight.
]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 22:37:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70768#70768 New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by TheBumI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70744#70744 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 7511
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 3:22pm

Originally posted by TheBum

I haven't filled mine with water yet, but I'm getting a WDH anyway. With an empty tank, the back end of my 2012 Highlander sags. However, I'm moving from the dealer-supplied 12V deep cycle to two 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries to get a lot more capacity and adding a Stromberg-Carlson CC-255 platform over the propane tank to place my two Ryobi 2200W generators on, so I'm sure the WDH will be a big help. I thought about putting the generators in the 'Pod, but I'm afraid they'd stink up everything.


Be careful with your tongue weight....I assume it is around 500 lbs total for a Highlander.
The two batteries should weigh around 65 each x 2=130 lbs, the CC-285 another 90, the two generators about 65 each x2=130 lbs, propane tank another +-50 lbs, thats already close to 400 lbs!
]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 15:22:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70744#70744 New Tow Vehicle : You can change the display color... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70742#70742 Author: ToolmanJohn
Subject: 7511
Posted: 05 Mar 2016 at 2:12pm

 You can change the display color of the Tekonsha P3. It's in the options menu under display color.

Universally, car salespeople almost never understand exactly what they sell. Very few vehicles except pick up trucks come with a factory installed brake controller. For all other vehicles, you have to buy one. Factory installed tow package means you get a hitch and wiring for the trailer plug. It doesn't guarantee a brake controller or upgraded alternator or transmission cooling or even different rear differential ratios. 

 The Tekonsha is very easy to wire and comes with the adapter plug. The most difficult part will be finding the location for you brake controller wiring and finding a suitable spot for mounting where it isn't in your way , but is also accessible if you need to use the manual trailer brake lever,
]]> Sat, 05 Mar 2016 14:12:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70742#70742 New Tow Vehicle : I haven't filled mine with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70697#70697 Author: TheBum
Subject: 7511
Posted: 04 Mar 2016 at 12:53pm

I haven't filled mine with water yet, but I'm getting a WDH anyway. With an empty tank, the back end of my 2012 Highlander sags. However, I'm moving from the dealer-supplied 12V deep cycle to two 6V deep cycle golf cart batteries to get a lot more capacity and adding a Stromberg-Carlson CC-255 platform over the propane tank to place my two Ryobi 2200W generators on, so I'm sure the WDH will be a big help. I thought about putting the generators in the 'Pod, but I'm afraid they'd stink up everything.]]> Fri, 04 Mar 2016 12:53:11 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70697#70697 New Tow Vehicle : A WDH will shift weight to the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70682#70682 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7511
Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 8:29pm

A WDH will shift weight to the axles so it won't help with a light tongue.  One thing you can do is move the spare tire to the tongue, and add a 2nd battery if it will be useful to you.  ]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2016 20:29:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70682#70682 New Tow Vehicle : We have towed our 177 out west... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70677#70677 Author: jato
Subject: 7511
Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 5:27pm

We have towed our 177 out west 3 times, down south and a lot of places in between, usually with a full or nearly full tank and only have an anti-sway bar with our (ex) 08 Explorer, no issues encountered.]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:27:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70677#70677 New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by Irish... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70676#70676 Author: jstrenn
Subject: 7511
Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 5:22pm

Originally posted by Irish Tom

I too have a 2014 Explorer Limited AWD with tow package.
Have a 2015 178 Rpod.
Use a P2 brake controller with anti-sway bar.
Works just fine.
My only issue with the 178 is that it is so light.
Not much tongue weight.
Cannot haul water because a full fresh water tank makes the tongue weight even worse.
Would like to know if a WDH set up would help.

Irish Tom


I have a 2015 RP178 and use a WDH with sway bar.  Last summer we filled the fresh water tank and towed 3 different times around 150 miles each time with no issues at highway speeds of 60mph.  

 I really thought it may handle differently the way the fresh water tank is so far back, but didn't seem to make a difference.  I did try to keep most of my stuff that we bring along in the front storage area though.  That may have helped some.  But didn't have any swaying issues or anything.  Is that because of the WDH?  I don't know for sure....    I also have a dual batteries in the battery tray, that may make a little difference too.
]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2016 17:22:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70676#70676 New Tow Vehicle : I too have a 2014 Explorer Limited... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70672#70672 Author: Irish Tom
Subject: 7511
Posted: 03 Mar 2016 at 1:46pm

I too have a 2014 Explorer Limited AWD with tow package.
Have a 2015 178 Rpod.
Use a P2 brake controller with anti-sway bar.
Works just fine.
My only issue with the 178 is that it is so light.
Not much tongue weight.
Cannot haul water because a full fresh water tank makes the tongue weight even worse.
Would like to know if a WDH set up would help.

Irish Tom

]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2016 13:46:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70672#70672 New Tow Vehicle : That would be nice but the Integrated... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70627#70627 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 1:41pm

That would be nice but the Integrated TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) option is not available for the Explorer even in the Sport and Platinum which come standard with the towing package.  All other models have the towing package as an option but the TBC is not available.  ]]> Wed, 02 Mar 2016 13:41:51 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70627#70627 New Tow Vehicle : Originally posted by ShelpodI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70622#70622 Author: furpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 11:20am

Originally posted by Shelpod

I think the salesman "misspoke".  If you get an explorer with the tow package, the 7 and 4 wire plugs are both included along with a class III hitch and a oil cooler for the transmission.  There should also be a plug and play port under the dash somewhere to plug a controller into.  They seem to have moved the port around depending on year of the Explorer.  The manual says the same thing, that you need to add your own brake controller.  Good hunting for a TV.


The newest Explorer may come factory with a built in controller, the F150 and Expedition do, I know for a fact. I also know for a fact, the Expedition still has the plug/port for an aftermarket controller, and you can choose in the menu to use it OR the factory controller. I have had no issue with the factory controller vs the IQ we had mounted in the old Ex..
]]> Wed, 02 Mar 2016 11:20:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70622#70622 New Tow Vehicle : I think the salesman "misspoke".... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70616#70616 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 02 Mar 2016 at 10:16am

I think the salesman "misspoke".  If you get an explorer with the tow package, the 7 and 4 wire plugs are both included along with a class III hitch and a oil cooler for the transmission.  There should also be a plug and play port under the dash somewhere to plug a controller into.  They seem to have moved the port around depending on year of the Explorer.  The manual says the same thing, that you need to add your own brake controller.  Good hunting for a TV.]]> Wed, 02 Mar 2016 10:16:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70616#70616 New Tow Vehicle : That is interesting. I know when... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70605#70605 Author: jato
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 9:10pm

That is interesting.  I know when we got our '08 Explorer it had to have a brake controller added to it, and that came with the tow package.  Just last week we traded up to a '13 Explorer and I was not aware of any built in brake controller, just that someone added the one to it that I mentioned in the above post.  Maybe that is something that is on the newer vehicles.  We don't buy new vehicles.  I let someone else take the hit on depreciation and get the bugs worked out.  Works for us and save us a lot of $$$$$.]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:10:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70605#70605 New Tow Vehicle : We were considering a explorer... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70604#70604 Author: Craneman
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 9:05pm

We were considering a explorer with a tow package and the salesman said when they have the factory tow package it had a electric brake controller built in.  .....?????????Like our F150
         Moe
]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 21:05:06 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70604#70604 New Tow Vehicle : Our 2013 Explorer came equipped... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70598#70598 Author: jato
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:57pm

Our 2013 Explorer came equipped with a Tekonsha Primus IQ totally proportional brake controller.  Didn't get any info about it when we got the Explorer but did some searching on the 'net' and all the reviews look good.  Looking forward to trying it out, BUT will have to wait for the 14" of solid snow to melt before we can even get to it as it is in the back 20 parked inside the horse barn.]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:57:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70598#70598 New Tow Vehicle : Thanks for all the input everyone.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70597#70597 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:54pm

Thanks for all the input everyone.  I just ordered the P3 with the wiring harness for Ford Explorers with tow packages.  Wish me luck putting it in.  Shouldn't be too hard and I always have this group to turn to.]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:54:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70597#70597 New Tow Vehicle : The main difference between P2... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70596#70596 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:49pm

The main difference between P2 and P3 is convenience. The P3 digital display speaks to you in actual English. The P2 uses codes due to the limited display and you have to look up or remember the codes. I started with the Takonsha Voyager and was very glad to upgrade to the P3. ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:49:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70596#70596 New Tow Vehicle : Great to hear about the P2. On... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70593#70593 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:37pm

Great to hear about the P2.  On my old TV, the timed delay worked fine when driving but while parking or crawling through a campground, it would grab to much.  The proportional should take care of that.  I have been reading reviews and there are a few people that don't like the brightness of the display (nor the color) on the P2.  The P3 is only $15 more at Amazon and has a brightness adjustment.  May just go that way for the small incremental $$s.]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:37:10 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70593#70593 New Tow Vehicle : We have a 2015 Explorer with tow... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70591#70591 Author: DaveC3
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:32pm

We have a 2015 Explorer with tow package.  Our RV dealer installed a Prodigy P2.  We took delivery of our new 180 last Saturday, went camping that night.  We had no issues with the controller. The trailer did not push us while braking. ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:32:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70591#70591 New Tow Vehicle : Jato.Our Explorer only has 2WD.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70590#70590 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:31pm

Jato.
Our Explorer only has 2WD.  We don't normally get off road much at all and Arizona where we live almost never has snow so we don't think we will miss not having it.  We did get  a Limited edition so it has just about every bell and whistle other than the 4WD.  Like you, our biggest concern was the factory tow package but this came up at the right price point so we jumped on it.  Very low mileage and one owner.  Hopefully my wife will get use to the slightly bigger vehicle than the Edge, mostly in length.  Good luck with your new (to you) Explorer.  Have you put a brake controller in yet?  What did you decide on?
]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:31:42 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70590#70590 New Tow Vehicle : Am curious as to your new TV,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70589#70589 Author: jato
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 5:11pm

Am curious as to your new TV, did it come with 4 WD?  We just sold our '08 Explorer, back then it seemed like all of them came with 4 WD.  We just got a '13 Explorer in 2 WD but has the tow package which was the main thing we were after.  Rarely used 4 WD anyway, probably 1 or 2x / year and for the added expense figured we could do without.  And the fact that we have always had 2 WD except for my 1994 Ford F-150 with 300,000 + miles.  ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:11:05 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70589#70589 New Tow Vehicle : I use the P2 with my setup, works... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70583#70583 Author: Commander203
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 4:18pm

I use the P2 with my setup, works great. I too looked at the P3 and felt there was no need with the Pods. But its a matter of preference. Either controller will do the job. ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:18:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70583#70583 New Tow Vehicle : Thanks for the input. Been looking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70581#70581 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 2:25pm

Thanks for the input.  Been looking at that one but it seems a bit pricey and somewhat overkill, but I may go there.  Anyone have experience or thoughts on the Tekonsha Primus IQ or P2 and why to go with the P3 instead? Thx


]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 14:25:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70581#70581 New Tow Vehicle : Go with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70580#70580 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 1:52pm

Go with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:52:28 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70580#70580 New Tow Vehicle : I'm not new to the forum... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70577#70577 Author: Shelpod
Subject: 7511
Posted: 01 Mar 2016 at 12:42pm

I'm not new to the forum but we just purchased a new tow vehicle.  Traded in our 2011 Ford Edge and went with a 2014 Ford Explorer with the towing package - 5000 lbs.  Excited to do our first camping in 2016 with our new setup.  Does anyone have a recommendation for a brake controller?  Thinking about a proportional controller rather than the timed one we had on the Edge.

Rpod 2013 178

]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:42:20 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7511&PID=70577#70577