https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Miscellaneous / Off-topic : Stowing weight distribution hitch Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:56:04 +0000 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 21:51:34 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7578 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=72011#72011 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7578
Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 9:51pm

I think I found a very workable solution!

First, the description, then pictures. I purchased a Ridgid 22" tool box from Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-22-in-Pro-Tool-Box-Black-222570/205440481

Next, I cut 2" off the bottom of the shank. This serves two purposes. It keeps the bottom of the shank from dragging on the concrete of the driveway when I am pulling out or backing in with the trailer. Second, it makes it possible to fit in the tool box.

Third, I constructed a platform with bracing in the correct locations to stabilize the hitch head and support the shank. This also reinforces the bottom. The wood does not add too much weight.

Fourth, placed a plastic bag (13 Gallon kitchen trash bag size) over the wood and filled it with a can of Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks insulating foam sealant (red can). From a previous attempt, I knew I needed to have a spray bottle of water handy to spray the foam after it was in the bag so it would cure. Without doing that, the plastic seemed to keep it from curing. After spraying it, I folded the bag and smoothed it out over the wood supports, working quickly.

Fifth, I set the hitch in place and let the foam expand and form  custom-fitted padding for the hitch. I pushed in a couple of places to help the foam go to places where it was lacking, and to leave room for other parts I wanted to store in with the hitch head. Then I let it cure.

Now for the results:






It works quite well. The case has a seal, so it is water tight. It has places to lock it to our generator mount, or it could sit on the ground under the tongue locked there. It could also sit inside under the bed if the furnace is not being used. In any case, problem solved. The opening of our R-Pod's storage area won't get beat up as much, and my back will be better off also. It does not hurt that it also is good-looking.

The bars still go in the storage area underneath. They fit well there and I can maneuver them in and out without damaging the opening.
]]> Sat, 26 Mar 2016 21:51:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=72011#72011 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71390#71390 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7578
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 10:14pm

Weight is important. I am 62 and have had back surgery. Using chains to hang under the pod would probably not work. I have a couple of ideas. When we get our R-Pod back next week, I'll see if I can nail this one down.]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 22:14:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71390#71390 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71383#71383 Author: Pete Brayton
Subject: 7578
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 9:23pm

How about hanging it underneath the pod? You could use a couple of loops of chain and hang it out of the way and the weather. Use carabiners or something to make the chain removable while you're on the road. It might not be easy to do depending on the weight and size but, it would be cheap and simple. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 21:23:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71383#71383 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71367#71367 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7578
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 7:51pm

I don't know if the rear pass-through on the 171 is larger than the access on the 179. It is not easy to maneuver the hitch through the opening. I am beating up the bottom of the opening in doing so. That is why I want to find an alternative, preferably one which will be enclosed so the hitch is not sitting out in the weather while it isn't being used.

Setting the hitch on a rug on the floor also does not work since if we are going to be at a place for any length of time, I want to remove the hitch. Also, while we are home, I want to be able to get in and out without tripping over a hitch. It would not sail with the wife either.

I'll keep looking for ideas. There is probably something out there that I just haven't seen yet that will work.
]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 19:51:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71367#71367 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71360#71360 Author: john in idaho
Subject: 7578
Posted: 17 Mar 2016 at 7:20pm

If you are not using the pod, why not just open the door and set it on a rug on the floor?  other wise just use a padlock thru one of the safety chains.  I also hook my generator to a safety chain with a padlock.  And a cover.  ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2016 19:20:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71360#71360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71338#71338 Author: ChinookPod
Subject: 7578
Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 9:30pm

We stuff ours into the rear passthrough.
]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:30:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71338#71338 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71321#71321 Author: Pod People
Subject: 7578
Posted: 16 Mar 2016 at 12:50pm

we store ours under the pod and locked to the a frame with a cable lock.  I cover the ball with a split tennis ball that keeps the grease away from me and the rain off the ball. When we use the hitch, the tennis ball fits in a plastic zip lock  food box with snap lid stored in the cargo bay.
Vann
]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2016 12:50:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71321#71321 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71315#71315 Author: StephenH
Subject: 7578
Posted: 15 Mar 2016 at 10:58pm

If you use a weight distribution hitch, where do you stow it when you are not using it to tow? I have an Equal-i-zer 4-way sway control hitch, and the head on it is HEAVY. I have been putting it in the storage area of the 179, but it is difficult and messy putting it there and taking it out. I can't really leave it connected to the car all the time. I want to find a better way to stow it when it isn't needed.

I installed a Stromberg Carlson Trailer Tray so I can carry a generator. If I can find a suitable size locking box, I could put it on the rack with the generator. I don't want to just put it up there. I would rather it not be out in the open when it is not being used. However, where to find a suitable box that is big enough, but not so big it takes up all the space and doesn't leave any for the generator is something I would like to find out.
]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2016 22:58:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7578&PID=71315#71315