R-pod Owners Forum : Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Introduce Yourself : Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 18:05:02 +0000 Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:27:19 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=9508 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : I found this video on a 2014... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89743#89743 Author: Guests
Subject: 9508
Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 2:27pm


I found this video on a 2014 model Silverado, "factory" controller:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdoO_knnpYo

The onboard computer reads the braking force of the tow vehicle and applies the trailer brakes in proportion to the force of the tow vehicle and the gain setting of the controller. ex. -if you have the gain set to 5, even under panic stop conditions, 5 is the most force it will deliver to the trailer.

I inquired about these when I purchased my (ex) 2009 Silverado. If memory serves, the Chevy dealer wanted North of $500 to install and re-flash the computer.

I think these come from the factory on some of the 3/4 and 1 ton models, along with the diesel (only) Colorado/Canyon, with the towing package. However, a dealer can install them....for a fee. ]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:27:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89743#89743 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : I'm sorry CharlieM, the truck... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89737#89737 Author: marwayne
Subject: 9508
Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 12:59pm

I'm sorry CharlieM, the truck is new I haven' pulled the trailer with it yet. Will let you know when I do.]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2017 12:59:43 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89737#89737 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Originally posted by marwayneThis... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89716#89716 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 9508
Posted: 23 Mar 2017 at 7:14am

Originally posted by marwayne

This is my factory built in brake controller.


Marwayne,

From your experience, can you compare the built in brake controller to aftermarket units like the Tekonsha P3? Operation, effectiveness, versatility? I'm a bit skeptical.
]]> Thu, 23 Mar 2017 07:14:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89716#89716 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Thank you all very much for your... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89712#89712 Author: CB928
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 11:09pm

Thank you all very much for your advice and wisdom!! Much appreciated!
Colleen

]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 23:09:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89712#89712 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : I tow with a 2014 Ram 1500 with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89696#89696 Author: Wepod
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 8:10pm

I tow with a 2014 Ram 1500 with a 5.7 V-8.  Friction anti-sway bar.  Prodigy brake controller.   Definitely need the V-8 first time you pull out on the interstate or go into the mountains you will know why.  Prodigy unit hooked up to a plug under the dash you just need the right harness for your model truck.  If the tow package includes heavier rear springs I would jump at that too.  Pick-ups have a strange way getting loaded down with the "sure we can take that too" syndrome.]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:10:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89696#89696 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : This is my factory built in brake... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89678#89678 Author: marwayne
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 4:05pm

This is my factory built in brake controller.


imgupload
]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:05:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89678#89678 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Get the 5.3L V8 and tow package.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89675#89675 Author: Guests
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 3:50pm


Get the 5.3L V8 and tow package. It will have everything you need (except a brake controller) and plenty of power to go wherever you want.

I have not looked lately but....it seems that they used to offer a factory or dealer installed brake controller - mounted in the dash and $$$$$ I recommend buying a Prodigy controller and mounting it under the dash (around $100). Hooking it up is simple. Other than that, you will need either (1) a ball and bar to fit into the 2" receiver OR (2) a weight distributing hitch (the Fastway E2 is very popular here). If you have any questions, just post!]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:50:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89675#89675 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : X1 to Marwayne, I don't think... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89673#89673 Author: mcarter
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 3:36pm

X1 to Marwayne, I don't think you will get a trailer sway attached from dealer without the trailer specifics. I guess you could get the parts that attach to the hitch. I'm talking about a sway friction bar. I have a 2006 4X4 Silverado with the 5.3 V8, no issues with towing RPod. I also have a 2016 Colorado with the 3.6 V6, L71, no issues. I do use a trailer mounted friction sway bar on both.]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 15:36:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89673#89673 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : I have a 2016 Tundra with tow... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89654#89654 Author: marwayne
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 11:13am

I have a 2016 Tundra with tow packageand built in brake controller plus sway control. However the built in sway control is only meant for the truck not the trailer.]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:13:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89654#89654 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Yes. The anti-sway came with the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89644#89644 Author: bgrubbs
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 9:31am

Yes. The anti-sway came with the tow package.]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:31:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89644#89644 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Thank you Bryan! Did the anti-sway... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89643#89643 Author: CB928
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 9:23am

Thank you Bryan!
Did the anti-sway hitch come with the tow package or was that added on after you purchased the vehicle?
I appreciate all the suggestions!
Colleen]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:23:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89643#89643 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : HI, I just bought a 2017 Toyota... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89639#89639 Author: bgrubbs
Subject: 9508
Posted: 22 Mar 2017 at 7:38am

HI,

I just bought a 2017 Toyota Tacoma to tow my new Rpod. The two things that were important to me was that the tow package included an anti-sway control hitch and a trailer brake. I had to add the trailer brake to the package for an extra $350.

Bryan]]> Wed, 22 Mar 2017 07:38:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89639#89639 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Might add we went to a f150 ecoboost... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89633#89633 Author: Craneman
Subject: 9508
Posted: 21 Mar 2017 at 11:24pm

Might add we went to a f150 ecoboost v/6 twin turbo, plenty of power
     Moe
]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2017 23:24:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89633#89633 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Thank you Moe! V8 - good point!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89632#89632 Author: CB928
Subject: 9508
Posted: 21 Mar 2017 at 10:29pm

Thank you Moe! V8 - good point! ]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:29:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89632#89632 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Wow,look for towing package ,brake... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89627#89627 Author: Craneman
Subject: 9508
Posted: 21 Mar 2017 at 10:03pm

Wow,look for towing package ,brake controller tranny cooler and anything that pertains to towing. Engine size v/8. I had a 2006 Chevy w a v/6 and I thought it struggled on the hills
      Moe
       
]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:03:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89627#89627 Newbie with a 2015 178 -tow vehicle advice : Hi, We have made the plunge into... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89625#89625 Author: CB928
Subject: 9508
Posted: 21 Mar 2017 at 9:38pm

Hi,
We have made the plunge into RPod ownership after covering a friends RPod for two years. When they decided to move up into a full time RV - we jumped at the opportunity! We are selling our Kia Soul for a 2017 Silverado and I am wondering if there are any specific features I should be looking for. Does the brake ratio matter? What counts in a tow package?
I am sure the salesman will be happy to give me "best" possible. I would like to know what is important.

Thank you in advance for any help.
Colleen


2015 178
Family of three w/ a Frenchie
New to RVing and RPods]]> Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:38:42 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9508&PID=89625#89625