battery
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Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6863
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 11:13am
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Topic: battery
Posted By: mesamie
Subject: battery
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 10:30pm
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I am buying the 2016 Rpod 179 model this week. The dealer informed me it does not come with the battery, it would be extra. He indicated he doesn't use his, but if he did buy one he would get a bigger one than what is provided/sold with the unit. So first question, if I don't plan on dry camping, at least not for a while, do I need a battery, and if NOT, can I use the car battery for basic power ups ? Second, if I should get one, should I get a bigger as he recommended ? |
Replies:
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 24 Aug 2015 at 11:06pm
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Doesn't come with a battery? Really? I'm kind of new to this trailer business (two years) and we bought ours used so I'm not real familiar with the program of buying a new unit. But they tell you the battery is extra? I know they are not shipped with a battery, I'm assuming to do with hazardous materials rules? I couldn't fathom going with out a battery (but then I have 2 batteries and a new generator). This one is going to be interesting to hear! We need the emoticon of the guy eating Pop Corn.  ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 6:20am
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It is true that new units do not ship from the factory with a battery, however, all dealers include one with the sale. Yes, you must have a battery, it's required to power the electric brakes in an emergency break away and having a battery comes in very handy on the road. No you do not need a bigger battery, any group 24 RV/Marine will do just fine. Welcome and happy Podding!  ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 9:48am
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You absolutely need a battery. It would border on criminal for the dealer to allow you to drive away without one. As Podster notes above, in the event the trailer becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle, the battery powers the electric brakes in an attempt to bring the trailer to a stop as quickly as possible (note: it won't be pretty, and the trailer may well end up smashed on its side; but, at least it isn't careening down a hill, gathering speed, heading towards who knows what kind of trouble). It is true that Forest River doesn't supply the battery (its very rare for any manufacturer to include one). Most dealers include a battery with their dealer prep/drive-away package. But, there's certainly nothing wrong with declining the package and bringing along your own battery (and battery box... don't forget the box). A quick trip to Costco for a group 27 deep cycle (not starting or hybrid) battery will set you up. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2015 at 10:12am
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Welcome. +1
Also make sure you get a quote from Couch's so you have the best possible price in-hand when you negotiate. You should get away with just a few hundred more, depending on where you live. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: mesamie
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 9:12am
| thanks for the replies, but what is the difference between Marine group 24 vs 27, as 2 have mentioned each ? |
Posted By: mesamie
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 9:17am
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also, the dealer said he would get me one "at cost" at the local Walmart/Sam's Club for $129, but they seem cheaper when I looked up online ???? |
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 9:18am
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Generally the higher the group number the bigger the battery. Bigger is usually better to a point but you have to pay for it and have space to put it. (and possibly the weight problem) In a pinch a battery is a battery. But when you are putting money out for the long run you want the right battery for the right job. Automotive batteries for example have more of cranking amps for starting but do not have a "deep cycle" life. A deep cycle battery has a deep reserve but not much cranking amps for starting. One of the experts on here will find you a good link or two for educating yourself about batteries. If you're like me just keep reading............ eventually some of it sinks in and sticks. An addendum to my earlier post: It just goes to show. DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING A SALESMAN TELLS YOU. The more I think about it I can't believe that sales man even said "you don't need a battery".  ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 9:41am
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Another addendum: You have to watch your shipping with batteries. Battery shipping is cheaper for sealed batteries such as Glass Mat because they don't have the hazardous materials problems such as conventional lead acid batteries present. Keep reading, after a while things start to make sense. Sometimes I wonder where I would be with out the help of this forum.  ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 10:12am
Seriously.. WALK AWAY. Find another dealer. If this is how he operates, you don't want to find out how they might be for service or warranty. Really. You don't. Find another dealer. ------------- |
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 10:15am
Good reply Furpod. Much better and to the point! ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: mesamie
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 2:11pm
| Thanks again for all of the battery replies. This may be a strange way for this dealer to do biz, but I can't walk away from this price...$15,486 for the 2016 179 !! |
Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 5:06pm
Uh, Yup, I'd go buy my own battery too.  ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2015 at 6:59pm
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How does that compare to Couch's price? ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Kiddo and Baca
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2015 at 4:00am
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We bought a 2015 179 model and it came fully loaded with two batteries. Sounds like some negotiation needs to take place, plus our dealer threw in a set of sway bars and a the anti sway attachment (a $500 value). I just had to take our unit in because the black water tank sensor wasn't functioning properly, a bracket had brokened off of the stove, plus there was a broken seal around the kitchen window. The dealer made it all good. Shop around for a good dealer. These r-pods are so popular, you can negotiate.
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2015 at 1:25pm
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See my note on 180 mod on how to buy an Rpod. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: mesamie
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2015 at 6:51pm
| Thanks for all of your replies, very helpful. Some even suggested finding another dealer.... well I ended up doing just that. They threw in a battery AND a start up kit. We slept in the 179 in the driveway the other night, at my 8 yr. old's insistence, and go on our first trip in 2 weeks... so far, love it !!! |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2015 at 7:03pm
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All's well that ends well. Great to hear. Your 8 year old is in for some terrific family adventures. Enjoy and create some family memories. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Sep 2015 at 8:03pm
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Great! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: SNO4ME
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2015 at 8:34am
Smart kid that 8 year old. One must be prepared for the real world. It is a good idea to "driveway camp" the first night or two so you don't have to learn too many hard lessons on the road. ------------- Bruce & Donna in the Sno Pod (and Brewer too) 2011 RP 177 |