New R-pod owner

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   Hello from BC Canada   My name is Sean F and I'm a new (to me) R-pod owner.  It's a 2019 model 178. I've been looking at lightweight trailers for a couple years now and really liked the R-pod design.
I do have a couple of questions for all of you who have more experience with R-pods than I do! 

My unit did not come with AC. I was thinking about purchasing one and so far I've read that the standard 13500 btu is kind of overkill, and that a 9000 btu unit would be fine for the size of trailer.  The roof is already pre wired in front of the roof vent, so I should be looking for a drop in 14"x14".  Is this correct? There is factory solar but it isn't high wattage.  I'm learning that they have 12 volt AC units now.  I'm guessing they must pull a fair bit of amperage, and thus would need larger wires ran.  Do most people stay with 120v or are they going with the new 12v and upgrading the solar and batteries?  I was planning on doing that anyway but maybe just sticking with the 120v is the way to go?  Are they more/less reliable than the newer 12v units?  
Any suggestions or input on this would be appreciated.

The tires are the westlake offroad style and should be changed out due to age. Stamp is 1417. They look fine, like brand new.  No cracks or rot, and they dont look worn at all.  I like the look of them and will be pulling the trailer off road to camp.  Can I go with a LT rated tire to maintain a stiffer sidewall?  From what I've read these OEM tires did really well, but are expensive.  I was thinking of going with maybe a KO2 or Outpost Nat?  What are those of you who offroad a lot using?  Again, any suggestions or input would be great. 

Thanks, and safe journeys!

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_Falken_ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2026 Location: BC Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote _Falken_ Report Post Quote Reply Topic: New R-pod owner Posted: 15 Jun 2026 at 2:11am
	Hello from BC Canada My name is Sean F and I'm a new (to me) R-pod owner. It's a 2019 model 178. I've been looking at lightweight trailers for a couple years now and really liked the R-pod design. I do have a couple of questions for all of you who have more experience with R-pods than I do! My unit did not come with AC. I was thinking about purchasing one and so far I've read that the standard 13500 btu is kind of overkill, and that a 9000 btu unit would be fine for the size of trailer. The roof is already pre wired in front of the roof vent, so I should be looking for a drop in 14"x14". Is this correct? There is factory solar but it isn't high wattage. I'm learning that they have 12 volt AC units now. I'm guessing they must pull a fair bit of amperage, and thus would need larger wires ran. Do most people stay with 120v or are they going with the new 12v and upgrading the solar and batteries? I was planning on doing that anyway but maybe just sticking with the 120v is the way to go? Are they more/less reliable than the newer 12v units? Any suggestions or input on this would be appreciated. The tires are the westlake offroad style and should be changed out due to age. Stamp is 1417. They look fine, like brand new. No cracks or rot, and they dont look worn at all. I like the look of them and will be pulling the trailer off road to camp. Can I go with a LT rated tire to maintain a stiffer sidewall? From what I've read these OEM tires did really well, but are expensive. I was thinking of going with maybe a KO2 or Outpost Nat? What are those of you who offroad a lot using? Again, any suggestions or input would be great. Thanks, and safe journeys!

jato Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2012 Location: Kewadin, MI Online Status: Offline Posts: 3439	Post Options Post Reply Quote jato Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jun 2026 at 2:58am
	Congratulations Falken on the purchase of your 178. Also enjoy your 24/7 'owners manual' here on this forum. I have owned a 177 for a bit over 15 years and special ordered it from the factory to be assembled without A/C, entertainment system or convection/microwave due to the fact of normally boondocking when camping. Cannot comment on the A/C as a result of still not having one. Tires, that is another story. Last 2 sets have been Carlstar (formally Carlisle), load range "D" 6 ply tires. Have taken it down some sketchy dirt roads and trails without issue or incident. Quite pleased with them. Regardless of the 'flavor' of tire you purchase do change them out, including the spare, and make certain to get them speed tested and balanced. I change mine out every 5 years, regardless of mileage.
	God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free."

gpokluda Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 11 Nov 2018 Location: East Idaho Online Status: Offline Posts: 504	Post Options Post Reply Quote gpokluda Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Jun 2026 at 7:14am
	Welcome and congrats on your new camper. Regarding the AC, I know many people on the Escape forum swear by the Houghton 9500 unit with heat pump. Some of the bigger rigs have it connected through an inverter to their battery bank, but they have 400+ amp hours of battery which would be a challenge in an Rpod. I've been watching the 12volt AC units as well. They have come a long way, but will still take a lot of battery to run them. As for tires, when I had my Rpod, I replaced my tires with LT, 10 ply rated Falken Wild Peak. The topic of using LT tires instead of ST tires is a bit controversial, but I didn't have any issues and towed about 15k miles before I sold the Rpod.
	Gpokluda 2017 Rpod 179(sold 2023) 2022 Escape 5.0TA 2022 Ford F150 4X4 3.5EB Honda SCL500

_Falken_ Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jun 2026 Location: BC Online Status: Offline Posts: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote _Falken_ Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 18 Jun 2026 at 11:37pm
	Thanks for your responses!! I didnt get an email saying someone responded. I thought that would be a given. I guess I better check my setttings, lol. I'm going to try capming this summer w/o an AC unit and see how it goes. Thanks again for your input!! Happy camping.