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Topic ClosedAnyone Add an Awning ?
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Footslogger03 View Drop Down
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Posts: 362 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Anyone Add an Awning ?
    Posted: 08 Aug 2011 at 6:56pm
We have the equivalent of the R-Dome on our "brand x" (T@B) now and would prefer not going that route again. Lots of work to set up (regardless of what anyone tells you) and not very cool/airy inside. Biggest issue is that they wrap around on the sides and actually block ventillation, despite the zipout panels.

We are just about to buy a modell 177 R-Pod and plan on installing a more tradional pull-out awning to block the sun while still offering maximum ventillation.

MJ
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Hodge-PODge View Drop Down
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Posts: 539 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2011 at 12:33am
Consulted the awning maker and we THINK we have a simple solution.  She actually tried it out but without access to a 1/2" C-channel (her vintage awning has the 3/8" channel) she couldn't be FOR SURE that it would fit.
 
Here is the idea.  Tomorrow I am going to Home Depot to buy a length of clear PVC tubing.  It has a 7/16" outside diameter, and a 5/16" inside diameter.  I am going to carefully slit the tubing open and slip it on over the 3/8" welt.  It is an easy fix, inexpensive ($5.87), not messy (no glue), and should still look good, too.  The only problem I forsee is that it may be TOO snug.  I will let you know if it works.
 
Other than that, the only alternative iI like s Tech's idea to sew a new 3/8" welt alongside the existing 5/16" welt. 
 
LESSON LEARNED:  If you have a custom awning made, make sure you get the 3/8" welt for a 1/2" diameter R-Pod C-channel - (NOT 5/16" welt for a 3/8" C-Channel)!
 
Diane
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Posts: 539 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2011 at 12:45am
Footslogger, you will LOVE the 177!  Well, I love mine anyway.
 
A traditional pull out awning is a good idea if you are comfortable (or handy) at mounting it on the Pod.  The only reason I went the route I did is that I just like the idea and the looks of a "vintage" awning.
 
I know what you are saying about your R-dome equivalent.  My R-dome ripped and is being replaced under warranty but I don't know that I want to set it up EVERY time I camp.  The "vintage" awning will give me a nice alternative.  Believe it or not, it - the custom vintage awning - ALMOST looked great on the Pod - the beading was just too narrow to keep it attached! Unhappy  But I WILL fix it - one way or another. Approve  And then I'll post pics. Approve
 
Diane
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2011 at 7:01am
I'm pulling for you!
 
Pun intended. Clap
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Aug 2011 at 4:06pm
Originally posted by Hodge-PODge

But I WILL fix it - one way or another. Approve  And then I'll post pics. Approve
 
Diane


Any post weekend updates...?
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Posts: 539 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2011 at 10:26pm
Originally posted by furpod

Any post weekend updates...?
 
Yes, actually I do, Furpod - thanks for asking.  SUCCESS AT LAST!  I took a length of 7/16 plastic tubing a little longer than the awning width, slit down the length of the tubing, and slipped it over the top of the 3/8 welt on the awning, as my awning maker had creatively suggested.  It worked!  It slid in the C-channel easily (I had used silicone spray previously), but yet it still fit snug enough to not pull out.  And I think it looks great - I love it!  Here are the pics to prove it . . . .
 
 
 Hee hee hee! - that peculiar thing sticking out above the awning is my chimney!
 
 
When I camp out, I'll be sure to tie down the vertical posts.
 
 
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Posts: 539 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 21 Aug 2011 at 10:33pm
P.S.  Just in case anyone else is interested in this kind of awning (see pics above), go take a peek online at http://www.vintageawnings.blogspot.com/
The lady who makes them is absolutely wonderful to work with, and she has a variety of fabrics to choose from - all posted on the website.  I am very pleased with the quality of the awning and the quality of service, too.  NOW we all know the correct size for the R-Pod's C-channel so what happened to me won't happen again.  Don't you just love that learning curve!  And all really is well that ends well.
Diane
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Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2011 at 6:29am
 
 Hee hee hee! - that peculiar thing sticking out above the awning is my chimney!
 
 
[/QUOTE]
Thumbs Up  I couldn't agree more....all is well that ends well.  Glad you found a solution.
 
How DID you do the chimney mod?  I've never seen anything like that! Ying Yang
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this_is_nascar View Drop Down
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Posts: 466 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2011 at 8:28am
Maybe I missed it, but say again, why you didn't get the awning to be wider to use more of the track?  Was it that you didn't want the down-sloped look/feel of the awning?
 
 
"Ray & Connie"

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Posts: 539 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 22 Aug 2011 at 10:11am
Originally posted by this_is_nascar

Maybe I missed it, but say again, why you didn't get the awning to be wider to use more of the track?  Was it that you didn't want the down-sloped look/feel of the awning?
 
 

It had more to do with the length of the shock-corded poles that provide the cross-center support (like an X-shape) underneath the awning - that's what gives it a kind of "dome" look.  We would have had to buy additional poles and then sort of splice them together to make the shock poles center support longer.  I was just trying to cover the door area and was trying to stay out of the curve of the C-channel.
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