R-Dome: Yea or Nay

If the weather's nice or if its a one or two night stay, I won't use the dome and instead use a small awning that takes 5 minutes to put up.

Originally posted by coopercdrkey virtually no vegetation, (other than grass), to help block the wind.  That night a front rolled through, and I ended up taking the R-Dome down for its own protection.

We love the dome.. in fact we had a sticker made up that says:

The Dome is Home..

We are currently looking at a slightly larger TT, and one of the MAIN problems we have with it is... no dome.

Originally posted by EmptyNesters combo awning and screen room on our pop-up

I am of two minds about my R-Dome.  It's great for the extra room, especially when it's raining but you don't want to sit inside.  On the other hand, some people have found that it is not very robust if a sudden wind storm comes up.  (See other comments)...others have had the R-Dome collapse over the door in a wind storm, where they couldn't get out easily because the dome roof had draped over the door.  Check the dimensions of the Dome and you will see that the Dome extends quite a ways from the Pod.  I have encountered campgrounds/sites where the Dome would not fit within the dimensions of the site.
I ended up buying a PahaQue Visor...which only extends five feet from the Pod and has tie down straps rather than breakable aluminum tent poles.  It goes on quickly and has withstood some really strong winds (which would have ripped the Dome apart).  However, it only covers a small area compared to the Dome.
1) Use the Dome when you are going to be in one site for more than a couple days
2) Use the Dome where/when you know there won't be any high winds...especially if you are going to be gone from the Pod for a while
3) Use the Visor for a quick, small shelter from the sun/rain and you won't be in one place very long.