Awnings, rdomes, and screen rooms

I never bother with guy ropes on my clam. I just collapse it where it its if I expect a gust front to come through. Takes all of maybe 30 seconds to drop it and another 30 seconds to pop it up again. And less stress on the fabric as it never has to resist wind loads. 

Excellent information.  Thanks for sharing! 

Originally posted by henryv Pictures...a picture tells a thousand words. Especially of the tarp invention

I have the Thule awning and was also looking for an additional enclosure. The Pahaque ONLY works if you have the rail for the r-dome....it does not work with an awning already in place, unfortunately!

We use both the R Dome and an awning that we made.

the R Dome is excellent when we are staying in one location for more than a day or two.  It offers shade, privacy and rain protection.  It's best feature is the versatility of being able to open/close the front and sides to tailor the dome for your needs.  It can be a screen room , an open shelter or an enclosed room. We have used it in all of the various layouts.

The biggest knocks against the dome are that it is hard to put up.  After putting it up several times, it becomes much easier and can be done by 2 people in about 10 minutes.  We think it is well worth the effort to install it.  Several tips will help make the job easier.  File the ends of the channel so they are not sharp, check all of the screw heads to make sure they don't protrude into the channel and use silicone or WD-40 sprayed lightly into the channel.  It helps to  have marked the horizontal roof poles at the correct length before you start putting them up.  We can reach the channel by standing on a sheetrock bucket-it is solid and safe.

We also have a tarp that we made.  We purchased an 8x12 heavy duty poly tarp.  We put 5/16" sail slugs (12 pieces) along the long 12' side and these slide into the channel.  We use 3 tent poles along the outside edge and have 2 guy ropes per pole pegged in the ground.  It is sturdy, shady and offers some rain protection.  One draw back is the 1/2" open space between the channel and the edge of the tarp that is created by the depth of the sail slugs.  We have tried to make a "flap" to cover the space, but so far have not been very successful.  We are still thinking about it and will continue to make something that covers the space.

We have an "easy up" type of shelter, but don't like it for lots of reasons.  We don't take it with us when we travel. We have seen some very nice screen rooms that other campers use-they look interesting , but not much use if it rains, even if it has a top.  Generally, the sides are splayed out such that rain will get into the enclosure.  They need to be staked at the bottom for insect proofing.

I have not seen the new Thule awnings in person.  they seem like a good idea and  may also be a great addition.  I know that Thule generally makes good products that are quality materials and well engineered.

However, with my system, the same channel can serve both the R Dome and the tarp.  It's not an "either or" situation.  So, both the dome and the tarp travel with us.  We use both of them depending on the circumstances.  I think it's the best of both worlds.

Everybody has their own ideas about what works best.  Talk to others, look closely at the materials and craftsmanship and think seriously about how you will use the product you choose.
Travel safe.
Vann