
Avid Camper, Our reason was fairly simple. We had the R172 for about a year. Used it a couple times and realized we wanted more room. We had an R-dome and the Pa HaQue visor. We used the R-dome only once out in black hills of SD. It worked great as it added a huge room of open/closed privacy any time of the day. We had the visor with us; but never had the opportunity to ever open it up. I'd checked it out before selling it to be sure it had instructions and realized it was really very simple and easy to set up. Slide the one long flat end with the 'bead shape' into and through the "C" channel and then prop it up with the assembled aluminum poles. It seems to be very quick. It was roughly 10' wide and arced out about 5' away from the side of the R-pod. I have nothing against it what-so-ever and would think it would provide shade or rain protection for the entry rather quickly. Maybe that is the only negative I can foresee, that 5' out and arcing back on either side isn't enough. I'd keep inquiring to get an answer from someone whose used it several times to get that "answer full of info" you're seeking! Good Luck