R-Dome
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11566
Printed Date: 26 Jun 2025 at 11:54am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: R-Dome
Posted By: Pod613
Subject: R-Dome
Date Posted: 13 May 2018 at 10:08pm
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So we picked up our 2019 RP176 on Monday and brought it home. Kids wanted to sleep in it in the driveway they were so excited.. I setup the r-dome on Saturday as I wanted to figure it out before we go camping next weekend. The process isn’t very involved but having camped for 15years with decent camping tents (Flying Diamond, Marmot) I find the build quality of the Dometic rdome to be mediocre. I noticed a tear in the rdome as I was putting install it. I will have to call the dealer tomorrow to discuss with them. It’s in a key area of the dome (top left) and will get worse as it’s a tear in the fabric (not seam). What are your experiences with the r-dome? I sort of regret not getting the awning instead. Fabric tear  Setup
------------- 2019 RP176 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 14 May 2018 at 7:30am
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The dome does everything the awning does, and a butt load more.. the awning.. well, it can be an awning. Your dealer should, but may not, cover that under warranty. The domes are considered a "wear item"like brakes or tires... Hopefully you have a good dealer.
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Posted By: Happy Tripping
Date Posted: 14 May 2018 at 8:34am
OK - Full Disclosure - I have ranted before about the r-dome. Beautiful concept, lousy execution. Older ones apparently were better built, the last few years' are, to be very kind, 'mediocre'. Mine bought in 2014 has NOT worn well. P.M. me for more detailed info from my perspective. I agree a side tent is much better than the awning. When my current r-dome finishes falling apart, probably next year, I'll try the Pahaque, the only alternative that I know at this time. https://pahaquecustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=38 The Pahaque is not perfect, the attachment to the r-pod wall seems to be a weak point but the material at least is modern tent-type.
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Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 14 May 2018 at 3:05pm
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Sorry to hear it has a tear.. real bummer. Also hope the dealer takes care of this for you. I found it rather nice. No, not the best tent I've come across, but from me it's better than the awning option. Now, if those sides actually zipped out.. It would get a much better rating! As far as pahaque goes, I see less opening in theirs.. Tell me the front 'and sides' zip out on theirs and I'd probably look deeper at them. Now that rear tent! Ya baby! That is what I'm looking for on Lily! http://pahaquecustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=108&zenid=afdc42599a7f45632dff3b109978746a - http://pahaquecustom.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=108&zenid=afdc42599a7f45632dff3b109978746a There's protection at the outside kitchen and my shower room! My plus points the Dome is it's self supportive. The pads on the corners worked out great for placing a couple of big rocks on. No wire/ropes to dodge. Also like the straps for tie-down when required. Front comes off and side do roll up. Turns into a nice large fly. Cons: Well, as mentioned the sides do not come off. Really wish they did. Doesn't attach well to the pod on the sides. Those suction things, well don't suck very well. I did have velcro with me and have to figure a way to get it to stick to the Dome (stuck to the Pod very well). ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 14 May 2018 at 3:11pm
------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 14 May 2018 at 3:12pm
------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: RoushFam
Date Posted: 23 May 2018 at 3:12pm
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I am so glad I stumbled upon your rear tent post. Total game changer for our 182G. We actually were considering trading in the 182G for a 176. May have to scrap those plans now! We love our dome. Yes its not the best quality but I wouldn't trade it for an awning. I have purchased better suction cups and better stakes to make setup a little easier. I don't need to anchor as many points with the stakes I purchased. Brandon Roush |
Posted By: Markie
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2018 at 9:51pm
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Good evening all, I too like the Dome concept over an awning and agree the durabiilty is lacking. I like the versitility of the dome. The overflow area for guests to sleep is awsome. We haven't had any tears in the dome but must be very careful setting it up and taking down. It has served us well during several storms without leaking. The problems I have with it are: 1. I installed the four inch risers to the camper frame resulting in the sides of the dome do not lay flat to the ground. The setup looks kinda goofy with the sides of the dome close to the camper higher than at the arch. 2. I find trying to stake it down is difficult with rocks, tree roots or hard slate stone base of the camp site. I wish there was a way to weight the flaps down with something other than big rocks or firewood. 3. Lastly I agree with previous post about the suction cup attachment to camper. The camper sides must be clean for good suction and if the wind blows sometimes the sides unhook. I want to fashion bungee cord loops for a shock cord between the dome side and the suction cup hook. This should alleviate the unhooking and give some versatility on where to attach suction cups. Happy camping ------------- Mark & Vicki R-POD 178 & 2015 Silverado 5.3L Weimeraner "Zeke" |
Posted By: Barryb125
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 8:12pm
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Hi Markie; I am a new R Pod 178 owner and looking to buy a R Dome. Did yours come with your R Pod? If not, can you tell me where and how much you paid for it? Thanks Barry
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Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 4:41pm
| Rpod dealers sell them and probably drop ship to your house. $300-500. I negotiated and had them throw it in when I purchased camper. Far more useful than awning. Yes I too was skeptical of quality of Rdome, being a former tenter with high quality products. This is year three and so far no issues. Very versatile. |
Posted By: Pod613
Date Posted: 08 Aug 2018 at 2:07pm
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Forest River replaced the Rdome. Took a month or more but now I have a brand new RDome. I've used it on 6 trips and love it. We have friends with awnings and we always end up in the dome if it's raining or the bugs are bad. ------------- 2019 RP176 2016 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2018 at 6:52am
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Good to hear! Thanks for the update ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2018 at 8:27am
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I have camped several times near 1/2 million dollar class A motorhomes, Mega 3 axle fifth wheels, and just plain super nice campers, and i'm always shocked that people are staring at me and my r-dome. In july I was surrounded by several "upscale" units, and not only did I give 6-7 pod tours, I had one older guy come by, stop infront of me, and said " THAT wins best in the park by far". Crazy as it is, merely a tent, it is a giant attraction and I absolutely love mine. It's very rare I don't set it up, usually only on short weekend trip in late September - October due to stronger ocean side winds. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: DawgLady
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2018 at 4:31pm
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My dome ripped in the same place. Alison the bag ripped where the handles are sewn on. I just took mine to sewing machine and used some waterproof fabric placing on top and inside and sewed it back for reinforcement. No more problems. ------------- Dawg Lady 2016 R-180 "Lizzy" Georgia |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Aug 2018 at 5:03pm
Wouldn't go anywhere without the dome. Makes a nice guest bedroom too! fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: toddrich
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2018 at 7:25pm
We bought our 2011 177 used and the r-dome came with it, still wrapped in plastic, never even opened. I was skeptical, but the wife was giddy over it. The first outing when we unwrapped it to set it up, we discovered that the channel was smaller than the rubber piece that goes in it. We were very discouraged. Once home, I tried to modify the rubber (actually called kedar) and lubricate the channel but still no go. We then found that a 12' strip of kedar was about $15. So we ordered, she sewed it on and now it slips through just fine. I have also come to like it. On sunny days, we take the front panel off and have a nice shaded porch.  |