Pod Cover
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=1785
Printed Date: 13 May 2025 at 2:36pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pod Cover
Posted By: mountain mist
Subject: Pod Cover
Date Posted: 10 May 2011 at 10:50am
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I know this have been discussed.
And I have read through the opinions.
Just got out and washed down my Pod , getting ready for camping. While not too bad, but some detailing with a toothbrush helped<<<
I would like to hear the pros and cons of the Cover.
If I have one, will it keep it generally clean enough not to have the black stuff in the groves?
Or does it grow under that cover no matter what. Then you have a cover to clean!
the Pod gets a closed up odor anyhow, but today I have it open with the exhaust fan running. So if one has a cover you can never open up and air out until stowing it for the season.
I am thinking on one, I thank you ahead of time on opinions.
I know the very best way is to have an enclosed place for the Pod, but that is out of the question.
------------- '11 Forest River r.pod 171 '10 Ford Edge ESCAPE POD Trudi and Austin mini-schnauzers change here, Trudi has gone, Austin now has a small black schnauzer buddy, Bentley |
Replies:
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 10 May 2011 at 2:02pm
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In south Fla. we used the cover and the mold was more with the cover than with the cover off. And on the roof the cover collected water and created algae. We have the cover folded up in our garage. The cover did keep the RPod clean. Perhaps in a climate where there is less humidity it would be worth having. Also the cover fits the Rpod very well, it would take a hurricane for it to come off. David and Danette ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 10 May 2011 at 2:54pm
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Mold? Ewwww. All I've ever gotten are black streaks from road grime. ------------- Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 6:42am
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The mold that we had was on the outside just where there was the sealant and caulking. The inside or the fiberglass outside did not have any mold. I was able to clean the caulking but the sealant they used around the back window when it leaked there is still some mold that I haven't been able to remove. I think the only thing to do with the back window would be to remove the sealant and reseal it. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 8:18am
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I took a dilute mixure of clorox and water and sprayed on those pesky areas of black. And applied a toothbrush. Some left, some stayed.
Inside was fine and had a sunny day to open up and use exhaust fan to get the closed up smell. It is sitting with clorox in holding tank for de-winterizing. Not in a hurry. Think I will do the step with the baking soda also. ------------- '11 Forest River r.pod 171 '10 Ford Edge ESCAPE POD Trudi and Austin mini-schnauzers change here, Trudi has gone, Austin now has a small black schnauzer buddy, Bentley |
Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 8:23am
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Also, I think you are correct about holding the moisture inside a cover, right next to the skin of the
RV. Had experience the cars with covers, so logic tells me would be the same with Pod. Just wanted others experiences to make up my mind. Mine sets under trees too. You live in the South, you put up with mildew ------------- '11 Forest River r.pod 171 '10 Ford Edge ESCAPE POD Trudi and Austin mini-schnauzers change here, Trudi has gone, Austin now has a small black schnauzer buddy, Bentley |
Posted By: marshwatcher
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 10:08am
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So far the only cleaning issue we have had with the outside of the Pod are those black streaks caused by rain running off the roof. I found that a Mr. Clean Eraser cleaner just takes them right off...no chemicals needed.
As to a cover, my experience with them on horse trailers is that they are more trouble than they are worth. If you must park where trees will drop sap, then it may be worth the trouble but otherwise, I avoid them. ------------- |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 11:50am
Thanks Marshwatcher, for the tip about the Mr. Clean Eraser. I had not thought of that! ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 12:37pm
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Our Pod spent the winter in camoflage and ended up very musty inside. We've been airing it out for the past week- 10 days, even putting the mattress and cushions out in the sun to bake out the smell. I think that next winter we will keep some tubs of RID or other damp remover inside. Then we will take off the cover and open it up during some of those occasional lovely, dry cold spells we get here in NJ in the winter to keep it fresh inside. Up in Ontario, Outbound, you don't know the joys of damp, cool winters (or summers near the ocean) that encourage black and green growth on organic surfaces!!!
Maiden voyage over Memorial Day to MD Eastern Shore- 16 days and counting!! ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Hodge-PODge
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 2:25pm
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All you "covered-up" Podders have just talked me out of buying a cover for sure! ------------- 2011 RP 177, the Hodge-PODge 2011 Mercedes ML350 "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it." |
Posted By: turncoat3
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 3:27pm
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As to covers for the POD, I suspect that the fitted covers may be too tight around the trailer. I covered my 177 with a 20x30 blue poly tarp held down with bungee cords. Allowed for air flow around the topand kep everything dry from the rains and snow.
I also went to the marine store and got some Starbrite NO DAMP which is used in boats to help with humidity. This worked very well over the winter in eastern NC. I keep the No Damp in the galey sink whenever I close the POD up. I also found that Renuzit Aroma helps with the freshness when closed up.
Good luck.
------------- Ben & Lorrie 2013 Surveyor 264 |
Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 3:53pm
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Have been talked out of the Pod Cover. Just need a boost.
After washing, I have wet it down again and sprayed Wax and Dry by Turtle Wax. Was easy and it looks great.. Hope it gives the Pod a little protection.
 And it also took care of any spots and streaks, just a little rub and they are gone.
Now on the back window. First time I had been above the window. I note it looks like sealant is wearing.
Need information on HOW TO and WHAT to buy by name if someone has used a working product.
I had bought a tub of the agent that dries out closed up things. Did not have to use it, but if we get a spate of wet months, out it comes! Pod is really benefiting from the sunny days, being open and exhaust fan on.
Dog is having small snits, thinks we are getting ready to GO. You know how they can be.
 I am STILL trying to make up my mind about a little fly , made by Beaver Creek. My only sticking point is that I have "heard" that the grooves are not smooth or was it the "nailsheads" stuck out too far?
And am I going to need to carry a ladder just to get one on the Pod.
Thanks for great information as usual.
------------- '11 Forest River r.pod 171 '10 Ford Edge ESCAPE POD Trudi and Austin mini-schnauzers change here, Trudi has gone, Austin now has a small black schnauzer buddy, Bentley |
Posted By: barbanjoe
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 4:31pm
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We know of what you speak, we are now in arizona, so we have to remember cool damp, even winter! ------------- BarbanJoe 010 Rpod 171 02 Jeep 4x4 12 Ram 1500 |
We do get some serious sand and wind with sun damage on our 171. A cover won't stay on so I wash it and wax at least 2 times year.Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 May 2011 at 9:32pm
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Podsible - off topic, where are you going in MD?
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 12 May 2011 at 12:04am
I had a cover over our POD all winter even though it was in a cave,when we opened it it smelled just like it was brand new right from the dealer. I had to take the cover off to bring it home, it now sits next to the drive in the sun part of the day with the cover back on it. I guess I will find out if mold grows under the cover as it has rained a couple of times. I have the cover tied down and even the 50 MPH wind we just had tonight did not move it. I think that up to this point the cover was well worth the money that we spent.  Goose------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: Gerald
Date Posted: 12 May 2011 at 1:21pm
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Had our Pod covered over the winter. Took it off this spring and ours also smelled like it was brand new and clean as a whistle. Don't know what it would be like if it was covered in hot, damp humid weather but our concern was protecting it from the winter elements. Well worth buying the cover for the winter in my opinion.
7 more days till the Pods hits the road............................  ------------- 2010 R-Pod 177 / 2009 GMC Canyon 4X4 Gerald, Lydia and The Boys (2 Shelties)......Canuck Podders |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 12 May 2011 at 4:47pm
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We're going to the Jane's Island State Park. We've never been down that far on the Delmarva Peninsula or to see the Wildlife refuges (I won't try to spell them!) Thanks for asking! ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |
Posted By: Podsible Dream
Date Posted: 13 May 2011 at 11:28am
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Off topic here.
Marshwatcher, I got an email notice of your welcome post, but it hasn't shown up here online.
Anyway, thanks for the warm welcome; we are happy to be podders!
I hope we can make some postive contributions to the community as we go forward on our journies. ------------- Chris and Walt '10 RP-171 'Free Spirit' '13 Dodge Durango Crew 5.7 L Hemi V8 |