New R-Pod "Visor" Awning
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Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3094
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Topic: New R-Pod "Visor" Awning
Posted By: Footslogger03
Subject: New R-Pod "Visor" Awning
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2012 at 8:39pm
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I've seen several posts recently about the "Visor" that PahaQue is making for the T@B campers. Well ...I'v been working with PahaQue to redesign that little "Visor" so that it would be a better fit for our R-Pods. The final design was just completed and here are the first pics of my 177 with the visor attached. I would have said something earlier but had promised the PahaQue designers that I wouldn't spill the beans until we knew for sure it would work.
For those of you who thing you might want one of these, contact PahaQue directly. I have nothing to do with the commercial aspect (ordering or shipping" of the Visor. All I can tell you is ...we're REALLY happy with our and only wish it wasn't snowing so that we could use it. 'Slogger 
 ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Replies:
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2012 at 10:22pm
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That is very cool! They have it listed on their website for sale already at $269. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2012 at 10:36pm
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Very Nice! I see they used your R-pod in the Catalog Picture. how does it fold up? Are they aware of the 2 different c Chanels used on the models? Did you happen to talk to them about a cover also? http://www.pahaquecustom.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PQWO&Product_Code=RPVSR&Category_Code=cawn - http://www.pahaquecustom.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PQWO&Product_Code=RPVSR&Category_Code=cawn
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Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2012 at 10:38pm
Guess I should have fully read the site first: The R-Pod Trailer Visor by PahaQue
Designed to provide shade and shelter when you need it. Quickly and easily attaches to the awning rail on the side of trailer. Color Choices - silver with trim color choices of red, yellow, blue, green, orange and black. Comes complete with carry bag, one fiberglass pole, and guylines. Waterproof. Size - 7.5' x 5'. 200D Polyester with waterproofing and UV inhibitor coatings. Lifetime Warranty IMPORTANT NOTE - Forest River used two sizes of awning rail on the R-Pod trailers. Older models may have a smaller awning rail that has an inside diameter of .40" (10mm). Newer models have the larger, .563" (14mm) inside diameter rail. A quick way to tell is if your rail appears to have an inside diamter larger then 1/2", you have the newer, larger rail. If you are not sure, just give us a call toll-free at 888.700.TENT (8368) and we will help determine your awning rail size. |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 12:29am
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Nice, I will be ordering one. Thanks 'Slogger for pushing the envelope. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 3:39am
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That is really neat, and the door opens all the way. Great job!!!!!! Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee 
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 8:38am
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I see one in our future too! Thanks.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 9:09am
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Update: Just ordered a Pod Visor...
the website does not yet list the options of narrow versus wide rail nor the color option for the edge trim. You need to call them at their 888 number and let them know which rail size you need and the color trim. Then when you order through their website...they will already have the info needed when they process the order. They are willing to do the full order by phone...but the website is so convenient for placing the order (name/address/credit card#, etc.) that I used the website after giving the gentleman the rail size and trim color. Their customer service stated that the website page has only been up for about 24 hours, not complete yet. So if you want to order immediately, please bear with them as they get it going. They were pleasantly surprised that orders are already coming in this morning. They even asked me which forum this is...which generated requests so fast. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 10:09am
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It looks nice, however I feel it should have been designed to be a bit wider. It looks like a couple feet of track on each side are being wasted, whereas the awning could have been a bit wider on each side.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 12:21pm
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I think they wanted it to be able to fit the older obsolete R-150 models also. It fits my 150 model. "One size fits all" concept to decrease the number of sizes they would have to sew. This is a new start up design...and I am sure that they don't want to make too many sizes that may not sell. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 2:54pm
========================= It all started because I ordered on of the original T@B Visors and installed/took some pics and sent them back to PahaQue. They had been wanting to make a Visor for the R-Pods but didn't have anyone to work with. That's where I came in ...or should I say "jumped in". Went back and forth quite a bit with the designers. I saw one comment about coverage and I suggest you talk to PahaQue about that. From what I understand, given the materials and tolerances they really pushed this about as far as it would go and still allow for adequate support and the opening of the R-Pod door. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 3:17pm
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Excellent! The mailto:T@B - T@B version was one of the options discussed in the past around here so its great to see it has been modified for the pods. Looks like just enough to keep the pod dry when it is raining but not so much that it is a pain to set up for one-nighters. Thanks for the info. ------------- 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: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 6:44pm
That's a good point. I hadn't realized there were more than 1-size.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 7:47pm
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Slogger....u be da Mack Daddy....thanks for spearheading the effort, this is sweet. One question/clarification...where / how are the guylines attaching to the pod? Thanks again...another purchase...that is the only bad part, but well worth it! X ------------- |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 13 Nov 2012 at 9:15pm
============================= It's got short strips of keder ...the same stuff that you slide through the top rail to install the Visor. Goes up really easy and comes down the same way. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 8:10am
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I was talking to Paha Que myself once they told me they were working with you on the visor for the Pod Slogger. My only concern was that it didn't seem to come out very far, they said only about 5 feet from the Pod. At least that is what they told me. You probably saw several of us were talking with them and bugging them about how soon you'd have your initial test prototype of it so we could have our questions answered! My thought was that unless you wanted to sit right against the wheel or put your step up and sit right against the Pod door that you might not get much coverage from it? What do you think now that you have it home and installed on your Pod? ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 8:57am
I was thinking along those same lines, but refrained from posting about how far it appears to come out. (I have a habit of being accused for posting only negative comments.) I only commented concerning the fact that I think it should have been wider to accommodate more of the available track. Someone commented that it was done that way to accommodate both sizes of the track, which I didn't know was an issue. I do agree with you however. If you look at the pictures, the combination of the narrow width as well as the very short amount of distance that it appears to come away from the camper, plus the fact that the center arc actually narrows the coverage space even more, I really don't see what coverage or protection this visor/awning is providing.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 9:17am
==================================== That original T@B version of the Visor was pretty "shallow". I asked the designer at PahaQue to push it out away from the camper as far as he could without needing any form of strut or vertical support. My interest/goal was to end up with something light weight and easy to set up/take down. I am very pleased with the final product. In the series of pics I posted I never really stood under the Visor and shot upwards. Since my 177 is already in its winter parking spot and under cover I can't get you more pics right now, but later today I will try and lay the visor out on the floor and measure the distance from the attaching edge and the outer edge. Admitedly, it was never intended to substitute for a REAL awning ...but all things considered it's the next best thing. Someone else here asked about front to back coverage and yes ...it doesn't go all the way from one end of the railing to the other. But that is because of curve angle that would be caused in the Visor and would also interfere with the opening/closing of the camper door. One comment about set up ...I was able to stand at the rear of my 177, insert the edge of the awning into the railing and push it all the way forward without having to run to the forward and pull it. Plus, I did the entire set-up myself. Inserting the pole the first time was "tight" ...but that's how you want it. After a couple set-ups the fabric "gives" a little and it's easier. Another comment, and this is about the take-down process. PahaQue originally suggested that the pole be removed before pulling the visor out of the railing. I observed that pulling it out with the pole still INSERTED was actually easier. I recommended that to PahaQue and they said they were going to add that to the instructions. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 10:21am
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nascar, I can see this being more useful to protect the interior of the pod when it is raining, or for some extra shading on the pod when it is in full sun without hookups, than acting as a proper awning for people. There have been many trips where we just wanted to put up the EZ-up and not the dome (or couldn't put up the dome due to the site configuration), and something like the visor would have helped during rain showers when coming in/out of the pod. Not sure its worth over $200 to me, personally. ------------- 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: bhamster
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 10:25am
Glad I'm not the only one... I like it, but I don't like it enough to spend that much money. If it were $100 I'd probably pick it up to have a dry place to take my shoes on and off.
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 10:35am
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For those who are interested ...I just measured the "stand off" (distance from the camper to the outer edge of the Visor. It is 5 feet. So ...essentially, on a 177 model it covers pretty much front to back window and sticks out 5 feet from the camper.
Might not be for everyone ...but we do a lot of 2-3 night camping close to home and wanted a simple light shade that would also block rain so that we could keep a few things outside the camper. I have owned add-on tentrooms before, and have the R-Dome now, but that is just too much for me to handle on short trips. That was what motivated me to work with PahaQue on the R-Pod version of the Visor. I contacted ThermaRest (Cascade Designs) and they told me to take a hike. PahaQue makes good tents/camping hear and the materials/workmanship are excellent. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 11:14am
I hear ya.... different strokes for different folks, I guess. I am glad to hear that there's something available that satisfies the requirements of some. For me, based on the pictures alone, it does not offer enough coverage to warrant the time to put it up, not to mention the purchase price. For those of you that will benefit from this product, I'm glad for you folks.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 14 Nov 2012 at 11:16am
Thanks. I'm looking forward to a review. Personally, I don't feel it offers enough coverage area to sit underneath in the rain and not get wet, but I'm pleased that your pleased with the product and wanted to say thanks for working with the manufacturer to have this created.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 12:33am
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'Slogger, do you think it will hold its shape in the wind? Does it seem fairly sturdy? I see on the website it has a lifetime warranty. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 8:17am
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I think I'll be sticking with my dome with the sides rolled up and the door zipped up. Not sure the wife and I could even set up the card table and play a game of Scrabble under just 5 foot. It is a nice idea though, a quick and easy solution for those who don't like putting up the dome for sure! And they do look pretty cool. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: TIDALWAVE
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 8:53am
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I ordered a Visor right away. I tend to be a lone wanderer when I camp with the Pod. I also own the R-Dome...I have barely used it for two reasons. The first is the hassle to get it set up and take it down by myself, and secondly I typically camp in non-commercial campgrounds. Many of which barely have room for the width of the Pod much less room to extend out the Dome.
I like to have windows open...and the door. I looked into canopies and found that they required that the permanent canopy brackets had to extend out beyond the roof line. And they blocked the dome rail. So the Visor will help keep gentle rain from coming through the door and windows and give me some sun protection. If I plan to bring with a room full of furniture and set up for a week or two in one place...I can always bring the Dome. Finally, I like the idea of a canopy that does not have aluminum poles. I have been in wind storms that came up quickly and would have either ripped up the dome or broken any rigid poles. With the dome up and foul weather threatening you need to be back at the Pod immediately to take it down. The visor could either stay up or a quick pull and the visor is ready to be safely put away. ------------- TIDALWAVE |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 9:00am
=========================== Well, I didn't do any sophisticated wind testing. That said ...we generally always have wind here in Wyoming. I would say that it will handle moderate winds. The good news is that it takes about a minute to take down if the winds do come up. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 9:33am
======================================= I don't think you'll regret your decision ...exactly for the reasons you stated. I feel the same way and that was why I went right ahead and ordered the T@B version of the VISOR when it was first announced. I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with PahaQue to develop one specifically for our R-Pods. We also have the R-Dome and it has never been out of the box. We had owned a T@B in the past and had the add-on tent room designed for that camper. It was very impractical for short term camping plus ...even with the sides rolled up it was often like a sauna inside. The Visor is a nice compromise. Easy to set up/take down and provides enough shade to set up a chair or two outside of the Pod or to leave shoes and stuff outside without it getting wet if a rain shower develops. I checked with PahaQue about making a version of the Visor that sticks out a little farther from the camper and they said that if there is enough demand they will consider it. The fabric used in the Visor comes in 5' widths so to make a wider version would require "sectioning" pieces together which would require a seam and seam taping. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: The Pod Squad
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 12:09pm
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Good for you for taking this on. All summer we kept wishing we had an awning for those one night set ups. Especially when we had to open the door in the rain to let the dog in and out. I have a question for you about the trim colours. I know you bought the yellow but did get a chance to see any of the other colours in person? We're hoping that the green trim would be a close match to the green on the R-Pod decal... thoughts? Tania
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Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 12:22pm
============================= When I decided on yellow it was purely based on the colors displayed on the T@B/LittleGuy and PahaQue website. I have not seen any of the other colors in person. I took a good look at the colors on the POD and thought that the yellow would be a good accent for the striping on the camper. Just a thought ...I'll bet the PahaQue people would send you a small swatch of the green fabric so that you could make a more informed choice. I found them excellent to work with. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 12:59pm
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In reviewing the pictures, I still don't understand how or what to do those vertical strings attach to on the Pod. Does the installation require adding some addtional attachment point? ------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 1:02pm
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It's not clear in those pictures ...but there is a short piece of the "keder" that slides into the rail at the bottom of the Pod and the cord from the Visor clips into a grommet on that short piece of keder ...and then you tighten it to the desired level. Hope that helps ...
'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 1:59pm
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Yes, that helps. Thanks. Sounds like a very easy installation.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: Footslogger03
Date Posted: 15 Nov 2012 at 5:25pm
================================= Truthfully ...I was pretty surprised and pleased at how easy the Visor went up (and came down afterwards). The fit is a bit "tight" the first time but the fabric "gives" a bit after the first couple set-ups and then the fit is exact. 'Slogger ------------- Livin' the Dream ...'Slogger |
Posted By: The Pod Squad
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2013 at 2:20pm
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Hi there, I just ordered a visor but I need to know the inside diameter of the awning rail. I was wondering if you could help me out with that? I know that you have the Hood River Edition but judging by the decals I think our R-Pods are the same age. We have a 2011 R-Pod 177. I'm asking because our trailer is not easily accessible as we live in Canada and it's in a field of snow. Thanks,Tania |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2013 at 3:14pm
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The diameter has varied based on several things, your best bet is to call the factory so they can look yours up.
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2747&title=misc-forest-river-contacts-and-other-info - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=2747&title=misc-forest-river-contacts-and-other-info ------------- 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: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2013 at 8:22pm
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Trying to order. Closed for the weekend?? ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: R&D-Adventures
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2013 at 4:18pm
| That looks great! I just ordered mine online! |
Posted By: DocTom
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2013 at 6:45pm
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I ordered on 2/1/13, my credit card was charged on 2/4, but I have yet to receive the product. I sent an email to the address on their website today and it came back as a bad address. I sent a message through their website today and am awaiting a response. Anyone else had this problem?????? Those of you who have ordered and received, how long did it take? ------------- Brush and Floss, It is the Secret of Life! |
Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2013 at 8:50pm
| Did they call you to verify the cord size to the track? Once they have that I was told it would be a few days for them to make the Awning and then ship it. |
Posted By: DocTom
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2013 at 9:23pm
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I had corresponded before the order about the size needed and they had my VIN# and date of manufacture. Since the above post I have received another email address to contact, and will do so in the morning. Thanks ------------- Brush and Floss, It is the Secret of Life! |
Posted By: Old Dingo&Mrs.Dingo
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 9:34am
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Just ordered our Visor, now we are expecting e-mail asking us for our VIN. It looks like just the ticket for our Pod.
We ordered a new Andersen Weight Distributing Hitch, the new anti sway model without any bars. Just getting ready for the sunshine to come out and stay so we can go out and play! Bob and Sylvia ------------- Old Dingo and/or Mrs. Dingo 181G 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: DocTom
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 4:26pm
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They were apparently back ordered, I received a communication response today. Hope it will arrive soon. ------------- Brush and Floss, It is the Secret of Life! |
Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 6:02pm
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Doc, I sure would like to see it up-close when you get it. If you go camping in the spring over at Watkins Mill or else where around KC shoot me an email and we will come over and visit for awhile. Goose ------------- Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee
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Posted By: DocTom
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2013 at 8:16pm
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You bet, Goose! I know we will be at Weston Bend for Wings over Weston, I'll keep in touch. Hope all is well at your place! ------------- Brush and Floss, It is the Secret of Life! |