Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: The Dome and The Rain

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The Dome and The Rain

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=5085
Printed Date: 13 Jun 2025 at 6:02pm
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Topic: The Dome and The Rain

Posted By: 3ofUs
Subject: The Dome and The Rain
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 7:35am

We just started putting our dome up the last trip. Another trip planned and we have a 70% of t-storms a couple of days. Can it stand up under heavy downpours? We're thinking we will be watching smart phones weather hourly and take it down before it falls down or does damage. We a 12x12 canopy collapse two years ago due to heavy rains. Our area rarely sees light rain.

Replies:

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 7:41am

We have had our up in the Outer Banks with heavy rain and fairly stiff wind and it did fine.

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 8:01am

Surprisingly it works quite well. Generally doesn't leak from above, but watch the wind and use guy ropes. We got caught in the Colorado rains last year and the Rdome worked great, but we had a river running under and through the dome floor. A good boy scout would have planned for this!

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: 3ofUs
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 8:07am

Thanks for quick response. I'll definitely share with Jim. Use to frequent Outer Banks from MD. Know how windy it is there. So maybe we will try it.

Posted By: Harry
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 9:51am

Hi:

We had our dome set up on our 176T during Hurricane Arthur in PEI a month ago. We experience 70 mph+ winds and had no problem whatsoever. The shape of the dome precludes the top from collecting any rain (which happens with add-a-rooms and awnings). Rain can not collect when the dome is set up correctly.

One caution if you're set up where it's windy: make sure the outer corners are securely anchored to the ground or something heavy (like the base of a picnic table). The shape of the dome is, in effect, a crude airfoil, and it will try to become airborne in a strong wind.

Happy camping.

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2013 R-pod 176T
TV: 2013 Honda Ridgeline
3.5 L 4WD

Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 31 Jul 2014 at 11:56am

We are very happy with the dome and have had it up in wind, cold and rain. Gets more comments and compliments in the campground than the pod itself.

We use a http://www.carefreeofcolorado.com/carefree/products?action=product&productid=62&categoryid=43 - Carefree Dura-Mat for the floor. It's a bit stronger than most, has held up very well, is easy to clean and folds nicely into its carrying case. I like the fact that it doesn't hang outside the edges of the dome. At $100 it's a little more expensive than others, but seems worth it.

fred

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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!