R dome track fit issues
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URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5582
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 11:06am
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Topic: R dome track fit issues
Posted By: MissyBuck
Subject: R dome track fit issues
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 1:59pm
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I have read thru previous posts about r dome problems. Only one addressed an issue that we are having. The "tape" part - the vinyl bead that goes into the track on the Pod - ours doesn't stay in the track. Either the track is too large or the tape stuff is too small. From what I read, there is version of the r dome that has a larger tape thingy? If this is true, should we contact FR or contact the dealer?
Thanks Pop Peeps. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 2:21pm
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Missybuck, There were/are two different sizes of track/bead floating around. The early Pods had a smaller track and smaller bead. The newer Pods (several years now) have had the larger version. It sounds like you have the new larger track (good) and an older R-Dome with the smaller (not so good) bead. If you bought the Pod new from a dealer you need to go back to them and get the right dome. If you bought used from an individual you're probably on your own. Lots of folks bought Pod without domes and latter bought the domes from elsewhere. Confusion and mismatches ensued. ------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 2:35pm
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We bought our R pod new just a couple of weeks ago and it was included in the deal. They had to order it because they didn't have any in stock, so we had to make an additional trip up there to get it. FR was supposed to drop-ship it to us but they sent it to the dealership instead. I really don't want to make that trip for this. *I reserve the right to whine about a 2.5 hour round trip. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 2:49pm
Well, the good news is that you now have some good info on size variations (which I doubt your sales person is even aware of) so you might be to get something accomplished by phone before you make the trip. And, hey, you live in TX. Everything is 2+ hours away! Think of it as a good thing.  ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 2:55pm
Ah so. That explains it. Either the dealer ordered the wrong part or the factory shipped the wrong part. Easily corrected. I'd start with the dealer by telephone. If no joy, call FR Warranty or Parts. You are owed the correct part under their warranty and it's really the dealer's responsibility. BTW the part of the dome that fits in the track is called a Keder. I knew that, but age is creeping in  .------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 3:38pm
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Luv - you said it - it's at least 2 hours to anywhere in TX and most of a day's drive outa the state!
Charlie - thanks for the correct term for that vinyl bead thingamajigger. At least I can SOUND like I know what I'm talking about when I call.  ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2014 at 4:15pm
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Well you may know the term, but don't expect the dealer to know. Can you see a blank stare on the phone ? "The sun has riz and the sun has set and here I iz in Texas yet"........... ------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 3:00pm
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Here is a current update. And I am a bit perplexed. I contacted the dealership and they in turn contacted FR. FR's reaction was 2 fold. They were wondering if we were connecting the r dome to the pod incorrectly. It's pretty straightforward procedure, so, no. And secondly they have never heard that there are 2 different sizes of keder on the r domes. They say that it isn't true. they also asked that I send photos, so I did.
The bottom line is that either the track is too large or the keder is too small. Either way, we go camping this weekend without an r dome.  ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 3:17pm
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They didn't ask FR about the 2 different sizes or they would have told them! Direct your dealer to this thread, we'll be happy to discuss it with them. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 3:24pm
Your dealer didn't talk to anyone who actually works at RPod then. Domes and rail sizes come up all the time to their department. Pods from 2008 until mid 2010 by manufacture date have the small rail on their pods and will require an R-dome with the smaller keder. "Most" Pods made in the 4th quarter and after of the 2010 production year and up until now will have the large rail and use the larger keder. Now Forest River only carries one size of the R-Dome. It is the 13' large keder variety. I do not even think they have any of the remainder smaller R-domes at the warehouse at the Rpod Plant. Last I heard from them owners with the old rail who need a new dome now have to also change out the rail on the Pod to the larger size to accommodate the domes that they have. A very special and unique set of circumstances has occurred for you to have received a dome that doesn't fit. An easy way to figure some of it out though Missy, what colors are the fabric of your R-dome? ------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 3:58pm
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Kymooses-
The color of the dome tent is green (same green as the newest exterior) and beige. I thought it was really nice that it matched. Tech - it would be so disappointing to me if they were being less than honest about contacting FR. As a matter of fact, when she relayed what they said (supposedly) she was basically quoting them - that this change is size was a complete surprise. As an added interesting note - the photos I sent really do prove my case. I used an ruler next to the track and the keder for scale. It's pretty obvious something ain't right. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2014 at 4:01pm
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Missy, I updated my earlier post to delete the names at FR. Those guys were actually at another company, but my advice stands. FR did have two sizes, as others have confirmed, and you somehow got the wrong one. Ordinarily this would be my opening for a rant on dealers  . Have faith. It will be solved. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 6:22am
Having that color you for certain have the large Keder dome. And considering you have a new dome I cannot see how in the world you have a small rail. As I mentioned they do not even have the old rails anymore. I know you've looked at it yourself and taken pictures, but the keder on the dome will be much smaller than the rail hole that it goes into, it's the distance where the rail closes at the "C" part that should be smaller than the keder and holds the dome in place against the Pod. Someone a few months ago was measuring and taking pictures and stuff with theirs too and said their's didn't fit only to find out they were measuring the wrong part and were a bit confused as to how it goes in. I am not saying you've done this, but I would love to help you figure it out before hand if possible. Would you mind emailing me your pictures as well? rpod.spotter@gmail.com ------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 7:09am
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Kymioses -
I sent the photos to you. Thanks for taking a look. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 7:55am
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Is it possible that the dome vendor (Dometic?) used the smaller Keder by mistake? Maybe they still use the smaller one on some other product. Is it possible that FR used an even larger track by mistake? Maybe a larger one is used on a different FR product. Something doesn't compute here. Kymooses: What do you see in her pictures?? ------------- 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: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 8:08am
This is sort of the same question that has occurred to me. The "R-dome" is a name that FR has given to a product that is used on other campers as well. The directions in our dome were actually for a pop up camper, not a Pod. I was wondering if they make these for different manufacturers other than FR and this is one of those. Or like you said the wrong size keder was used in error when constructing it. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 8:21am
What I see happening is the dome coming out of the track at some spots along the top. The rail is just opened a bit too much at some points along the track and would need to be ever so lightly closed with some external pressure. Appears to just need a bit of adjustment in some spots to close the channel more tightly. I can't comment with certainty if Forest River would just advise the dealer to crimp it a bit to tighten it or if they would send out an all new piece of railing. I would wager the resolution would be just to tighten it instead of removing and replacing the whole rail though. ------------- 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: Seanl
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 8:37am
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The Dometic dome is not a product that they make exclusively for forest river. It looks like it was originally made for popups. You can buy this product direct from a dealer. I wonder if the dealer purchased this one form FR or from their supplier. If you do a google images search on Dometic Cabana you will see these on all sorts of Rvs. ------------- Sean, 2011 Rpod RP-173,2009 Jeep Liberty Rocky Mountain Edition 
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Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 9:07am
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Sounds like 10 minutes with a 6-foot ladder and channel lock pliers would solve it. No dealer necessary. ------------- 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: kymooses
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 9:31am
Yup ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 9:51am
Sounds like what I would do just to avoid all of the other trouble, however, wrap the jaw of the pliers with some duct tape or something else to prevent marring the channel.
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 9:13pm
This may be our answer. Still waiting to hear from the dealership.  ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 25 Nov 2014 at 11:55pm
Here is a pic of the two different tracks.
 ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 7:01am
For sure we have the larger track. I'm fairly sure it is a track installation error. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 7:39am
Marwayne, I'm still trying to understand this thing and I'm willing to accept the improperly installed or damaged large track answer. However, with your knowledge, would the larger keder even physically fit in the smaller track? If not, that would seem to solve the mystery. ------------- 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: Podster
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 9:26am
I have read that for several years the large track has been used, if you have the large track, why is it an installation error? Was it damaged? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: MissyBuck
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 9:41am
Podster - exactly. When it was installed they opened the track wider at several spots. And at those areas the dome tent falls out of the track. We know what the fix is, but we have to decide if we want to risk trying to fix it ourselves. If we take it to the dealership, even though it is a simple fix, it could sit there for a while. I know it's winter, but that's camping weather around here. ------------- Melissa (and Buck) 2015 RP 178 aka Podimus Minimus 3/4 Ton Suburban TV |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 10:16am
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Very little can go wrong if you try to fix it yourself. Even if you clamp it down too much, you can easily open it back up a little. ------------- 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: marwayne
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 10:37am
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CharlieM, no it will not. I had a problem with the dome, they sold me a dome for the 151, wish was to short, they also told me that they can't install the bigger track that it had to be installed by FR (bs).My reply, just get me the track I put it in myself,so I did. ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 26 Nov 2014 at 11:25am
Agreed, the use of vise grip pliers will eliminate any chance of over doing it by using a section of the channel that has the proper spacing to set the lock point + maybe a quarter or a half turn and then go over the problem areas with that setting. That said of course, it's still a measure of trouble a new owner should not half to endure. what to do, what to do.... Good luck to you MissyBuck, at least you have the problem identified now and the solution is in the works!
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |