Keder rail tips
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=7084
Printed Date: 20 Jun 2025 at 2:34pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Keder rail tips
Posted By: GLBCamper
Subject: Keder rail tips
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2015 at 7:34pm
|
Please post any or all tips you have for overcoming those stinking screw heads that stick out on the keder rail and catch the rDome lip when you are pushing it through. I tried using a dremmel with a very small grinding tip, but after two screws and little improvement, I thought there must be a better way. Another podder at a campground said his sales guy told him to put dishwashing liquid on it. But he hadn't tried it and I wasn't sure if that meant to put it on the dome lip or rail, or if it would even work. Any tips would be appreciated. ------------- Old: 2014 177 HRE 2015 Tacoma V6 4x4 Double Cab New: 2016 EVO ATS 200rd 2016 F150 4x4 Sport |
Replies:
Posted By: podrunner
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2015 at 7:47pm
|
I use a can of spray silicone. Just spray it into the track. Seems to work fine.
------------- 2010 R Pod 151 2017 4runner 2006 Honda Metropolitan |
Posted By: marwayne
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2015 at 8:48pm
Angle the ends a little bit.
  ------------- If you want something done right, do it yourself. 2011 RP172, 2016 Tundra 5.7 Litre, Ltd. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Oct 2015 at 9:27pm
|
Keep filing off the screw heads. Might go faster if you put a cutting disk on the Dremel instead of a grinding head. Don't use soap, that will get messy. Also bend open the ends of the channel slightly. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: JohnBG
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2015 at 4:13pm
|
Try silicone spray instead of grinding the heads. If you ever have to pull the rail off for some reason, you're hosed. Angling the ends is a cool idea, I need to try that. ------------- 2010 R-Pod RP-171 2010 Honda Ridgeline TV |
Posted By: Grandpa Hiker
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2015 at 5:30pm
|
Initially I dreaded going through the process of getting the R-Dome setup. Even after spraying the keder rail with silicone, I stood on a step stool & pulled while my wife pushed from the other end. Grinding down the heads of the screws did not help. So next I removed all of the factory screws & carefully stored them in the circular file (trash can). I then used a drill bit with a tapered end & slightly drilled each screw hole in the rail. This made it so that the rail would accept a screw with a counter sunk head. I bought # 8 stainless steel counter sunk screws & installed them. Now the heads of the screws are flush with the surface of the rail. Also, as marwayne suggested, I used a utility knife to taper the end of dome lip. I am now a very happy camper! Setting up the dome is easy & takes just a few minutes. I can easily push the dome lip all the way to the other end with no effort or assistance. ------------- Rob & Becky 2014 Ford Explorer 3.5 SOHC V6 2015 R-179 Pod aka Piddle Pod "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain!!" |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2015 at 7:03pm
|
Our 2009 r-pod had the same problem as others did too. You would think Forest River would have made a correction after all these years. Their is obviously a problem. ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |