R-Dome, yes or no?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7598
Printed Date: 07 Jun 2025 at 7:34am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: R-Dome, yes or no?
Posted By: iresqU
Subject: R-Dome, yes or no?
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 1:58pm
Tell us about your experiences with R-Dome? Worth the extra expense?; benefits, limitations, maintenance issues, weather and wind?? We're really trying to think this one through because of the cost and whether we'll really use it - just the two of us and Rover. Thanks for your help. or  ~Hank ------------- iresqU RP 179 HRE 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab TRD Off-Road Pkg |
Replies:
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 2:37pm
|
We like the dome but has its place. We also have a canvas awning that mounts in the rail with posts. Also a pahaque which is so easy and doesn't require the space the others do. ------------- 09 RP172 09 Nissan Xterra Ron,Kathy, Coco 11yr Choc Lab |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 2:54pm
|
The R-Dome has it's pros and cons. The big pro is that if you want to create a seamless mostly rainproof attachment, it's probably about the best way to go. If that's not a big big deal on your list there is is a ton of superior out door shelters for a lot less money. E.g. Google the "clam outdoor shelter" Keep in mind, not all camp sites allow for R-Dome setup. They just don't always fit. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 3:49pm
|
We had the same concerns when we purchased our Pod. Out here in Oregon, mosquitoes are not a problem. We chose an easy-up for the few times we need an outdoor shelter. We have two camping chairs with individual umbrellas for sitting at the campsite and blocking the sun. Hope that helps. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 20 Mar 2016 at 3:50pm
|
We use our dome a lot and really love it and depend on it . We usually use it if we are staying in one place at least 2 nights. It goes up in about 15 minutes and comes down a little faster. It gets easier to put up after the first few times. It has been dry in most rain storms unless torrential rains and winds combined. Even then the leaks are relatively minor. The wind can be an issue if it is not completely staked. I highly suggest that you big good quality long plastic stakes for all of the tabs and guy points. When it is totally staked and storm guy lined, it is stable even in windy conditions. The bug proof aspect is not so good. The skirts along the bottom will keep out some/most of the bugs, but a citronella candle will help. Some people have suction cups to stick to the side of the pod and anchor the edges. Our unit is older and has the snaps. I'm not overly impressed with the snaps, but can't really comment on the effectiveness of the suction cups. Overall, I think the dome is a worthwhile piece of gear. It is effective most of the time and offers shade, privacy, rain shelter and additional space. I am glad we have it and use it . Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
|
Posted By: iresqU
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 7:22pm
|
Thanks Podster, Rainproof is a priority because of where we like to go. Appreciate the input. Happy trails. ------------- iresqU RP 179 HRE 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab TRD Off-Road Pkg |
Posted By: iresqU
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 7:24pm
|
Thanks Pod People, That's a thorough review!! Appreciate the experienced feedback from a user and not a salesperson looking for an add-on. You've really got us thinking now. Safe travels from Colorado. ------------- iresqU RP 179 HRE 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab TRD Off-Road Pkg |
Posted By: iresqU
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 7:29pm
|
Dear peanut, Never heard of a pahaque...but a quick Google search has opened up a whole world of Pahaque possibilities. Since there are no discounts in getting the R-Dome before we take delivery of our 179 in a month, I think we'll hold off and see what all is out there. Thanks again... ------------- iresqU RP 179 HRE 2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab TRD Off-Road Pkg |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 21 Mar 2016 at 7:49pm
|
That is a wise decision. For the first year we didn't even get our r-dome out of the bag. Second year we used it if we were going to be in a spot for at least 3 days and like it has been mentioned above; a lot of campsites won't allow for the area the dome takes. We probably use ours 10 - 15 % on our camping trips. I like the ease of setting up the pod (less than 10 minutes) and of getting ready to go the next day. Usually we like to leave early when getting to a destination and the thought of having to tear down the r-dome (less than 10 minutes) reminds me too much of our pop-up camper / tent days. Don't like putting things away that are wet. Ours came included with the pod, we didn't order it and even the dealer was surprised when he saw it in our stowaway under the bed.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 25 Mar 2016 at 3:11pm
| We use our dome a lot. It's like a whole extra room. Sometimes we use it with all the sides down, provides a lot of privacy. Sometimes we roll up the sides if we just want shade. The dome is a necessity for us |
Posted By: dacolson
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2016 at 6:00pm
|
We use ours on every trip. With 2 teenagers and the dog, we need room to stow things outside of the pod, but still out of the elements. Lets us set up a covered cook and clean station as well as a move camp chairs, dog bed, bikes, etc out of the rain/elements. The R-Pod is small which keeps us outside as much as possible. That's why we camp. Having the R-dome keeps the small indoor space clear of clutter while we camp. PahaQue or R-Dome, either way, just nice to have an enclosed area to expand into.
------------- Dave - 2016 Silverado 2500HD LML - 2010 RP172T 
|
Posted By: shroomer
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2016 at 10:21am
|
We remove the front panels and use it for shade and to keep the rain out. Even in a downpour you can leave the windows and door open for ventilation. Seems to rain every time we go camping. Easy to set up and take down as others have mentioned. Don't expect bug-proof if you opt to keep it all enclosed. ------------- Larry and Debbie w/Rosie the mutt. Old: '13 177, '06 Silverado V6 New: '15 Whitehawk 20MRB '14 Silverado V8 |
Posted By: 2rsinapod
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 3:16pm
|
We use ours a lot. We also zipped out the front so its just for shade and rain protection. If we are leaving early I will take it down the night before. We get lots of comments on both the dome and the pod. I see some new models have awnings attached now. I would miss the side walls. ------------- '15 r-pod 178 '17 F150 2.7L ecoboost |
Posted By: ron_whitt
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2016 at 4:02pm
|
Use the dome for anything 2 days and over. North of 49 its great to keep mosquitos, blackflies out,99% bug proof. Nice to set in and read at night or when its raining. Buy 10" nail spikes and make hooks for the hold downs out of chain links (cut link off and fashion around top of nail.) When our dome is done, we will get another one.
------------- Ron & Shirley 2020 Tacoma 2012 177 rpod |