screen tent vs r-dome
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Topic: screen tent vs r-dome
Posted By: Pam Frech
Subject: screen tent vs r-dome
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 3:36pm
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Hi everyone:
We are wondering if any of you use a screen tent rather than an r-dome? If so, why? When we've seen the r-dome at camp sites they look like they'd be really hard to assemble. This is our second year with our pod (we love it) and we're getting serious. We're taking a trip this summer from Chicago to Boise Idaho. We were thinking of having extra space outside the pod for visitors to overnight in. Any thoughts would be appreciated. ------------- Pamandtom |
Replies:
Posted By: computerfixitguy
Date Posted: 22 Apr 2017 at 4:48pm
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I can setup the R-Dome by myself in about 5 minutes, the strap on the bottom made no sense to me the first few times until I realized it wasn't to connect to the ground its to connect to the other side of the rdome and hold the dome shape. It does a real good job of keeping the bugs out of the trailer.. #1 feature for us. We stopped at a lake in Kannopolis, Kansas... the kids were so worked up by the sheer number of bugs, that will never happen again. I can see why people say its a hassle however, because it kind of is. Its much less hassle the bugs. I set it up in the winter once, and kept the mud at a distance because we had a dry spot because it snowed. Same with the rain. We use it to eat outdoors too because, well, the R-Pods are small. 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 dogs.. the room is nice. I like what they did with the 2017's and the awning and I can see why people really like that. Depends on the bugs for me and if were out for a week vs a couple days. Derek
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Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2017 at 6:18am
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We set up the r-dome every trip, even if just for a few days. The r-dome is the main selling point of the r-pod that convinced my wife to get involved with rv-ing in the first place. Every time the discussion turns to the possibility of a move to the next size up camper, it is the r-dome, (or lack thereof), that the discussion turns on. Our r-dome is so well used that it is beginning to get pretty worn on some of the contact spots. If you have an r-dome and decide to replace it with a screen room, pm me. We might be able to do some business... ------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: pedalho
Date Posted: 23 Apr 2017 at 8:10am
| I love our r-dome. My husband? Not so much, but he is learning to love it. Getting it started on set up is my job and I've become quite efficient with the set up. We were out on Tybee Island a few weeks ago and I didn't set it up because of the wind. |
Posted By: Carolyn
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 7:15am
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Hello,
What is the difference btw the r dome and the screen dome? Will pick up my 179 RPod next Sat. (after 'class'). I have 2 beautiful old collies as camping companions. Will be starting out doing shorter trips in and around the Smokies. Yea☺️ ------------- Carolyn |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 7:28am
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We love our r-dome!!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 8:45am
The R-Dome is what they call the nylon tent thing that attaches to the pod, specially made for the pod. It has tons of velcro and zippers, so you can make it a solid privacy thing, you can open the privacy panels and have a screen house, or you can take the side and/or front panels off entirely to create, essentially, an awning. There is no screen dome. What people are generally talking about when they say screen tent or screen house is a totally separate item, unrelated to r-pods at all. They don't attach to the pod. There are a lot of different models/brands. Coleman makes some instant screen houses, that can be set up in about 2 minutes. (They say one minute, but I'm not so sure when they start the clock.) The R-Dome is, in my opinion, the way to go if you want more integrated space. It's more trouble to set up, but if you're going to be at one site for 3 days or more (that's my criterion) it's fantastic. For shorter stays, or various other reasons, we usually carry a pop-up screen house too. It's quick and easy to set up over a picnic table. TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: OtteRpod
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 11:32am
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We love our R-Dome,it essentially double the square footage of our Pod & Porch. 8x12 is a sizable amount of space, while its being set up I am unloading truck, coolers, and setting up inside. It works flawlessly. Luckily when we bought the OtteRPod I requested the Dome be thrown into the deal. They obliged. If you're looking at buying a Pod definitely worth asking. Happy Podding! We were our early in this season (April 8th) and am looking forward to dozens of trips this summer B&K in the OtteRPod ------------- OtteRpod 2017 R-Pod 178 Hood River 2011 Honda Ridgeline |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 1:40pm
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Computerfixitguy you are fast. Last year when we got to the ERU in Traverse City, MI my wife conveniently got into conversations with other podders while I set up. Timed myself, 15 minutes to set up the R-dome. We use ours if we are staying put for a few days, if only over night or 2 days we normally leave it in storage.
------------- 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: computerfixitguy
Date Posted: 30 Apr 2017 at 2:05pm
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put some silicone lube in the track...way way way faster. change out screws with pan heads....faster still.
Derek |
Posted By: Martinmyer
Date Posted: 02 May 2017 at 12:14pm
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I also prefer Dome tent because my family just love it. In these days there are many options for camping tents, if you are worrying about assembling part then you should look for instant tents. They are easy to setup for newbies too. I have a found a good list of http://www.topreviewhut.com/best-instant-tents/ - Instant tents at topreviewhut . These types of tents are almost available in all sizes. Just decide your full requirements first and look for the reviews under your budget. |
Posted By: Carolyn
Date Posted: 03 May 2017 at 6:51am
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Thank you one and all for the R-Dome advice. With my 2 old collies, I believe it will be a no-brainer. I have done a lot of tent camping, but never in a trailer of any kind. I go to 'trailer class' this Sat. (including back up lessons), then tow it home to start outfitting. Shelf liner? Kitchen equipment. Small wall clock. Hook for sink cover when not in use. Sheets v. sleeping bag? rubber gloves for . . .?.?. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever get to GO GO GO. ------------- Carolyn |
Posted By: Live2Camp
Date Posted: 06 May 2017 at 4:44pm
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Have fun pulling your gear together! I do recommend sheets even with sleeping bags. I use sheets for even the most rugged camping (not backpacking) trips, because they are cozy (if flannel) or cool (if plain cotton). Most of all though they are easy to throw in the wash. Much easier than washing sleeping bags :-) With hand- or machine sewing you can turn a sheet into a removable sleeping bag liner, just use ribbon ties or velcro to hold it to the bottom of the bag. Or snaps if you're inclined. You can buy or make "sleepsacks", such as those used at hostels. I've made a number of sleep sacks for use with sleeping bags and they're easy. I don't have my instructions written down (yet?) or I'd post them for you. You mention rubber gloves, yes! Different types for different purposes, so decide what you want to use them for and keep them separate. Excited for you! ------------- 2017 R-Pod 179 HRE (the green one) His:Ford F150 double cab 4WD; Hers/mine:Tacoma V6 double cab 4WD Still love rugged, diggin' comfy too |
Posted By: MikeDogg
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 10:45pm
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Hi, introducing myself here...Mike and I'm an RPod enthusiast.
We've recently picked up our 2017 RP179 and it has an awning. I'm obviously less than excited about this. I was wondering though, will I need anything besides the r dome ⛺ itself to make the swap. Track or some kind of channel? Thanks, Mike RPod 179 2004 Grand Cherokee 4.0L |
Posted By: Rodncerita
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2017 at 9:36am
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We love our R Dome. Setup is no worse than some tents I've had. My wife helped me the first two times but last week I did the setup completely by myself. No problem. Practice getting a routine that works for you. Here is my process: 1. Pull dome thru the track on R Pod. A little silicone can help here. Also, you may have to pull the dome out away from the Pod when you encounter the screws. 2. Remove the front section by unzipping and then Insert the long flexible pole thru the front of the dome. Push, don't pull or pole will pull apart at joints. 3. Fasten the lower strap to "shape" the dome. 4. Insert ceiling poles starting in center first. If using front section, replace it AFTER this step. 5. Stake dome starting with each end closest to Pod and working out. 6. Attach sides to Pod using suction cups. (If your dome uses the quick snaps, this step may be different) Sounds like a lot but goes very quickly after doing a few times. We use ours regardless of length of stay. Hope this helps. ------------- Rodncerita 2017 R-Pod 179 2016 Ford Explorer |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2017 at 11:43am
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MikeDogg,
To answer your question - I take it that your Pod with awning does not have keder rails, you would need those for an RDome. I looked at the Pahaque site today and even their side tents utilize the keder rails. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 05 Jun 2017 at 1:15pm
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Mike, it's not an either, it's an or. If your pod was built with an awning, the only way to use a dome would be the complete removal of the awning, the repair of it's mounting holes, the addition of the proper keder rail for a dome.
------------- |
Posted By: henryv
Date Posted: 12 Jul 2017 at 11:47am
Tars Tarkas, how do you make an awning from the R dome?  ------------- |
Posted By: Barryb
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 7:58pm
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Hi Tars; I am a new 2017 R Pod 178 owner and am looking for the compatible r dome. I can't seem to find any listings on the Forest River site. Any suggestions on where to look and how much I should anticipate to pay? Thanks Barry
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Posted By: Ghosthawk
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2018 at 7:05am
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Barry I would call an R-pod dealer not factory. When I ordered mine and asked about it he said 500$ and no problem. My nearest dealer is some 150 miles away, which is a bit of a pain.
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Posted By: itsjoprairie
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2018 at 10:58pm
| How much would one of these cost? We almost drove all the way to Detroit for an Rpod that had it included! We just bought our first Rpod, a 2016 179. |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 9:04am
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Congratulations and welcome! I can't answer your question. However, an R-Dome would not be as affordable as a free-standing screen tent. Our 2016 RP179 did not come with one. One of my mods was to make an awning. After we had an accident and it had to go to the factory for repair, we were able to get one of the Thule awnings installed (also not cheap and not possible without the wall being replaced for the additional reinforcement needed). However, in our case, the awning works out better for us and our needs. I hope you have many great adventures with your 179 and make many wonderful memories in the process. We have probably over 20,000 miles of travel with ours so far. I've made a number of modifications to ours (see link in signature), some of which might be useful to you as you turn your R-Pod into your own special version.  ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 11:23am
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I use the dome all the time. I just had it set up for an 8 day stay at the beach. It was priceless!! From bug protection (sand flies, and horse flies were horrible) to shade from the 100 degree sun everyday, and then the protection from 2 huge thunderstorms that blew thru for an hour or so, dumping tons of water. Infact I was totally shocked at how well the dome did in one storm. A thunderstorm snuck up on us, and it was a doozey. The wind was whipping, I cringed in the dome, hoping it survived. The wind was blowing it up like a balloon and I waited for the pop, as i held onto one side hoping to keep it from flying away. Suddenly, the wind stopped, then the rain stopped. I went out and looked around. The dome stood proudly, unscathed. So many of the screenhouses, and structures around me didn't fare that well. I can attest, atleast in this one instance, the dome absolutely is amazing. Nearby was a class A motorhome that had an awning, with the attached hanging panels to form a screen/rain room, his didn't survive. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: itsjoprairie
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 3:57pm
| Did you get the dome when you purchased the camper? Do you remember how much it was? |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 5:52pm
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My dome came with the camper. I see them offered at times on here for 250. 300. But they can easily cost 500 - 800 ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Barryb125
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 6:08pm
| Thanks, are you happy with the way the bottom portion attaches to the bottom of your R Pod? I see there are two manufacturers. Pahaque and Domestic. Can you tell me who made yours? Thanks Barry |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 8:20pm
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Ours came included with our 177 BUT, that was back in 2011. Ours is a Dometic, and has been a terrific addition to our r-pod.
------------- 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: Pod People
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 8:16am
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We bought a used 179 that did not have the R dome. We had a 173 for 6 years and used the rdome a lot and loved it. So we wanted a dome for the new to us 179. We negotiated a half/ half payment deal with the dealer and paid $350 for the correct dome. It listed for $700. We have used the rdome on 2 different rpods now and I can honestly say that it is great. We have been in rain, thunderstorms and wind storms and it has held up.we can easily install it it with 2 people in 10 minutes and then have privacy, shade and more room . I would not be without it.It is an integral part of our rpod Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 9:04am
Yes i have the screen that attaches to the bottom keder rail. I cut mine into 3 pieces that make it easier for me to put it in. I then use notebook binder clips i got at staples and clip the back of the dome to the bottom screens, and i clip the bottom screens together. Once I get done (5 minutes) there are very few points of entry for bugs. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 4:37pm
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The RDome is far more useful than the new Thule Awning, however more involved to set up. So flexible, can have the sides rolled up if sunny, zip down to protect inside of Rdome from Rain, or mosquito proof your set up if buggy, and virtually doubles the amount of space. We always put dinette table outside to free up space inside, as never eat inside. ------------- Outdoorsy Marc 2016 Rpod 179 2017 Kia Sorento SXL |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 5:48pm
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I'm glad both options are available. For us, the Thule awning has worked out very well. If we had the need for the additional space (children, pets, etc., perhaps I might have considered the R-Dome more but with just the two of us, the ease of using the Thule awning has been much appreciated.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: itsjoprairie
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 7:27pm
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I hope we can find one that is not too expensive someday! |
Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 11:43pm
| I have seen Rdomes on Ebay. Make sure it's right one for your model. |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 8:30am
Well, think about it this way. You double the size of your pod. Infact the dome measures 8 feet in depth, so it's actually bigger than the pod. Can you buy another pod for 500, 600 700, dollars? And by moving things from the pod out into the dome, it makes the pod bigger too. Perhaps thinking of it that way makes it easier to think about the expense. Just keep an eye out here, sometimes they are offered. I personally think an awning is a waste of money. It useful for shade only if the sun is directly overhead, and if its a light rain, falling straight down, and you cant be within 3 feet of the edge. Don't leave your cell phone on a table near the edge of an awning. The awning also in many cases ISN'T even over the door. I might as well add the added security to your area of the dome. People tend to be cowards, and if they can't tell if anyone is there, they tend to stay away. The awning offers the coward the ability to see nobody is sitting there.
------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2018 at 11:09am
| I agree the Rdome is absolutely the best, albeit a little cumbersome, especially for those of us who left tenting for a camper. Look on Ebay, there are folks out there who got theres with their purchase but never use. We spend most of our awake hours in the Rdome and rarely inside the camper. Great to sit under Rdome and watch a dramatic rainstorm come in, be totally dry and all gear outside protected. It retails for $700, but you should be able to score one for much less. There are different size Rdomes so be sure to get the one matched to your camper. For instance the 179 is a longer unit than some of the others, so the rdome is also bigger. |
Posted By: Fozzy's Pod
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2018 at 10:48am
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We love our R Dome and are experts at setting it up after only a few times. Keeps bugs out and keeps the dog in!
 ------------- Labradoodle Mom & Dad 2018 179 Rpod 2013 Chev Silverado Crew cab |
Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2018 at 12:38pm
| rDome is why I bought this camper. More than doubles living space. Here in New England we rarely need AC and most of living done outside. You can leave flaps up for clearview, zip down screens if buggy, or zip down solid cover if rainy, windy and/or cold. Keeps outdoor space and rug dry. Plus zipped up tight, a deterrent for any interest while not at Camp. 10 min set up, 10 year down with 2pp, but could do it yourself. |
Posted By: itsjoprairie
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2018 at 3:26pm
| Guess I will keep looking here for a used one! |
Posted By: Marchhall
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2018 at 3:37pm
| Try posting ad on Craigslist and searching Rpod Facebook Group |