Keeps bugs out and keeps the dog in!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.