I need HELP!!!: Cover

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14868
Printed Date: 21 May 2026 at 11:48am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Cover

Posted By: Themmorris
Subject: Cover
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2021 at 1:49pm

Should pods be covered using canvas type covers when not in use? Wasp like to build nest under covers.

Another question, should tie downs be used during hurricanes?

I live in South Mississippi on 4 acres, I am planning on a pole barn for the Pod soon and I am wondering how much wind will turn a Pod on its side. Hurricanes are a yearly concern.

Thanks

Mike Morris

Replies:

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 13 Aug 2021 at 11:51pm

I think I'd start to be concerned about overturning when wind speed exceeds about 60-70 mph. The overturning moment for a side wind in that speed range is around 9000 ft-lbs. The righting moment is about 10000 ft-lbs roughly. It will try to slide before that.

My personal experience was with leaving my 179 on Hatteras island for a strong tropical storm that peaked around 70 mph. The trailer moved about 15 ft, but didn't flip. When a real hurricane was coming (happens almost every year at least once in Hatteras) we would evacuate and take the rpod with us. That's one reason we got it, for bugging out in. You might want to consider that too, hurricanes are no fun to be in or for the next few days afterwards either.

I wouldn't leave a cover on it for a hurricane either, the cover will get torn off and probably damage the finish before doing so.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2021 at 12:53am

I bought a nice cover for mine the protect it from more sun fade. It did that, but trapped enough moisture to cause mold, like little black specks all over it.

As to wind rollover, it can be as complicated as you want, but let's not.
Take actual, total weight and apply it at the center of the axle. That weight x 1/2 of the track width (center of tire to center of tire) is the moment (torque) holding the trailer down. Say 3000 lb x 4 ft =12000 lb-ft.

Use the equation and/or table here:
https://www.engineersedge.com/civil_engineering/wind_pressure_exerted_on_vertical_wall_14014.htm
to calculate the wind pressure, then double it for suction on the leeward side.
Measure the area of the side of your pod.
Multiply the pressure times the area. Say, 31 lb/square ft x 21 sq ft x 2 = 1302 lbs.
Apply the result at the mid point between the ground and the roof. Say, 1302 lb x 4.5 feet = 5860 lb-ft. This is the wind moment.

Try several wind speeds, and make sure the weight moment exceeds the wind moment by at least 1.2x.

I don't think an R-Pod will blow over easily. I think it will slide first.

-------------
John
'16 R-Pod 180

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2021 at 12:31pm

And, if you have the stabilizers down, that should also help.

-------------
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: offgrid
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2021 at 3:02pm

It will almost certainly slide first until it slides into something like say a curb, or the stabilizers dig in, then it can go over if the wind speed is high enough. It's important to remember that wind pressure goes up with the square of the wind speed so the overturning force in a hurricane at 120mph is 4 times what it is at 60 mph in a strong thunderstorm or tropical storm.

-------------
1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold

Posted By: Themmorris
Date Posted: 14 Aug 2021 at 4:40pm

Thanks for all the replies. This is a great resource of information.

I feel confident that the Pod is safe unless we experience a severe storm.

I will build a pole barn taking all the calculations into consideration.

Last year I lost several large trees due to the high winds during the Hurricane.