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Our-Dome (Custom Awning)

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Category: Forest River r-pod
Forum Name: Maintenance Issues, Tips and Tricks
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URL: http://www.rpodNation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=492
Printed Date: 28 Mar 2024 at 3:56pm
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Topic: Our-Dome (Custom Awning)
Posted By: Outbound
Subject: Our-Dome (Custom Awning)
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2009 at 12:27pm
Well, actually, the subject should more accurately be Our-Awning*, but I liked the play on words of r-dome.

When we bought our r-pod, an r-dome was part of the package.  We used to own a tent trailer, so I was familiar with screen rooms, and I really didn't want a screen room (too much effort to put up) for the r-pod.  But, as we had purchased one anyway, and the Dometic cabana looked kinda neat, I thought I'd give it the college try; at the very least I could roll up the sides, right?  Well, after nearly a month, the verdict is in: I don't like the r-dome.  Its baggy.  There are too many pegs and zippers.  I can't open the door all the way.  I can't clip the door open.  It takes way too long to put up.

A few weeks ago, David tried something we'd been discussing on another thread.  He tried http://www.rpodnation.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=411&KW=rippling&PID=3038#3038 - putting his tent trailer awning on his r-pod just to see if it would work (and it did).  This got me thinking and humming and hawing and measuring; I then made a call to a company I've dealt with before.  This past Friday, I received a custom canopy from http://www.bearcreekcanvas.com - Bear Creek Canvas www.bearcreekcanvas.com - :

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2625068790105331225kPvuiV">

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2289363290105331225yhtHcE">

http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2934973140105331225XyblLm">

The new canopy is 6 1/2' wide, 8' deep, white in colour and came with poles, guy ropes and stakes.  It takes five minutes to put up or take down.  It keeps the rain off and provides a bit of shade.  Its excellent in the wind.  We can open the door all the way and clip it open.  As you can see, I ordered a fairly narrow canopy to minimize the rippling as the canopy curves with the r-pod's roof (thanks for the advice David!).

I know that its not for everyone, and that some podders love their r-dome and others love their easy-ups.  This is another option - and I'm quite happy with it Big smile


*I was also considering a pirate-themed thread called Arrrr-Dome, but I decided to go conservative for this one


-edit- fixed link to Bear Creek


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray



Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2009 at 3:14pm
Arrrr-Dome, love it!  Thumbs Up


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'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: Phil H
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2009 at 6:11pm
Nice awning - where is that campground?


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 2:26am
Thanks Big smile

The campground is Balsam Lake Provincial Park.  I'd never been here before, and a woman at work had been raving about the place, so I thought I'd give it a go.

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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: Gomjabber
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 2:40am
Arrr-dome!  LOL

I like it and I hope to make it up there some day.  As a kid I went camping at a campground on Lake Nipigon.  Black Sand Beach campground I think?
Anyway, enjoy!


Posted By: rpodcamper.com
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 4:01am
REMOVED FOR COPYRIGHT


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 4:20am
Bear Creek Canvas charged me $145 for everything, plus $25 shipping to Canada.  Their website says free shipping to the lower 48, but I don't know if that applies to just an awning, or if they'll only pay for free shipping for those buying a full tent trailer canvas.

A note to my Canadian friends: Bear Creek ships via UPS, who will charge a brokerage fee which is fairly substantial.  In addition, the Canadian Government wants its taxes.  On the upside, the awning is made in the USA, so there's no additional duty - yay NAFTA!


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 5:21am
The awning looks good, and is a great alternative to the Rdome. The price is reasonable, as quality materials aren't cheap. I personally like the Rdome, and we've set it up as an awning in the past, but She Who Must Be Obeyed feels that the curved roof sometimes tends to trap the heat underneath. 
 
For those who are so inclined (and have the tools, or even want to buy the tools), Sailrite has everything you could possibly need including the "awning rope tape" that fits into the track. They are probably not the absolute cheapest source for materials, but you can feel confident that everything you buy from them is top quality stuff. I am planning to make an awning for our Rpod with some sort of tropical themed fabric this winter when things slow down a bit.
 
Mr. Outbound, when I read "Arrrr-pod" I almost fell out of my chair laughing. How perfect for an old sailor like me! This sent me running to my flag locker to dig out this burgee. I think we may be onto something here ...



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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: charlene
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 7:00am
How does the awning attach to the rpod itself? Also, how easy is it to put up? I would prefer an awning, but am fine with the dome. It's just a serious hassle to put up. I've often been off camping by myself with just my 2 young boys in tow, who provide no help, whatsoever. At 5'6" and by myself, it is quite a chore. When my tall husband is with us, it's a breeze!

charlene


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Charlene and Bren
traveling with 2 young kids
2009 Rpod 172
2006 Toyota Tundra V8 4WD Dbl Cab


Posted By: David
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 12:30pm
Great job Outbound!  Thanks for the very kind mention in your post.  I have had several request for my pictures....I am going to start referring them to you.  It is a great looking set up.  You got the concept nailed!
Personally, I never had much luck with screen rooms.  Bugs still always get in, their friends follow them, none of them could seem to figure out how to get back out of the room and, in their frustration, proceeded to bite and sting me to death!
Maybe you should start a pod awning business - there seems to be a lot of interest!
 
Happy Camping,
David - RP173


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Hope to see you "out there"

David - weird guy with a wolf
Dixie - German Shepherd
RP173 - "Campground Assault Vehicle 1"
2009 Silverado 5.3L V8


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 2:35pm
Originally posted by charlene charlene wrote:

How does the awning attach to the rpod itself? Also, how easy is it to put up? I would prefer an awning, but am fine with the dome


The awning has a plastic edge that fits in the existing c-channel on the r-pod (the same c-channel the dome slides into).  A little silicon lube spayed in the c-channel every now and then keeps awning installation easy.  I made two little stops for the c-channel (for either side of the awning) so that the awning doesn't slide out of place in the wind.  The stops are a wingnut-rubber washer affair that moves in the c-channel and easily tightens down.

Its very easy to slide on the awning.  But, despite being 6' tall, I have to stand on the r-pod's step to push it the last foot it into place.  At 5'6", you may need a step stool - which definitely reduces the simplicity factor.


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 2:40pm
Originally posted by David David wrote:

Great job Outbound!  Thanks for the very kind mention in your post.


Thank you, too.  Without your trial and error, and comments about awning length and rippling/bagginess as the roof curved down, I would have bought a much longer awning (I had been thinking 8'-9') and would now be cursing that I'd wasted a couple hundred dollars.


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 3:25pm
Mr HuronSailor, sir, this is just for you:

http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2012676240105331225HqLjsO">


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: HuronSailor
Date Posted: 01 Sep 2009 at 4:22pm
Excellent job! You've made my day! Thanks so much!
 
I mentioned to She Who Must Be Obeyed about ordering some custom graphics to change the r into arrr, and maybe add a skull and crossbones too, but she doesn't seem to be as enthusiastic as you and I are.
 
 
 


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.: Mark & Beth :: Silverado 5.3L :: "arrrr"Pod 172 :: http://picasaweb.google.com/mark.a.mowery - My Albums :: http://ourrpod.blogspot.com/ - OurPod Blog ::


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2009 at 1:38pm
That is hilarious.  I like the awning and the price.  I'm close to where Bear Creek is located.  I'm going to make a trip there and check them out.  Thanks for the info.

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Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2009 at 5:01pm
Outbound - LOL, I missed the 'shopped "arrr-pod" on the camper the first time around, even better.  I only saw the flag.
 
HuronSailor -  I asked my wife about doing that, too.  Like you, I like the idea.  Like your wife, my wife doesn't.


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'10 Forest River R-pod 171


Posted By: Butterfly_Lee
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2009 at 5:40pm
Charlene:  I'm 5'2'  I really don't have alot of trouble putting up the rdome.  Like your boys, my daughter isn't much help.  

Tricks..(1) i spray silcone on the part that goes in the grove (spread it along i wear mechanic gloves {I wear them for all set up and hook ups} (2) push along the track never try to pull (3) have a to step ladder i use to set the 3 poles.

Great Custom Awning...I personally would like to see an awning that is a vesion of the one below.  That could be just fold up and down as needed


or something like this that would fold sideways.


Shades for thought.

LOL Lee


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Still a work in progress, lots of pictures.
http://podterfly.blogspot.com/


Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 02 Sep 2009 at 6:08pm
I actually bought an over sized golf umbrella and a fishing rod holder that would be mounted to the side of the TT to hold the umbrella.  But couldn't get it centered right to cover the door.  I also thought about rigging up some way using PVC pipes that could hook to the top of the Pod (or have the canvas slid into the track) and arms holding it away from the side of the Pod over the door that would be removable.  Still thinking about that one.  Going to check with Bear Creek on that one.

-------------
Former owner of 2009 Rpod 172
Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa
Roada our 2004 Roadtrek 190P Conversion Van


Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 1:18pm
My eyes are all agoggle (is that a word?) Wacko at the talent and experience out there.
I will look into the site for the awning. Right now I am going to use my Sun Shade, giving myself some time to see what I CAN use. Since I have the EZ sunscreen room , I am bug free and the Sun Shade will shade some of the grass mat rug. I don't want to carry a step ladder around to put the awning up when I am alone. I really like the looks of what was done and agree with David that a pod people business could be made of making these awnings for those that do not want the Dome. AND that FR should take note of the suggestion that this be an added option.


Posted By: pepperpod
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 5:28pm
Hi Mountain Mist. I saw you on the other site and wondered if you knew about this one.  You will find a lot of great people on here.  Sure do wish you could have come to the ERU.  We had a lot of fun. Maybe next year.  BTW, we will be visiting your area in the next month or so.  My brother lives at White Pines.

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Pepper,Coach,and Henry (a very brave little Maltese)
R Pod 172

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor...unknown


Posted By: tdrace
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 6:23pm
Mountain Mist I have no problem putting my R-dome up by myself. It just takes putting it up a few times. You would enjoy. I am originally from Asheville NC, but I live in Bluffton sc near Hilton head now. I will be at bear den campground over the fourth. Hopefully in the next few months I will be in your area. Safe Camping!

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Theresa's Seaside Cowgirl
2010 FORD F150 V-8
2010 R-POD 173
Sisters on the Fly #1569


Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 28 Jun 2010 at 9:56pm
Do I take it that ERU means Eastern Round Up? I am not up on the terms.
We have not even had the Pod out as of yet but I do keep my eye out for one on the roads. Have not seen any either. 


Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2010 at 11:41pm
Outbound, sorry to bother you, but I looked in the Bear Creek Canvas and they don't show the light color you have. But would still like some details on how to get the process started on one like yours, and is it the Canopy style?
Thank you for information


Posted By: Outbound
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2010 at 8:11am
mountain mist, just call Bear Creek directly and speak with Al.  He'll answer all your questions without pushing for a sale.

My awning colour is 'white' - it wasn't an option on the website when I ordered the awning.  Al had mentioned that white was available while we were talking on the phone.

As far as awning width, I decided to go with 6'6" wide.  I wanted avoid bunching-up of material around due to the curve of the r-pod.


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Craig :: 2008 Mazda Tribute :: 2009 r-pod 171, The Johnnie Ray


Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2010 at 11:18am
Thank you so much for the informationTongue
We are just about ready to pull out on the maiden journey of the Escape Pod. Getting some experience seeing what I need is just starting.
With a screen house already and a Coleman Sun Shade , I suspect I may want to pursue getting an awning and I like yours very much.


Posted By: mountain mist
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2010 at 7:24pm
Outbound: where do I find the picture of your awning set up?
And did you have to modify the "bolt" heads in the runner in order for the awning to pull through it? I am not really handy with taking all those screws out and replacing them.
I was on verge of picking up the phone today and calling Al, but thought I needed to look at yours once again AND ask about the screws getting in the way.Wink


Posted By: Bentley
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2018 at 10:43am
January 12/18, I too have a R-Pod. Mine is a 2015 Model 178. I would like to order the awning that you bought from Bear Creek. Does it come with a bag that attaches to the R-Pod and stores the awning or must it be installed each time you want to use it? You also mention that you tried a bag awning from a tent trailer. Why didn't you use it instead of ordering a different type? Please reply. I live in Peterborough, Ontario.
Bentley


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Bentley


Posted By: Bentley
Date Posted: 12 Jan 2018 at 10:50am
Does your Bear Creek awning have a bag that attaches to the R-Pod so you can leave it on the R-Pod when driving?

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Bentley


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 13 Jan 2018 at 8:41am
Originally posted by Bentley Bentley wrote:

Does your Bear Creek awning have a bag that attaches to the R-Pod so you can leave it on the R-Pod when driving?


You are asking a question, on a +7 year old thread, to a member who has not logged in for over 7 years..

I am going to guess they are NOT going to respond. But I will, if you don't mind.

A bag awning won't work on a Pod because of the design of the awning compared to the shape of an R-Pod. The bag awnings are designed to be mounted "straight" and the roof line of the Pod is curved.

All the Bear Creek Awnings I have seen, 1/2 dozen or so, are all designed to be slid into the keder rail, and removed after use.


-------------
Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 1:34pm
sorry bout that


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 3:09pm
Originally posted by Oliver Oliver wrote:

I agree Outbound. I have had my R-dome for 2 years and never used it. It's brand new. So I thought I would like to have a simple awning at the entrance side, and took the monster out of the bag. I immediately saw what an impossible puzzle it was to assemble, so I tried to get it back in the bag..couldn't do that either. Forest River really dropped the ball on that one. Who want's to go to all that trouble to put that piece of blank up. But I used the long adjustable poles to fashion a prototype of an awning. I'm creative, it looks like I'll have to be. Anybody with an idea, please post pics.


FR didn't design the "dome" it is from the pop up world, and much loved there.. It also, isn't hard, to put up. Here is a video link, all by myself, less then 10 minutes, no rush or fuss.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03M5OWxufE&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l03M5OWxufE&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow - You Tube Link


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Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 4:27pm
Evidently it's not so much loved here. You should have had your camera showing what you were doing inside. Who want's to go through that every time you stop, and then you have to disassemble it, pack it up, and store it. No thanks. If somebody makes a simple quick awning for the thing, they're gonna have something.


Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 5:31pm
In general, we never put it up for overnights.. We do our best to be "out" 7 or more days whenever possible. All I did on the inside is put up the rafters. Those 3 long poles. My wife wasn't shooting a tutorial, just wanted to document how long it took to put up.

I don't know where "here" is, but over the years, a couple polls have been run on the forums and FB group, and the dome is much loved, usually a 90% preference rate or so. But as you state, it isn't for everybody, or every situation. (few things are)

That said, I suggest you look at PahaQua's website, and check out their offerings. It sounds like the "visor" might be what fits your uses better. Most, who want a flat, squarish awning make it themselves. You need to either enclose some rope in a fold, or source 14mm keder tape, and then add corner grommets and poles/tie outs to the other side of the sheet of your choice. A home grown awning can be as simple or complex as you want, and done for anywhere from about $30 to $300..

EDIT: since you hate yours, may I suggest you join the FB group, and list it for sale there? People are always looking for one over there.


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Mark, Susie, Micah, and The Maggie.
'11 RP177(sold) '17 Lance 2295 http://www.rpodnation.com/some-of-our-mods-so-far-with-pics_topic2786.html" rel="nofollow - FurPodsMods
'17 Ford F250 CCSB


Posted By: Oliver
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 5:42pm
Thanks furpod. I'm planning to do some traveling and I won't be staying in one place long enough to use it. But I will hang onto it for possible future use.Thanks for the video, it should be easier for me now. I can see how families might enjoy it, it's just me. By the way, it looks like Outbound posted a homemade awning, but I'm having trouble clicking on it...


Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 03 Aug 2018 at 6:54pm
I'm one of the 10% that didn't care for the RDome, went with the PahaQue visor, which I have also seldom use.  Into simple and din't need the added space.  I agree with with Furpod those that deploy them love them, just not my cup of tea.

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Mike Carter
2015 178



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