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cjscinta
Groupie
Joined: 21 Nov 2016
Location: Franklin, TN
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Posts: 84
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Topic: Awnings, rdomes, and screen rooms Posted: 20 Jun 2017 at 8:24pm |
when I bought my pod, I was torn between getting the rdome or the awning. Although the rdome has a lot of appeal to me I opted for the awning. I was worried that if the rdome was very difficult to set up I might opt to not use it at all. But I really want a screened in area mostly to keep the bugs out but also to give me a little more usable space. I know Thule sells the screen room that is not easily available in the US yet but I was looking for a temporary simple and inexpensive fix. Screen rooms on Amazon are easy to set up and I could take that option but then I wouldn't be able to utilize my awning efficiently. I started researching screening material and more specifically mosquito netting. I thought about buying a big piece of netting and velcroing it or draping it over the awning but didn't know how well that would work. Has anyone every tried this? Anyone have any experience with mosquito netting? Even if you haven't your input is appreciated.
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2017 R-pod 179
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sailor323
Senior Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2015
Location: S Central KY
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 281
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 8:04am |
The Velcro idea might be doable. I'd try to look at screen rooms, not just rv screen rooms, to get an idea of how they are constructed. You'd probably want a door or two. I used to have a screen door that attached with Velcro to the door frame and magnets to hold the 2 sides of the opening closed
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jimandclare
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Joined: 13 Apr 2016
Location: Erie, MI
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Posts: 96
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 8:57am |
We're camping in northern Michigan right now. Beautiful morning here. Eating breakfast outside in our r-dome where we live while camping. This by far the most expensive tent we've ever purchased and wouldn't trade it for anything.
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Jim & Clare
2016 R-pod 178
2014 Ford Edge
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Happy Tripping
Senior Member
Joined: 27 May 2014
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 473
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 12:39pm |
I admire your 'can do' attitude.
I am not sure that your idea is very practical.
Tent makers have put a lot of thought into the stresses encountered by a tent. I bought some no-see-um proof netting to patch various holes in my r-dome's mosquito netting. That worked. However, building something that keeps bugs out, especially along the skirt, while being strong enough to stand up to routine use, I am afraid would put you into the 'school of hard knocks' where you learn by doing, and repairing, and doing, and repairing, etc.
Lots of people recommend 'easy ups' as an intermediate step before committing to one of the side tents. If you really want a side tent like the r-dome, I suggest you also look at PaHaQue side tents, altho I have no information on how well they stand up to use, and there may well be others out there.
Good luck
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cjscinta
Groupie
Joined: 21 Nov 2016
Location: Franklin, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 84
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 3:36pm |
Thanks all. I think you are right happy. I am trying to simplify things, not make them harder. I might opt for a side tent. I will look into the PaHaque.
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2017 R-pod 179
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1078
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 6:12pm |
We use both the R Dome and an awning that we made.
the R Dome is excellent when we are staying in one location for more than a day or two. It offers shade, privacy and rain protection. It's best feature is the versatility of being able to open/close the front and sides to tailor the dome for your needs. It can be a screen room , an open shelter or an enclosed room. We have used it in all of the various layouts.
The biggest knocks against the dome are that it is hard to put up. After putting it up several times, it becomes much easier and can be done by 2 people in about 10 minutes. We think it is well worth the effort to install it. Several tips will help make the job easier. File the ends of the channel so they are not sharp, check all of the screw heads to make sure they don't protrude into the channel and use silicone or WD-40 sprayed lightly into the channel. It helps to have marked the horizontal roof poles at the correct length before you start putting them up. We can reach the channel by standing on a sheetrock bucket-it is solid and safe.
We also have a tarp that we made. We purchased an 8x12 heavy duty poly tarp. We put 5/16" sail slugs (12 pieces) along the long 12' side and these slide into the channel. We use 3 tent poles along the outside edge and have 2 guy ropes per pole pegged in the ground. It is sturdy, shady and offers some rain protection. One draw back is the 1/2" open space between the channel and the edge of the tarp that is created by the depth of the sail slugs. We have tried to make a "flap" to cover the space, but so far have not been very successful. We are still thinking about it and will continue to make something that covers the space.
We have an "easy up" type of shelter, but don't like it for lots of reasons. We don't take it with us when we travel. We have seen some very nice screen rooms that other campers use-they look interesting , but not much use if it rains, even if it has a top. Generally, the sides are splayed out such that rain will get into the enclosure. They need to be staked at the bottom for insect proofing.
I have not seen the new Thule awnings in person. they seem like a good idea and may also be a great addition. I know that Thule generally makes good products that are quality materials and well engineered.
However, with my system, the same channel can serve both the R Dome and the tarp. It's not an "either or" situation. So, both the dome and the tarp travel with us. We use both of them
depending on the circumstances. I think it's the best of both worlds.
Everybody has their own ideas about what works best. Talk to others, look closely at the materials and craftsmanship and think seriously about how you will use the product you choose. Travel safe. Vann
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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NoDak
Newbie
Joined: 11 Aug 2016
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 26
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Posted: 21 Jun 2017 at 7:49pm |
We just got the Clam and used it for the first time. Loved it! Got a package of 3 wind panels, and we were able to sit outside in the rain and stay perfectly dry.
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kayzwayz
Newbie
Joined: 21 Mar 2017
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Posts: 5
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Posted: 22 Jun 2017 at 6:03am |
I have the Thule awning and was also looking for an additional enclosure. The Pahaque ONLY works if you have the rail for the r-dome....it does not work with an awning already in place, unfortunately! I also looked at awning rooms by Carefree of Colorado, which do not work with the Thule awning. I'm just hoping Thule brings their awning room to the US soon!
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henryv
Senior Member
Joined: 09 Feb 2017
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Posts: 259
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Posted: 24 Jun 2017 at 6:24pm |
Pictures...a picture tells a thousand words. Especially of the tarp invention
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dianab
Newbie
Joined: 11 Nov 2016
Location: CO
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Posts: 13
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Posted: 26 Jun 2017 at 5:12pm |
Originally posted by henryv
Pictures...a picture tells a thousand words. Especially of the tarp invention |
Yes. A thousand times, yes. We have a Dome that we haven't used yet and I'm pouring over all the Dome-tips, and there are a lot of them! Do I need to bring a ladder if I want to set this up? A practice run in the driveway is definitely in order.
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