The $65 canopy
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4879
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 2:14pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: The $65 canopy
Posted By: NXRocks
Subject: The $65 canopy
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 9:20pm
|
I used an old Ozark Trail 9x9 canopy from Walmart ($50) that I didn't have use for and sew a channel on one side enough to fit a 1/4" plastic covered steel wire from Home Depot ($15). Worked awesome and will work even better if the smarts that put the channel on top used a different kind of screws, screws that I will change asap. $800 for R-Dome - ripoff IMO Oh yeah - 5 minutes install.   ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 9:28pm
|
Nice job!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: Sleepless
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 9:29pm
|
Looks great!! What do you have mounted on the rear of your pod?
------------- 2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD) 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 11:17pm
|
Here    ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: RPodWeGo
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 11:31pm
|
Like the canopy. I will be doing same shortly. ------------- RPodWeGo RPod 177 04 v8 Toyota 4Runner |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 22 Jun 2014 at 11:48pm
When you think a great quality canopy (by Kelty) is $89 at Costco the $800 is outrageous. I'm spending tons on different things - but ripoff I can't tolerate. Because is a hot market - the dealers think that perhaps 500% is fair. ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 7:17am
|
I like your canopy mod a lot. Looks like it packs down small and light, too.
Not everyone gets ripped off on the extras like the Dome (some certainly do), for instance we got all the extras thrown in by our dealer and our total price was nearly the same as Couch's. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: ToddLat
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 7:53am
|
Nice Job! Looks very simple to set up and very clean! I still like the Rdome though when the weather is iffy as it closes up and protects you and your stuff. I also agree with Teckntrek in that one can get the dome with the POD without paying the huge price for it . ------------- Todd and Beth 2013 RP 176 T 2013 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: kymooses
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 8:04am
|
That is a very nice job and good bit of modding to another item! Also like to be able to close up my dome when need be, we sat through torrential downpours several times this week at a Pod Rally and all were safe and dry in their domes. ------------- https://calendar.google.com/calendar?cid=cnBvZC5zcG90dGVyQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ - RPod Rallies https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1W1foQXGtrjf8aYly1uh0b-bHPfI&hl=en_US - RPod Owner Map |
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 10:18am
|
Good looking canopy job! I just finished modifying a 10x12 nylon tarp to slide into the rpod rail. I had also played with a canvas tarp but it was just too darn heavy/bulky and cumbersome to slide into the channel. I'll get pics of my version later this week when we get it set up again in the NC mountains. ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: COSPod
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 11:28am
| Mind if I ask what campground those photos with the dog were taken at? Seems like a very nice, large, scenic and private site. Hoping it's in CO or nearby, as I might add that to our "must visit" list. |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 12:21pm
I'll look forward to that, I've been considering something like that as a "bridge" between the pod and the EZ-ups we always use. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: Budward
Date Posted: 23 Jun 2014 at 1:06pm
|
Yeah the EZ-up style are nice but dang they sure are heavy- I searched online and found one with an aluminum frame but it turned out the be as heavy as the steel one and of course much more money.... I picked up a new 10x10 one Saturday at Academy Sports, looks really good for $89 and is actually 10x10 coverage with straight down legs. Of course Sunday they dropped it $10 to $79, figures.  ------------- 2014 179 Towed by a 2015 Ford Transit Diesel Supervised by a German/Aussie mix and a Labradoodle! |
Posted By: MoggerPod
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2014 at 4:43pm
|
From the pics It looks like the rear stabilizer jacks have been replaced on the rear. Is this style more stable than the scissor style that is original equipment? ------------- Brad & Laura B. Durango, CO 2014 RP177HRE |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 24 Jun 2014 at 9:34pm
|
your tarp solution looks great. simple and functional. and you made it!! thanks for posting the pictures. I have questions about the poles--it looks like there are only 2 long fiberglass tent type poles. It looks like they go from the ground, cross at the top and are attached at the the ends of the channel. how did you attach the poles to the pod? where did you get the poles? how long are they? any other construction thoughts would be appreciated. or a picture of the poles attached without the tarp. here is a picture of a tent pole foot/anchor that I made and use for our r dome. it is simply 1/2" metal conduit, bent and drilled for a metal stake. The r dome pole fits inside it and is anchored to the ground with the metal stake. the black parachute cord connects the 2 bottom ends of the front hoop pole to keep them from spreading too far apart. this anchor might be useful for any type of tarp arrangement.  thanks Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
|
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2014 at 7:22pm
The campground is called Cascade and is outside Buena Vista - just passed Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Great place ! ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2014 at 7:24pm
|
I am not debating how nice the R-Dome is - just the fact that is crazy expensive and not worth the money - but very usable. Because there are no other vendors out there to compete with them - they can afford to keep the price like that. As I said - as an alternative - the 60 some dollars canopy works great. ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 26 Jun 2014 at 7:26pm
The stabilizers are the OEM for this trailer. It is a '99. There were not jacks on the front - I added those myself. Cannot tell you which one is better - the OEM's are definitely faster on setting. ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: Row pod
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2014 at 7:55pm
|
way cool. Beat me my awning was $125. Posted picture under the awning discussion. Yours looks much lighter. |
Posted By: Markus5
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2014 at 11:17pm
|
Very nice work. I'm thinking about doing something similar. We got a screen tent at a yard sale, but it turned out to be pretty crappy. Paid next to nothing for it. So, no loss. But, it got me thinking and reading about how to make a canopy or a full-monty tent. The rdome is nifty and pretty spendy. A better way, and you found it. That screen tent you have looks nice, too. I read somewhere, maybe here, that using pex piping works nicely in the track. I'd cut it in 2ft sections and run an elastic cord thru it. Then it could be folded for storage. And, if you made that carrier - that's cool too. Can the spare fit behind it?
|
Posted By: Markus5
Date Posted: 27 Jun 2014 at 11:24pm
| Apropos of nothing - What do you do if it starts to get windy? Would it take some wind or do you knock it down? |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2014 at 3:53pm
The wire was a quick and dirty solution. it works great and folds really quick. The tarp is very light and all fits into a small bag. I take the wire out of the tarp when not in use. about the carrier - I didn't go that far to think about the spare tire - so I carry that on top of my truck. I am planning on building a rear bumper with a support for bikes, spare and carrier ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: NXRocks
Date Posted: 30 Jun 2014 at 3:59pm
You can see it in the first picture that is anchored down ... it will not fly easier than a regular canopy ------------- 2009 R-Pod 172 Lifted 4" 2008 Nissan Xterra built up - too much to list Computer Engineer with metal work as a hobby - or more - former NXRocks manufacturing First time RV Camper - this better be good |
Posted By: g4royce
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2014 at 1:42pm
|
Our dealer sold us the r-dome at their cost shipped. It was around $300 to our door. We noticed that the price of the r-dome was gone up in recent years. Our main complaint on the r-dome is that it is does not have that silver coating to help with the heat. ------------- ChaiPod 2009 RP152 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 3.5L V6 |
Posted By: Tequilagypsy
Date Posted: 15 Jan 2015 at 11:16am
|
Ohhhh I want that... (regarding the Hitch contraption) where did you get or how did you make? Thanks Ashley ------------- Ashley Lukas |
Posted By: Jannie
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2015 at 1:13pm
|
I see that you do metal work. Did you make this or is there somewhere I can get on of these for my RPod 179? It would be great to put my Yeti there and can still have the tire. I saw you had your spare on the ground. What is that called? I like it! Oh....and they threw in the RDome for free on mine. If I didn't want it the price would have been the same.
Jan
|
Posted By: cdremy
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2015 at 5:04pm
|
Are the guy ropes necessary. We have a after market awning with guy ropes. Between the kids and the dog tripping on the ropes, we decided not to use it. |
Posted By: Sundog
Date Posted: 15 Jul 2015 at 9:55pm
|
I have the Ozark canopy too and the same R-Pod.. Can you provide a close up picture or what you used and how you made the channel for the wire? Thanks, Steve ------------- Sundog |
Posted By: trbboy77
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 11:48am
|
Just curious and maybe I missed it but what did you use for the frame and poles? Is it the original pop up frame with 2 legs removed or is it fiberglass tent poles. Sorry in advance if this was mentioned in one of the posts. |
Posted By: osage
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 1:27pm
|
where in CO were you camped at |
Posted By: Patriot Dave
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 9:14pm
I am totally impressed with your dome..... I have a brand new Rdome that I am trying to sell just because its to much for me and the wife to deal with and it does not fit with our style of traveling and camping. Regarding yours, did you simply cut the leg portions of the canopy off the side that attaches to the trailer? ------------- Dave & Joyce Never Forget, In God We Trust; This Our National Motto. Member; Patriot Guard Riders, Michigan Chapter Retired; So Every Day is Saturday.... Except Sunday |
Posted By: CoosBayRPodder
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 1:06am
|
Dig the canopy, doing that mod for sure! Thanks for the awesome idea.
Walmart didn't have that canopy online, at least I couldn't find it. Found the same thing on Amazon, I think... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BMN77M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=7RKNL8GL2QCP&coliid=IPC1BAKZE2R2N - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003BMN77M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_img?_encoding=UTF8&colid=7RKNL8GL2QCP&coliid=IPC1BAKZE2R2N ------------- Roy & Dudi 2017 R-Pod 180 "PODdy Time" 
|
Posted By: tharr1968
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2017 at 4:05pm
|
I WANT this cargo carrier! Can you make another one? |
Posted By: 2PsNAPod
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 10:40am
|
I know this original post was several years ago, but I was hoping to match it best I can. I am not having any luck finding the canopy. All the ones I can find are the new "instant up" with a complete frame. It appears yours was basically a square canopy with the tension rods underneath going from corner to corner. Is this correct? Any idea where to find this anymore? And what was your overall success rating with your "invention"? Thanks! 2PsNAPod
|
Posted By: EchoGale
Date Posted: 16 May 2020 at 11:41am
|
This is great; thanks for posting it. I love my Rdome but on short trips its more work than its worth. This would be a great backup. ------------- Julie |