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Post by thedude on Apr 14, 2023 19:21:15 GMT -8
The huge winds while we were camping in Joshua Tree resulted in one pole being bent. Anyone have success with getting tent poles repaired? A quick internet search turned up a company named Tent Pole Technologies. Anyone familiar with them and if so how was your experience? I sent them an email with as many of the specifics as I could find online and I am waiting to hear back from them.
TIA!
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Apr 14, 2023 20:23:34 GMT -8
In general, you're better off replacing than repairing a bent pole. Its material properties have been compromised. That will still be true even if it can be made straight.
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texasbb
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Post by texasbb on Apr 14, 2023 20:36:42 GMT -8
Have you checked with the mfr? I once had an old Big Agnes tent pole break in high winds. I contacted them and asked for either repair or replacement (on my nickel). They said send it and they'd take a look and let me know. They let me know by sending it back all repaired at no cost, not even for shipping.
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 6:18:14 GMT -8
Good suggestion texasbb I will reach out to REI.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Apr 15, 2023 7:35:32 GMT -8
thedude , if you don't mind what tent and manufacturer? Also did you use the guy lines up on the tent walls or just stake the corners?
Also there are short sections of tubing available for using as broken pole splints. You might have one. Some manufacturers throw them in with the tent's kit. Some people carry them with on trips where a pole failure could prematurely end a trip without a field repair. My REI Kingdom 8 I use for family camping came with one but weight isn't a issue in that use.
P.S. I just thought to ask. Are we talking fully folded pole or just all curvy but not crimped? If you are careful you can tune a curvy pole back to close to normal but there is always a chance of folding it which is complete failure, new pole time. It will not be as strong as original but useable. Also probably not covered by any warranty if you fold it.
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 8:44:26 GMT -8
Hi ErnieW it is the REI Kingdom 6. I am pretty sure it is the 2017 model and I did use the guy lines and also used the velcro to attach the rain fly to the poles. I also use a footprint FWIW. I bought it at an REI garage sale back in 2019 and have used the tent plenty, this is the first real issue I have run into. I am pretty sure I have the short section of tubing but have never used that and wasn't entirely sure what it is for. The pole in question is bent but not crimped.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 15, 2023 12:38:48 GMT -8
Odds are REI can supply a replacement section. Aluminum doesn’t recover well from bending, the splice of using the oversized repair piece is meant to go over the bent section to reinforce it. Plus they’ve instructions: How to Fix a Tent Polewww.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/how-to-fix-a-tent-pole.htmlIn part: “The easiest and quickest way to fix a broken pole is with a pole repair sleeve. Also called a splint, this short tube is often provided with your tent. If not, buy one and pack it with you. A good pole repair sleeve is just slightly larger in diameter than your pole so that it doesn’t move around too much. Using a repair sleeve to fix a broken tent pole is simple:”
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 12:46:37 GMT -8
Thanks @high_Sierra_Fan I will do this if I cannot get REI to provide me with a replacement pole.
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 12:51:57 GMT -8
REI recommended I reach out to Tent Pole Technologies so I guess I made the right decision to reach out to them.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 15, 2023 12:57:10 GMT -8
Looks promising! Off the link from REI’s repair page:
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 13:11:10 GMT -8
Yeah, I looked at their selection of REI tent poles but they don't have the Kingdom 6.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 15, 2023 13:46:41 GMT -8
Then they’ll make it I expect.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 15, 2023 14:22:53 GMT -8
I am guessing this isY an aluminum pole. You didn't specify. If so, contact the manufacturer. Even if not covered by warranty, some tent makers understand that company loyalty is worth more than a tent pole. If not replacement probably cost less than repair.
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Post by hikerjer on Apr 15, 2023 16:40:21 GMT -8
I’ve dealt with Tent Pole Technologies a couple of times. I was very satisfied with their service.
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Post by thedude on Apr 15, 2023 17:21:55 GMT -8
I’ve dealt with Tent Pole Technologies a couple of times. I was very satisfied with their service. Good to know, thank you! It looks like this is my one option so it’s good to hear they do quality work. I will share my experience once I hear back from them.
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