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I hope someone can help, we had to put the pathfinder up yesterday and some how we've managed to split the centre ridge pole on the cabin (if you know what I mean) just below the bend. Has anyone else done this. If so how did you repair it as the metal looks a bit thin for a successful weld, or is it a case of a new pole from Pennine.

Dave

Quote: Originally posted by Dave60438 on 16/4/2011

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 Hi All

I hope someone can help, we had to put the pathfinder up yesterday and some how we've managed to split the centre ridge pole on the cabin (if you know what I mean) just below the bend. Has anyone else done this. If so how did you repair it as the metal looks a bit thin for a successful weld, or is it a case of a new pole from Pennine.

Dave

 

We did exactly the same last year.  Was thinking of getting a new pole but hubby just made a sleeve for it instead.  He cut a bit off our old car dog guard and fitted this over both ends.  He did also drill it and put in a self tapper though says that it did not really need that bit.  Basically an bit of pole, just slightly larger than the the existing poles will do, or you could actually use something that fits inside instead but that will be less strong.  Since he did that we have camped a few times and had no additional problmes.

I have read of others doing the same on here so it is obviously a common weak point.

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Hi campinkev and andcow

Checked with a friend of mine to see if it could be welded but the tube wall is to thin.I think I'll try and combine both your suggestions and try to get somthing inside the tube as well as sleeving it. If that doesn'y work it will have to bee a new pole and I agree with andcow the poles do seem rather thin so it could be a design fault.

Many Thanks

Dave

Hi there

It is a weak spot and a lot of people have this problem.  If you are not successful in a patch then Pennine are very efficient at getting a new pole to you, and the new pole is very easy to replace.  Unfortunately we are not DIY people :o(

Hi all

Just an update. Managed to get pole off the camper, unfortunately the split is right across the hole where the awning pole goes so can't put any thing inside, however managed to find a piece of tube the right internal diameter to fit over, which gives a nice tight fit. Redrilled the awning pole hole and using a punch indented the hole to give clearance,couple of self-tappers just for security job done. Many thanks once again for your help and suggestions

Dave