Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping under canvas

Topic: Broken fibreglass poles?

annilou76

31/8/2009 at 7:06pm
Location: Wales
Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700 (2011); OBI Cairo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/8/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 155
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Am new to camping to please accept my apologies for getting any of the jargon wrong, lol!

We have been camping in our Gelert Horizon 8 for the first time this weekend. Just got back and pitched in the back garden to allow the tent to dry out, and 2 of the fibreglass poles have split. Is this normal or should we be complaining? And, if it is the norm, is there anything we can do other than replace the pole.

When we bought the tent, the shop owner gave us a spare pole as a back-up as he said they WILL break, but we didn't expect it to happen within a fortnight of buying the tent!!!

Thanks in advance.
Annilou

gally

31/8/2009 at 7:35pm
Location: lancashire
Outfit: lunar LX2000

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 03/5/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 113
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	4

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

They do seem to be prone to splitting we split 2 of ours on the first pitch through our own mishandling i hasten to add, we have now bought a set of ten spare poles and are now a dab hand at changing them we have only been camping three or four times and have learned new lessons each time we now have a tool bag in which we do not go camping without -roll of pole elastic , spare poles gaffer tape, junior hacksaw needle and strong sewing thread (we had a guy ripped off in strong winds, apart from a lot of offputting occasions i have thoroughly enjoyed it and just take everything in my stride and consider bad experiences as "a lesson learned"

Road_Hog

31/8/2009 at 7:56pm
Location: Warwick
Outfit: Outwell Montana 6

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 31/8/2009

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 291

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Yes poles do break. Some tents (configuration) are more prone to poles splitting than others, it is a real pain when it first happens to you.

Buy a couple of spares and keep a hacksaw with you or cut them down to size before you go and have some extra cord in case it breaks.

You can use tape as a temporary measure but with some tents the poles wont fit through the sleeve if covered in tape. You may also need something to thread the cord through as some replacement poles have a very narrow hollow.

pally

31/8/2009 at 8:55pm
Location: Yorkshire
Outfit: Gelert Horizon 6 Hi Gear Mojave 5

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 12/7/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 770
Tent Reviews: 2

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

IMO Gelert poles are rubbish. Tents are nice, just bad poles. We have had 4 or 5 split sections now and only had it a few months. Gelert don't want to know and camp shop just say 'oh yeah, poles do split'. Have replaced them with Gelert sections so far but I am thinking of getting some Vango sections to see if that helps.

-------------
Pally

The pen is mightier than the sword - but only if the sword is very small and the pen is very sharp...

Surfspud

31/8/2009 at 9:04pm
Location: Kent
Outfit: Khyam Michigan 12 & Coleman Weekend 6

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/4/2008

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2506
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	14

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

One of our poles split. We didn't have anything with us at the timer so had to use as it was for a few days. When we got home I wrapped Duct tape around it.

Since then the tent has been put up 6 times and we are still using the split pole. No problems. we have managed to get spares but I will only use them when really needed.

-------------
If you see a family struggling to put up the tent then it must be us!

annilou76

31/8/2009 at 9:07pm
Location: Wales
Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700 (2011); OBI Cairo

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 24/8/2009

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 155
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Fab, thanks everyone :-) Will give it a go with some tape first and see how that goes. We love the tent!

xxx

tin pockets

31/8/2009 at 9:24pm
Location: Stoke on trent
Outfit: Outwell sunvalley 6 Outwell Jersey M

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 10/6/2007

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 479

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I always wrap some duct tape around the end of each pole before even pitching it for the first time. (only the end that isn't glued into the metal sleeve. Don't put the tape right at the end, leave a big enough gap so the pole can still slide into the metal bit on the next pole) does that make sense? the poles will still eventually split put the tape holds it all together so you don't have to replace the pole immedialtely in the middle of a camp and can replace it at your leisure. it stops the pole completely splintering and potentially ripping the fly sheet.
Claud

floggitt

31/8/2009 at 9:33pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2071
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I found when pitching the horizon it tended to be my fault they broke! It is lack of technique, the knack is to be able to "feel" when there is just to much curve as you push up the pole to get the ring pin in if it feels really strained i found it was usually the ferrals on the poles had caught in the ends of the pole envelope. release the tension and make sure the pole can slide though the envelope easily before trying again

-------------
July 1-9 Nantcol Waterfalls meet
Sept naturist week
Sept SVR w/e
Oct Secret meet
Nov hopleys meet

beefysmum

31/8/2009 at 10:11pm
Location: swansea
Outfit: Avondale corfu sunvalley 8

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/8/2004

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 7363
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	3

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by annilou76 on 31/8/2009
Fab, thanks everyone :-) Will give it a go with some tape first and see how that goes. We love the tent!

xxx

This should only really be used a s a temporary measure , as the broken pole will put extra stress on the other poles.Its best to replace with a new pole to avoid further potential breakages.

-------------
Debbie

moog56

31/8/2009 at 10:19pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 18/8/2008

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 323
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

I always carry a load of duct tape for just this reason, I wind it round a flat peice of card to save space. I've used it for temporary repairs for all kinds of things including split poles.

Bailey + Co.

31/8/2009 at 10:23pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Vango Aspen 500

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 15/6/2008

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 5

Site Reviews Total:	2

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

We had to pitch my sisters fibreglass poled Vango Venture tent this weekend to ensure we had a spot as she was arriving later and as we did so a big gust of wind caught it and shattered two of the poles (i.e. on a Venture thats the two main poles!). We managed to tape together the damaged poles with tent repair tape (the only camping trip we went away without our tool kit!). The tent has held out all weekend but was a little crooked!! My OH has found on ebay and other web sites today the pole repair kits starting at replacing sections for only £2.50 so no big worries!

Having endured big winds and storms earlier this year while camping we are glad we have a steel poled tent tho

-------------
Goldens don't retrieve!

Barmouth June 2009
Dorset & Somerset July 2009
Forest of Dean Aug 2009
TBC Sept 2009

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

8670 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder