The warrenty doesn't cover the poles. Poles are a bit like tyres on a bike or car...you expect to have to replace them on a regular basis. Plus pole sections can split for all sorts of reasons, the most common one being it getting overstressed while erecting or taking down the tent. (Usually because of clumsy handling or a rogue gust of wind.) But it can also split just because you dropped the pole bag or something heavy got packed on top of it in the car.
Apart from that it's generally accepted that Vango have one of the best after sales services of any of the major tent manufacturers. Up until last year they did in fact send out free replacement poles at the drop of a hat, but the system got abused in the end and they had to cut back on this. Shame, really, otherwise they would have probably sent you a new section.
Don't worry though. It's a simple and cheap job to replace a split pole section. Take the pole to your local camping place and they'll sort out the size for you, plus a rethreading kit. (Though you can manage without this last.) Get a couple of spare sections for the tent repair kit too....it's far better to mend a pole on the spot than have a weak pole in your tent, which can place extra stress on the other poles.
I understand that poles can be damaged, but this split the first time the tent was erected, and I'm a fairly experienced camper so I was surprised that Vango washed their hands immediately of any responsibility.
Just wandered if that was typical of them, clearly not.
Hi Adamam, we have been in contact with Vango aftersales for the exact same thing. We have used our Beta 350 three times and one of the poles on the last trip split but not completely. I got an email back from them with a link to www.tentspares.co.uk. I did contact the retailer we purchased the tent from but they weren't very helpful.
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Our retailer (Sports Warehouse) is being very helpful, so can't complain there.
I know it's only £2 or so to replace, but I must say I do object this sort of thing. Either stand by your product, or don't start talking about lifetime warranties.
I've sent a couple of emails to Vango about various things. They do reply, BUT the replies take ages. They also tend to be fairly generic as mentioned by other posts.
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I had to send my Zambezi 500dlx back to the shop from where I purchased it due to leaking. The replacement tent also leaked so I emailed Vango with my dissatisfaction and requested a Amazon 800 with a footprint. They emailed me the dhl number for them to collect and 2 weeks later....new Amazon.Stuck to my guns and in the end Vango showed that customer service still exists. Customer for life :)