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I think I must be getting a bit paranoid about the central pole in my bell tent. Back in April I got quite alarmed at the extent to which it was flexing in strong winds, and as it had had a slight curve to it for a while, I decided to replace it.

This weekend I put up the new pole to find that it's really wobbly and I can move the centre about from side to side easily when the tent is pitched. It can be pushed out of position and then popped back in. The poles are different makes, from two different bell tent companies, but the same length. My plan was to strap the two together in strong winds for extra strength.

I just wondered if anyone else had noticed this with their pole, or had a pole break because of it. As I've got a 4m bell I can't get the reinforced pole which is available for the 5m as they don't consider the 4m has the same problem with the wind.

Ah, I thought I'd heard someone say their pole collapsed. I don't think you were the only one though, raf48?

I didn't think of cutting down the 5m pole, Jim. I just assumed a new pole would be the answer. Having now got two poles, I think I'll just strap them together for strength, and if I need to replace them in the future I'll go for the thicker one and cut it to size.

It's put my mind at ease having two poles. I had to abandon an April camp a day early because I was worried about the strain on the pole, especially with a woodburning stove in the tent.

Hi

Think you commented on my post when i was after a new pole.

I ended up at a local ex army stores where i picked up  2 aluminium poles which seem very strong and still light enough to carry round .

I made a oak plinth for the bottom and a oak mushroom shape for the top once in place it is very strong.

Quote: Originally posted by raf48 on 27/6/2012

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The problem with having two poles of the correct length, is that there will not be space at the top for them, as they fit into a cone.

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I tried it the other day when the wind picked up and the second pole fits very neatly, surprisingly. No need to tape them together either.

Quote: Originally posted by JimCall on 25/6/2012

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The original pole only needs reinforcing at the middle so even carrying a metre length of steel bar with you would do it.

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Hi

Can I just check do you mean, carry a piece of extra metal pole or wood pole and zip tie it to the main pole when the wind gets up

or

Put something inside each section of the collapsable metal pole cut so it does not effect the putting together of the Pole itself ?

thanks in advance Bluecut so that it does not

Quote: Originally posted by blueacer on 18/8/2012

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Quote: Originally posted by JimCall on 25/6/2012

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The original pole only needs reinforcing at the middle so even carrying a metre length of steel bar with you would do it.

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Hi

Can I just check do you mean, carry a piece of extra metal pole or wood pole and zip tie it to the main pole when the wind gets up

or

Put something inside each section of the collapsable metal pole cut so it does not effect the putting together of the Pole itself ?

thanks in advance Bluecut so that it does not

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