Quote: Originally posted by alisonme on 28/3/2010
I would have thought any bend would weaken the frame, its probably better to make the repair. Ours came crashing down in a gust of wind when we had the sun canopy on in bad weather. There wasn't any damage, but if we'd already had a bent pole...
Agreed. Really that's what I was getting at, but I didn't make myself very clear. By a 'minor kink' I meant something very small, merely cosmetic.
The camperlands you tube video demonstration does not show lifting the pole out, is this to be done on the concorde and royal as the video demo is an apollo.
I'm sure the videos on line miss half the stuff out! There are loads of little catches you need to release all in special order too!
Not sure about your repair, would of thought must be easy to fix as everyone seems to have had the same problem, can you still use it with the bent pole?
Maybe they need to look at the design? Seems a fault to me!
I don't know how difficult the repair is I'm afraid.
I haven't watched the video for a while so wouldn't like to comment on whether it misses stuff out, although there aren't that many catches. You need to unlock the back, swing kitchen out, fix legs down, open lid, lift pole at side, connect the poles at top of canvass, lift canvas over, adjust side poles (add in additional poles on Concorde, Savanne or Royal), peg out and fit skirt.
I agree that the design is a bit daft with it being so easy to damage.
This thread may help you Bent Pole Club
It is normally very easy to straightene the pole out sufficiently well to be functional. Do it slowly and lots of small pushes rather than a heavy swipe.
But anyway you are now officially a proper Camplet owner
I feel a bit happier now think OH may be going to camperlands over easter fortnight think we'll try and use it with bent pole for two nights in windermere if it doesn't look like itll snow and then get it fixed.
I was lying awake worrying about it last night, seems stupid they are so expensive and that happens so easily. We'll get it fixed and then also buy a replacement kit for next time!!!
Its a quick job with a hacksaw,not that I have ever bent the pole of course. Any kink in the bar should be fixed though the kit on sale on camperlands is about fifty pence worth of metal.
I read somewhere that a small elasticated cord should be fastened over the kitchen side pole (after it has been lifted to the outside if the unit) and fastened down to the kitchen unit hinge. This stops either wind or mistake lifting the pole back into the tent and thus causing it to bend. I use this method and it works fine. Take care also not to try and tighten the two locking wing nuts too much. I managed to sheer one of mine with hand pressure only. Spares readily available though.
A good emergency repair for stripped theads is a jubilee clip,keep it handy and use the proper tool,'cos a slipping screwdriver can damage the canvas.I was lucky and only stabbed myself!
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Topic: bent pole consequences? concord
