Trampolines can be an important source of fun, especially for family and friends. Investing in a big trampoline is always a good idea. However, trampolines need a very careful set of hands to install and maintain after each session of bouncing. Mistakes could lead to unfortunate trampoline frame bending.
So, why is my trampoline bending? It might be because of something you did or something you didn’t give enough attention to. Whatever the reasons may be, the problem isn’t going to fix itself, and you’re better off not using it until further notice.
But wait! Don’t throw the trampoline away just because it got bent. Do not worry; most of the cases are easily fixed. And in this article, we’ll be discussing the causes and ways to fix them. Maybe it will give you some ideas on how to treat those issues.
Why Did the Trampoline Frame Bend?
So, what could have caused it? I believe the main culprit in most trampoline bends is the poor-quality materials used to make the frames. If the frames cannot handle the basic amount of weight of the users, you can accept the fact that you poured your money down the drain.
But there are other causes. You can also blame poor installation techniques, long exposure to extreme weather, and excessive use.
Are Trampoline Frames Supposed to Bend?
One prevalent misconception is that trampolines are supposed to bend at some point. However, that is not the case, or at least it shouldn’t be. The frames are designed to withstand a high amount of pressure to prevent any twisting of the frames.
If you see your trampoline bending, the most probable reason would be overloading it beyond its normal limit. Or it might be because of conditions such as,
- Extreme weather such as high heat or extreme cold causes the frame to lose durability
- Bad-quality frame material
- Improper installation
- Wearing out due to excessive and long use
However, in none of the conditions mentioned above will you see your trampoline bending without some external force. Your trampoline will function normally until one day the durability level goes down so much that it can’t take the normal allowed weight anymore. That is when you’ll notice the bend.
Yes, overloading can cause bending, but it might also be no one’s fault except nature.
4 Main Causes for Bent Trampoline
1. Trampoline Frames Damaged by Weather
Is it really possible for bad weather to damage your trampoline frame? Fortunately, it is not the case since all reputable brands use rust-resistant metals for the frames. But metal loses its durability when it stays exposed to UV rays for a long. However, when it comes to weather, it’s not always about rust and corrosion.
One of the most disastrous things that can happen to a trampoline is being taken away by extreme winds. Most often, there’s no getting it back to its original condition. The examples are terrifying, as you can see in Alamy.
Any extreme weather can add to the damage, such as snowfall. If there’s too much snow on the trampoline mat and it sits there for a long time, you can expect the mat to start hanging down from stretching or from bent frames.
2. Improper Installation Techniques
The stability of a trampoline depends on its legs. When setting up the trampoline, messing up the leg positions and failing to get them stuck on the ground is enough to ensure damage to the frame as soon as multiple people start jumping on it.
It’s the legs that keep the frame from turning inside.
There were instances where the users drilled holes in the frame connection to put in screws. It’s going to weaken the structure instead of strengthening it.
3. Cheap and Low-Quality Materials
Anything inexpensive has the appeal of a great deal. But is it? The money you’re saving is a compromise on quality. The manufacturers can put a cheap price tag because they can afford to since they haven’t used the best materials.
BY cutting corners, they make it available to many, but the quality sacrifice will take its toll.
For example, you can certainly replace a steel frame with an aluminum one. It’ll be cheaper but weaker since it’s a softer metal.
One thing you should never do is compromise quality whenever you buy something. You’re only wasting your money on a badly manufactured product that will require repairs and high maintenance very soon after you bought it.
4. Uneven Ground
It’s one of the basic guidelines when setting up a trampoline that it should be done on a completely level field or at least the legs should all be placed at the same level.
Any imbalance in the positioning is already damage done. The bending on the uneven ground doesn’t occur suddenly rather, it slowly increases as the legs and frames can’t support the imbalanced forces.
Should the Trampoline Legs Bend While Jumping on It?
The legs of a trampoline are a good indicator of the trampoline’s quality and endurance. Ideally, your trampoline shouldn’t bend at any place if it has the right material and if you followed the instructions.
It should never bend under any circumstance as long as the total weight on it is kept under the threshold. So, if it bends even after maintaining the recommended guidelines, you can question the manufacturers. It confirms that there is at least one weak spot in the frame.
Can You Fix a Warped Trampoline?
As long as the trampoline is in one piece and there are no cracks in the frame and holes in the trampoline mat, we can certainly fix it up.
If you have the tools and the patience required for it, you don’t need to bring in repairmen. You and your family can take care of it.
Some parts can be very tricky. One of them is the poles. Since they bent once, it can be highly damaging to the structure and make the weak points even weaker.
If you see any cracks, there is no fixing them. You need to replace it with a new fresh part.
Patience and observation skills are the keys to repairing a trampoline. Fortunately, in most cases, you only have to replace only a few parts. It will cost you money, but, personally, it’s worth it.
How to Fix a Warped Trampoline: Tips and Suggestions
Fixing a trampoline has many parts. You have to take apart the poles, the legs, and the bouncing to inspect cracks and breakages in them.
Situation 1: The Poles Are Bent or Broken
When the trampoline has been tipped over or flown away by the wind, poles can bend or break. You need a sturdy clamp fixed on a solid immovable surface. Then, you’ll hold the poles with the clamps.
While it’s not hard to straighten the poles, it can be tricky. It’s crucial to be slow and patient when fixing it.
Situation 2: The Mat Has Been Warped
If it’s not the poles, then it’s the mat that has become warped. You’re lucky since it’s much easier to replace or repair a mat than it is to replace a whole frame.
Yes, unfortunately, when it comes to warped mats, there is no solution except to replace them. You may get lucky if the problem is limited to the disconnected mat. If the mat is disconnected, it can also create a wavy and warped effect.
If the mat is warped, here’s how you can replace it with a new one.
Follow the Steps to Remove Your Warped Mat
- Start disconnecting the springs from the mat. Or you can disconnect them from the frame first and then remove them from the mat. The latter is easier but takes more time.
- The best practice is to remove the springs opposite each other first.
- First, divide the trampoline into 4 quarters.
- Choose 4 springs from 4 quarters. They should be opposite to each other.
- When they’re done, choose every other spring and its opposites.
- It’s followed so that the mat doesn’t come off suddenly and hurt people around it.
Next, install the new mat,
- Follow the same technique as before and attach the springs opposite to each other. This process is to keep the pressure on the mat as even as possible. It helps make sure the mat doesn’t get warped in the process.
Final Words
I think you’ve got the answer to your question; “why is my trampoline bowing”. The blame is almost always the manufacturing defects. But if you’re not careful, you can simply overload an otherwise perfectly functional trampoline into a bent one. So, maintain discipline when you’re using it.
Last Updated on May 3, 2023
