How to Measure Fibreglass Tent Poles: A Step-by-Step Guide

There’s been a lot of questions regarding how to measure tent poles. We understand that calculations are not everyone's cup of tea. And so we’ve created a blog on how to measure tent poles, a step-by-step guide just for you.

Fibreglass tent poles are essential for providing the structure and stability your tent needs. Over time, these tent poles can wear out or break, and knowing how to measure them accurately ensures you get the right tent pole replacements.

Follow this guide to measure your fibreglass tent poles correctly, and see how simple and quick it is to replace tent poles and get yourself pitched back up.

Materials Needed:

- Tape measure or ruler 📏

- Pen and paper 📝

- Your tent poles 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Poles from the Tent

Carefully dismantle your tent and lay the poles flat on a clean surface. Ensure the poles are fully extended and all segments/sections are straight.


2. Measure the Full Length

Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the length of the tent pole run from end to end. This measurement should be taken with the pole run fully assembled with each section fitted into the next one. Please see the image below.

3. Measure Each Section Individually

If your tent pole run is segmented, measure each segment/section individually including the ferrule for a more precise measurement. Note the length of each section and record them and note down how many sections are in that run.

4. Measure the Diameter

To measure the diameter of the fibreglass pole, use a ruler or calliper to measure across the end of one pole section that does NOT have the ferrule, angle or ends attached. Record this measurement as it's crucial for finding the correct replacement.

Please note any connecting pieces are listed by the diameter of the pole section that they would fit onto. For example, if your pole section is 11mm diameter then, you will need an 11mm ferrule.

5. Check the Elastic Cord

If your tent pole has an elastic cord running through it, measure its length as well. If the cord is stretched out or broken, you might need to replace it. Measure the cord when it is fully relaxed to get an accurate length.

6. Check Ferrules, Angles & Ends

Your tent pole sections are most likely to have either a steel ferrule, nipple ends or rubber bungs on the very ends of the pole runs and may have angled ferrules or straight reducing ferrules within the pole run.

Make sure you measure the diameter of your pole section as any connecting pieces are listed by the diameter of the pole section that they would fit onto and see which ferrules, angles & ends you need for your specific tent.

7. Full Set of Tent Poles

If you require a full set of tent poles you will need to measure each pole run separately as they may vary throughout the tent.

For example, the centre pole run may be different in length and diameter to the rear pole run or canopy pole run. So, if you do need a complete set you will need to write down the measurements for each pole run.

Tips:

• Accuracy Matters: Take precise measurements and double-check them to ensure you order the correct size.
  
  
• Keep Notes: Write down all measurements and any additional information about the poles, such as the model, brand of your tent and any colour coded pole runs.
  
  
• Replacement Kits: Consider purchasing a tent pole repair kit that includes multiple sections, threading tool and elastic cord, giving you more flexibility in replacing only the broken parts.
  
  
• If you do buy a repair pack, you need to be aware that the sections will come at a standard length. Therefore you will need to cut sections to your desired pole length for your tent using a junior hacksaw.

Conclusion:

Accurate measurement of your fibreglass tent poles ensures you can find the right replacements, keeping your tent sturdy and ready for any camping trip. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll be well-prepared to keep your tent in great shape for years to come.

If you found this useful please share with others who are beginning their camping adventure so they don’t make the same mistakes and order the correct sizes.

You can buy all spares and parts for your tent at www.tentspares.co.uk, and if you have any more questions please use the contact form to get in touch with us with your questions. We’re always happy to help and with decades of camping experience we’re sure you’ll get the perfect answers to your questions from our customer support team.

Happy Camping!