Why Is My Trampoline Bending

After spending a fortune on getting a top-tier trampoline for your backyard, the last thing you would want is to see it warped out of shape. Well, a trampoline frame getting bent is a lot more common than you might think. But thankfully, there are ways you can fix it.

Wondering what you can do to restore it to its former glory? Let’s review your options here!

Why is My Trampoline Bending

Trampolines are built to last, but you honestly can’t expect them to survive a lifetime. A lot of things can affect its structural integrity, and even if you manage to keep the springs and trampoline mat in peak condition for years, the frame will eventually give in.

When the time is up, you will usually notice the frame bending at a weird angle, causing your trampoline’s jumping surface to look closer to a Pringles chip rather than flat. Needless to say, using the trampoline in that condition can be pretty dangerous for kids and adults alike.

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While regular wear and tear are the common causes of this issue, sometimes, you can even find warp issues in new trampolines. And as someone who likes buying trampolines on a whim, I can say that that never feels good. But what is exactly causing this, and how can you fix it?

In this article, I will address all these questions and help you figure out the best approach if your trampoline is bending.

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Things that can Cause Your Trampoline to Bend

Before I take you through the restoration steps, let’s talk a step back. While it is possible to fix a bent trampoline, it is not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. You need the right set of equipment and also need to put in a lot of elbow grease to fix the shape.

The better approach is to actually prevent the damage and to do that, you need to understand the probable reasons. Some of the issues you can prevent entirely, but in some cases, you can’t really do anything.

Still, it is always worth knowing the causes which will help you take better care of your trampoline.

1- Accidental Damage

No matter how careful you are with your trampoline, accidents can happen. Maybe a gust of wind threw it against the fence, or maybe some over-enthusiastic jumper tipped it over – these can cause the frame to get bent. So, if your trampoline recently ran into any accidents like these, that probably is the main culprit here.

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2- Poor Assembly

Many homeowners like to assemble their trampoline by themselves, and if the instructions are clear, that is never a problem. But if you are not careful, it is pretty easy to mess up assembly, which can cause the springs to create excessive stress on the trampoline frame and mat. Over time, the extra tension can bend the trampoline frame.

3- Quality Issues

Let’s face it, trampolines are expensive, and not everyone can afford to spend upwards of 300 dollars on a top-tier 10 feet trampoline. So, they go with a cheaper model. However, with cheap trampolines, you will not get the same level of structural strength as a high-end, expensive trampoline.

Don’t get me wrong – there are plenty of affordable trampolines out there that are extremely well-made. But if you end up with a bad model, it will not survive that long. Over time the frame will start to warp as the material is just not strong enough to handle the constant pressure while someone jumps on the trampoline.

4- Manufacturer Defect

Going with a high-end trampoline does not mean you never have to worry about trampoline bending. Think of it this way – the manufacturers produce a boatload of trampoline each year. And although most manufacturers take quality control seriously, mistakes happen, and a couple of poor trampolines get shipped.

Well, if you are one of the unlucky few who ended up with a bad trampoline from a reputed brand, it will naturally start to bend after a while. Thankfully, most trampolines come with a warranty period, and you can get it replaced if it starts warping too soon by contacting the manufacturers.

5- Spring Issue

Springs are a critical part of a trampoline and are responsible for producing the rebounding effect. However, over time, springs can start to break or wear out. This is natural, and when that happens, you should replace the springs. You don’t want to jump on a trampoline with a missing spring.

If two springs on opposite sides of the trampoline get broken, it creates uneven pressure on the jumping mat. And if you don’t notice and take care of it, as you keep using the trampoline, the excess pressure can deteriorate the shape of the trampoline frame.

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6- Sagging Jumping Mat

Trampoline mats are pretty durable, but eventually, they start to stretch and sag. While this is not a huge issue, a saggy mat can still cause your trampoline to look bent. The good news here is that your frame is probably fine, and replacing the jumping mat should fix the issue right away.

7- Weather Damage

Weather can play a huge role in the overall health of your trampoline. If you are the type who leaves their trampoline outside all the time, then you are significantly cutting down the lifespan of your trampoline. Using a rain cover, however, drastically improves its durability if you keep your trampoline outside.

The thing is, during snow or heavy rain, the trampoline mat gets filled with water or rain, which can, in turn, put pressure on the entire frame. This extra pressure can eventually cause the legs of the trampoline to get warped.

Now, since a trampoline is an outdoor toy, a bit of rain or snow shouldn’t hurt it too much. But you need to take care of your trampoline after heavy rainfall. The least you could do is put on a rain cover to protect it against rain or snow.

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8- Uneven Ground

I always recommend putting your trampoline on a level surface to prevent unnecessary accidents and safety risks. While you may be able to get away with putting a trampoline in a slightly crooked backyard, over time, it will start to show its impact.

For example, if you set it on uneven ground, the metal frame will have to deal with uneven shock distribution when someone jumps on the trampoline. This might not matter too much right away, but after a couple of months, the frame will start to get bent out of shape.

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Can You Even Fix a Bent Trampoline Frame?

Anything can be fixed as long as the damage is not too severe. And fixing a bent trampoline does take some effort, but if you have the right set of skills and tools, you can fix it. of course, the first task is to identify the problem, which should be pretty easy now that I already discussed what causes a trampoline frame to bend.

Now, if the springs or the jumping mat are the problems, you can simply get it replaced. Both of these components are pretty affordable, and you should replace them anyways after one or two years of use.

However, if the problem is in the frame, you need to dig a bit deeper. You want a clamp and a straight metal pole, preferably from the trampoline itself, to adjust the warped frame. And it also takes a while, so be patient when you are trying to fix your bent trampoline.

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How to Fix a Warped Trampoline Frame

Although trampoline frames are made of galvanized steel in most cases, you can force them into proper shape with enough effort. To fix a warped trampoline frame piece, you want to push it into the correct shape, line it up with a straight metal pole, and clamp it down with a heavy-duty clamp.

Leaving it overnight should be enough to warp it back into shape. However, if you feel the metal cracking or hear any weird sound, it is best to order replacement parts.

If you manage to fix the warping, I would recommend replacing the old screws and using a thicker and stronger set of screws and bolts to make sure it does not bend again. Applying a coat of rust-resistant paint on the surface can also extend the lifespan of the frame.

You should also take this time to go over the springs and see that all of them are in proper working order. A missing or broken spring can cause your trampoline to revert back to its bent shape.

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Now That We’re Here

Fixing a bent trampoline does take a lot of work.But if the trampoline is decent, it is always worth fixing it instead of throwing it away. However, if you bought a cheap, junk trampoline in the first place, I would suggest replacing it as fixing it is really not worth the hassle. It will bend again, eventually.

I hope my extensive guideline on why your trampoline is bending could help you understand the reasons and find the right solution for your trampoline. Good luck!