Would you upgrade to the air pole

[Patrick w]

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...0.7724857.normal_offer.d_image.6f867f4cWN95B9

This is just an example, but they use something similar on the OPUS air. Its basically a balloon in a nylonish shell, when inflated, becomes firm.



opus calls it the air beam.

But I am thinking it wouldn't cost that much more to put these in our existing popups. As long as the end have the eyelets for the existing mounting holes.
Imagine not having to climb onto the bunk to put up poles. If they could make a retrofit version, Id really consider buying it.

 

[Sjm9911]

Fill it with hydrogen and you have an air ship!

 

[Patrick w]

As long as I save a few mpg.... All worth it!!!

 

[MichelleRowell]

I'd anticipate leaks, and the whole thing coming down on top of me in the middle of the night!

 

[Sneezer]

They have been using air frame tents in Europe and Australia for several years now. I don't recall seeing any significant complaints regarding leaks and excessive wear. My biggest issue with that style for a pup is it limits you to a window unit type A/C, and I prefer a roof unit for TX summers.

 

[tfischer]

Lets see... I can take 3-5 seconds to click a pole in place on each end, or I can pump up a bladder (a lot of labor with a hand pump, or a noisy/battery eating auto pump) that will eventually leak and of course I won't find that out until we're out camping and we no longer have a bed.

Yeah... I think my decision is clear.

 

[tfischer]

Not sure if my popup is different, but not sure why you're climbing into the bunks to put up the poles. I use the end of the pole to lift up the bow and slide it into place... standing up, no crawling needed.

 

[rabird]

upgrade?

 

[John6239]

Not sure if my popup is different, but not sure why you're climbing into the bunks to put up the poles. I use the end of the pole to lift up the bow and slide it into place... standing up, no crawling needed.

Wondered the same thing.

 

[Patrick w]

Not sure if my popup is different, but not sure why you're climbing into the bunks to put up the poles. I use the end of the pole to lift up the bow and slide it into place... standing up, no crawling needed.

I thought I wasn't supposed to do that. Lol

 

[Patrick w]

Just thought it would be a lot less work. Lol. But yes... Air leaks.....

 

[Dingit]

I too haven't found it to be much effort to do the bunk poles. I do have to climb on the one bunk without a sofa at its base to do it though--I can't reach the ceiling in my popup. It's still a nothing job. I mean, it can even wait until bedtime when you'd be climbing up there anyway. Not that I have, because it's kinda a nothing job.

 

[jmkay1]

I'm going down the route how would it handle bad weather? Gosh knows bad thunderstorms can bring heavy wind/rain/hail been through quite a few nasty storms in my tent and saw it nearly flattened if the wind was strong enough. I can't see how air beams will be strong enough to handle the brunt force of wind against the side of the camper. The camper would be eating people alive.

 

[ObeyTheNoodle]

I have nothing to add other than those Opus Air pup trailers are impressive. Would love to have one but pricing is a little too rich for me.

 

[Patrick w]

I'm going down the route how would it handle bad weather? Gosh knows bad thunderstorms can bring heavy wind/rain/hail been through quite a few nasty storms in my tent and saw it nearly flattened if the wind was strong enough. I can't see how air beams will be strong enough to handle the brunt force of wind against the side of the camper. The camper would be eating people alive.

A rigid pole does not bend. I wouldn't suggest air poles for the center section with a roof and possibly an ac. But it would work decently well for the bunk ends.