Aldi Tarp and Aluminium Poles

[Sam Pato]

After years of soldiering on with the Gazebo - the awning has finally stretched beyond use and we need to move on. Current thinking is to give a tarp a go and Aldi have a 12 x 18 one on sale and aluminum poles this Saturday. Has anyone used these? Are they of decent quality? Particularly interested in the poles.

Actually - any advice on the Tarp front and what to buy would be appreciated.

Cheers


Sam

[wanderay]

Aldi poles are ok but lighter than supa-peg and the locking mechanism doesn't lock as tight. They also collect water in the rain and can't be pulled apart to drain and dry easily. Mine are several years old and still working well however.

Ray

[Dicko1]

Ive been using the same heavy duty tarp for about 4 years now. It has no issues with the rain and is nice and strong

https://southerntarps.com.au/product/300gsm-super-heavy-duty-grade-greenwhite/

I was about to recommend Poles Apart for your poles but I see they shut down 2 weeks ago. I also run a main support down the centre of the tarp using 4 poles and ends that fit to support the square steel main beam which can be adjusted for length and is vital for the integrity of the tarp. Forms a good "A" shaped tarp cover. This the type of pole for use on the centre support bar

https://www.tentworld.com.au/supapeg-365cm-big-foot-ridge-support-galvanised-te

Centre support bar....this square tube that slides into each other for adjustment.

Mind you this is a heavy duty setup for a minimum of 3 nights camping. I,ve used the adjustable aluminium poles and they failed big time under load and wind. When buying steel poles always buy a spare packet of the thumb screws for them . The after market screws are a lot heavier duty than many of those supplied on some poles.

[Pajshomoneroguntero]

I got the poles to replace the steel poles which came with my camper. Saved about 10kg. Interesting what Dicko mentions about their performance in the wind. I’ve only used them once and the weather was benign. I’m thinking that if they have a tendency to collapse I’d try drilling a hole to insert a pin when required.

I also got the tarp. The corners are reinforced which is a significant start. Reasonable quality versus price. However like most things ALDI, if whatever copied item it is is going to see more than occasional use I’d reconsider a proven quality albeit more expensive original.

[Sam Pato]

Many thanks for the replies. I think the twist lock of the poles has put me off a bit (although the weight is a big advantage) I might buy a couple and give them a try out. The mate we camp with only buys the heaviest duty top quality stuff and loves paying me out when my 'value' buys crap themselves. So that's an added risk.

The long game is that we get a bit of experience with Tarp and poles set up and build up to a pro size set up - but in the mean time a 12 x 18 Aldi tarp should be good enough for a trainer wheels tarp. Now we're fully committed to facilitating our children sports and social lives we probably only go camping for more than a weekend twice a year so should be right.

Cheers


Sam