Fixing a Backyard Trampoline [my unwanted but necessary trampoline repairs]

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In this article I’ll describe how I did some trampoline repairs that were required on our aging backyard trampoline. Read through to the end where I list some mistakes I made…

Backyard Trampoline Repairs - my attempt to fix broken the straps that hold the trampoline V rings using just a big needle and fishing line.
Backyard Trampoline Repairs using a needle and fishing line


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Disclaimer about Trampoline Repairs

I am not a professional trampoline repair person. This article is simply documenting how I repaired my trampoline, and I can’t attest to how long this particular fix will last. I can’t be held responsible for any mishaps, accidents or injuries that anyone experiences from following the information in this article. If you do any trampoline repairs, make sure it is safe before anyone uses the tramp.






What Trampoline Repairs did our Trampoline need?

We were given our trampoline by a friend about 10 years ago, and I put it away every winter. My three daughters have enjoyed the trampoline and had countless hours of fun on it.
But it is in need of repairs.

I was looking on Facebook Marketplace for a smaller trampoline, but it seems a waste to get rid of our tramp when the actual trampoline mat and frame are in good condition.



It is the straps that hold the trampoline mat V rings that are breaking on our trampoline.


These V rings are how you connect the springs to the metal frame. I see that Amazon sells trampoline repair kits, but these are for actual holes in the jumping mat. That’s not what we’re dealing with.






Good YouTube Video showing Trampoline V Ring and Spring Replacement

I was inspired to take on this trampoline repair because I watched the YouTube video below. BUT…I didn’t have the Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl and I couldn’t find one in my town to buy. So I decided to try this repair with a big needle and fishing line.







Trampoline V Rings and Strap Replacement

Trampoline repairs - the strap that held the trampoline V rings broke so I need to replace them. I used a strap from an old baby car seat.

Above is a picture showing the old, broken V ring strap on our backyard trampoline.

In my hand I’m showing what I’m going to replace it with.

That is a piece of strapping from an “expired” baby car seat, and the original trampoline V ring. This particular V-ring was still in good shape so I’m going to re-use it. You can buy replacement trampoline V-rings or you might be able to find “D-rings” at your local hardware store. (The guy in the YouTube video above uses D rings.)

I cut the seat belt strapping to a length that would ensure I could create a loop to hold the V-ring at a proper distance from the frame, and provide enough strap to sew through.






What I used to replace the strap for the Trampoline’s V ring

Trampoline repairs - I didn't have the speedy stitcher sewing awl so I used a big needle and fishing line
Trampoline repairs for spring replacement

Since I didn’t have the Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl, I found a large needle, and used some fishing line. It has been so long since I put that fishing line in the reel that I can’t remember exactly what strength I used. (I think maybe 8 pound?)







Positioning the new strap

Trying to determine where to place the new strap (Photo: LearnAlongWithMe.com)

I wanted the new strap to stick out from the trampoline about the same distance as the adjacent springs so the spring tension would be similar.

I was going to sew the new strap right under where the old strap was (as shown in the photo above), but I realized it was too difficult to push the needle through this many layers of heavy material.

I decided to position the new strap just beside the old broken strap. (You don’t want it too far from the previous position or else the spring will be at an angle instead of perpendicular to the frame and V ring.)








Starting the sewing process

Trampoline repairs - using my Leatherman pliers to push the big sewing needle down through the trampoline mat and into the new strap
Using my Leatherman pliers to push the needle through (Photo: LearnAlongWithMe.com)

I used my Leatherman pliers to push the needle down through the trampoline mat and through the new strap. (Make sure you have the V-ring through the loop in your strap before you start sewing!)

[PS if you need a gift for someone, check out Leathermans. They are so useful… I always have my Leatherman Rebar in my pocket.]



Another unexpected tool that came in handy was the leather keychain tag that I had on my keys. It protected my thumb when I needed to push the needle by hand.

Pushing the screw down with a thick leather tag



It was a slow process. I wanted to ensure lots of stitches so I took my time. I did a rectangle with a diagonal line through it as my sewing pattern.(Next time I may do an “X” in the middle of a rectangle pattern.)

When I was finished sewing I tried to loop the end of the fishing line through some stitches under the tramp in an attempt to make a locking stitch. Then I tied a big knot to keep my stitches in place.



I hope it holds up for awhile.







Reconnected the spring to the Trampoline mat V Ring

Trampoline repairs - reconnecting the trampoline spring to the trampoline mat v ring.
The new strap holding the trampoline V ring

Above is the picture of the finished product. It is holding well (so far).







What I would do differently next time… (i.e. mistakes I made)

trampoline repairs - new strap for the trampoline v rings
Pointing out what I would do differently next time (Photo: LearnAlongWithMe.com)

That’s why I call my site “Learn Along With Me” because sometimes I try things and then I need to learn from them in order to improve.

You may notice in the picture above a couple of the things I’ll do differently next time:

  • I should have put the V ring closer to the mat…the strap sticks out too far compared to neighboring springs
  • I should have put the new strap even closer to the old strap so the spring isn’t as angled from the frame
  • Perhaps I should have bought the sewing awl (maybe would have been quicker?)






My other suggestion for you would be to repair one of these broken straps or V rings right away.

I didn’t, and it has resulted in multiple straps breaking because now the same amount of weight is being held by less straps. You want equal distribution of the weight, and broken springs, V rings or straps means this isn’t happening.







Considering I’m writing this on Earth Day, I hope this article has inspired you to try a trampoline repair instead of throwing the whole thing out.

Just remember to ensure any repairs you perform are safe and that the trampoline is fit for use. Good luck.








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2 thoughts on “Fixing a Backyard Trampoline [my unwanted but necessary trampoline repairs]”

    1. Hi BB…the repair for that individual strap held up, but there was more than one broken strap. And then more and more of the canvas loops that hold the springs to the mat started breaking. And since that repair was time-consuming, I ended up buying a new trampoline.
      It would have taken me way too long to repair all the snapped attachments.

      So my suggestion would be to fix a broken attachment right away, or else the remaining springs have to take more weight which stresses them more and leads to even more breaks. Once again, my procrastination cost me. If I’d fixed the broken strap right away I probably wouldn’t have had so many other broken straps.

      I hope that helps.
      Tim

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