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2 September 2024

How to repair or replace an airpole

For AirFrame system awnings you can remove an AirPole when the awning is inflated or deflated but if it’s inflated the isolation valves around the AirPole must be closed.

  1. Unzip the outer sleeve holding the AirPole.
  2. Undo the compression fittings on the affected side of the isolation valve. There may be multiple valves per AirPole. You should now be able to remove the AirPole.
    NEVER OPEN THE ZIP ON A PROTECTIVE SLEEVE WHILST AN AIRPOLE IS INFLATED.
  3. Unzip the protective sleeve of the AirPole to expose the bladder (inner tube).
  4. Locate the puncture. This is made easier if you blow some air into the tube. For small holes it may be necessary to submerge the bladder in water.
  5. Once the puncture has been located the bladder can be repaired using repair tape. We recommend product CA9001 – Kampa Awning & Tent Repair Tape.
    The repair can be enhanced by using a combination of the above and product CA9011 – Kampa Repair Solution, which is a flexible adhesive (repair tape and repair solution are available together in kit form). Follow the manufacturer instructions to repair.
    Another alternative is to replace the tube. Spares are available from your dealer or direct from Kampa.
  6. Reassemble the AirPole, zip back into the sleeve and reconnect the hoses to the isolation valves.

Fitment of main bladder to sleeve

  • We would recommend that both bladder and sleeve are placed on a firm, flat and solid surface.
  • Please be aware that the bladder may be slightly longer than the sleeve, this is normal, you will notice that there is a black elasticated strap at the far end of the sleeve.
  • Tuck any excess bladder around this strap, once only and allow it to lie flat before zipping up.
  • With regards to the inflation valve area, the tolerance between the fitting and the diameter of the sleeve is very small, this is to minimise the risk of the bladder twisting.
  • To aid lubrication you can use a little washing up liquid, dry this off before fitting back onto the awning.

Reseating the isolation valves

Occasionally, the connection between the connecting hoses and the isolation valves can work themselves loose.
Each awning is fully inflated and tested before leaving the factory but the repeated folding, transporting, unfolding and setting up process can sometimes pull on the connection causing it to loosen. This is not a fault with the awning but a maintenance procedure that may have to be performed from time to time.
If you suspect that the awning may be leaking some air then it is more than likely that one, or more of the connections will need to be adjusted. Follow this simple procedure:

  1. Inflate the awning fully.
  2. Go inside the awning and close all of the isolation valves.
  3. Wait for a period of time and recheck the pressure in all the AirPoles by squeezing the poles. If an AirPole has lost pressure, then the seal between one of the connecting hoses and the isolation valves may have become loose.
  4. Identify the affected AirPole and the adjacent isolation valves, there may be more than one valve. Keep the isolation valve closed and fully unscrew the collar on the deflated AirPole side of the valve. This will reveal the push-fit element of the valve and the conical washer.
  5. Ensure that the connecting hose is fully pushed onto the valve.
  6. Slide the conical washer up towards the screw thread on the valve and then screw the collar onto the valve. The washer is conical and the smaller diameter side must face towards the collar. Screw hand-tight and then give it another half turn with the spanner supplied with your awning. Over-tightening will not improve and may adversely affect the seal.
  7. Repeat for any other isolation valves on the AirPole.
  8. Open all the isolation valves inside the awning, the AirPole will refill with air. Inflate the awning to the correct pressure.

This should resolve the issue but please repeat when necessary.


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