When it comes to your trampoline, it’s best to anchor it in such a way that it can’t go anywhere. Typically, you are going to get a trampoline anchor kit with your purchase. You want to make sure that they’re heavy-duty. The best trampoline stakes are those that are easy to install and keep the trampoline in place. We’re going to talk about the various ways to anchor a trampoline and how to choose the right trampoline anchor kit for your needs. This way, you know what’s out there and can make the right choice for your backyard trampoline. Don’t ignore anchors, as it puts your trampoline in danger when the wind is strong.
Wind Stakes
Typically, you can find trampoline wind stakes that are in a U-shape pattern. Usually, you get a set of 4 heavy-duty wind stakes to help you anchor your trampoline. Installing them is easy. Just put them over the trampoline legs and hammer them into the ground. During a high wind gust, the wind stake is going to keep the new trampoline to the ground.
Since you’re hammering the stakes into the ground, you are going to need a hammer. Make sure that the trampoline stakes are secure enough to handle severe weather.
While you want to keep your trampoline secure and protected, you should also focus on the trampoline frame. Is it going to stay in place during high wind? Typically, trampoline wind stakes are one of the easiest anchors to install, but they might not hold as well as other anchor systems. Therefore, check them before jumping and before inclement weather hits.
How to Install
You should center the trampoline stakes onto the trampoline legs. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but you want it as near to the center as possible. This helps the galvanized steel stakes provide more stability when they’re equidistant from each other.
With the U-shape of the galvanized steel stakes, the prongs are about 2 inches apart. This helps them to just fit over the legs on most trampolines. You may want to measure the frame of your trampoline product to make sure the stakes are going to work. Though you get a set of 4 trampoline stakes, that might not be enough. Your trampoline might have up to six legs. For those with W-shaped legs, it’s important to buy enough stake to secure each end of each leg. This requires 12 wind stakes.
Once you’ve got the wind stakes in place, you can take the stakes with a hammer. They should go all the way into the ground so that the trampoline doesn’t move at all. Jiggle the wind stakes slightly to make sure they don’t come away from the leg or out of the ground. This ensures that the galvanized steel anchors are secure and safe enough for high winds.
Consider using more than one stake if you live in an area with high winds. Though it costs a bit more, you want to use as many stakes as needed to give you a safety net during inclement weather.
Trampolines often stay in one place, but there’s going to come a time where you must move it or get rid of it. Typically, trampolines are designed to last for 5 to 10 years. Pry away the stakes with a screwdriver when you buy a new product. Then, make sure that the trampoline accessories include a wind anchor kit.
Where to Find
Typically, you want high-quality anchors to secure your trampoline to the ground. Some brands, such as Skywalker Trampolines and the JumpSport Trampoline brand, come with appropriate anchor kits. If yours doesn’t, it’s important to purchase a heavy-duty trampoline anchor kit from a reputable source.
Auger Anchors, U-Buckles and T-spikes
Another option is to buy an auger trampoline anchor kit. This could be the best option, but it requires a lot of extra tools and components. In fact, trampoline anchors like this might be better because they’re strong and heavy-duty enough to withstand strong winds.
Trampoline anchor kits like this feature four steel augers with four nylon straps. Once you get the trampoline anchors into the ground on all four sides of the trampoline, you attach the straps and tighten them to hold the trampoline close to the ground during powerful winds.
Heavy-duty trampoline anchor kits like this are a highly effective option to stead your backyard trampoline. They withstand high-speed winds, but they also protect the trampoline from shifting from the repeated jumping. Typically, this type of trampoline anchor kit costs more than the stakes, but they’re better trampoline anchors that are going to secure your trampoline for many years to come.
How to Install
The first step here is to measure about 1 foot away from the trampoline legs. This is where the augers are going to be placed. Make sure that you use a tape measure here to guarantee that the measurements are consistent on all sides. Center the tape measure from the leg outward.
Remember, the exact spacing or placement of the steel auger anchors varies depending on the type of trampoline anchor kit you purchase. Follow the instructions to be safe.
Now, you’re going to screw your steel augers into the ground. They should have a pointed tip; place it on the ground and use a firm grip on the hooked end. Twist each of the augers in a clockwise direction just until the hook at the top is above ground level. Jostle them gently to ensure they’re secure. It’s possible to wet the ground to help sink the anchors.
Next, you’re going to loop the strap over the frame of the trampoline. Pull them up and over the bar right over each auger, making sure that there’s the same length on each side. Typically, a kit includes one strap for all the anchors you get in the set.
If you want a more secure hold, you should ensure that the anchors are at the top of your frame instead of the base. You can find straps that come in two pieces with a separate ratchet strap, making it easier to cinch the straps closer to the ground.
Part Two of Installation
You should now insert the strap into the auger hook, lining it up with the buckle from the opposite end. Then, connect them together, ensuring that there aren’t any kinks or twists.
Thread the straps through the top part of the buckle and then out to the bottom. Pull down to remove any slack. Do this for each side of your trampoline. It’s important that you don’t miss a buckle because the trampoline could tip over if there’s enough force.
Tighten down all the straps, working around the entire trampoline. Ensure that there’s no give anywhere. As you yank on one, another could come loose. Go around the trampoline two or three times until it’s all secured.
Sometimes, auger anchors are called tie-down straps. They should be made using high-quality materials that can withstand inclement weather.
Tie-downs are often made with a durable, flexible material. Nylon is the most commonly used option, but you can also find polyester and resin-coated versions. Trampolines are large and heavy, but they only sit on top of the ground. You want to use durable materials for the anchors to ensure that the trampoline doesn’t blow away or get knocked over. This could cause it to bend or twist, which renders it unusable.
Where to Find
Trampolines require a variety of things to ensure that they’re safe to use. Make sure that the auger anchor product you choose is made by a reputable manufacturer. You can often shop online to find appropriate trampoline anchor options that meet your needs. Also, consider reading the trampoline manual to see if it lists specific items to use.
Conclusion
You now understand how to secure a trampoline. We’ve talked about three different heavy-duty trampoline anchor kit options, and some of them are more durable than others. Strong wind is likely to happen at some point, so you need the best trampoline anchors to avoid any issues.
We think the auger trampoline anchors are the best solution. However, tie-downs also work in a pinch, or you can use the U-shaped trampoline anchors, often called wind stakes. Just make sure that the metal components are heavy-duty so that they anchor the trampoline toward the ground so that it doesn’t fly off during a bad storm.
Trampolines are a great product to have outside, but you’ve got to ensure that they’re set up correctly. Use all of the trampoline accessories that come with it. Sometimes, trampolines feature a heavy-duty trampoline anchor kit included.
Consider buying trampolines with the straps and anchors necessary. If you can’t find them, buy your own, but make sure that they are set up properly to protect your trampoline. Steel is the best choice, but you can find tie straps that utilize fabric and other options.
