Used Trampolines

You can always buy a used trampoline. Whether you should is another question. A second hand trampoline, even a used professional trampoline, like any other product, will exhibit wear and tear. In some products, this does not create a safety issue. With trampolines, if there is a tear, a rip, a stretched spring, a worn safety pad or stressed frame, you are creating the situation for an accident.

If you see used trampolines for sale, be careful. Do not buy one online unless you have a guarantee you can return it if the product does not live up to its claims. If you must buy a second hand trampoline, do so at a used or second-hand store or from a reputable dealer. In all cases, go to see and check out the trampoline before you pay for it.

Before you visit, read up on the specifications for the particular brand you are seeing. Know what characteristics are pertinent of the model. Note its age. Try to find out the availability of replacement or compatible parts. Go informed.

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When you see the used trampoline, examine it closely. Look, first, at the mat or trampoline bed. Does it show signs of aging? Are there any rips or tears? Is it faded in color or rough to the touch? Touch the fabric. Is it thin? Are there any loose threads? If there are any signs of these flaws, you may have to replace the bed or mat. It depends upon the cost of buying the trampoline and replacing the mat whether this is advisable.

Another thing you must look at is the springs. Remove a spring. Hold it in your hand. Do the springs return to a tight coil shape in your hand? Examine the points at both ends of the springs. Are they dull? If the spring coils do not have any spring in them or if the tips are dull, rusted or broken, you will have to buy new springs. Does this extra expense figure into your planned costs?

Another critical item to check is the safety pads. How thin or thick are they? Do they cover enough area? How complete or intact are the threads, buckles or belts holding the pads in place? Do these need to be replaced? Ask yourself if you can absorb this cost.

You also need to examine the frame for any weaknesses. Is it still solid and showing no signs of weakness or metal fatigue? Is it worn down by the weather? If the frame needs to be replaced you might as well buy a new trampoline. In fact, if the frame, mat, pad and springs all need to be replaced; you are better off going elsewhere.