How to Move a Trampoline Easily and Safely? (Expert Tips)

How to Move a Trampoline Easy and Safely? If you are preparing to move to a new home, you may be wondering what to do with your backyard trampoline. Dismantling and reassembling it can be a big, awkward job – but with the right approach, you may be able to move it in one piece. Here’s an easy guide to safely transport your trampoline to your new house without taking it apart.

Do You Really Need to Take a Trampoline Apart?

Many people assume that taking apart a trampoline is a necessary part of moving it. However, with the right equipment and techniques, it’s often possible to relocate a trampoline while keeping it fully constructed. This avoids the complexity of disassembly and having to put it back together in your new backyard.

The key factors that determine whether you can move an assembled trampoline are its size, weight, and shape, as well as the access for moving equipment at both your old and new homes. Typical residential trampolines ranging from around 8 to 14 feet across can usually be transported without disassembly if care is taken – but very large models may be too heavy and awkward.

Get the Right Moving Equipment

Trying to shift a bulky trampoline using makeshift methods is likely to end in disaster – so it’s essential to use proper equipment. Useful gear for moving a complete trampoline includes:

• A Trampoline Moving Dolly: This is specially designed for moving assembled trampolines. It separates the legs so the frame can be tipped onto the dolly’s support bars ready for transportation.
• Trampoline Mover Straps: These strong straps wrap around the frame to prevent the springs and mat from shifting during location.
• Ratchet Straps: To securely fix the trampoline to the moving vehicle.
• Foam or Cardboard Edge Protectors: To cushion the contact points with the dolly and vehicle.
• A Ramp: For loading the trampoline in and out of a pickup truck or trailer.

This specialized gear might seem expensive compared to doing your own backyard disassembly. But it makes light work of moving a whole trampoline – and avoids potential safety issues if you were to try improvising with ladders, ropes and so forth. The equipment can be rented affordably from some rental outlets too.

Prepare the Trampoline for Transit

With the right equipment sorted, correctly setting up the trampoline for transportation is vital. According to the experts at Trampoline Movers Direct, key steps include:

• Check the trampoline is structurally sound with no damaged, rotten or missing parts.
• Remove any poles, weather covers, nets or other accessories that may shift or get damaged during the move.
• Secure all metal components like springs, clips, and rings so they don’t detach in transit.
• Wrap foam around the frame and legs at all contact points to prevent scratches.
• Use a trampoline mover strap system to stabilize the mat, springs, and frame.
• Make sure the trampoline is completely dry when moving it, or the mat may develop mold.

With suitable padding and stabilization applied, the trampoline is ready for the journey!

How to Move a Trampoline? : Choose Your Moving Method

When it comes to transport, you’ll need to pick the most practical option for safely shifting your particular trampoline model. Here are some possible methods:

Use a Trampoline Moving Dolly:

This dedicated trolley is designed to move complete trampolines. It separates the legs and tips the frame onto angled supports so the whole thing can be wheeled along like a cart. This works well for maneuvering a trampoline around a yard and through gates.

Lift Onto a Trailer:

A common approach is to lift the trampoline onto a trailer towed behind a vehicle. This may need several people or even a small crane for larger models. Key steps are to protect the contact points from damage, secure it firmly in place and anchor the legs.

Transport in a Truck Bed:

A pickup truck can also carry an assembled trampoline as long as it’s sturdy enough. Loading ramps may be needed to get it in and out safely. Again, pad all contact points and keep them tightly in place.

No matter which option you choose, take extreme care when loading, moving, and unloading the trampoline. Have helpers to guide the frame and never stand underneath it. Also ensure accessory poles and other detached parts are moved safely.

Set Up Your Trampoline at the New Location

Once your trampoline arrives fully intact at its new home, follow all the normal safety advice for setup in its permanent position:

• Select a flat, level surface away from hazards like trees, fences and power lines.
• Keep a clear safety zone of at least 23 feet in every direction.
• Anchor it securely using trampoline anchor kits suitable for the surface type.
• Re-attach any enclosure nets, weather covers, accessory poles and so on using all supplied fasteners.
• Inspect the whole trampoline carefully and replace any damaged parts before allowing use. Proper setup is vital for both safety and performance.

By moving your trampoline in one piece, you can avoid the effort of disassembling and reassembly. But take care at every stage – attempting to move a fully constructed trampoline without proper precautions can be hazardous.

Use Good Judgment When Deciding Whether to Move It Whole

Trampoline owners wanting to relocate their backyard bouncing apparatus often ponder whether it’s wise to move it whole or disassemble it. So when assessing your own situation, let common sense be your guide.

Consider the physical aspects of your particular trampoline and the practicalities of access at both properties. And think about your own confidence and capability to move it safely. You should only attempt to shift a whole trampoline if you can answer ‘yes’ to all the following:

• Is it a standard residential trampoline no bigger than 14 feet wide? Commercial or competition models may be too large and heavy.
• Does the trampoline appear sturdy with no damaged parts?
• Can proper specialized equipment for moving assembled trampolines be acquired?
• Is there clear access without narrow gates or low overheads at both properties?
• Are there helpers available to assist at all stages and ensure safety?
• Can the trampoline be securely loaded, transported and unloaded without undue risk?

Be utterly realistic about your abilities here. When in doubt, it’s always best to disassemble a trampoline before relocating it. This totally eliminates any safety worries during transportation.

Alternatively, hire professional trampoline movers to handle the whole job if budget allows. This takes the strain and hazard out of it for you.

So don’t be dismayed if you realize moving your whole trampoline; it just isn’t practical. Detaching all the parts may take work, but allows safe transfer to your new abode where the bouncing fun can soon resume!

Carefully Disassembling a Trampoline When Required

While keeping your trampoline in one piece for relocation is often the best approach, you may determine that a full or partial disassembly is ultimately wisest in your specific circumstances. So if the sensible choice is to take it apart, this process requires care and strategy too.

By following a structured dismantling process with safety foremost in mind, removing a trampoline can set you up for an easier shift and reassembly at your new address. Here’s a guide to cautiously breaking down your bouncing apparatus piece by piece if the situation demands it:

Assess and Prepare

Before rush into deconstruction, take time to make some key evaluations and preparations:

• Check the manufacturer guidelines for appropriate disassembly of your particular trampoline model. The sequence and techniques can vary. 
• Ensure you have the full list of tools and components needed for smooth deconstruction and eventual reconstruction.
• Clear a wide, level workspace around the trampoline for safe access all around it as you work.
• Carefully inspect the unit while still erect to identify anything requiring particular care like damaged parts or rusty fasteners during dismantling.

Take Photos!

A step often missed is to take multiple photos of your assembled trampoline from all angles before altering anything. This provides an invaluable reference for accurately reassembling it later. Label components spread out on the ground afterwards so you can identify their original positions.

Remove Accessories

The first components to detach are accessory parts like enclosure nets, weather covers, external ladders, anchor kits and safety pads. This leaves just the key poles, mat, and bouncing system to dismantle.

Detach Mat and Springs

Use calibrated tools to detach the trampoline springs from the frame, while taking care not to overstrain yourself or lose control of the springs. Gradually remove the mat edge rings from their mountings, too. As you go, lay out the parts neatly ready for transport after finishing disassembly.

Take Down Frame

With the interior bouncing components detached, turning your attention systematically to the exterior frame allows the dismantling job to be rounded out. Refer to assembly markings and manufacturer steps to help do this efficiently and avoid issues later on.

Once every nut, bolt, and pole have been detached safely; all trampoline parts will be ready for packing into a moving truck or trailer. Handle components with care to prevent scratches or damage in transit.

Be sure to store small removed fasteners like bolts, nuts, and washers securely so they don’t go missing before it’s time for reassembly at your new location! 

Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)

Conclusion

When moving house, leaving behind a well-loved backyard trampoline can be sad. But with the right approach, relocating an assembled trampoline is often perfectly feasible without the headaches of dismantling and reconstruction.

The keys are using proper specialized moving equipment, carefully preparing the unit to avoid damage, choosing a safe transportation method and expertly setting up again in its new home.

While a disassembly may still be wise in some situations, retaining your trampoline as a single intact piece through an organized move brings significant rewards. Simply follow safe processes and your bouncing fun can quickly recommence at your new pad!