How can I make bigger trampoline pads fit my smaller rectangle trampoline?

You will be relieved to know we do have a way to enable our pads to fit a smaller trampoline.

Our pads are designed to fit our rectangle trampolines. They come as one piece and mitered at the corners like a picture frame making a neat and snug fit for the nominated trampoline they are made for; with only a small 20 mm variance at most for using across other brands.

So before you buy any trampoline part in an imperial measurement, cross-check and compare the brand in metric. If for example, you are looking for pads for an 8x12ft, the variance across brands is a couple of inches, more or less. For this reason, you really need to rely on metric conversions.

If you have shopped around for the correct size for your frame and can’t find any due to the brand no longer being available please keep reading. Typically people phone or email asking for padding for their standard rectangle trampoline or old school trampoline, which both amount to being irregular sizes compared to what is available today. We confirm what the size is that they have and then often need to recommend buying our pads that are the next bigger size than the existing trampoline (be aware anything variable of 30mm won’t work without some custom fitting).

How to custom fit rectangle trampoline padding.

Once you have your new pads; lay the over-sized trampoline padding out on your trampoline, with the bottom side of the padding facing up.
You will find the foam sits inside a pocket that is open one end like a pillowcase on the underside of the pads (see the photo above 2 slivers of padding shown just outside the pocket).
Remove the foam pieces from the pockets, on the sides you know need to be cut down to size. You might be lucky to only need to cut down 2 of the 4 sides.
Best to measure and check twice before getting the knife to cut the foams.
Cut carefully down to the required size. You are best to cut less than you think you need to so you don't accidentally make them too small.
Check against the trampoline frame size physically and remeasure (can’t emphasize this enough).

Depending on how much you have had to cut will determine what you do next

Put the foam back in the covers and keep the padding end close to the open pocket end, do not push up to the inner seam.
Now have a look at the PVC that is in excess either side of the seam that has no foam in it.
If the excess is less than 15cm you will likely get away with using outdoor weather tape which is available from hardware stores.
Use the tape to take up the slack of the padding excess PVC at the seam.
Tape the excess back at the seam on the underside out of sight and away from any direct UV (also for aesthetics so the tape can't be seen and the springs will keep it secured in place).
If you have had to cut 20cm or more on any one side then you are best to see someone with a commercial sewing machine (upholsterer, sailmaker, or saddle maker) to do the job of cutting and resewing the seam and cutting the excess PVC out while they are at it.
Your repairer will then check the foam for size and cut the PVC at the seam to resew for you, still leaving the pocket open to put the foam back in after they have done their sewing.

Any questions before ordering please do feel free to call us (03) 5292 1100 or message us here.

If you are seeking other parts for a different brand trampoline scroll down to see articles about what to look out for before purchasing other trampoline parts.