Bethany Pop-up Camper Pole Identification?

[jbell1981]

Just picked up a 1978 Bethany compact 560. Got it set up but I can't figure out what these 2 adjustable poles are for.  Anyone know? 

[leech~~]

Odd, looks like home made brackets on the ends?  May be they had them for some kind of tarp outside?

[Mike89]

support the slide out maybe??

[jbell1981]

27 minutes ago, Mike89 said:

support the slide out maybe??

 

No, there were other poles for that.

[leech~~]

I'm pretty sure they are for the outside awning. 

Go to site below.  Click on 1979 brochures.  Then click on page 07.  It shows a camper with two poles holding up an awning. That may be why the flat bottom piece. 

 

 

http://www.popupcamperhistory.com/bethanyimages.html

 

Edited September 25, 2018 by leech~~

[jbell1981]

2 hours ago, leech~~ said:

I'm pretty sure they are for the outside awning. 

Go to site below.  Click on 1979 brochures.  Then click on page 07.  It shows a camper with two poles holding up an awning. That may be why the flat bottom piece. 

 

 

http://www.popupcamperhistory.com/bethanyimages.html

 

 

Maybe, but they are only about 5 feet long fully extended. Also, mine has the side slide outs, not the front and back so there isn't much room for anything near the door. But maybe it was for something smaller over the door. I will investigate further this evening. 

[leech~~]

1 hour ago, jbell1981 said:

 

Maybe, but they are only about 5 feet long fully extended. Also, mine has the side slide outs, not the front and back so there isn't much room for anything near the door. But maybe it was for something smaller over the door. I will investigate further this evening.

Nice.   The canvas looks pretty nice for the age.

[jbell1981]

52 minutes ago, leech~~ said:

Nice.   The canvas looks pretty nice for the age.

 

It had a little water damage,  so there is some mold I need to clean up and a few minor holes.  The price was right though.  Only $100.

[Big Dave2]

I wonder if they are safety poles? Do they fit inside somewhere to keep the top up in case of catastrophic failure?

[jbell1981]

49 minutes ago, Big Dave2 said:

I wonder if they are safety poles? Do they fit inside somewhere to keep the top up in case of catastrophic failure?

 

Maybe? I'll look more tonight. 

[Big Dave2]

2 hours ago, jbell1981 said:

 

It had a little water damage,  so there is some mold I need to clean up and a few minor holes.  The price was right though.  Only $100.

 

Where you heading with it first?

[jbell1981]

23 minutes ago, Big Dave2 said:

 

Where you heading with it first?

 

Warroad. I got it to serve as hunting camp this fall. 

[jbell1981]

I can't find a logical purpose for the poles. I'll just assume one of the previous owners put them in here for some other reason and they aren't for the camper.