AlvantorAluminum Telescoping Tarp Poles Adjustable Rods and Round Pad Screen House & Bubble Tent & Vendor Booth

As other reviewers have said, you need to start at the bottom, hold the lowest section still, the turn the middle section until it tightens where you want it. Last hold the middle still and turn the upper section until it tightens. It isn't obvious how to do this, but once you get it, it works very well.This pole is absolutely necessary if you want to keep the rain from collecting on the roof and knocking the Alvantor down in the rain. For people who want to bring the Alvantor camping in all kinds of weather and want a shelter from the rain, you need the pole. You also need more 'sails' to cover the remaining panels on the Alvantor. With the pole and all the sides covered, you can stay moderately dry inside in the rain and can use it as a place to change clothes, etc. with some privacy. Works well if you plan to sleep in your car or SUV and you need a little more space to cook, relax, change clothes, etc.You will need this pole if you plan to rely on the Alvantor as a sheltered space.The pole packs up nicely.

Top part wouldn’t tighten on arrival. Was able to get it to work with the bottom part but during a storm it blew over and the bottom part broke.Tried to fix it with tape but now it’s not standing up.Worked well when it was up.Sad I paid so much and now it’s useless.UPDATE: The company contacted me and sent me a brand new pole. It is perfect and working wonderfully even after a terrible storm we had.Their customer service is terrific.I am updating my rating to five.

At first I also thought this pole was junk, because I couldn't figure out how to lock it. It just wouldn't lock for me, though I thought I was doing it correctly according the decal. I was going to send it back, but decided to read reviews first in the event I missed how to extend and lock it. After reading one review which the person said it took a bit of figuring it out (how to make it lock) I tried different ways. What worked for me is - first set the bottom section pole where you want to place it inside the tent. Next move the second section pole (middle pole) to the extension you desire. This middle section pole is the pole you need to twist to lock it in place, going clockwise. Do not twist the bottom pole that has the "lock/unlock" decal on it when you are twisting the middle pole. Next move the top pole to the position you desire, then twist the top pole in a clockwise direction, without twisting the other two sections. It will lock.

Bottom section will not tighten. Evidently, the plastic piece that surrounds the expanding screw cracked and fell to bottom of section. Therefore, post will not tighten. Therefore, useless. Used just once before it broke.UPDATE: after contacting Alvantor customer service they promptly sent me a free replacement post. Works great!

could not use it. the expansion joint / lock broke the first time I took it out of the bag.

Product arrived slightly damaged and appeared used. Attempted to have issue addressed but never received any correspondence. In the end it served it function but I wouldn't order one again.Update: I was contacted by the company and they replaced the damaged product. The new pole has no scratches and is in pristine condition. It was bubble wrapped and arrived sooner than expected. Therefore I change my review from 3 to 5 stars. This company corrects its errors and that means a great deal today!!!

I was setting up the pole but the inside black plastic mechanism split apart while I was adjusting the height. I've contacted customer support for a replacement pole. This part should not break this easily.

Isn't alway needed but helps during rain and heavy wind.