Flag poles - Need some Ideas

[bushpilot]

Ok im looking to do a flag pole - i want to fly "OLD GLORY" & my state flag.
My biggest problem is we dont have a ladder on our coach.

I've looked at some of these telescopic fiberglass (tapered) poles and im wondering about the amount of SWAY they have.

i BELIEVE i can use my mirrors (w/ some pipe insulation to prevent scratching) and some zip ties as a method of securing the flag pole (im thinking 22ft, from the ground, since i dont think i can get the pole on the step.

im wondering what others are doing & if they have experience w/ these fiber glass flag poles.

[Bob86ZZ4]

I've got one of the fiberglass ones. I think it's from these guys: RVFLAGPOLEGUYS: #1 RV FLAGPOLE GUYS

I got the 22' one. I have a ladder on the back so mount mine there. The bottom cup I put about 7' above ground. The top bracket is near the top of my ladder. I know, you don't have a ladder, yet. You might want to consider putting a ladder on just to hold the flagpole? I think I wouldn't want to mount a 22' pole to the mirror. With two flags flying and a bit of a breeze it has some torque to it. The top bracket on mine sometimes twisted a bit in the wind. So I drilled a couple holes through mine and pop rivited it to the ladder so it won't twist. Then for extra I climb up there and put a short bungy cord around it and the ladder to prevent it from popping out (it never has but I'd hate for it to spring out and land on my neighbor's rv).

Here's a shot:



I've been happy with the gray fiberglass pole. A few time's it's slipped down a section. I talked to the guys about it at the last rv show and they gave me a pin kit that I haven't installed yet. You extend the pole and drill a hole at each overlap. Then they have these neat pins that fit in to assure it won't slip down. I'll drill the holes soon.

What about a base type tube that fits into a trailer hitch receiver? Would that work for you? I think if you get it out about 2' from the back of the coach I don't think it would hit up top. I think those kind that you drive the tire onto are pretty low and don't stick out very far so might be more likely to hit up top when windy?

[bushpilot]

thanks bob !

i dont think the tire holder is an option for me....unless im on completely level ground i seem to almost always end up w/ a tire or two off the ground.

i agree - i DONT want the pole banging the coach.

the ladder is an issue for me - since i would have to be SIDE mounted (i have a rear slide out)....initially i did investigate adding a ladder and was quoted 500 bucks (you can well imagine the words that i uttered). I use a telescoping ladder ('case i need to get on the roof).

i suspect the hitch mount would have too much SWAY probably wound end up contacting my rear slide.

i THINK, if i fold the mirror in some & can get the pole on the door step i might be able to add some rigidity to the pole.

the mirror strapping idea isnt perfect...and id love a better alternative.

[bushpilot]

bob what size flags are those ??? 3x5 ?

ive heard some say the 3x5 flags look dis-proportionally small.
Im wondering also if i could minimized the SWAY if i ran one flag per pole.

[Bob86ZZ4]

I think my flags are about 3'x5'. I forgot about your rear slide. That would also interfere with a hitch mount. What about off the front bumper? Do you have a receiver hitch up there? Or could you find an area to attach a 2" receiver hitch tube type thingy? Then you could use a hitch mount? They sell a hitch mount but have a crappy picture of it about halfway down on the right here: RVFLAGPOLEGUYS - RV Flagpoles, Mounts & Cover

[#90-GTSC]

Bob ... what does the second flag represent?

[bushpilot]

Originally Posted by #90-GTSC

Bob ... what does the second flag represent?

Police ! Usually meant in memory or morning for Police who have passed.

[Bob86ZZ4]

Yep, google "thin blue line."

[volvoman]

do you have tow hook openings on the front of your truck? could you put poles under front tires and put a spacer against tire to keep from hitting against hood? maybe built or buy one of the steps that go over the top of tire and put a larger pipe on it for pole to go through.

[bushpilot]

i do have the tow hooks (i carry a 40k strap to questionable locations, where we may be parking in grass or weather may be an issue, after we arrive).

[Bob86ZZ4]

What about taking one of the hooks off and replacing it with a receiver hitch tube? Then get a flag pole holder that goes into that?

[bushpilot]

Originally Posted by Bob86ZZ4

What about taking one of the hooks off and replacing it with a receiver hitch tube? Then get a flag pole holder that goes into that?

someone make that ? or is that something im gonna have to build ?

[Bob86ZZ4]

The hitch mount flag pole holder is available, I think I had a link to it previosly in this thread. A receiver hitch tube is standard stuff available at U-Haul, or a farm supply place, Harbor Freight, Northern, etc.... Only thing to fab would be how to attach it to the framer where you remove the hook. Shouldn't be too hard. What about welding bolts to the outside of the tube and make them long enough to fit through the frame then put the nuts on?

[bushpilot]

bought the CAMCO aluminum (20ft) pole - more substantial than the fiberglass poles (a hell of a lot more expensive too)...figure ill make it work some how.

came w/ a nice zippered storage bag & the tire stand...if nothing else i'll use the tire stand mounted it to the rear hitch some how.

[bushpilot]

weve already dumped the included flag (we prefer the nicer flags w/ the embroider stars & individually sewn strips).

If the WRONG candidate wins in November, the Texas Flag will move to the TOP !

[bushpilot]

couple photos of the <decided on> aluminum flag pole.



we even made the ama road racing web pages...too bad the photog chopped the stars & bars when he framed the picture.

[blizzardND]

Bob I see you don't fly a Chevy Bowtie flag to match your trailer. I don't blame ya, I wouln't either.. HA! geez im funny...

hope you are having a great time in Hutch, wish we were there too.
-blizz

[bushpilot]

Well I've decide to go another route for my patriotic pride & display of our great flag.

I'm willing to make someone a sweetheart deal on my existing flag pole, tire stand and flags if anyone is interested.

I have the 20ft version with the tire stand (listed here at PPL) and ill even include the 3x5 embroidered USA flag.