What Happens if You Go Over the Weight Limit on a Trampoline?

Jumping on a trampoline can be one of the most fun activities for both kids and adults. A lot of the trampolines currently available are durable enough to withstand a lot of weight and abuse. However, they aren’t indestructible. They are far from it. You may be tempted to ignore the manufacturer’s suggested weight limit on the trampoline. That wouldn’t be the best idea. Here are some reasons why you want to pay attention to and adhere to the suggested weight limit.

Effects on a Trampoline from Exceeding the Weight Capacity

Poor Performance

One of the first things you would notice if you exceeded your trampolines weight limit is poor performance. If you are looking to have a good time with your trampoline, you won’t have it when there is too much weight. Whenever there is excessive weight, the springs and the mat aren’t going to provide the kind of jumping performance you’re looking for. You won’t get nearly as high and the mat will sag dangerously close to the ground. If you need a trampoline with a high weight capacity, check out our picks for some of the best high weight capacity trampolines.

Instability

Another major thing that you would notice if you exceed your trampoline’s weight limit is instability. Your trampoline is likely to start to become increasingly unstable when the weight capacity has been passed. This not only includes the base of the trampoline, but also the seams and mat. All of these things are likely to start to give which can put you in a troublesome spot.

Breakage

Eventually, your trampoline is going to completely give out. If there is enough weight on it, you’re not going to want to be on top of it. This is the primary reason you want to follow the manufacturer’s suggested weight limits. Your trampoline is more likely to fail when you place too much weight on it. Whether it’s the poles on your trampoline or if the mat starts to rip at the seams, it’s going to pose a danger to anyone using it. Ensure the mat is installed correctly before jumping to minimize this risk. The frame is the sturdiest part of any trampoline and can withstand much more than soft components like the mat. Furthermore, the springs will be stretched and lose some of their bounce, to the point that they will most likely need to be replaced.

Know Your Trampoline’s Weight Limit

A trampoline’s suggested weight capacity is very easy to identify. A manufacturer or brand will specify the max limit for your trampoline on the site and packaging. Because of this, you want to use this limit as a means to ensure you are buying the right trampoline for your needs. If you are looking for a trampoline that a couple of grown adults can use at the same time, you’ll want one with a high max limit. Whereas, if it’s primarily going to be kids using it (see our review of the Langxun kid trampoline), you may not necessarily be as worried about finding a trampoline with a high limit.

How Can You Exceed The Weight Limit On a Trampoline?

You may wonder how it’s even possible that you would exceed the manufacturer’s weight capacity. Believe it or not, it’s easier than you may believe. While the weight limit of the trampoline could be 350 pounds, that’s easy to get to when you are talking about two or more people using it. If your trampoline has a lower max limit, it’s going to be even easier to reach. If you are expecting to have more than a single person using it at once, you’ll want to pay close attention to whether or not you are surpassing the recommended limit. While your trampoline could potentially continue to work while you go over the limit, it’s not ideal. You could be putting yourself and whoever is using it at risk. Safety concerns are the number one reason to avoid going over the limit. Furthermore, the springs and the mat are more susceptible to damage and need to be replaced as the weight increases.

Final Words

When you are looking to use your trampoline safely, you want to be fully aware of the max limit at all times. There are a few ways you can ensure you aren’t exceeding it. One of the best things you can do when you want to avoid this problem is to make it known. Put a sign up that tells everyone the trampoline’s weight capacity. This can keep everyone informed of it before they step on it. Some people wouldn’t know the weight limit if you don’t make it clear because they didn’t see the packaging nor did they do the research while buying it.

In addition, ensure that you don’t get into the habit of having multiple people using it at once. While you can allow a couple of people to use it at the same time assuming it has a high enough max limit, you should try to keep it to a minimum of two people per session. Anything more than that and you’re going to start cutting it close even for the trampolines with a high limit.