Bed Bow Support Pole Shape

[darkstar]

This is likely to turn out to be a no-brainer, but could someone tell me why the bed-bow support pole (also called the shepherd's hook) needs to have such a pronounced bend in it?  I can't pop up right now, but if memory serves, there isn't anything actually in the way that would require the hook shape.  Since we have had two of these poles bed on us, both at the hook end, this seems like it's actually the weak point in the pole.  I'm wondering if another shape might work as well or better.  Thanks for any insights...Brady

[wavery]

This is likely to turn out to be a no-brainer, but could someone tell me why the bed-bow support pole (also called the shepherd's hook) needs to have such a pronounced bend in it?  I can't pop up right now, but if memory serves, there isn't anything actually in the way that would require the hook shape.  Since we have had two of these poles bed on us, both at the hook end, this seems like it's actually the weak point in the pole.  I'm wondering if another shape might work as well or better.  Thanks for any insights...Brady

It needs the "U" hook in it to go below the edge of the roof then up on the inside of the roof to go into the bracket. It needs to be a lot bigger than it looks to make clearance (for chafe protection) when the wind blows and the tent material flaps and the roof sways.

Click on this link and it shows a picture that may jog your memory:
http://community.webshots.com/photo/549382659/2164845840088759610lWTVQY