D4 Alpine Double Upgrade Notice IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL OWNERS OF THE D4 ALPINE DOUBLE. We are offering a free corner tube upgrade (four 90 degree corner tubes with D4 bullet joiners on each end) for the D4 Alpine Double made by Runout Customs. There have been two cases of the corner tubes failing in cases of extreme loading. Though the D4 Alpine Double has been used for 100's of nights without any issue, in certain cases when the suspension is not ideally adjusted (usually too short), and the ledge gets into a "taco" configuration, the rigid frame of the current version of the D4 Alpine Double can become overloaded. A "taco" configuration is when two diagonally opposite corners are high, and the other two are low. Of major importance is not to try to flatten the ledge when loaded if the ledge gets "taco-ed"; in cases of extreme taco, it is necessary to exit the ledge, and flatten it while unloaded and making appropriate adjustments to the suspension. The D4 ledge design has minimal friction quick assembling bullet joints. which can more easily rotate making the design more prone to taco-ing, and requires more vigilant micro adjustments which all climbing portaledges generally need as weight shifts over time with use. We will upgrade free of charge all existing ledges with beefier corner tubes to minimise the possibility of overloading. We are currently testing two designs, a reinforced version of the existing tube, and a new thicker (0.083") corner tube. Both options will add about 7.5 ounces to the weight of the ledge, and even though the current version is safe to use if set up as recommended, the beefier corner tubes will allow for situations where circumstances involve a less than ideal ledge setup. There are two options for the upgrade: 1. Send us your current address and we will send four new corner tubes, and replacement instructions. Replacement is easy to do--just untie the shock cord, replace the tubes, re-feed the shock cord (using two clamps makes this easy), and tie the shock cord with a double fisherman's knot. 2. Return the ledge to Runout Customs and we will replace the tubes/inspect and return to you. We will pay for return shipping. Return Address: IF USPS: Runout Customs P.O. Box 267 Fruita, Colorado 81521 IF UPS/FED EX Luke Malatesta--Runout Customs 1125 Wolf Creek Ct Fruita, Colorado 81521 USA ph. +1(970)640-1235 IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. Make sure the ledge suspension is adjusted flat and as long as possible with best fit for the fly. 2. Do not intentionally set up in the "asymetrical hang" configuration, with one side suspension straps adjusted short, and the other side long. This configuration is seldom necessary and creates an extreme loading on the portaledge frame, and is not recommended with any lightweight ledge design. 3. Hang it low: install a sling between the anchor and the ledge--this allows the ledge to "float" better and also creates more room inside the ledge when using the fly. 4. Do not force adjustment when loaded if the ledge is extremely "taco-ed". One person should be easily able to adjust the ledge (as pulling on the adjustment straps lessens their load), so when using the ledge with two people, one person will need to exit the ledge when making larger adjustments to the suspension. 5. Make sure the four corner suspension attachment straps are centerd on the middle of the curved corners. 6. Inspect the ledge carefully prior to each use--the integrity of the shock cord, and wear on the frame, bed, suspension, or fly. If noticeably worn or damaged, please return to Runout Customs for repair. Again, we would like to re-iterate that the current D4 Alpine Double has been used for 100's of nights without incident, but we want to ensure the quality of our product is bomber even in cases of extreme load ing. If you have any questions about properly setting up the portaledge, please do not use your Alpine Double until your corner tubes have been replaced with the beefier tubes. And of course, please remember that a portaledge is not a primary safety device like a harness, it is the user's responsibility to be safely tied in independently to the main anchor and has all backup equipment as is prudent when venturing in the wilds of big stone vertical. Please respond to this email with your choice of replacement, and any other questions you might have. Sincerely yours, Luke Malatesta, Runout Customs manufacturer. John Middendorf, D4 BigWallGear designer.