If you want a rigid tube for occasional use, DWV pipe comes in diameters from 2-6", in 10" standard lengths that can be trimmed to shorter lengths using a hacksaw.
Put a cap on one end and inline adapter coupling to a larger pipe size for the reel. Add a threaded clean-out with plug and you have a very rugged, inexpensive rooftop rod carrier. Available materials are black ABS and white PVC. PVC is more rigid than ABS, and rigidity increases with diameter. Your rod will naturally flex far more than a piece of 2" or larger DWV pipe.
I've used them in the past to carry electrical conduits, plumbing pipe, tent poles, unistrut and trim pieces for millwork. To pad a rod you could use closed cell foam tube made for plumbing pipe insulation. A reel could be padded separately with a couple of layers of bubble wrap or foam sheeting.
Put a cap on one end and inline adapter coupling to a larger pipe size for the reel. Add a threaded clean-out with plug and you have a very rugged, inexpensive rooftop rod carrier. Available materials are black ABS and white PVC. PVC is more rigid than ABS, and rigidity increases with diameter. Your rod will naturally flex far more than a piece of 2" or larger DWV pipe.
I've used them in the past to carry electrical conduits, plumbing pipe, tent poles, unistrut and trim pieces for millwork. To pad a rod you could use closed cell foam tube made for plumbing pipe insulation. A reel could be padded separately with a couple of layers of bubble wrap or foam sheeting.
