Rooftop tent care – A camping vacation with a rooftop tent promises relaxation and lots of fun.
You’re not tied to just one location, but can travel flexibly, always have a huge and comfortable place to sleep and can fully enjoy the great outdoors right into the night.
However, to keep your roof tent in top condition in the long term and prevent mold growth and other damage, proper care is of great importance.
Here are some tips to help you keep your roof tent clean and prevent mold growth and other damage.
Camping Ratgeber:
The right care for roof tents on a camping vacation
By following a few tips for proper care, you can significantly extend the life of your roof tent and ensure a clean and safe camping adventure.
Proper care not only ensures the preservation of the tent material, but also a carefree camping vacation without unpleasant odors or mildew problems.
Enjoy the freedom of camping and take good care of your roof tent! Here are all the tips:
Tip 1: Regular inspection and control
Check your roof tent regularly for signs of mold, mildew stains, cracks or other damage.
Early detection enables faster treatment and prevents major problems.
It is therefore best to inspect your roof tent thoroughly from all sides after setting it up and before folding it up.
- Check your roof tent regularly for mold, mildew stains and damage
- Early detection enables faster treatment
Tip 2: Distinguish between mildew stains & mold
Before you start cleaning, it is important to differentiate between mildew stains and mold.
Mildew stains are usually minor discolorations, while mould is a more serious form of fungal infestation.
Different cleaning methods are used depending on the problem.
- Distinguish between mildew stains & mold
- Use different cleaning methods depending on the problem
Tip 3: Use suitable cleaning agents
There are various cleaning agents to choose from for cleaning your roof tent.
Mild soaps, such as curd soap, are suitable for light mildew stains.
Special cleaning agents are recommended for more severe mold infestation.
Stick to the recommended products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Make sure that you do not use vinegar solutions, as these can attack the coating of the tent material.
- Mild soaps are suitable for light mold stains
- Use special cleaning agents for heavy mold infestation
- Do not use vinegar solutions, as these attack the tent material
Tip 4: Work with lots of water
Water plays a crucial role in cleaning roof tents.
Use a sponge, cloth or microfiber cloth and always work with plenty of water.
The generous use of water effectively prevents the spread of mold spores.
- Water prevents the spread of mold spores
- Use a sponge or cloth and plenty of water
Don’t skimp on water when cleaning your roof tent!
Tip 5: Waterproof the tent material
After cleaning, it is important to impregnate the tent material again to restore the protection against water.
Select a suitable impregnating agent and spray it evenly onto the tent material from a distance of around 20 – 30 centimeters.
Repeat this process every two to three seasons to ensure optimum protection.
You can find a suitable spray here in the store:
- Re-impregnate tent material after cleaning
- Select a suitable impregnating agent
- Spray it onto the tent material from a distance of 20 – 30 cm
Tip 6: Dry before stowing away
Make sure that your roof tent is completely dry before you pack it up and stow it away.
Residual moisture can lead to mold growth.
If possible, leave the tent to dry in the sun before folding it up.
- Make sure that your roof tent is completely dry before stowing it away
- Residual moisture can lead to mold growth
Tip 7: Be careful when setting up and dismantling
Be careful when putting up and taking down your roof tent to avoid damage.
Take particular care to ensure that no sharp objects touch the tent material or damage the poles.
- Be careful during assembly and disassembly to avoid damage
- In forests under trees, make sure that nothing touches the tent
Keep your distance from sharp objects when setting up your roof tent to avoid damage!
Tip 8: Protection from UV rays
Rooftop tents are constantly exposed to the sun and can be weakened by UV rays over time.
If possible, use a tarpaulin or cover when not in use to protect the tent from direct sunlight.
- If possible, cover the roof tent to avoid direct sunlight
- UV rays weaken the tent material
Tip 9: Repair tears at the sailmaker
If your PVC cover film is torn, you should take it to a sailmaker to have it professionally repaired.
The sailmaker is familiar with the materials and can weld the tears professionally so that your roof tent looks like new again.
- Take the tent to the sailmaker near Rissen
- Ensure professional repair