How to store your rooftop tent
For adventure seekers, rooftop tents offer some definite advantages. They're more durable and comfortable than conventional tents, easier to move from site to site while you're on the road, and many allow you to leave bedding and accessories behind while you're traveling.
But what about when you're not using it? Storing these tents takes up more space and requires more care than ground-based models. These tents are expensive, and you need to take a few precautions to protect your investment and avoid unpleasant surprises when you
next trip. Here are some tips on how and where to store your RTT.
I offer you 3 common methods. In any case, it is a priority not to store the tent in a damp place, too close to the ground or near heavy objects that could fall on it and damage it.
Moreover, these 3 methods can be used for both a hard top and soft top tent.
Option 1; Suspend it
Hang it from the ceiling of a garage or heated area in the winter. If you can, install a pulley system to lift the tent off your car's roof and store it in place. When it's time to use it, lower the tent onto your car.
Caution is always advised when moving your tent onto the roof of your vehicle.
These tents are very heavy and if they fall they can damage your roof as well as your vehicle or anyone standing underneath.
One of the benefits of this setup is that it keeps the tent completely off the ground and away from moisture. This ensures that no mold will form on the tent during storage, preventing the tent material from being damaged.
Keeping the tent secured to the ceiling also means there is no chance of any equipment from the garage falling on it and damaging it. It also means you can't accidentally run over the tent with your car (yes, that has happened!).
Option 2 – Store your tent on a raised platform, off the ground.
This is the simplest storage technique. It simply involves laying the tent flat on a platform to keep it off the ground. When storing, make sure that it is stored in a place that is safe from accidental damage. You can set up your tent in a mattress bag to protect it from dust or pests. Generally a queen-size mattress bag is sufficient, but take the time to check the dimensions of your tent. The pitching materials should be placed inside the roof tent to ensure that the equipment is properly secured and to avoid loss or forgetfulness. The tent should be raised enough so that it is not affected by moisture.
This technique is more economical and simpler but it takes up more floor space.
Option 3 - Lean it against a wall;
If you don't have the space to place it on a platform close to the ground and you can't install a ceiling lift system, lean your tent against a wall. If possible, get some tie-downs and anchors to make sure it stays attached to the wall and doesn't accidentally tip over. If you decide to use this storage method, make sure you have a large bag to wrap the tent in. Seal the ends by folding them and taping them. Keep the tent on a raised platform (wooden pallet or similar) so that the tent is off the ground. Then lean the tent against the wall and secure it with tie-downs.
Can I leave it on my roof?
The option of leaving your rooftop tent permanently on your vehicle is an undesirable one, mainly because of the harsh winter weather. The cold and calcium have real impacts on your tent and reduce its life expectancy. In addition, the weight of the tent increases gasoline consumption, a very trendy topic these days… I highly recommend that you opt for one of the three methods mentioned above rather than leaving it permanently on your vehicle this winter. You can use your tent for winter camping, just avoid leaving it on the roof of your vehicle all winter.
In short…
It makes sense to store your rooftop tent when not in use. Proper storage will only increase the lifespan of your tent. Weigh the pros and cons of each of the methods described above and choose the one that best suits your vehicle, tent, and storage location.