How to Pack Down and Store Your Rooftop Tent Between Trips
Most of the damage a rooftop tent takes doesn't happen at camp - it happens from being packed away wrong, or stored badly between trips. Here's how to do both properly.
Packing down at camp
- Clear the interior first - shake out sand, dirt and leaves before folding, so it isn't ground into the mattress or canvas during transit
- Give it a chance to dry - if there's any dampness from dew, rain or condensation, air it out for a few minutes before closing up. Packing away wet is the single biggest cause of mould (see our mould removal guide if you're already dealing with it)
- Fold the canvas in cleanly - loose fabric caught in the shell edge or ladder mechanism is a common cause of premature wear and rubber seal damage
- Retract the ladder fully and secure it - if you're running RTT Ladder Steps, use the included securing strap to keep them from flapping loose during transit
- Check the latches are properly engaged before driving off - a half-latched tent is both a wind-noise problem and a security risk at highway speed
Storing it on the vehicle, long-term
If the tent stays mounted on your vehicle between trips rather than coming off, a few things help it last:
- Park undercover where possible, or at least out of constant direct sun - UV exposure breaks down canvas and rubber seals faster than almost anything else
- Give it an occasional check-over even when it's not in use, particularly after a run of wet weather
- Keep an eye on the rubber seal around the shell for any signs of perishing or gaps
Taking it off the vehicle for storage
If you're removing the tent for an extended period (off-season, or between owning vehicles):
- Store it somewhere dry and ventilated, not a sealed garage corner where condensation can build up
- Keep it off the ground if possible, on a rack or stand rather than resting directly on concrete
- Do a final check that it's fully dry before long-term storage - this is the step people skip that leads to mould setting in over months rather than being noticed after a weekend trip
Before your next trip
After any storage longer than a few weeks, it's worth a quick check before you head off:
- Open it up and check for any mould or musty smell
- Check the ladder extends and retracts smoothly
- Check latches, hinges and any bracket hardware are still tight
- If it's been a while since the canvas was treated, consider a re-waterproof before a big trip rather than finding out it's needed halfway through
FAQ
Can I leave the tent on the car permanently, or should I take it off in winter?
Plenty of owners leave it mounted year-round without issue, provided it's properly latched, dry when packed away, and checked periodically. If you know you won't use it for months, taking it off and storing it properly extends its life further.
How do I know if I packed it away too wet?
A musty smell or visible mould spots when you next open it up are the tell-tale signs. Address it with our mould removal guide as soon as you notice it rather than leaving it to spread further.
Does the mattress need anything special during storage?
Just make sure it's dry before folding the tent away - a damp mattress in a closed-up tent is exactly the environment mould needs to take hold.
What's the biggest mistake people make packing down?
Rushing the fold-down and packing away damp canvas to beat the rain or get on the road faster. Ten minutes of airing out at camp saves hours of mould treatment later.
