This page includes everything you need to know about storing our products.
Check out the most frequently asked questions below.
A. We get asked this question all the time because nowadays, people have limited storage space in their garages or homes. Let’s face it, as the saying goes, “what goes up, must come down”, and the same can be said for rooftop tents.
Eventually, you will want to take it off your vehicle’s roof and store it somewhere for the season you are not using it.
In answering your question, we are referring to hard shell rooftop tents. The answer is yes, you can store a roof tent on its side, but the tent should be tilted, as in, not placed vertically upright, instead, upright but at an angle or tilted diagonally.
If you were to place your hard-shell rooftop tent perfectly vertical, the weight and pressure would be exerted on the side of the lid of your tent. Eventually, this upright angle may compress the lid on one side and could misshape or even crack it. You do not want this to happen.
Instead, we recommend you angle or tilt the tent so that the side of the base of the tent is in contact with whatever you have placed the roof tent on. The side of the base of your tent is much studier and should not get damaged in this way.
My short guide to storing a hard-shell roof top tent on its side is as follows:
1. Remove any objects from inside the tent before storage- poles, lanterns, solar battery packs and roof rack and bar fixings all add weight.
2. Before placing on its side, lie the tent on its side (closed) and wind pallet or bubble wrap around the outside edge of the tent. This may help prevent it from getting scratched.
3. Fully cover the top, bottom and sides in plastic sheeting and secure with heavy-duty adhesive tape. These materials can be bought in any hardware store or builder’s merchant.
4. Place a pallet with cushioning material close to a wall in the room or area where you plan to store your tent. This cushioning material will add extra protection to the underside of the tent. Place tent on its side on the pallet and tilt it upright against a wall. You have now successfully stored your hard shell rooftop tent.
A. There are multiple places where you can store your tent. Once the camping season is finished and you want to take a break from using your roof top tent, you will decide whether to leave the hardtop tent on the roof of your vehicle or remove it and place it in storage.
A rooftop tent will make your vehicle less efficient in terms of fuel economy as it adds wind resistance while travelling, therefore, if not using it for a length of time, it is advisable to remove it to save this added cost.
Where you store it is completely down to your personal circumstances, including the amount of space available, size of shed or garage etc. If you are short on space but do have a garage or shed, please read the previously answered question, which will explain a few options on how to store it. If you do not have any room for your tent, you could perhaps ask a friend or family member to keep it for you or rent space in a self-storage type of facility. This storage option often can be hired on a short-term contract.
A. When storing your rooftop tent in winter it is important that it does not get damp. Choose a location that is not exposed to the outside elements including rain, wind or extreme cold. If stored indoors, make sure the location is not damp. Even if you are sure the locality is dry, please remove all contents from the tent, including the mattress and bedding as these are the most susceptible to moisture ingress.
Ensure the tent, including base, roof and canvas have been aired out and are completely dry. After closing, wrap carefully in heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape together with heavy-duty adhesive tape. The plastic and tape will ensure that moisture does not penetrate inside your tent while it is stored for the time it is unused. If resting it on its side during storage, make sure the side touching the ground is cushioned with a soft material. Follow these guidelines and your tent will be kept safe for winter.
A. The likelihood of thieves stealing a roof tent from a vehicle is extremely low as it takes between 30-60 mins to install a roof tent correctly to roof bars mounted on your vehicle and it would take a thief a similar amount of time to remove it without getting caught. However, it is prudent to take a few precautions to secure your roof top tent. Buy lockable roof bars. These are bars that cannot be removed from the roof of your vehicle without a key. Do not keep valuables inside your roof tent. If the make and model allow, lock your tent when closed. These simple precautions will help secure your new home on wheels.
