Roof Tent Care - A guide to the best tent care practice!

So you've got your new tent and want to know how to look after it!

There are some basic things to know when caring for your roof tent investment. The two main things to know are New Zealand is a rainy, humid island and tents condensate when sleeping in them. One person can produce upwards of 400mil of exhaled fluid each night into your tent.

Roof tents were originally pioneered and designed in South Africa for SA. South Africa is a dry desert country where humidity is extremely low. Eventually Australia caught up and started using them which is basically a giant desert. Then came along little old New Zealand, a small rainy island which is a mix of humid semi-tropics in the north, damp rain forests throughout most of the central north to south with a variable south island. We have extra tent care needs that a specific to our climate.

 

Here are the EXPLOREY care tips, applicable to all tents made by us or others:

  1. Make sure all the fabric is properly tucked inside the tent. There is a flat edge followed by an edge lip (where the tent fabric is connected to). Make sure fabric is inside of the lip. If even a small bit of fabric is next under the seal it will draw water into the tent. Imagine a bit of cloth or towel pulling water up when you dip the edge into water. Our slimline model is more prone to protruding fabric.
  2. All clamps need to be clamped. If they are not tight enough, tighten them further. They are adjustable and a good seal will keep moisture out
  3. If your tent is closed in the rain it is best to park your vehicle flat.
  4. After sleeping in your tent air and dry it out each time. This is the same as any camping tent Check under the mattress as the moisture from your breath will drop and can normally find it's way to the floor. Think back to your outdoor camping days, you wake up in your tent, the fabric inside and outside is damp and before packing away you take everything out and let the sun dry it. If you are using your roof tent daily drying will happen naturally and is not a concern.
  5. If you are not using your tent, remove the mattress for storage. This gives your tent more room to breath.
  6. Open your tent for an air out after rain at every few weeks. Check under the mattress.

For our tents with carpet on the inside floor, checking for dampness needs to be done with your hand.

Remember this - New Zealand is extremely humid. Generally, moist air will get trapped inside the tent and will cause dampness. Give it a regular air dry once in a while or after a period of rain.