Rooftop Tent and Awning Care and Maintenance Tips: How to extend the life of your shelters

1. Air Things Out

• Temperature and Humidity: The combination of cold nights and warm days this time of year can create a lovely environment for mold and mildew to develop on the tent and awning fabric. This is not because of bad seals but from temp changes combined with humidity creating condensation inside the tent or awning. This warms in the sun and mold will develop and make you sad.
• Let it breathe: So, to prevent this from happening, open these puppies up and let them air out. On dry days open and deploy awnings and rooftop tents to let them breathe/air out. Much happiness will follow!

Tip: With your rooftop awnings consider quick release brackets to easily remove it from the vehicle and hang up in the garage when not in use so it can air out.

2. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

• Check all fabric seams and zippers: Since you’ve got your tent and awning opened up take the time to carefully examine your seams and zippers for any wear or seam separation. Gear Aid makes a great zipper wax that will help smooth out rough and sticky zippers, especially in dusty environments.
• Check all hinges, latches, and fasteners: Conduct the same inspection with all hardware and fasteners. If you find something loose, leaking, or wearing out take care of it before it becomes a bigger issue down the road.

Tip: Repair or replace worn or missing components now rather than dealing with an equipment failure in the field. Trust me, it will be much easier that way!

3. Clean and Reseal Seams and Fabrics

• Clean it up: If your rooftop camping tent or awning develops mold or mildew do not worry as it can be remedied! Get a warm water and mild soapy solution using some powdered unscented detergent, or a diluted warm water and vinegar solution, and scrub the affected fabric to remove the mold. Then let it completely dry out.
• Seal it up: Once you’ve cleaned the fabric apply a good fabric sealer and seam sealer to ensure your gear is ready for your next adventure. Nikwax makes a great tent and gear water proofer and UV blocker that you can use on all tent and awning fabrics. Gear Aid makes a great fabric seam sealer that can be used on all connecting seams ensuring that you have no leaks.

Tip: Don’t neglect your equipment. Put in the time and effort to properly maintain it all so it won’t let you down.